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QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299 WWW.QCVVA299.ORG
CHAPTER 299
JULY 2018
VETS IN CRISIS HOTLINE
1.800.273.8255President - TOM HICKSON
1-309-558-7102 [email protected]
Vice President-BOB JACKSON 1-309-781-0175
Secretary-OPEN Treasurer-JERRY MANICCIA
Membership - JIM KIRSCHBAUM 309-738 - 6989
[email protected] Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
Al “Butch” Huber-VSO309.721.1453
VVA National Offices800.882.1316
VA Outpatient Clinic Bettendorf563.332.8528
VA Med Cent IA City319.338.0581 & 800.346.1843
IL Dept of Veterans AffairsVSO Carla Waibel
309.793.1460RI Cty Vet Ast & VSO
Todd Harlow309.558.3546
VET CENTER (Counseling) 1-309-755-3260
IA Vet Affairs & VSO David Woods563.326.8723
Honor Guard Co-CaptainsDennis Laird - Funerals
309.721.7468Andy Andersen - Parades
C: 563.940.5980
Membership Application FormTo get Membership Application
Form(s) visit www.qcvva299.org
“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell
During the 2017 John Deere Classic the PGA Golfers “SANK” 1,982 Birdies. The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 299 is now affiliated with the John Deere Classic PGA Golf Tournament and Ray Hamilton is accepting Pledge Forms for this year’s event. ALL money Pledged to this year’s tournament and earmarked for the Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Assistance for Veterans / #2088 will be provided to the VVA Chapter 299 Scholarship Program. Here’s how YOUR “Pledge” WILL WORK. The Birdies for Charity Program tracks and tallies all Birdies made by the Professionals during the course of the actual event. As part of the pledge protocol you not only agree to remit the amount of your pledge which is computed by multiplying the total number of birdies made during the course of the tournament by your monetary pledge for example if you pledge 2 cents per birdie and 2000 birdies are made …you would owe $40.00 which is tax deductible. In addition you are eligible to win some very nice gifts if you guess the exact number of birdies (or come the closest) made during the course of the tournament. The Birdies Program via mail will invoice the monetary value to your pledge to you after the tournament. You can also pledge to make a one-time commitment …say $100.00 and you will be invoiced for that amount after the tournament. Historically, the John Deere Birdies for Charity Program has “bumped” the total amount of pledges made by a factor of 10% which is an added value realized by all charities that participate in this Program.
JOHN DEERE CLASSIC – BIRDIES FOR CHARITY - - OURS: TO FUTURE VETERANS
So, if you have a few extra pennies lying around put them to good use and…MAKE A PLEDGE! The DEADLINE for ALL PLEDGES is JULY 10, 2018. If your guess is the correct one or comes closest to the total of birdies made, you win a 2-year lease on a new Lexus NX or a lesser prize possibly. Last year we garnered $3,800.00 in pledges…let’s step
up to the line and beat that amount by at least one dollar this year. We have over 400 Chapter members, and we can make that happen! It’s common to hear from our Membership “How can I help?” when it comes to Volunteering for different projects. Well this is a “no brainer”…and we have made it easier than ever before to make a pledge. Just call Ray Hamilton, Scholarship Committee/Chapter Birdies for Charity Coordinator at 1-563-650-7486 and he will do all the paperwork for you…just invest a few minutes and a few pennies. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated and our first scholarship recipient this year (2018) was very thankful for Chapter 299’s commitment to this project. Thank You Ray Hamilton USMC CALL ME [563] 650-7486
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER2
“Once a Marine…”Ray Hamilton’s service as a jet fighter pilot from mid 1967 to mid 1968 in Vietnam goes on today. Not as a pilot but as one who displays the tenacity of a warrior. He dispels any thought of Vietnam service men and women being characterized as druggies or baby killers. His engagement with Chapter 299, three terms as President, was to put our shoulders together to make life better for all, veterans and civilians. Ray is a graduate of Moline High School’s Class of1959 and Augustana College. After serving six years in the Marines, Ray began a thirty year career as an FBI agent. Most of his time was spent in Hawaii. He proudly recounts coming home with his family during the summers and running the Bix 7 Mile Run and winning his age group every year - I don’t know if that was as a proud Marine or FBI agent or perhaps both! Ray’s list of Chapter accomplishments include thenaming of local bi-state bridge for John Baker, Medal of Honor Recipient and Chapter 299 member; helping secure the long overdue name of John Baker to be included on Moline High School’s Hall of Honor; the Pearl Harbor Project honoring two area Pearl Harbor survivors; revival of the Welcome Home Dance and our annual golf tournament; and establishing a Chapter scholarship. During Ray’s
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT - Ray Hamilton
tenure, our membership almost doubled, growing to over three hundred members. Ray’s accomplishments were the result of operating our Chapter as a business. What Ray is most known for in the Chapter are theCatering Events. He not only generated significant monies for community services but was able to lasso a “corps” of members to come together to enjoy fellowship while providing community service. Ray and his lovely and understanding wife, Pat, reside in Port Byron. Ray is the face of 299, dedicated to helping others. Please take time at a Chapter event to say hello to “…always a Marine” Ray Hamilton.
