- Lost Brother Found -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sat, Aug 13 2016, 7:05:22 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
I found a short message this morning on my second poetry site at www.poetrypoem.com/terryscorner, it was from an old buddy who had served with me at Binh Thuy AB in 68-69. I was wondering how many of you Binh Thuy guys remembered Sgt. Roman C. Abenoja who served with law enforcement at the entry control point inside the base by the NCO club, he was the short Hawaiian guy from California? I've sent him an email and also told him about VSPA
as well and I hope to hear back from him this weekend and will let you guys from Binh Thuy know what I find out. Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687
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- OLD POETRY -- Ken Neal, Sun, Aug 14 2016, 19:47:59 PDT (70-239-179-108.lightspeed.snantx.sbcglobal.net/70.239.179.108)
Clearing some files I ran across this
The names of men have often died,
Like memories of the past,
Their dreams of bright tomorrows gone,
Fates die if life’s ben cast.
They heard the call of distant drums,
Of wanderlust’s desire,
to cloak themselves in patriots pride,
to stand the test of fire.
Young people from all walks of life,
Some known to you and I,
Took up the call and gave their all,
On land, by sea and sky.
Brothers and sisters, all they came,
To serve in distant lands,
Conscripted to the noble cause,
“Freedom for everyman”.
Weaned on the milk of glories past,
A cause they thought the same,
To free the world from hateful strife,
They volunteered their name.
The Asian sun opened their eyes,
Like waking from a dream,
The “Gates of Hell” in Dante’s’ verse,
Cried out from every scene.
Our leaders in their Ivory Towers,
Across the gulf at home,
Committed lies to fuel the fires,
And keep their seed at home.
Yet one-by-one the caskets came,
Like granite from afar,
Draped in the shrouds of gratitude,
Our countries stars and bars.
Like stones within the garden wall,
Each one set in its place,
To build the cause of righteous men,
Steadfastly in their place.
The sands of time have passed them by,
The final bugle call,
Shoulder to shoulder now they stand,
Their names upon the wall.
The deeds of men who paid the price,
With arms, and legs and eyes,
Our brethren who returned un-whole,
The nation to despise.
Judged by the deeds on celluloid,
Of wars fought in the past,
To pay once more the price at home,
And make the hurting last.
This mighty nation turned her back,
Upon her loyal sons,
Who stood the test of raining steel?
And blazing hostile guns.
Sequestered from the victors pride
Which was their father’s fame,
No welcome was theirs to share,
The sacrifice in vein.
Their cries for help fell on deaf ears,
Of those who stayed at home,
The bureaucrats who turned their backs,
For this they must atone.
Yet once again the drums of war,
Echo within our ears,
The call “TO ARMS”, the noble cause,
Rekindled mothers fears.
In southern lands, on eastern seas,
The price remains the same,
Young people of our upright seed,
Must volunteer their name.
Those men and women of the past
Who marched and san and swore,
Now hold the posts and sign the bills,
Committing us once more.
To build the monuments of stone,
To those who hear the call,
Shoulder-to-shoulder soon to be,
A name upon a wall.
Copyright 1988, Kenneth Neal
from “MEMORABILIA selected poetry”
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- Squadron Commander, 6251 USAF Dispensary, Bien Hoa AB -- Charles Eckerson, Sun, Aug 14 2016, 18:13:53 PDT (cpe-104-173-63-147.socal.res.rr.com/104.173.63.147)
Hi… was just surfing the web looking for any info on my old base in VN and came across the website...was stationed at Bien Hoa in 1971 and 72. I was the squadron commander and dispensary administrator at the 6251 USAF Dispensary at the time. That was during the “Vietnamization” period of the war and there weren’t many Americans left on the base. (Guess base security was getting critical, too!) The only photo I recognized was the dog handler in #62…
[http://www.vspa.com/bh-donald-l-hooper-photos-1971-1972-p3.htm ]
remember talking to him at the passenger terminal and taking some pictures of him working with the dog.
I knew Capt. Houchin. I believe he extended and stayed on the base until the end. Good man. (I was sent up to Da Nang). Retuned to San Antonio and stayed until recently retiring in Las Vegas.
Thanks guys for keepin’ us safe in Bien Hoa!
Good luck and keep well!
Chuck (Charles Eckerson)
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Replies:
- Re: Squadron Commander, 6251 USAF Dispensary, Bien Hoa AB -- Jack Smith VSPA Vice President, Mon, Aug 15 2016, 7:12:32 PDT (172-2-186-102.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net/172.2.186.102)
- Re: Squadron Commander, 6251 USAF Dispensary, Bien Hoa AB -- Jaime A. Lleras - Binh Thuy, '70 (LLERAS), Mon, Aug 15 2016, 8:12:12 PDT (c-67-162-236-172.hsd1.md.comcast.net/67.162.236.172)
- Re: Squadron Commander, 6251 USAF Dispensary, Bien Hoa AB -- William (Pete) Piazza, LM #141, Mon, Aug 15 2016, 17:30:29 PDT (ip68-97-99-86.ok.ok.cox.net/68.97.99.86)
- vspa data base -- Denis Cook, Mon, Aug 08 2016, 16:58:41 PDT (c-73-175-235-254.hsd1.pa.comcast.net/73.175.235.254)
Last week I received the printed copy of Guardmount for Larry Radcliff with my address. Today I received a membership notification from the vspa for To: Adamiak, Richard in my email?
The data files need to be corrected and corrected fast.
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Replies:
- Reunion Golf Info Update -- William (Pete) Piazza, LM #141, Wed, Aug 10 2016, 11:20:00 PDT (ip68-12-196-11.ok.ok.cox.net/68.12.196.11)
For anyone that wants to play a round of golf at the Bay Palms Golf Complex on MacDill AFB on 5 Oct 2016 here is some additional info!
Green Fees = E-1-E4=$10.00; E-5-up=$23.00 & Guests=$31.00
Golf club rental = Basic=$15.00 & upgrade=$25.00
Golf cart rental = 18 holes = $14.00
Again we are looking at leaving the hotel o/a 0700 hours and teeing off at 0800 hours. We should be finished by 120030 hours and back to the hotel at 1300 hours or there about.
I can take a couple of folks with me in my car if need be? Please let me know ASAP so we get the names into the 6th SFS folks and the golf course too? TKS!
Pete
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- Picture -- Van Digby, Fri, Aug 12 2016, 8:10:46 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
Ken, that is a very nice picture of you in the Defender.
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- Words for a fallen friend -- Kenneth Neal, Sun, Aug 07 2016, 15:42:08 PDT (70-239-179-108.lightspeed.snantx.sbcglobal.net/70.239.179.108)
Struggling to stand, a simple task
Raise your right hand, salute
Tears swell your eyes, sorrow for those who sit uncaring
Anger for those who will not teach the bitter facts
The minds eye sees those boys from his past long gone,
hears their laughter, their cries of pain,
Lives, their dreams of hope unfilled
The stories, what could have been, what should have been.
What did you do granddad, back in the day?
The day, long and hot,
the nights, cold wet horror filled,
the terror, constant never ending.
Pictures carried in our minds, hearts, and soul
Far off places, of friends, of enemies
All neatly sorted and stacked
tucked away behind those locked doors.
When the pipe plays and the drum sounds,
faces come again.
Fathers sons cousins friends strangers.
Parading in silence unseen but by you.
The clatter of hooves on the ground
Report of the muskets salute.
Silent footfalls and the rattle of swords
Who will stand for you?
Copyright 2016 Kenneth Neal
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Replies:
Re: Words for a fallen friend -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sun, Aug 07 2016, 19:30:47 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: Words for a fallen friend -- Jackie R. Kays, Mon, Aug 08 2016, 16:03:41 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
- Re: Words for a fallen friend -- Hector, Mon, Aug 08 2016, 19:43:51 PDT (63.225-net.sccoast.net/66.153.225.63)
- Re: Words for a fallen friend -- Dave Maltzan LM #592, Thu, Aug 11 2016, 16:39:56 PDT (108-67-193-219.lightspeed.nsvltn.sbcglobal.net/108.67.193.219)
- VSPA database program testing -- Don Poss, Tue, Aug 09 2016, 6:59:30 PDT (cpe-104-173-63-147.socal.res.rr.com/104.173.63.147)
Gents,
VSPA's updated database program is being tested and corrected. The database info is correct, but the program driving emails is receiving TLC.
If you receive an invalid info type email, just delete it.
Meanwhile, Sin Loy, everything will work out just fine.
Don Poss
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Replies:
- THANK YOU!! Re: VSPA database program testing -- Steve Gattis, Tue, Aug 09 2016, 9:57:48 PDT (h113.162.91.75.dynamic.ip.windstream.net/75.91.162.113)
- Re: VSPA database program testing -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Tue, Aug 09 2016, 18:51:09 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: VSPA database program testing -- Jaime A. Lleras -Binh Thuy '70 (Lleras), Thu, Aug 11 2016, 12:20:59 PDT (c-67-162-236-172.hsd1.md.comcast.net/67.162.236.172)
- Re: VSPA database program testing -- Dave Maltzan LM#592, Thu, Aug 11 2016, 16:29:36 PDT (108-67-193-219.lightspeed.nsvltn.sbcglobal.net/108.67.193.219)
- Challenge Coins -- Steven Hall, Wed, Jul 27 2016, 16:20:48 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
If you're attending the reunion in Tampa, bring your favorite challenge coin to show off. You might want to write your name on a piece of clear scotch tape and then put the tape on the coin for quick identification.
