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Chapter Officers
President: Jim LaGarde
Vice President: Tom Hall
Secretary: Bob Silmser
Treasurer: Bob Silmser
Board of Directors:
Ron Schott
Carl Harris
Herman Rainey
Jon Mueller
State Council Delegate:
Kevin Ruhl
Newsletter Editor: Jon Mueller, E-mail: [email protected]
Meetings
Chapter Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of each month.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Brandon Veter-ans Hall, 115 W. Clay Brandon Fl. 33510. See Map on last page. Mail-ing address: P.O. Box 89247, Tampa Fl. 33689-0404.
NATIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR 2001, FLORIDA STATE COUNCIL, CHAPTER OF THE YEAR 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
FOR INFORMATION CALL BOB SILMSER (813) 220-7246 OR (813) 685-3483. WEB SITE: WWW.VVA787.COM
NOVEMBER 2006 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11
THE OUTPOST Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, Tampa Fl.
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
The Dignity Memorial, Vietnam Moving Wall, Westfield Mall, Brandon Fl
Wall Event photo’s continued on pages 2, 7 & 8……………...
THE OUTPOST VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA,
Page 2
THE OUTPOST
New bumper sticker created by Bob Silmser!
Shown below, it is now available for only $4.00. To get yours, contact Bob by phone at 813-220-7246
or by e-mail at [email protected]. Also available through our web site,
Submitted By: Bob Silmser & Jon Mueller More on the Moving Wall Event ……….
Pictured above, first row, is chapter member Linda Pugsley who was a Flight Nurse in Vietnam, with the 57th AES Detachment #1, Da Nang and Tan Son Nhut during 1968, 1969 and 1972. She also served with the 56th AES at Clark AFB Philippines.
Pictured above, second row, is a mock up of an injured soldier which was incorporated with other historical Vietnam medical related memorabilia. Linda spent a lot of time and effort to make her EVAC tent realistic. Chapter 787 is very proud of her accomplishments.
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11
Page 3
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
Chapter 787 Members Presented with “High” Awards
The Chapel of Four Chaplains award was presented at our regular monthly meeting held on September 26 2006, at the Bran-don Hall, to chapter members, Carl Harris, Bob Silmser, and Jon Mueller. The recipients were introduced by chapter president, Jim LaGarde and presented by VP Tom Hall. Tom also read the history of the award to the members present.
The Chapel of Four Chaplains award seeks to encourage observation of the unity which binds together American of all faiths. Patriotic in its nature, the Chapel celebrates the characteristic generosity, devotion to God and country, and love of fellowman which we share in common.
Recipients of the Legion of Honor Award become a permanent part of the Chapels records and receive a beautiful certificate with full-color likenesses of the Four Chaplains.
These Four Army Chaplains: George L. Fox (Methodist); Alexander D. Goode (Jewish); Clark V. Poling (Reformed Church); and John P. Washington (Roman Catholic); and 902 men were on board the USAT Dorchester when it was torpedoed by an en-emy submarine off the coast of Greenland on February 3, 1943. Survivors report that the Chaplains moved among these fright-ened men calming and comforting them. Many who struggled to the deck had no lifejackets; they assisted these men but soon the supply of lifejackets was exhausted. When the Chaplains could find no more, they took off their own lifejackets and gave them to soldiers who had none. When the Four Chaplains were last seen, their arms were linked as they knelt together on the slanting deck, and their heads where bowed as each prayed in his own way.
Pictured above, L-R, Chapter Secretary and Treasurer, Bob Silmser with his lovely wife Margaret. Next, Chapter member of the year, Carl Harris with his lovely wife Elaine. President Jim (Rambo) LaGarde said during the ceremony, that he wanted the wife's present since without their support, the men of Chapter 787 would not be able to accomplish any of our missions.
Continued on page 5……………..
Quote
Page 4
THE OUTPOST Submitted By: Jon Mueller
This Month during the War in Vietnam
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
November 1963: A military coup overthrows Vietnamese President Diem; he and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu are murdered. General Duong Van Minh, leading the Revolutionary Military Committee, takes over leadership of South Vietnam.
November 1965: Aerial reconnaissance was carried out both to select targets and to asses the damage caused by air strikes of US Navy. The aircraft used for these missions was the Ling-Temco-Vought RF-8, the photo-recon version of the Crusader fighter. These missions kept the Navy carrier task force informed of the construction of SAM sites.
November 1965: In the first ever contact by the American Military with the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) ele-ments of the 1st Cavalry Division stopped repeated attacks in the Ia Drang Valley. When the NVA finally gave up the fight, they had left behind an estimated 1800 dead against 240 Americans KIA, a ratio that was destined to persist or to be substantially lowered in favor of the Americans for the rest of the war.