James W. VictorSenior Portfolio Management DirectorExecutive DirectorFinancial Advisor4300 East 53rd St,, Suite 300,Davenport, IA, 52807+1 563 [email protected]/victorvolrathgroup© 2017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1596709
ACTING SECRETARY FOR CHAPTER 299
AVVA Member Lillian “Lilly” Schatz will take over the responsibilities of Chapter 299 Secretary until and unless a Member elects to take the position. Welcome Lilly and thank her when you see her at Board or Membership Meetings.
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 3
CHAPTER 299 HONOR GUARD UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2018JULY 04 JULY 4TH PARADE IN EAST MOLINE 18 MIDWEST FOOD BANK FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT ROCK ISLAND QCCA EXPO CENTER FROM 9:00 - 11:30AM. WE CAN ALWAYS USE HELP 27 KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE. PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS AND FIRING (?) AUG 22 MIDWEST FOOD BANK FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT ROCK ISLAND QCCA EXPO CENTER FROM 9:00 - 11:30AM. WE CAN ALWAYS USE HELP 30 HONOR FLIGHT. BE AT THE QUAD CITY AIRPORT AT ABOUT 9:30PM TO WELCOME HOME THE HONOR FLIGHT MEMBERS AT 10:00PM. SHOW UP AND SUPPORT THIS GREAT EVENT! SEPT 08 LEADING THE ANDALUSIA PARADE.
TAPSFollowing is a list of funerals at which military honors were performed by the combined efforts of the VVA Chapter 299, VVA Chapter 776, and the MAVA (Mexican American Veterans Association) Honor Guards. Included in the list are the dates of the funerals, names, ages, and branches of service in which these veterans served. Any Chapter 299 Members are designated by bold letters and underlined.
Date of funeral Name of veteran Age Branch of service JUNE 18, 2018 RICHARD B. HANSEN 72 U.S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)JUNE 22, 2018 MICHAEL PUGH 60 U. S. ARMY (DESERT STORM WAR VETERAN)JUNE 25, 2018 LAWRENCE J. TUCKER JR. 72 U. S. AIR FORCE (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)JUNE 25, 2018 STEPHEN L. ROHM 76 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)
Our Vet 2 Vet Volunteers traveled to VAMC in Iowa City last month. Participating Volunteers were Larry Tschappat, Gary White, Al Bradley, Bill Howard, Dennis Wohlford, Don Theesfeld and Frenchy Eaves. Vet 2 Vet handed out @ 50 ditty bags containing Patriotic Ball Caps, Coffee Mugs, Flags and Lapel Pins, paper and pens, decks of playing cards and grooming items. We were back in the QCA by 1 PM so in the event you care to Volunteer for our next trips they will occur on Wednesdays, August 22nd and October 17th. We will
VET 2 VET REPORT – JULY 2018 carpool from Denny’s restaurant on NW Blvd. in Davenport. I also want to take the opportunity to thank Chapter 299 for its $400 donation to help fund Vets Day in Marshalltown, Iowa last month. We had a wonderful picnic and live music, which was enjoyed by all the hospitalized Veterans and their Families, and they wish to give thanks Chapter 299 for its continued service to our hospitalized Veterans. For information / Volunteer please call me. Paul “Frenchy” Eaves at [563] 386-1696
On their Eighth Grade trip to Washington DC this June, Four of the Eighth Grade Graduates of Quad City Area Schools prepare to lay a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery. From left to right: Brenda Bell - Fulton Middle School, Lucy LNU - Fulton Middle School, ABBY ERICKSON - Riverdale Middle School and Michael Benoit - Riverdale Middle School. The respective Staff and Teachers of their Schools selected all for this Honor. *Submitted by Bill Albracht
8th Grade Graduates Help Lay A Wreath At Tomb Of The Unknowns
'If the enemy is in range, so are you.' - Infantry Journal
'Tracers work both ways.' - Army Ordnance Manual
A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)
"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo." - Infantry Journal
"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."
- Col. David Hackworth
‘If your attack is going well, you have walked into an ambush.’ - Vietnam era Army Training Guide
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER4
Hundreds of American Flags Flew High over the Quad-Cities Thursday morning during a Flag Day celebration on the Master Sgt. Stanley Talbot Memorial Bridge, formerly known as the Centennial Bridge.
Karen Buchanan, a retired educator, helped organize the Fly the Flag High event. She rounded up 200 Volunteers to stand along the east side of the bridge from 8 to 9 a.m. and wave American Flags. Buchanan is a Member of Healing Heroes In The Heartland, the local nonprofit that treats our Veterans suffering PTSD and TBI and was responsible for Fly the Flag High. The idea for the project, Buchanan said, came from years of patriotic admiration, her work with Sponsor Healing Heroes in the Heartland, and a group of unsuspecting teens. “I was sitting at a stoplight last fall and looked over and saw young men in a car drinking sodas,” Buchanan said with a chuckle. “My first thought was I remember being young and having fun.