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- Anyone still awake out there? -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sun, Jul 10 2016, 1:25:03 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
Alpha 4 defense control all is secure and quiet, not a peek at all tonight, sunrise in one hour Alpha 4 out.
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Replies:
- Re: Anyone still awake out there? -- Jackie R. Kays, Sun, Jul 10 2016, 3:40:22 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
Re: Anyone still awake out there? -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Sun, Jul 10 2016, 5:21:51 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
- Re: Anyone still awake out there? -- Junious B. Owens, Mon, Jul 11 2016, 11:13:40 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Anyone still awake out there? -- Joe Baden, Mon, Aug 08 2016, 13:16:33 PDT (NoHost/163.230.250.204)
- Can anyone help? -- Joe Pizzimenti, Fri, Aug 05 2016, 5:11:29 PDT (108-80-39-6.lightspeed.dybhfl.sbcglobal.net/108.80.39.6)
I desire to obtain 2 QC (Quan Con) patches does anyone have any and is will to sell at a reasonable price ? Please contact me at my E Mail
Life Member 557 VSPA
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Replies:
- Re: Can anyone help? -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Fri, Aug 05 2016, 6:30:18 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
- Re: Can anyone help? -- Sam Lewis, Sat, Aug 06 2016, 7:34:33 PDT (pool-108-4-189-175.ronkva.east.verizon.net/108.4.189.175)
- Re: Can anyone help? -- Van Digby, BX manager, Mon, Aug 08 2016, 6:55:55 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
- Wash The Wall -- Gary Jones, LM-363, Sat, Aug 06 2016, 18:28:21 PDT (cpe-172-75-49-67.carolina.res.rr.com/172.75.49.67)
Just a reminder, that Eagle Chapter, Air Force Security Forces Association, will host their final 2016 washing of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial (The Wall), on Saturday, August 27th. We meet at the Flagpole, by the Three Soldiers statue, at 0630. I encourage everyone to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier, so you will have some time to "socialize."
Wearing your Vietnam-Thailand gear is encouraged. No flip-flops are allowed because they are very slippery on the wet granite walkways.
Bring family and friends, especially the young ones. It is an excellent chance for them to visualize the cost of freedom. You will be finished by 0800 and ready to resume your day.
See you there.
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- Poem -- Jackie R.Kays, Sun, Jul 31 2016, 9:51:30 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
Nightly Recall
They were young and unaware,
but in a few months in that jungle
war it wasn’t long until patches
of gray appeared in their thinning
hair.
Sweat, tears, anger, not to mention
fear and loneness beyond description.
This jungle war was theirs from now
though redemption!
Forty years later, they nightly recall
the distinct sounds of; roaring B-52’s,
The loud humming of an F-4’s speeding
down a dark runway.
The unmistakable sound of
a "Dustoff"chopper in flight.
The whistling of incoming
mortars and the never ending
roar of the 105 howitzer in
the dark of night.
The smell of napalm in the early morning air.
Agent Orange everywhere!
A silent death sentence for sure to bear.
The sight of a silent pop flare drifting
aimlessly in the hot jungle night air.
Dark shadows moving in the tall
elephant grass without caution or care.
Charlie in the wire?
Claymores and bouncing Betties
will set his ass on fire!
Destine to forever remember;
blood on the ground, name and face
of a buddy from some small town.
Body bags stacked in the broiling jungle
sun. Mothers and fathers forever in tears
for the rest of their years.
Nightly Recall:
If you were there, you know!
If you were not…
you will never know!
Jackie R. Kays / © 2009
!
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Replies:
- Anyone For Golf At Reunion? -- William (Pete) Piazza, LM #141, Fri, Aug 05 2016, 18:07:08 PDT (ip68-12-196-11.ok.ok.cox.net/68.12.196.11)
For anyone that would like to play a round of golf at the Bay Palms Golf Complex North Course on MacDill AFB on 5 Oct 2016 o/a 0800 hours, please contact me? Right now I have Steve Hall and myself as the only two golfers, but we are open for others to come join us :):)? I will need to have UR name NLT 1 Oct 2016 so I can pass this info onto the 6th SFS folks who are reserving the tee times for us. Contact me at wpiazza@aol.com. Pete
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- Reunion 2016 -- Claude J. Hebert LM #34, Thu, Aug 04 2016, 12:50:27 PDT (c-73-2-187-68.hsd1.la.comcast.net/73.2.187.68)
Have a camp site reserved not far from the Hotel and have my paperwork mailed to the Reunion Brat. Looking forward to the reunion. Claude J. Hebert LM #34 DaNang 67-68.
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- Pleiku 67-68 -- Dennis Green, Thu, Aug 04 2016, 8:23:51 PDT (96-59-216-52.res.bhn.net/96.59.216.52)
Looking forward to this years reunion!! Trying to find Stephen P. O'Keefe. VSPA does not have any info on Steve even though he is a life member. I live in the Tampa area and know that you will enjoy it here.
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Replies:
- Binh Thuy -- Jaime A. Lleras - Binh Thuy, '70, Mon, Jul 25 2016, 7:49:27 PDT (c-67-162-236-172.hsd1.md.comcast.net/67.162.236.172)
Roll Call of the Binh Thuy guys for the 2016 Reunion. How many of you are attending? My wife & I will be there. Safe travel and stay cool and healthy.
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Replies:
- Re: Binh Thuy -- Lew Goldberg, Mon, Jul 25 2016, 8:31:52 PDT (173-27-240-45.client.mchsi.com/173.27.240.45)
- Re: Binh Thuy -- Junious B. Owens, Mon, Jul 25 2016, 8:52:56 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Binh Thuy -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Mon, Jul 25 2016, 10:46:33 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: Binh Thuy -- Junious B. Owens, Mon, Jul 25 2016, 14:08:41 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Binh Thuy -- Junious B. Owens, Tue, Jul 26 2016, 12:01:29 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Binh Thuy -- Wr windsor duke, Wed, Aug 03 2016, 16:39:42 PDT (99-179-122-218.lightspeed.tpkaks.sbcglobal.net/99.179.122.218)
- Reunion -- Junious B. Owens, Wed, Aug 03 2016, 15:54:39 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
All set for the reunion in Tampa. Hiowever, I will not be staying at the Hotel. Will bunk out with friends in the area. Will leave contact information with someone from the VSPA when I arrive. Bud Owens, Binh-Thuy, 66/67.
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- looking for buddies in ubo and korat 70-71ubon 72-73korat -- john william monroe (happy), Tue, Aug 02 2016, 23:28:59 PDT (adsl-184-39-70-64.clt.bellsouth.net/184.39.70.64)
looking for anyone that was in ubon k-9 70-71 korat 73-73. hope to hear from someone who remembers me, I;johnmonroe frizm272, at ubon, Richie at korat, thanks love to chat with you been 50 years , thanks again, my phone number is 704-915-1358 or 704- 214-2251k-9handlers for ever
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- Getting ready -- Lawrence Davis Phan Rang/Tuy Hoa 66/67, Sun, Jul 31 2016, 14:39:46 PDT (108-196-16-42.lightspeed.btrgla.sbcglobal.net/108.196.16.42)
We just made our reservations for Tampa. We hope to see Gary and Ray with their wives and all of the friends we have made at previous reunions. See you in Tampa.
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Replies:
- Are you attending the reunion for the first time? -- Steven Hall, Sun, Jul 31 2016, 10:56:47 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
After reading Jim Costello's post on the VSPA Facebook page, he gave me an idea for the upcoming reunion. I would like to take a photo of anyone attending the reunion for the first time. I'd like to get some info about him, ie... what base they were at in Vietnam or Thailand and when they were there. I plan on submitting the photo and info for publication in Guardmount.
So, if you are a first timer, let's get together so we can put your bio in the newsletter, that way your brothers will get to know you faster. I'll be easy to recognize, I carry a big, green camera bag and I'll be taking a lot of pictures and joking around with everyone. LOL!
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Replies:
- GUARDMOUNT -- Hector, Sun, Jul 31 2016, 8:25:34 PDT (114.67-212-38-net.sccoast.net/67.212.38.114)
So that we all see & realize the tremendous effort & dedication required to publish a newsletter, let alone one that is FORTY pages long.... The editorial process involved in such a process, insertion of photos, images etc is probably the most exhaustive aspect and anyone that has taken on this VOLUNTEER task deserves a world (VSPA posters) credit and thanks. THANK YOU STEVE! Hope you Lise & family are well. See you in Tampa.