November 1966: Over 30 US Coast Guard cutters were part of operation Market Time, patrolling close in-shore, searching any junk or barge deemed to be suspicious. The men of the Coast Guard prevented thousands of tons of war material which would have come by sea, direct to VC and NVA units.
November 1967: The increased level of NVA infiltration across the DMZ prompted Gen. Westmoreland to order the US Marines to the northernmost province, Quang Tri. The III Marine Amphibious Force commander, newly-promoted Lt. General Walt, at first sent only on battalion as a reconnaissance force; when that battalion encountered sizeable NVA forces (the 324th VPA Division), Walt committed six more. The village of Khe Sanh was not far away.
November 1967: Where the boarders of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia intersect, an epic battle for hill 875 near the village of Dak To was fought with the largest death toll on both sides up to this point in the war. At close quarters, in the mists and dark foliage of the highland jungles, Paratroopers with the 173d Airborne Brigade were ordered in. At times the men of the Airborne Infantry were outnumbered seven to one and to make matters worse our own jets mis-takenly dropped a 500 pound bomb on the soldiers, killing 42 and wounding 45 men. The Hill was taken on Thanks-giving Day. The Paratroops lost 275 KIA and 527 WIA. During this battle, within just a few days, three Medals of Honor were won, later to be presented posthumously.
November 1970: The Son Tay Raid. The attempted rescue of 70 American POW’s at the Son Tay prison camp located 23 miles west of Hanoi. Col Arthur “Bull” Simons, Maj. Richard Meadows and 54 other Army Green Beret’s would make the night assault on the camp. Both Col. Simons and Maj. Meadows would later make another stunning raid into Iran during the take over of our embassy. They both were retired from the Army at that point but Ross Perot paid them to rescue his companies (EDS) employees.
During the Son Tay Raid, no American POW’s were rescued since they had been moved a few weeks prior, but Bull
Simons team landed at a site located 450 meters from the prison which held 200 Russian and Chinese advisors. The SF soldiers killed over 100 of them before they quickly departed to the prison site to support Maj. Meadows team.
"The struggle was in the rice paddies....in and among the people, not passing through, but living among them, night and day .... and joining with them in steps toward a better life long overdue."
Memoirs of Gen. Lew Walt USMC, Retired
Page 5
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 Submitted By: Jon Mueller
Check Out Our New Web Site at www.VVA787.com
Chapter Secretary and Treasurer, Bob Silmser coordinated the development and got the site up and running. Some of the features include: the ability to download past copies of the chapters newsletter (OUTPOST), purchase chapter items for sale like T-shirts, coffee mugs, hats, Vietnam stickers and much more. You can also e-mail chapter officers directly from the web site.
Continued from page 3…………
Shown Below L-R, VP Tom Hall presents the Chapel of the Four Chaplains awards to Bob Silmser and Carl Harris.
Special Chapter Meeting & Christmas Party
Mark your calendars for Thursday December 14th at 6:00 PM. The location will be the Brandon Veterans Hall 115 W. Clay Ave. Brandon Fl. 33510.
All members, family and friends are invited. Share the Veteran Holiday spirit with your fellow members.
Prior to the party, a short chapter meeting will be convened to vote on an amendment to our Chapter Bylaws, in ac-cordance with the V.V.A. constitution. The annual Christmas Dinner will begin at 7 PM.
Page 6
THE OUTPOST Submitted By: Jon Mueller
Medal of Honor Winners of the Vietnam War.
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
BALLARD, DONALD E. Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 5 December 1945, Kansas City, Mo. Citation: For conspicu-ous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Company M, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the 3d Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating 2 heat casualties, HC2c. Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic
weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, HC2c. Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. HC2c. Ballard then di-rected 4 marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the 4 men prepared to move the wounded marine, an en-emy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. HC2c. Ballard's heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service
One Of First U.S. Casualties of Vietnam War Headed Home By Richard Pyle, The Associated Press October 2006
More than half a century after he died in the flaming crash of a CIA-owned cargo plane and became one of the first two Americans to die in combat in Vietnam, a soldier of fortune known as “Earthquake McGoon” is finally coming home.
The skeletal remains of James B. McGovern Jr. discovered in an unmarked grave in remote northern Laos in 2002, were posi-tively identified Sept. 11 by laboratory experts at the U.S. military's Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii.
McGovern carved out a flying career during and after WW II that made him a legend in Asia. An American saloon owner in China dubbed him “Earthquake McGoon,” after a hulking hillbilly character in the comic strip “Li’l Abner.”
He died on May 6, 1954, when his C-119 Flying Boxcar cargo plan was hit by ground fire while parachuting a howitzer to the besieged French garrison at Dien Bien Phu.