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Replies:
- Re: GUARDMOUNT -- Richard Garcia, VSPA Treasurer, Sun, Jul 31 2016, 20:27:36 PDT (ool-4356da33.dyn.optonline.net/67.86.218.51)
- Re: GUARDMOUNT -- Gary Walters, Mon, Aug 01 2016, 4:36:05 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- Re: GUARDMOUNT -- Paul Shave (happy), Mon, Aug 01 2016, 17:39:19 PDT (75-173-127-224.albq.qwest.net/75.173.127.224)
- Re: GUARDMOUNT -- John Paul Coakley (Gratitude), Mon, Aug 01 2016, 22:08:11 PDT (99-60-176-174.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/99.60.176.174)
- MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 6:47:26 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
Tomorrow I will turn 68 years old, back at Binh-Thuy AB I'd become convinced I'd never live long enough to see my 21st birthday on July 31, 1969 especially after the two vicious attacks of Jan. 10th 1969. Yet here it is 47 years later & as I look in the mirror this morning, I see this old man's face now staring back at me and I know if it hadn't been for my brothers at Binh-Thuy AB 68-69 and their great courage & bravery that this old man wouldn't be staring back at me & that him & I wouldn't be celebrating my 68th birthday tomorrow. Thanks Guys! Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687
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Replies:
- Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Lew Goldberg, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 10:46:35 PDT (173-27-240-45.client.mchsi.com/173.27.240.45)
- Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Brian Weber, NKP '75, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 11:16:25 PDT (168-103-51-27.eugn.qwest.net/168.103.51.27)
- Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Jackie R. Kays, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 12:57:11 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
- Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 13:06:29 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Jaime A. Lleras - Binh Thuy, '70, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 14:06:21 PDT (c-67-162-236-172.hsd1.md.comcast.net/67.162.236.172)
- Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sat, Jul 30 2016, 22:03:27 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: MY 68TH BIRTHDAY -- Gary Walters, Sun, Jul 31 2016, 13:09:15 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- About seating at the Saturday night banquet -- Hector Ramos, Tue, Jul 19 2016, 19:40:27 PDT (147.67-212-62-net.sccoast.net/67.212.62.147)
For anyone attending the VSPA reunion for the first time please know that there is no requirement to seat by base or Squadron. Jack & Lew (Binh Thuy Flt Leader) have over our many reunions developed close friendships and folks naturally wish to break bread & share common experiences as such. That is not to say that there are not wonderful opportunities to share our affinity & diverse experiences of a half century ago but all that has shaped our lives and will bring us together for a first time and hopefully again in 2017. Personally, I hope to meet, talk & share a table with anyone needing to be "welcomed home" to our VSPA. Sorry Jack & Lew...you know I'm a natural ambassador.
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Replies:
- Election of Officers -- Jack Smith, Thu, Jul 28 2016, 13:29:52 PDT (172-2-186-102.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net/172.2.186.102)
As many of you know I am not seeking re-election for the Vice Presidents seat.
As of Oct 8th I will step down. This is a fine group of troops we have. I hope that someone will step up and run for this position. I have enjoyed my time as VP but now its time for a new face to step up and help lead. Thanks to all of you how have helped me with some projects to better the VSPA. One of which I think everyone likes. I was able to get the Saturday night dinner changed last year and for years to come. The change was cocktails and 1700 hrs and dinner at 1800 hrs. That gives us a extra hour to have fun and not have the dinner run into 2300 hrs like in years past. we are all getting older and the last night we need time to prepare for out departure on Sunday. Again I say thank you to all and God Bless. See ya in Tampa. Jack the Old Cowboy poet. www.poetrypoem.com/theoldcowboy
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- After Action reports -- Steven Hall, Fri, Jul 29 2016, 11:52:42 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
Does anyone know if there is a website that has the after action reports for attacks on Binh Thuy AB? I know about the report written by Lt. Col. Roger Fox, so I'm looking for other sources.
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Replies:
- Sapper Attack on Ubon this date, 1969 -- Steven Hall, Thu, Jul 28 2016, 16:22:50 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
July 28 1969, 0130 hours: Ubon RTAFB - 25 Sappers, Automatic weapons.
8th Security Police Squadron. USAF KIA 0, WIA 1. USAF K-9 WIA 1. Aircraft Loss 0, Damaged 2.
Has anyone from the 8th SPS who was involved with this attack written a story about this event and submitted it to GuardMount? Come on guys, this is our history. If you guys don't write it up, WHO WILL. Get together with those that were there and discuss what you remember, then weave your memories into a story and share it with everyone. You can do it by phone. Someone just has to pick up the ball and start putting words on paper. Don't worry about grammar and punctuation, the editor(s) will run that through a computer program that fixes it, IF it's not correct.
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Replies:
- facebook -- Gary Walters, Tue, Jul 26 2016, 9:15:30 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
Need someone to contact me about getting on our facebook page.
Thanks
Gary
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Replies:
- Guardmount 2016 Spring-Summer edition is posted -- Don Poss, Tue, Jul 26 2016, 14:57:08 PDT (cpe-104-173-63-147.socal.res.rr.com/104.173.63.147)
Gents & Ladies,
Guardmount 2016 Spring-Summer edition is posted:
http://www.vspa.com/pdf/gm-2016-spring-summer.pdf
Don Poss
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- Mom -- Paul Shave (happy), Mon, Jul 25 2016, 6:47:31 PDT (75-173-111-38.albq.qwest.net/75.173.111.38)
I had a nice talk with Mom Lehman yesterday. She said that she will be at the reunion and all the ones to come until she can't stand straight anymore!! She has vision problems and can't respond to letters anymore but LOVES when someone gives her a call. She considers all of us in the VSPA as her "kids" so go and give her a yell.
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VSPA KuKop Reunion Recall -- Pat Dunne, Sun, Jul 24 2016, 10:22:46 PDT (108-220-25-190.lightspeed.miamfl.sbcglobal.net/108.220.25.190)
Calling all KuKops to rally in Tampa this Oct! Let's fill two tables this year. Hawk
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- 50TH High School Reunion -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sun, Jul 24 2016, 7:26:57 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
We went to my 50TH High School Reunion last night, it was the first time I've seen anyone since we graduated back in June of 1966, it was amazing just how much so many of them had changed since the last time we all saw each other. It was a good thing we all had name tags on so we could figure out who was who there. We had a great time, great food, the band was super great and the singers nailed the songs from our high school years so perfectly that you would have thought that the real groups from MOTOWN were there doing their own songs which I wished that I could have danced to but these old legs couldn't handle anything except for a couple of slow songs. We reconnected with so many lost friends and made so new friends as well during the night. Terry & Ellie Sasek LM#687 & My Better Half
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- I am rebuking the claim of someone saying they wrote a poem . -- Debi Clepper, Sat, Jul 23 2016, 22:35:08 PDT (40.sub-70-196-73.myvzw.com/70.196.73.40)
I wrote the poem about our of men in uniform and less terriorst in the world because of them. I wrote it May 1, 2012 at 12: 45 in the morning. Anyone stating otherwise is not being truthful.God knows.
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- Change of Command -- Howard Yates, Tue, Jul 19 2016, 21:33:12 PDT (72-188-211-119.res.bhn.net/72.188.211.119)
Ellen and I traveled to Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington to attend a Change of Command Ceremony, on July 1st. We were the guests of the new squadron commander, Captain Kyle Yates. Also in attendance was Kyle's younger brother, Sgt. Ian Yates, serving with Washington State Army National Guard, military police.
Kyle's wife Abby and our grand daughters each received a bouquet of flowers at the ceremony.
August 1st, Kyle pins on his Major's rank.
Mom and dad are very proud of their military sons.
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- Re: Change of Command -- Howard Yates, Tue, Jul 19 2016, 22:17:11 PDT (72-188-211-119.res.bhn.net/72.188.211.119)
- Re: Change of Command -- Junious B. Owens, Wed, Jul 20 2016, 5:00:28 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
Re: Change of Command -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Wed, Jul 20 2016, 6:19:05 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
- Re: Change of Command -- Gary Walters, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 5:16:13 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- Re: Change of Command -- Bruce Ross, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 22:03:40 PDT (135-158.207-68.elmore.res.rr.com/68.207.158.135)
- Re: Change of Command -- William (Pete) Piazza, LM #141, Sun, Jul 24 2016, 17:42:51 PDT (ip68-97-109-84.ok.ok.cox.net/68.97.109.84)
- Heat -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 6:34:54 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
The HEAT that has been west of us is supposed to move in to our area of the East Coast. How hot has it been in your area?
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- Re: Heat -- Steven Hall, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 9:03:46 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
- Re: Heat -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 14:32:10 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: Heat -- Larry Gramps, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 14:34:31 PDT (host671420020172.direcway.com/67.142.172.20)
- Re: Heat -- Gary Walters, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 15:09:24 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- Re: Heat -- Van Digby, Sat, Jul 23 2016, 7:36:00 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
- GUARDMOUNT -- Steve Gattis, Fri, Jul 22 2016, 20:29:07 PDT (h209.106.17.98.dynamic.ip.windstream.net/98.17.106.209)
Hello to all. I have placed a 2016 combined Spring Summer issue of Guardmount in the VSPA area of Facebook. The same issue has been sent to Don Poss who will post it on our web site as soon as he is medically able to do so. I have also sent it to our printer so that he can prepare the issue for mailing to our members who do not have computers. I hope to see you in Tampa.
My best to you.
Steve Gattis
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- 2017 Reunion Site -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sat, Jul 23 2016, 3:10:26 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
Which site was picked for the 2017 reunion? Ellie and I are unable to attend this years reunion but we wish to get a head start on next years planning so we can attend that one.
Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687
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Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Barry McLean, LM#53, Wed, Jun 29 2016, 10:04:55 PDT (50-5-189-239.dynamic.fuse.net/50.5.189.239)
I received a call from Pete Villerreal last night to inform me that Ron Wheelock had died from lung cancer. Ron was one of my buddies from SAFESIDE and after I had gotten my Life Membership, I tried to talk him into getting his. I kept watching the numbers rise and at the last possible chance, I bought his Life Membership for him as a gift. He became life member #99. He kidded me about it and said it sounded like Engine, Engine 99. From then on, he called himself "Ranger Toot Toot". He stayed with me here in Hamilton, Ohio to go to the Reunion at Dayton back in 2003. I talked to him about a month ago and he never mentioned being ill. Rest in Peace BROTHER RANGER TOOT TOOT, and FRIEND.
Barry McLean
LM#53
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- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Wed, Jun 29 2016, 12:55:27 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Pat Houseworth, Wed, Jun 29 2016, 13:30:23 PDT (celina-pppoe-1-732.dsl.bright.net/68.65.98.225)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Jackie R. Kays, Wed, Jun 29 2016, 15:53:48 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- William (Pete) Piazza, LM #141, Wed, Jun 29 2016, 17:09:12 PDT (ip68-97-183-82.ok.ok.cox.net/68.97.183.82)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Steve Gattis, Thu, Jun 30 2016, 8:47:41 PDT (h146.218.88.75.dynamic.ip.windstream.net/75.88.218.146)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Philip R Block, Thu, Jun 30 2016, 8:58:17 PDT (pool-68-132-219-53.nycmny.fios.verizon.net/68.132.219.53)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Lew Goldberg, Fri, Jul 01 2016, 14:16:00 PDT (cpe-64-33-244-216.mt-rushmore.net/64.33.244.216)
- Re: Death of a BROTHER, Ron Wheelock, 822CSPS -- Nicole Reinhrd (sad), Mon, Jul 18 2016, 9:11:08 PDT (p5DD3982F.dip0.t-ipconnect.de/93.211.152.47)
- 377th SPS Tat the Tampa reunion. -- Jack Smith, Mon, Jul 18 2016, 15:03:57 PDT (172-2-186-102.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net/172.2.186.102)
This is the up dated list of 377th SPS attending the Tampa Reunion VSPA. I will be submitting the list to the Reunion Brat so she will know how many tables we will need. If you are not on this list you have one week to notify me before I send in the list. Jack Smith
·
The following couples have placed their names on the list of 377th SPS attending the VSPA reunion. If you are NOT on this list and plan on attending, contact me with your name. This list is for the reunion brat so she can arrange seating for us as a group. The following are on the list, J. Smith, F Balchunas, N. Jackson, W. Wallace, M. Emery, P Block, M. Detucci, K Anderson, J Spitale, F Ybarbo, Robert Hegele, Jack Roberts this list includes spouses and guests. There is no guarantee as to who sits at what table that is up to you to arrange who you sit with. Please contact me as soon as possible here or on facebook. so I can get the list to the reunion brat. Thanks and hope to see many more names for the reunion. The 377th SPs always has the largest group at the VSPA reunion. Jack Smith
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- Poem -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sat, Jul 16 2016, 15:54:34 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
Remembering a very good friend many of us had here and who we had lost in July of 2008, Ronald "Monk" Pope was a very true Southern Gentleman in every sense of that name. Today I have reposted a tribute poem that I had
wrote right after I had heard of Monk's passing while he was on vacation in 2008. It can be viewed at my site, www.poetrypoem.com/alwaysawarrior it is entitled "A PROUD SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN HAS GONE HOME".
Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687
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- Re: Poem -- Frank Pilson LM-28 (Gld Bless Monk), Sun, Jul 17 2016, 6:23:20 PDT (c-73-30-11-178.hsd1.pa.comcast.net/73.30.11.178)
- Re: Poem -- Junious B. Owens, Sun, Jul 17 2016, 12:16:13 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Poem -- BRUCE Ross, Sun, Jul 17 2016, 19:36:32 PDT (135-158.207-68.elmore.res.rr.com/68.207.158.135)
- Re: Poem -- Sam Lewis, Mon, Jul 18 2016, 20:25:39 PDT (pool-108-4-191-184.ronkva.east.verizon.net/108.4.191.184)
- Re: Poem -- Pat Houseworth (Hard to Believe), Tue, Jul 19 2016, 5:24:37 PDT (celina-pppoe-1-1225.dsl.bright.net/68.65.100.210)
- Reunion -- Tom Barboza, Tue, Jul 05 2016, 16:27:28 PDT (68-200-208-77.res.bhn.net/68.200.208.77)
I live in Largo Fl. Could I go fri to Mac Dill AFB with the group? Just became a member afew months ago. Thanks Tom
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- Honoring local Law Enforcement -- Gary Bunney, Wed, Jul 13 2016, 7:40:45 PDT (24-113-13-54.wavecable.com/24.113.13.54)
Last night there was an event honoring our local Law Enforcement. It was a packed house, with over 100 local police men and women attending. When those men and women were asked to stand, the applause went on for several minutes and you could tell from the looks on their faces how much it meant to them. They perform a thankless job, seldom receiving thanks from anyone. I'm hoping that events like this happen all across the country. If you or someone you know can facilitate an event like this in your town, I highly recommend it!
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- More SF headed over: -- Junious B. Owens, Mon, Jul 11 2016, 19:55:07 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
Another flight tonight with SF Troops on board. Base are
Warner-Robins, Offut, Wright-Patterson. Bud Owens, Binh-Thuy, 66/67.
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- location of guard towers at Utapao, Thailand -- Anthony Louviere, Thu, Jul 07 2016, 18:03:24 PDT (adsl-74-178-110-23.lft.bellsouth.net/74.178.110.23)
I am in dire need to documentation and/or pictures of the guard towers at U-Tapao and their distance relationship to the perimeter of the base. I must know if they were on the perimeter or behind/in front of the perimeter. If I have that information, my compensation case with the VA will be assured. Please, if anyone can help, you will have my deepest appreciation. Anything verifiable will enhance my case. Pictures, documents, or any other form of evidence will do. Thank you in advance for any help you can give to me.
Anthony Louviere
awolou@aol.com
337-565-7959
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- Reunion-2016 -- Junious B. Owens, Thu, Jul 07 2016, 8:26:16 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
Just mailed my registration for the Reunion in October. Anyone else out there that has registered. Looking forward to seeing a lot of you again. It has been sometime since I attended a reunion. Bud Owens, Binh-Thuy, 66/67.
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- Re: Reunion-2016 -- Steven Hall, Thu, Jul 07 2016, 8:28:16 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
- Re: Reunion-2016 -- TED WHITLOCK, Thu, Jul 07 2016, 16:15:34 PDT (97-102-95-164.res.bhn.net/97.102.95.164)
- Re: Reunion-2016 -- Van Digby, Fri, Jul 08 2016, 6:16:47 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
- Re: Reunion-2016 -- John Jobes, LM 542, 35 SPS Panther FLT Phan Rang, Fri, Jul 08 2016, 6:57:54 PDT (c-73-16-175-84.hsd1.ct.comcast.net/73.16.175.84)
- Re: Reunion-2016 -- JAIME (LLERAS), Fri, Jul 08 2016, 8:02:40 PDT (214.sub-70-192-215.myvzw.com/70.192.215.214)
- Re: Reunion-2016 -- Junious B. Owens, Fri, Jul 08 2016, 13:34:05 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Reunion-2016 -- Lew Goldberg, Sat, Jul 09 2016, 9:00:20 PDT (173-27-240-45.client.mchsi.com/173.27.240.45)
- More SF Headed over: -- Junious B. Owens, Sun, Jul 10 2016, 6:58:33 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
Well, more of our SF Troops passed through Pease in New Hampshire last night. Several bases present, Mac Dill, Andrews, DM, Buckley Field, Colo to name a few. Passed out a few Challenge Coins and only have a few left. Will have to restock. May try to hold off until the reunion. Seems there is usually 13 from a base when they deploy. Bud Owens, Binh-Thuy, 66/67.
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- Poem -- Jackie R Kays, Wed, Jul 06 2016, 7:55:40 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
His Last Guardmount
In the fog of time, he now struggle to clear his aging mind. Memories that flicker and fade of by gone days, images, faces, name of jungle places, that have become scattered by the winds of time, and seems to no longer matter or even rhyme.
As his aging memory fades, yesterday is long gone and tomorrow quickly becomes yesterday’s skeleton. He realize that each new day is a gift from God.
He’s in his eighties and the wars he fought and the faces of the young men he once knew are fading into the abyss of obscurity.
But, he still looks at the discolored pictures, through the tears of his aging eyes as he shows his great grandson and says; “Son, that me…that me, back in Korea and Vietnam…you see!”
Few remember and fewer yet care about wars long past, but he still post Old Glory outside of his home every morning as his first daily task. He still stands for the playing of the National Anthem and proudly salutes the passing of the Red, White and Blue.
He is still a solider and will always be until the day he stands that last guardmount and taps are played in his honor, well deserved and long overdue.
© 2015 by Jackie R. Kays
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- A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- G. Ernest Govea (Reflective), Tue, May 31 2016, 23:40:51 PDT (99-23-168-11.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/99.23.168.11)
A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam
1. People who neither know you nor hate you will try to kill you.
2. You can be made to kill people whom you neither know nor hate.
3. You can go for a whole year with just a few hours sleep per day, sometimes, just one or two.
4. You don't have to change your socks every day, even if they're wet.
5. You don't need to eat three meals every day.
6. You don't have to change your underwear every day.
7. Using that white power in the little green can won't make your jungle rot go away, but it will help keep it from spreading.
8. You can go a whole year showering in non-potable, brown water that smells bad…when it’s available.
9. Using a toilet that has been used by a few other guys and not flushed for lack of water, is something to which you eventually become accustomed… sort of.
10. The night sky is packed with stars, and every night there are lots of shooting stars.
11. Some nights are so dark that men’s faces are just shadowy figures, except when lit up by their cigarette drags.
12. When you're at war and have just turned nineteen, and your locker is filled with fatigues, combat boots, a flak vest, a helmet, an M-16 rifle, lots of ammo, cigars and a bottle of whiskey you can feel pretty grown up.
13. Driving an M113, Armored Personnel Carrier with a cigar in your mouth can make you feel really macho.
14. In spite of it all, there are funny things that happen in war and some things can be quite pleasurable. At times you can feel entirely carefree.
15. Chinese soup is really tasty even when you find big green flies in it.
16. In the big scheme of things a leak in the ceiling over your bunk is but a minor annoyance.
17. If you stand next to a large spot light shinning out on the perimeter, you’ll be struck swarms of rice bugs flying toward it.