“Looks like this is it, son,” McGovern radioed another pilot as his crippled plane staggered 75 miles into Laos, where it cart wheeled into a hillside.
Killed with “McGoon,” 31, were his co-pilot, Wallace Buford, 28, and a French crew chide. Two cargo handles, a Frenchman and a Thai, were thrown clear and survived.
Ho Chi Minh’s communist forces captured Dien Bien Phu the next day, ending a 57-day siege. It sig-naled the end of French colonial power in Indochina, and helped set the stage for the 15-year “American war” that ended with the fall of the U.S. backed South Vietnamese government in 1975.
Although civilians, McGovern and Buford, an ex-WW II bomber pilot, were the first Americans to die in combat in that Asian country where war would take more than 58,000 American and more than a mil-lion Vietnamese lives.
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10
Page 7
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
Pictured top line L-R: Chapter Member of the Year Carl Harris, Tony Towers and Herman Rainey. Next, Carl Harris, Chap-ter President Jim (Rambo) LaGarde, and Herman Rainey. Second row L-R, Carl E. Harris points to the name Carl E. Harris inscribed on the Wall. Carl says he does not believe he died in Vietnam and feels just fine. He salutes the other Carl E Harris for his sacrifice. Next Carl Harris and chapter Scy/Tres Bob Silmser stand next to the POW/MIA stand. Bob’s son Scott made the glass box which will be used as a permanent display at the POW/MIA exhibit in the Veterans Park, Tampa Fl Third row L-R, Pictures sent by Bob Silmser, Chapter members Richard Nye, Don & Wife. Wallick, escort The Wall to Brandon.
Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall event continued from page 1 & 2
Page 8
THE OUTPOST Submitted By: Bob Silmser & Jon Mueller
Chapter Membership Rewards Any member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, in good standing, who sponsors a new V.V.A. or A.V.V.A member to Chapter 787 will be rewarded with his or her yearly dues paid for up to a maximum
of three years.
Therefore, if you know of any Vietnam Vet, Era Vet, or any other person (non-vet) who may be interested in joining our select group under the General Membership or A.V.V. A. program, now is the time to contact them and save some money on your next annual due’s payment.
Dignity Memorial Vietnam Moving Wall photo’s continued from pages 1, 2, & 7.
Pictured from L-R, Top row: Chapter 787 President Jim (Rambo) LaGarde, and Pappy, Bill Hartgrove, Jon, Bill & Wayne. Middle row, Mary, Pappy and Dave, Chapter 787 Booth, Motorcycle escort with some Chapter members, and the truck bearing the Wall.
Bottom row, Unidentified POW/MIA truck, Scout Dog (K9) unit pictures from Vietnam, and finally Chapter President, Jim (Rambo) LaGarde with his “sweetie” Verna. (The last names of some individuals were not know).
Page 9
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 11
Date Event Time
November 2006 3rd, 4th, & 5th Florida Home Show at the Florida State Fair Grounds, Tampa Fl. Chapter 787 Booth
9th Thursday Board of Directors Meeting, Jon’s House 6:30 PM
11th Saturday Veterans Day, Chapter Parade Time TBD
30th Thursday Chapter Meeting, Brandon Veterans Hall (Changed date due to Thanksgiving) 7:00 PM
December 2006 14th Thursday Special Chapter Meeting and Chapter Christmas Party, Brandon Veterans Hall 6:00 PM
Calendar of Events
Submitted By: Bob Silmser
FLORIDA’S LARGEST HOME SHOW IS COMING TO THE FAIR-GROUNDS
AND WE WILL BE THERE BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP We need a minimum of 3 people per day to man our booth at the fall Home Show. You get free admission to the show on the days that your there.
Friday November 3rd 11:00am to 8:00 pm
Saturday November 4th 11:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday November 5th 11:00am to 6:00pm
Please contact Bob Silmser to schedule
813-220-7246 or [email protected]
Checking Account……$7,101.53 Moving Wall Fund………….$3,743.00 Holiday Meals Fund……….$1,910.83
Household Goods…….$ 291.95 Convention Fund……………$1,853.30 Petty Cash…………………..$ 76.70
All Accounts Total: $9,223.48 Thanks to our Treasurer Bob Silmser
Financial Status of Chapter 787 as of October 12 2006
Page 10
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
Stolen Valor Act stalled in committee
By John Hoellwarth, Staff Writer, Marine & Army Times
In a legislative reprieve for those who claim to rate combat decorations they didn’t earn, the House Judiciary Committee failed to take action on a Senate-approved bill that would outlaw medals fraud during the committee’s last meeting before Congress ad-journed Oct. 1.