18. When you're alone out on the perimeter in a tower or bunker all night, the hours drag on without end.
19. Rats, rats… rats everywhere.
20. Rats and mice are in your locker and will chew right through your fatigue shirt to eat that C-rations candy bar you left in your breast pocket. You’ll only make that mistake once.
21. Sitting in a dark bunker at night out on the perimeter, rats are bold enough to run across your legs.
22. If you're not careful dismantling a sandbag bunker, you can be stung by a scorpion.
23. When conducting a sweep outside the base, and you step into what looks a foot of water, you may sink up to your waist and you'll need your buddies to pull you out by your M-16. It will also amuse them.
24. C-rations are much better than chow hall food especially if you heat them and use Tabasco sauce.
25. Thanksgiving and Christmas in a war zone aren't really Thanksgiving and Christmas.
26. Your birthday will pass without notice unless you say something, and after you do it will pass without notice.
27. In spite of all the training and talk of war you don't fully realize you might be killed until the moment arrives when you’re faced with that possibility.
28. Empty casings being ejected from your buddy’s rifles are really hot and will burn you real bad.
29. Never touch your rifle barrel after you've emptied a clip.
30. Being drunk during a rocket attack increases your chances of being killed.
31. Being inside a gasoline powered M113, loaded with ammo, flares and hand grenades during a rocket attack, makes you a candidate for becoming a crispy critter.
32. Sometimes a buddy will throw a grenade short and nearly kill you.
33. Being in a skirmish line with helicopters flying overhead firing rockets and M-60 machine guns at the enemy in front of you is really exciting.
34. When feeding ammo into a .50 cal. or M-60 machinegun, you can feel vibrations going through your brain and the noise will permanently damage your hearing.
35. When enemy 122 mm and 107mm rockets are exploding around you, you can't really tell which is which, nor do you care much.
36. When you’re running for a bunker and rockets are exploding around you, you ask yourself “Am I going to make it?’ And you answer yourself with “I don’t know.”
37. Guys killed and wounded by friendly fire are just a normal part of war.
38. The first time you are faced with killing a man you hesitate for a moment.
39. It doesn't matter how well trained you are, or how brave your are, or what unit you’re with, a rocket can still find you, and turn you into bloody chunks of burned meat.
40. Even while taking a shower you can be killed by a mortar.
41. Hot metal from exploding rockets and mortars don't care much where they hit you or what they do to your face and body.
42. For the rest of my life, I will inwardly scoff at people who tell me that this and that are “dangerous!!”
43. Sometimes a rocket will fall short of its target and kill a lone individual out there.
44. Guys would be alive today if they had run for a bunker when rockets started coming in.
45. Watching over the dead body of a twenty-year old soldier, a mother’s son, lying in a large pool of dark, thick, red blood, will make you mourn for him the rest of your life.
46. The sight of dead American troops will profoundly affect you even if you never knew them while they were alive.
47. When after a rocket attack, you and other men are scrambling to load ammo onto trucks and you lift a 120 lb. box of M-60 ammo by yourself, you're likely to give yourself a hernia.
48. Medical care in military hospitals in Vietnam was no frills, but those doctors and nurses were really wonderful people. Some military hospitals took in Vietnamese civilians and gave them good medical care.
49. There are a hundred ways to get burned in combat.
50. Guys who experience really bitter fighting don't care to go back into it.
51. The enemy soldier whom you think is dead may only be wounded and will try to kill you when you come near or run past him.
52. If you grab your rifle barrel to change a magazine during a firefight, you won't know your hand is badly burned until it’s all over and you smell burnt flesh.
53. Charlie always aims his B-40 rockets at the front of M113s. That way he hits the driver or the engine or both. Either way, it comes to a stop. If the driver survives, he'll be badly burned over most of his body.
54. Some guys were so badly burned they had patches over their eyes and had to be spoon fed and walked to the latrine by the medics. It was a long, slow, agonizing walk to the latrine.
55. The trick is to figure out where the enemy is so you can kill them, but not let them know where you are because then they'll kill you.
56. A guy’s personal appearance may make him a candidate for a recruiting poster, but he'll still shoot himself in the foot with a .45 caliber pistol to avoid going into combat.
57. Troops who were badly burned, were kept doped up for days, to dull the pain. They were not even aware when nurses came and spread a white cream over their burns.
58. Lots of civilians including small children are killed, burned and maimed in war.
59. You can't extinguish napalm you can only let it burn out.
60. Napalm leaves really ugly scars on people…if they survive it.
61. War hardens your heart so that a child badly burned by napalm is hardly worth a second glance.
62. Sometimes a pretty little girl will lose both arms in war.
63. A pretty girl who is badly maimed can still look pretty.
64. When you've had a hernia operation and you're surrounded by guys who were badly wounded you feel like all you have is a scratch.
65. A loud sharp sound close by is followed by an abrupt silence, then moments later, a long ringing sound. Later, you develop a continuous and permanent ringing in your ears, and hearing loss.
66. Hearing protection was a subject that was never even discussed. We’re all hard of hearing now.
67. Extreme exhaustion and fatigue are some of the worst things you will experience in war, but never again will you experience them to that degree.
68. Just as a man dying of thirst can think only of water, so a man overcome with exhaustion can think only of sleep.
69. Extremely weariness and fatigue drive away fear of death, for death promises rest and soothing peace.
70. In a place where men busy themselves with killing, burning and maiming other men, shooting and killing 44 dogs in three days is unremarkable.
71. So many of us sent to Vietnam were pitifully young and naďve.
72. The experience of war changes you forever.
73. Some who give little receive many accolades and some who give much are ignored and forgotten.
74. Reflecting on what you and your buddies endured, brings a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes.
75. In 1969, 9,249 American troops were killed in Vietnam. There are 8,760 hours in a year.
76. Very few Americans including family members will ever care about your service in Vietnam; fewer will care about what you endured.
G. Ernest Govea
3rd Combat Security Police Squadron
Bien Hoa, Vietnam
November 1968 to November 1969
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Replies:
Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- Frank Pilson LM_28 (add on's), Wed, Jun 01 2016, 7:32:57 PDT (c-73-30-11-178.hsd1.pa.comcast.net/73.30.11.178)
- Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Thu, Jun 16 2016, 6:08:24 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
- Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- Joe Taragowski, Thu, Jun 16 2016, 10:54:38 PDT (c-71-234-48-131.hsd1.ct.comcast.net/71.234.48.131)
- Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- Kim Bayes-Bautista aka Queen Mother, Thu, Jun 16 2016, 18:13:16 PDT (tx-184-7-57-106.dhcp.embarqhsd.net/184.7.57.106)
- Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- Jackie R. Kays, Thu, Jun 16 2016, 18:39:40 PDT (64.188.191.92.dynamic.zitomedia.net/64.188.191.92)
- Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- John Fox, Sat, Jun 18 2016, 17:33:36 PDT (99-6-128-16.lightspeed.sntcca.sbcglobal.net/99.6.128.16)
- Re: A Few Things I Learned in Vietnam -- Bob Wilburn, Sun, Jul 10 2016, 7:16:56 PDT (ip68-11-146-67.br.br.cox.net/68.11.146.67)
- 4th of July -- Steven Hall, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 10:25:04 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
For some reason, this year, the fireworks are getting to me. The past two nights when I lay down to sleep, I'm back in a perimeter tower at Binh Thuy. The surrounding neighborhoods have been alive with explosions of all sizes, for the past three nights. The strings of firecrackers going off sound like a firefight in the distance. The swooshing sound of Roman Candles shooting into the sky sound like outgoing slap-flares and the close-in loud explosions of M-80s echoing off the houses, sound like mortars. I have no doubt that past experiences in Vietnam are the catalyst, but I wonder how much of it (this year) is due to the threat of terrorism? Vietnam: It was a long time ago and it was yesterday.
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- Re: 4th of July -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 12:52:07 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: 4th of July -- Mike Kennedy, 3rd SPS Bien Hoa 69-70, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 16:17:05 PDT (NoHost/173.51.46.50)
- Re: 4th of July -- Hector, Wed, Jul 06 2016, 19:53:01 PDT (45.64-138-234-net.sccoast.net/64.138.234.45)
- Re: 4th of July -- Gary Walters, Fri, Jul 08 2016, 5:44:11 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- remember me ????? -- Lyle Davis (Davis), Wed, Jul 06 2016, 7:46:25 PDT (97-97-227-64.res.bhn.net/97.97.227.64)
I was a member of the 377th assigned to "C" Flight security in 1965 till Dec. 1966
I was wounded in the Dec 4th attack on TSN. I guess because of the Truama of the Injury I have no memory of my time in Vietnam
This may sound nuts, but if anyone has any recollection of me I sure would like to hear from you
thanks
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- Happy 4th to all,, enjoy the Texas Tenors -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 14:32:50 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/daqwGRdRIsk?feature=player_detailpage
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- Re: Happy 4th to all,, enjoy the Texas Tenors -- Junious B. Owens, Tue, Jul 05 2016, 7:41:49 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
- Re: Happy 4th to all,, enjoy the Texas Tenors -- Van Digby, Wed, Jul 06 2016, 7:19:50 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
- Message for Ken deRussey -- John Paul Coakley, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 13:03:38 PDT (c-174-51-81-77.hsd1.co.comcast.net/174.51.81.77)
Ken,
Would you give me either an email or a phone call(818)749-1749 .I have Lap Top issues .Hope your well .
Happy 4th ,
John Paul
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- This note is for Pat Houseworth -- Jackie R. Kays, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 18:33:22 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
Hi Pat,
Please email me you home mailing address.
I have an item that I want to send you.
Jackie
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- Return -- Jim (Gish), Mon, Jul 04 2016, 6:38:14 PDT (cpe-74-131-218-232.kya.res.rr.com/74.131.218.232)
Today is the day 50 years ago I returned to the good old USA from Vietnam. I am 72 years old now and is like it just last year. We have lost 4 of our buddies from the 25 that I went over with that July 4th so long ago. Welcome home guys and god be with you for the tme we have left on this earth and beyond.
Jim Gish
Pleiku 65/66
LM 226
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- Re: Poem -- Jack Smith, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 5:58:00 PDT (172-2-186-102.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net/172.2.186.102)
War 1776
The young men stood at the beat of the lone drum
Waiting for the captains order to advance on the hill
The early morning silence shattered with cannon and gun
Boys became men flying into battle the time to die or kill
Then came the cries of men fallen by shot and bayonet
Many praying to heaven for help and many sent to hell
Memories seared and burned into minds never to forget
Bodies thrown and torn into the air ripped by shrapnel
Up the hill they charged with one hope in mind
Reach the top win the day push back the Redcoats
While all around men fell as the bullets whined
Those wounded awaiting death spoke many bible quotes
What value could this lonely tree covered hill hold
So many precious lives to be wasted for what cause
The grim reaper standing so still on deaths threshold
Not giving a man a single second or chance to pause
War that terrible word that has shook the world
From the very beginning of time and ever more
Families and friends into enemies are hurled
Not wanting to die but ready to meet their Savior
The world forever changed when free men stood
Taking up arms for country when freedom calls
Fighting to free all men as only true patriots could
With freedom and justice forever installed for all
Edwin J. Smith
The Old Cowboy Poet
Dec 15th 2012
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- 4th of July! -- Jackie R. kays, Mon, Jul 04 2016, 5:23:12 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
I hope everyone has a great 4th!
You’ve earnd it!
Jackie
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-
Agent Orange -- William White, Sun, Jul 03 2016, 10:17:26 PDT (NoHost/75.107.61.126)
On July 1, 2016 at 11:55 am Agent Orange has taken another hero, friend and one who lived next door. Mr. Ed Keeter -was a marine with 3 tours in Vietnam-then went to the Air Force as a flight engineer & instructor.
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- Poem -- Jackie R. kays, Mon, Jun 27 2016, 7:47:52 PDT (NoHost/64.188.191.92)
“Don’t Tell Me Not to Cry!”
I’ve been there, I know who lived and who died.
Don’t tell me not to cry!
Bullets and bombs, flares, mines, artillery and razor wire everywhere. Black body bags piled high in
that steaming, jungle sun.
So don’t tell me not to cry!
Anger, fear, loneliness, despair-twenty-four-seven!
Explosions, fire, mayhem and death everywhere!
So don’t tell me not to cry!
Buddies gone forever, young faces I’ll never forget!
If you’ve been there, then you know what I’m talking about!
If you have not been there, then you willl never really know!
So don’t tell me not to cry!
Jackie R. Kays
© 2/4/15
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- VSPA Scholarship -- Jim (Buddha) Lebowitz, Fri, Jul 01 2016, 7:14:30 PDT (ppp-88.237.lw.fea.net/216.115.237.88)
All members, spouses, children, grandchildren and other family members are eligible to apply for the VSPA Scholarship. Each year a $1,000.00 award is made.
If you want an application e-mail me at jlz9107@earthink.net. If you have any questions call me at 949-855-8901. I am on left coast time.
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- SP-K9 Hearing Loss -- jose, Tue, Jun 28 2016, 13:08:37 PDT (ip72-220-123-41.sd.sd.cox.net/72.220.123.41)
Calling on all fellow SP's. I have a hearing loss by the VA; however, they claim not enough to warrant a disability. Anyone out there successful in getting a claim verified and approved? I've done extensive research and provided documentation to no avail.
I served in NKP, 72-73.
Thanks for all input.
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- 50 Years Ago today: DEROS -- Don Poss, Sat, Jun 25 2016, 16:37:01 PDT (cpe-104-173-63-147.socal.res.rr.com/104.173.63.147)
Gents,
How time flies - 50 Years Ago today: DEROS from Da Nang AB, South Vietnam.
:) Don Poss
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- Re: 50 Years Ago today: DEROS -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sat, Jun 25 2016, 18:08:38 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: 50 Years Ago today: DEROS -- John Paul (Coakley), Sun, Jun 26 2016, 0:14:12 PDT (99-60-176-174.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/99.60.176.174)
- Re: 50 Years Ago today: DEROS -- Paul Casteel,SSGt Ret, Sun, Jun 26 2016, 22:26:14 PDT (63-234-168-150.dia.static.qwest.net/63.234.168.150)
- brian kolfage -- gary bunney, Mon, May 30 2016, 11:32:45 PDT (24-113-13-54.wavecable.com/24.113.13.54)
I just saw a photo on facebook of Brian Kolfage, triple amputee Security Policeman. He has E4 stripes on his sleeves but officers brass on his collar. Have things changed over the years? Just curious.
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- VSPA Reunion FLYER and REGISTRATION posted. -- Don Poss, Sat, Jun 25 2016, 10:54:15 PDT (cpe-104-173-63-147.socal.res.rr.com/104.173.63.147)
Gents and Ladies,
Check out the VSPA REUNION 2016 posted links at:
* FLYER: http://www.vspa.com/pdf/2016-vspa-reunion-flyer.pdf
* REGISTRATION: http://www.vspa.com/pdf/2016-vspa-reunion-registration-forms.pdf
Don Poss
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- 2016 VSPA Reunion -- Steve Gattis, Thu, Jun 23 2016, 16:49:23 PDT (h164.44.20.98.dynamic.ip.windstream.net/98.20.44.164)
Hello to all.
The UPDATED VSPA Reunion Flyer and the Reunion Registration Forms have been posted on the VSPA Group page in Facebook. They will also be posted on the VSPA web site as soon as Don Poss can post them.
A text version of the Updated Reunion Flyer is posted below. For technical reasons, the registration forms cannot be posted on this bulletin board.
Vietnam Security Police Association
22nd Annual Reunion
Tampa, Florida – October 5-9, 2016
MacDill AFB, Florida
The VSPA reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Airport, 700 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, Florida, phone 1-813-289-8200. The contract room rate is $106 per night plus tax. The rate is good for three days before and three days after the reunion. Rooms include a mini-refrigerator. All rooms are non-smoking. The airport is one mile from the hotel. The hotel provides a free shuttle. A full breakfast buffet will be available at a reduced rate of $10 each day except Friday, the day that we visit MacDill AFB. There will be a FREE BREAKFAST BUFFET ON FRIDAY MORNING in order to facilitate our timely visit to the base. The Westshore Market is right out the front door. Tampa's best shopping and entertainment district is well within the complimentary shuttle transportation zone of three miles; most are within walking distance. You can enjoy either International Plaza or Westshore Plaza for all of your shopping needs.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Call 1-813-289-8200, ask for Reservations and refer to our Group: Vietnam Security Police Association - group code VSP.
If you encounter any difficulty with hotel reservations, reserve the room, obtain the confirmation number and contact the Reunion BRAT at 1-360-663-2521. Explain the problem and she will correct it for you. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 noon. The room rate is locked in for us, but there will be a deadline of September 21, 2016. After that date, rooms will be space available only.
AIRPORT INFORMATION: Book your flight to “TAMPA International Airport” (airport code: TPA).
REUNION REGISTRATION: The registration fee is $185 per person, the same as last year. Please use the Registration Form and the Security Access Form to register for the reunion.
AGENDA (generally accurate, but is still subject to change due to base operational requirements):
•Reception dinner buffet, Wednesday evening, October 5th
•Thursday, October 6th: Free day for shopping and local tours. Evening open.
•Friday, October 7th: MacDill AFB 6th SFS Demos, briefing and BBQ with the troops. Evening open.
•VSPA Business Meeting, Saturday morning, October 8th (afternoon open)
•VSPA Sisterhood gathering of wives and companions, Saturday morning, October 8th (afternoon open)
•Banquet dinner with guest speaker, awards and raffle, Saturday evening, October 8th
•Memorial service – reading of the names, Sunday morning, October 9th
•Hospitality Suite stocked with snacks & beverages will be open as much as possible.
•VSPA BX Store will be open as much as possible.
If you have a question or need some more info about this reunion, please contact VSPA President Greg Cain gjcain@roadrunner.com or VSPA Sisterhood President Sheila Cain smgervase@yahoo.com or, call them at (716) 771-1157.
We hope to see you in TAMPA for our 22nd Annual VSPA Reunion!
“We Take Care of Our Own!”
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- Master Sergeant booted out of Flag Ceremony -- Steven Hall, Mon, Jun 20 2016, 16:45:51 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
Check this out... You're not going to believe it...
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/06/20/air-force-veteran-threatens-suit-after-being-bounced-from-ceremony-mid-speech.html?intcmp=hplnws
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- Weather -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Wed, Jun 22 2016, 10:36:58 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
The weather has been good in RI, about 80 with a breeze. How hot is it where you are?