The Stolen Valor Act, introduced in the House in the summer of 2005 by Rep. John Salazar D-Colo., would close a loophole in current law that allows phony combat veterans to escape prosecution as long as they don’t physically wear the awards they brag about..
Currently, those who didn’t earn such awards as the Silver Star, Navy Cross and Medal of Honor can put them on their resumes and vehicle license plates without violating the law.
Legislation introduced in the House and Senate prescribes hefty fines and up to a year in jail for those who try to pass themselves off as war heroes.
Military Humor Top Left: When many other Service Branches are changing their dress uniforms, the Ma-rines have kept their classic design with a few small changes for women. (Thanks Tom)
Bottom Left: Carl Harris, Richard Nye and Don Wallick before they became civilians.
Bottom Right: A US Navy spokesman said the Iraqi Navy has enough men and supplies but is lacking suitable ships..
Submitted By: Jon Mueller
Page 11
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10
This newsletter is not the official publication of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, Tampa Bay Florida. All opinions expressed are those of the au-thors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Chapter 787, the VVA State Council, the VVA National or the Chapter members.
You can receive a copy of the OUTPOST each month at no cost. Contact Jon Mueller via e-mail at [email protected] and provide your e-mail address. You will need to have an Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC to open the newsletter . You can also receive it by US mail . The cost is $12 per year. Make your check payable to V.V.A. Chapter 787 and mail it to P.O. Box 89247, Tampa Fl. 33689-0404. Make sure you identify the payment for the OUTPOST.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Send to: VVA Chapter 787, P.O. Box 89247, Tampa Fl. 33689-0404
Name:________________________________________ Male:______ Female:______ Date of Birth:______________
Address:_______________________________________ Apt. #_____City:_________________State:_____Zip:______
Home Phone:___________________ Work or Cell Phone:_______________________
E-Mail:___________________________________________________________Chapter #787 Sponsor_______________
Membership Type:
Individual: 1 year_______$20 3 years________$50. Associate: 1 year_______$20 3 years________$50
Life Member Options: ______Life Member Ages 49 and Under: $250, ____Life Member Ages 50-55: $225, ____Life
Member Ages 56-60: $200, ____Life Member Ages 61-65: $175, ____Life Member Ages 66 +: $150
______I am already a V.V.A. member and want to become a life member. My V.V.A. Member number is
______________________________.
Optional Time Payment plan: $50 down, and $25 per month until paid in full.
Payment Method: Check______
Money Order_____ Visa_______ MasterCard_______ If using a credit card: Card
Exp. Date:_____________ Signature____________________________________________________
Membership Application Membership is open to U.S. armed forces veterans who served on active duty (for other then training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28th 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
Chapter meetings are held at the Brandon Veterans Hall. 115 W. Clay Ave, Brandon Fl. See map below.
THE OUTPOST
Help Your Chapter Grow
Bring a New Member to the Next Chapter Meeting.
Come and Join Us. Give us your Ideas.
Contact E-mail Addresses:
President Jim LaGarde:
VP Tom Hall: [email protected]
Secretary & Treasurer Bob Silmser:
State Council Delegate Kevin Ruhl: [email protected]
Board of Directors
Ron Schott: [email protected]
Carl Harris: [email protected]
Herman Rainey: [email protected])
Jon Mueller: [email protected]
Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 787, Tampa Bay Florida………………..…..……….. http://www.vva787.com
Vietnam War Statistics…………………………… ……………………………..http://my.eiis.net/cmart/vietwarstats.html
Vietnam, Yesterday & Today…………….…………………………...http://servercc.oakton.edu/~wittman/chronol.htm
Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation…………………………………………………………………………...www.vvlf.org
National League of Families of American POW’s/MIA’s………..……………………………..www.pow-miafamilies.org
V.V.A. National Office on the World Wide Web…………………….………………………………………....www.vva.org
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs……………………………………….……………………………………………...www.va.gov
OPM Veterans Hiring Preference………………………………………….………………………...www.opm.gov/veterans
Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP)………………………….………………………………...www.usfhp.com
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims………………………………….…………………...www.vetapp.uscourts.gov
Children of Vietnam Vets…………………………………………………….…………www.geocities.com/pentagon/9125
The Center for Women Veterans…..……………………………………………………………...…www.va.gov/womenvet
Vietnam Women Memorial Foundation, Inc (formerly “Project”)….……….…....www.vietnamwomensmemorial.org
The Moving Wall—Vietnam Combat Veterans LTD………………………………………………www.themovingwall.org
The Virtual Wall……………………………………………………………………..……………………...www.virtualwall.org
Get a Copy of your DD-214 on-line…………………………..http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html
Important Web Sites