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- Re: Weather -- Jackie R. kas, Wed, Jun 22 2016, 11:14:14 PDT (64.188.191.92.dynamic.zitomedia.net/64.188.191.92)
- Re: Weather -- Claude J. Hebert LM #34, Wed, Jun 22 2016, 13:35:53 PDT (c-73-2-187-68.hsd1.la.comcast.net/73.2.187.68)
- Re: Weather -- gary bunney, Wed, Jun 22 2016, 16:44:45 PDT (24-113-13-54.wavecable.com/24.113.13.54)
- Re: Weather -- Bill Cummings, Wed, Jun 22 2016, 20:08:11 PDT (c-98-225-111-57.hsd1.az.comcast.net/98.225.111.57)
- Re: Weather -- Van Digby, Thu, Jun 23 2016, 5:56:51 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
- Re: Weather -- Gary Walters, Thu, Jun 23 2016, 7:00:22 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- 1,000 th Flight -- Junious B. Owens, Sat, Jun 18 2016, 11:50:40 PDT (c-73-142-237-183.hsd1.nh.comcast.net/73.142.237.183)
Just to let anyone within driving distance know that the Pease Greeters will be hosting their 1,000th Flight on Monday, June 20, 2016. Currently scheduled to arrive around 8:20 PM but could change. If interested call 603-766-0502 for updated flight information. The Pease Greeters have been greeting troops for a little over 11 years and it gets better all the time. Bud Owens, Binh-Thuy, 66/67.
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- Passing Away Of Another SP Defender & Vietnam Vet -- William (Pete) Piazza, LM #141, Fri, Jun 17 2016, 11:15:02 PDT (ip68-97-183-82.ok.ok.cox.net/68.97.183.82)
This sad news was posted on facebook today. Please keep his family and friends in UR prayers and thoughts. Pete
Sad to report the passing of my friend and fellow Sky Cop, Bob Griffith, at the VA Hospital in Dayton this morning...Bob was the heart and soul of our Dayton Sky Cop Reunion and will be missed to say the least....
God Rest His Soul ... and Welcome Home Brother...
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- Bob Smith LM 716 -- Sam Lewis, Sun, Jun 19 2016, 5:28:52 PDT (pool-108-4-183-119.ronkva.east.verizon.net/108.4.183.119)
Im very sad to say that Ruth and I will be traveling up to the Charleston ,WV area for Bobs Funeral and Burial Wednesday .
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- Free dental care -- Bob Mitchell LM 301, Fri, Jun 17 2016, 21:39:32 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
I heard about this at my VVA meeting last night.
https://www.aspendental.com/about/healthy-mouth-movement
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- Welcome Home VSPA BB !!! -- Bob Mitchell LM 301, Thu, Jun 16 2016, 5:57:37 PDT (ip68-109-31-28.ri.ri.cox.net/68.109.31.28)
I've been lost without the BB to read.
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- Re: Welcome Home VSPA BB !!! -- Van Digby, Thu, Jun 16 2016, 6:54:49 PDT (71-82-67-12.dhcp.bycy.mi.charter.com/71.82.67.12)
- Re: Welcome Home VSPA BB !!! -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687 (Thank You Don!), Thu, Jun 16 2016, 19:12:25 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: Welcome Home VSPA BB !!! -- Larry Gramps, Fri, Jun 17 2016, 6:42:21 PDT (host671420022172.direcway.com/67.142.172.22)
- Re: Welcome Home VSPA BB !!! -- Gary Walters, Fri, Jun 17 2016, 9:21:02 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- Steve Gattis, Fri, May 27 2016, 9:58:37 PDT (h233.107.17.98.dynamic.ip.windstream.net/98.17.107.233)
Hello to all.
I have been asked by our President Greg Cain and his wife, Sisterhood President, Sheila Gervase-Cain, to provide the following information regarding Sheila and the medical issues they are facing together. Until now, those issues have remained private so that they could prepare for what must come next month. They are making very serious decisions that will affect their lives. Sheila has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She must have surgery on June 24th. The stage or progression has not been determined at this time, although it is extremely serious and will require radiation. In addition to the breast cancer, she must also have back surgery on June 6th, something that cannot wait. Sheila’s surgeon and oncologist both feel that one surgery will not affect the other, but must be done for both quality of life and for survival.
Greg and Sheila are more than just the tough Veterans and loving couple that we know. The surgeries come at a time when they have finally achieved retirement and the ability to do what they wanted to do in life, which was to serve each other while also serving the VSPA. They have attended every reunion together since 2002. Sheila and Greg have managed our Hospitality Room at the reunions for several years, always making it possible for our members to have food and refreshments completely free without cost. Sheila has also coordinated our reunion raffles and they have donated Air Police and Security Police badges for many years. Last year, they donated over 50 badges for our raffles. As president of the VSPA Sisterhood, Sheila has supported wives, friends and daughters of our members in ways that very few know about. She and Greg have flown across the country for funerals, and have reached out to our members during illness and family crisis. When there was a medical issue or a problem in a member’s family, including mine, there was never a time when they said no. In 2006 and 2007, they contributed a great deal of information and experience from the New York VVA regarding parade planning as we prepared for Washington, D.C. and the 25th Anniversary of The Wall. They have built a lasting legacy of care, of taking care of their own and taking care of those who take care of their own.
Now, as they move toward the surgeries in June, the VSPA also moves toward October and our reunion. Greg and Sheila are committed to being there, to share their lives with their brothers and sisters in the VSPA, just as they did at the most recent mini-reunion in Dayton.
It is now our turn to take care of Greg and Sheila. They need our support. Whether it is cards, letters, phone calls or prayers, they need us to stand with them in this fight just as they have stood with so many of us over the years. They are not asking for your help, I am. Simple words of encouragement and your awareness that they are still working to make sure that we have a successful reunion in Tampa will go a long way as they go through the surgeries and begin the long fight to recovery and being cancer free.
VSPA members may post messages of support on the bulletin board. Members of the Sisterhood may use the private Sisterhood Bulletin Board to discuss their own experiences with breast cancer in order to support Sheila during this very frightening period of her life. Greg needs your support, too, as he cares for Sheila. I am posting their address in the open with their permission:
Greg & Sheila Cain
4 Woodward Court
West Seneca, New York 14224-3628
There are times in our lives when we must look beyond ourselves and consider those who have affected us very deeply, to say thanks and offer support. Believe me as I say this from the heart, NOW IS THE TIME!
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Replies:
- Re: GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Fri, May 27 2016, 11:51:13 PDT (ip68-14-6-189.ri.ri.cox.net/68.14.6.189)
- Re: GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM687, Fri, May 27 2016, 15:29:30 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- John Paul Coakley (Coakley), Fri, May 27 2016, 21:54:15 PDT (75-139-155-112.dhcp.gwnt.ga.charter.com/75.139.155.112)
- Re: GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- Don Hamilton, 201, Sat, May 28 2016, 9:28:15 PDT (195.sub-70-197-162.myvzw.com/70.197.162.195)
- Re: GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- Gary Walters, Sat, May 28 2016, 9:59:07 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
- Re: GREG & SHEILA CAIN -- Erlyce and Myron (Pekas), Mon, May 30 2016, 19:01:05 PDT (71-223-135-17.phnx.qwest.net/71.223.135.17)
- Memorial Day -- Gary Walters, Sat, May 28 2016, 10:04:06 PDT (96-19-248-224.cpe.cableone.net/96.19.248.224)
I cant help but sit here thinking about all the veterans families that their loved ones paid the ultimate price. I myself and my family will have you and all veterans and families in our prayers for this upcoming Memorial Day.
God bless you all and also this great country of ours.
Gary
PR-BH 68-69
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- prices -- paul sigler, Fri, May 27 2016, 5:48:33 PDT (ppp-70-128-101-14.dsl.tulsok.swbell.net/70.128.101.14)
Do you know when the Reunion Brat will have the price information for the reunion?
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- Thank you for your service -- Erlyce, Sat, May 21 2016, 18:25:32 PDT (177.sub-70-209-106.myvzw.com/70.209.106.177)
Thank you to all for your military service. You know how much I appreciate
All of you.
Erlyce and Myron
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- Re: Thank you for your service -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687, Sun, May 22 2016, 1:58:54 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
- Re: Thank you for your service -- Terrell Morris (Thankfull), Sun, May 22 2016, 7:36:37 PDT (75-128-254-155.dhcp.mdsn.wi.charter.com/75.128.254.155)
- Re: Thank you for your service -- Paul Shave (happy), Mon, May 23 2016, 4:51:42 PDT (97-123-12-223.albq.qwest.net/97.123.12.223)
- Re: Thank you for your service -- Hector, Wed, May 25 2016, 15:56:00 PDT (172.sub-70-193-23.myvzw.com/70.193.23.172)
- Words from a President -- Steven Hall, Tue, May 24 2016, 12:27:38 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
On February 24, 1981, President Ronald Regan spoke these words prior to the ceremony awarding Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez the Congressional Medal of Honor. His words are as poignant now as they were then.
“Men and women of the Armed Forces, ladies and gentlemen:
Several years ago, we brought home a group of American Fighting men who had obeyed their country’s call and who had fought as bravely and as well as any Americans in our history. They came home without a victory not because they’d been defeated, but because they’d been denied permission to win.
They were greeted by no parades, no bands, no waving of the flag they had so nobly served. There’s been no “thank you” for their sacrifice. There’s been no effort to honor and, thus, give pride to the families of more than 57,000 young men who gave their lives in that faraway war… There’s been little or no recognition of the gratitude we owe to the more than 300,000 men who suffered wounds in that war. John Stuart Mill said, “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. A man who has nothing which he cares about more than his personal safety is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”
Back in 1970 Kenneth Y. Tomlinson wrote of what he had seen our young men do beyond and above the call of military duty in Vietnam—a Marine from Texas on his way back from an all night patrol stopping to treat huge sores on the back of an old Vietnamese man, an artilleryman from New Jersey spending his free time stacking sandbags at an orphanage to protect the children from mortar attacks, an Army engineer from California distributing toys he’d bought in Hong Kong to the orphans his unit had adopted…. None of the recent movies about that war have found time to show those examples of humanitarianism.
The stories go on and on. Bob Hope, who visited our men there as he had in two previous wars, said of them, ”The number of our GIs who devote their free time, energy and money to aid the Vietnamese would surprise you.” I guess you know what kind of guys your sons and brothers and the kids next door are.”
Well, yes we do know. I think we just let it slip our minds for a time. It’s time to show our pride in them and to thank them…”
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- Type II Diabetes medication -- Steven Hall, Wed, May 25 2016, 8:48:40 PDT (76-234-224-141.lightspeed.irvnca.sbcglobal.net/76.234.224.141)
If you're taking Onglyza for Type II Diabetes call your doctor and get off of it, NOW.
Yesterday, my civilian doctor informed me that the manufacturers of Onglyza put out an alert that the drug has been linked to HEART FAILURE.
There are two other drugs that can be taken in it's place: Januvia (sitagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin).
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- Todays feelings -- Larry Gramps, Tue, May 24 2016, 7:41:02 PDT (host671420020172.direcway.com/67.142.172.20)
We have some great poets like Jackie, Terry, and Ol Cowboy Jack who say lots of things we all feel in our hearts and souls. This is exampled by the last two poems up on the BB.
Many of us return each night to a land far away and have done so for decades. Now a whole generation is going to have to learn where Vietnam is again like people did back in the 60's. Why is that well seems our friends in China want to control the South China Sea. Now we are opening up trade with Vietnam to counter this. I just don't know, maybe this should be on FF zone but I am kind of numb to it.
Us single war veterans, we are part of America that will stand up when duty calls, not run or hide. So how do we deal with this new situation mentally? Some of us have already went back to Nam in person to ease memories. Now some of our Grand kids may end up going to serve at some of our old bases? What do you say to a grand child who goes to CRB, take plenty of sun screen? I know we have to keep the sea lanes open so prices will stay low at Wal-Mart but how dose it make you feel? I heard a little blip that Obama is going to have a POW from WWII with him when he speaks in Japan, wonder how may apologize to him?
Larry Gramps CRB 68-69 LM 401
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- Guardmount -- Lew Goldberg, Wed, May 18 2016, 8:37:13 PDT (173-27-100-198.client.mchsi.com/173.27.100.198)
It is now a month since we were led to believe Guardmount would be out in a week. Mr President do you have any idea what is going on? If you volunteer to do something people expect it to be done or please don't volunteer.
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- An old poem -- Jackie R. KAYS, Mon, May 23 2016, 15:46:40 PDT (64.188.191.92.dynamic.zitomedia.net/64.188.191.92)
His Last Guardmount © 2011 by Jackie R. Kays
In the fog of time, he now struggle to clear his aging mind. Memories that flicker and fade of by gone days, images, faces, name of jungle places, that have become scattered by the winds of time, and seems to no longer matter or even rhyme. As his aging memory fades, yesterday is long gone and tomorrow quickly becomes yesterday’s skeleton; he realize that each new day is a gift from God. He’s nearing his eighties and the wars he fought and the faces of the young men he once knew are fading into the abyss of obscurity. But, he still looks at the discolored pictures, through the tears of his aging eyes as he shows his great grandson and says; “Son, that me…that me, back in Korea and Vietnam…you see!” Few remember and fewer yet care about wars long past, but he still post Old Glory outside of his home every morning as his first daily task. He still stands for the playing of the National Anthem and proudly salutes the passing of the Red, White and Blue. He is still a solider and will always be until the day he stands that last guardmount and taps are played in his honor, well deserved and long overdue.
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- WE WHO SERVED WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BROTHERS -- Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687 (POEM), Sun, May 22 2016, 3:09:03 PDT (d199-74-231-65.col.wideopenwest.com/74.199.65.231)
There are many things said about us who served
By the coward's who ran away across the border
To hide out in Canada with all the other cowards
They hid under rocks and in the sewers like rats
Then when the war was finally done and over with
They came back here to point their fingers at us
They spouted off their hatred for those who served
Trying to make us feel guilty because we had fought
When in reality it was they who had been the cowards
Ever since then they have spewed out their rantings
Calling us baby killers and many other hateful names
Then they tried rewriting what really happen there
Trying to revise history to fit their guilty needs
Because deep down inside of them they know the truth
That they were the ones who had run away to Canada
It's hard to tell it as it was when you weren't there
When they ran from their own country as COWARDS!!!!
So it doesn't matter what they may say about any of us
Because no matter how hard they try to twist the facts
It won't change history and we'll never feel any guilt
That we heard the pleas for help from those who called
And all of their rantings just prove they were cowards
They were then and always will be cowards in my eyes
They had nothing but contempt for those much braver men
© Terry Sasek BT 68-69 LM#687
We who served will never forget our fellow veterans or those
warriors of today who are now serving in defense of freedom
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- Re: WE WHO SERVED WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BROTHERS -- Jackie R. Kays, Sun, May 22 2016, 10:20:55 PDT (64.188.191.92.dynamic.zitomedia.net/64.188.191.92)
- Re: WE WHO SERVED WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BROTHERS -- Jim Randall, Sun, May 22 2016, 11:06:53 PDT (67-1-142-224.tcso.qwest.net/67.1.142.224)
- Re: WE WHO SERVED WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BROTHERS -- Bob Mitchell LM301, Sun, May 22 2016, 14:28:54 PDT (ip68-14-6-189.ri.ri.cox.net/68.14.6.189)
- Re: WE WHO SERVED WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BROTHERS -- Jackie R. Kays, Sun, May 22 2016, 14:52:57 PDT (64.188.191.92.dynamic.zitomedia.net/64.188.191.92)
- Mom Lehman -- Paul Shave (Happy), Wed, May 11 2016, 20:01:47 PDT (67-0-227-153.albq.qwest.net/67.0.227.153)
Mom Lehman just called and was very very happy with the outpouring of all the cards/letters/phone calls/flowers that she has received from Mothers Day celebration. The showing of support for her is overwhelming and she sheds a tear of joy over this and she loves ALL her kids in the VSPA group....
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- 8th SPS Personal Ubon 1969/70 -- Neverson(John) Dollar (Dollar), Thu, May 19 2016, 8:59:14 PDT (96-35-26-131.dhcp.stls.mo.charter.com/96.35.26.131)
Ok information needed, Trying to locate some friends from Ubon 8th SPS. time frame Aug 1969 thru. Aug 1970. I was station at Ubon as a cook # 2 chow hall. In Sept. '69 assigned as an augmentee to the SP. My verification, there was Sgt. nick name Ski. Ski and I became very good friends Brothers in fact. I knew a great many of the guys. In fact a I friends with Glen Warren. I applied for memnership to the VSPA. Need to verify that I was an augmentee between 9//69 - 8/'70. should anyone remember please email me so I could forward it to Paul Shave membership. Also Jan/70. I was in the bomb dump near the back gate. There was Black E5 Sgt that came around and check in with me in the heat of the flight line battle. All the cops I ran around with are the best friends one could have. PS there was Sgt who rode town patrol,married to a Thai. girl,we'ed hooked and we got completely intoxicated the night I left Bangkok. It was a great send off. Miss all those guys. Jim Devore and I email each other trying locate Ski. Thank You Everyone best year ever,BEST OF FRIENDS.
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- Thanks to all in and served in the Military and K9S -- K9Joe (Once a Marine Always a Marine), Mon, May 16 2016, 6:47:44 PDT (NoHost/50.123.238.5)
Thank you for your Service you are the thread we need
to keep the world together
I Salute you
K-9 Joe
USMC
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- Tan My Loran station near Hue Vietnam -- Larry Shipley, Sun, May 15 2016, 16:28:55 PDT (mobile-166-137-012-133.mycingular.net/166.137.12.133)
I was stationed at Tan My Loran station 69-70. Just visited the area with family March 2016. Anyone else stationed there during this time, I would enjoy hearing from you. Traveling back was an amazing experience, has anyone else gone back.
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- VSPA Elections -- Jack Smith 377th SPS 68-69 VSPA V.Pres., Sun, May 15 2016, 11:22:55 PDT (172-2-186-102.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net/172.2.186.102)
Good afternoon to all of you. As you know I have been the V Pres. for the last 2 years and it has been pleasure working with Greg Cain, Jerry Nelson, Steve Gattis, Bill Marshall and all the other board members. I have because of growing heath issues that seem to change with the weather decided NOT to seek reelection. I hope that one of our members with step up and run for the position I am vacating. I hope to see you all in Tampa in Oct. Jack Smith.
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Re: 50TH High School Reunion -- Frank Pilson LM-28 (1/3), Mon, Jul 25 2016, 4:42:20 PDT (c-73-30-11-178.hsd1.pa.comcast.net/73.30.11.178)
Re: 4th of July! -- Frank Pilson LM-28 (No Snow here), Mon, Jul 04 2016, 6:17:59 PDT (c-73-30-11-178.hsd1.pa.comcast.net/73.30.11.178)
Re: SP-K9 Hearing Loss -- Frank Pilson LM-28 (GO For IT), Wed, Jun 29 2016, 3:58:10 PDT (c-73-30-11-178.hsd1.pa.comcast.net/73.30.11.178)
Re: SP-K9 Hearing Loss -- jose (Response to Hearling Loss), Thu, Jun 30 2016, 7:37:03 PDT (ip72-220-123-41.sd.sd.cox.net/72.220.123.41)