STARS AND STRIPES FLY HIGH ON FLAG DAY 2018 JUNE 14, 2018
“Then, I noticed a Flag Flying from the young man’s rearview mirror,” said Buchanan. “It just hit me that it would be a great time to Honor those who serve on Flag Day.” The Patriot Guard Riders and the Davenport Morning and Noon Optimists Clubs donated the Flags. Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois set up viewing areas for the event, and the Quad Cities River Bandits offered seats along Modern Woodmen Park’s third-base line for viewing. *Note Fly The Flag Volunteer in White Ball Cap and “Shades”. Ken Stotmeister, CLU, LUTCF and USMC [ret.] is a Life Member of Chapter 299 and a Sponsor our website and monthly newsletter, Shoulder To Shoulder - JH
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Military Order of the Purple Heart is proud to join the eleven major Veterans’ Service Organizations in announcing the development and adoption of the Veteran’s Creed. The Creed is the result of extensive discussions and consultations among the group that began last fall at Georgetown University. THE CREED is meant to inspire Veterans to continue to serve and lead in their communities and our country, and to continue to make a difference in our world. “I believe the Veteran’s Creed could remind Veterans of what they miss about their service and encourage them to continue to make a difference in their communities and across our country,” said retired Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., former Army Chief of Staff. “We need their talents.” Each element of the Creed is rooted in Shared Military Tenets, the Missions of Participating Veterans and Military Service Organizations, and in the Altruistic Ethos of Veterans themselves. It is also meant to remind Americans that the principles and values Veterans learned in the military- Integrity, Leadership, Teamwork, Selfless Service - can greatly benefit our country. “The Creed will help prepare Veterans for their productive civilian lives,” said Dr. Joel Kupersmith, Director of Veterans’ Initiatives at Georgetown University. “MOPH is proud to support the adoption of the Veteran’s Creed. It is an expression of the values and traits each member of the military learns through their
Service and Sacrifice for their country and which are carried forward in service to the communities in which they live and work after leaving the military. We are honored to join General Casey and our fellow Veteran Service Organizations in adopting the Veteran’s Creed,” said Neil Van Ess, MOPH National Commander.
The Veteran’s Creed1 I am an American Veteran2 I proudly served my country3 I live the values I learned in the
military4 I continue to serve my community,
my country and my fellow veterans5 I maintain my physical and mental
discipline6 I continue to lead and improve7 I make a difference8 I honor and remember my fallen
comrades
MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ESTABLISH A VETERAN'S CREED
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 5
I would like to make a couple of observations concerning the recent submission by Bill Albracht to the newsletter. First off, I am a long time member of 299 but am not active in the day to day operations. I am not a member of any cabals. As a matter of fact, I cannot remember the last contact I have had with any other members. Any thoughts that I am about to share are my own. It is my long time held belief that the good Captain has been on an extended attempt to obtain further recognition for his actions. Between writing a book, making a film and several personal appearances on T.V. he has became the face of our chapter. To my way of thinking, it makes little sense to reverse or modify the decisions of his superiors some fifty years after the fact. His award was decided by standards of those who were more familiar with his actions than we possibly could be today. In addition, a couple more thoughts; 1) Which sounds more feasible? A company level officer commandeering a helicopter and changing missions or the choice of awarding a pretty ribbon versus med a vacing wounded comrades being made higher up the command chain? Delayed awarding of medals was very common for many reasons. Hell, it was almost a year before I received my first Purple Heart. 2) For those who are inclined to believe the MOH should be awarded I offer this challenge Get a copy of the citation that accompanied the award that our own John Baker received with his medal. Read it very closely. Let that be the standard used when deciding whether or not an up grade is earned. I have never known of earning this award for actions that were taken to avoid encountering the enemy. Guys, lets face the facts. It is not my intention to dismiss the good Captain’s actions. We were all there and did our jobs as best we could. Some faced more perils than others but we all served with honor. Very few of us had much input as to our situation. We have all earned the right to have opinions and this is mine. May God bless us all and Welcome Home ! (permission is given to reprint any or all of this submission) George C Schaeffer, Jr USMC 0311, 1964-68
JUNE 16, 2018 POINTGeorge, Having read your letter to the STS about my article that appeared in the June edition, I feel compelled to respond – not to your opinion of me, rather to clear up a few points. I understand why you would hold the belief that “the good Captain has been on an extended attempt to obtain further recognition for his actions.” I believe that your opinion is based on media coverage of different events where I have spoken. Media coverage is out of my control but what is in my control is where I speak. If I am available, I honor every request I receive. They range from the highly publicized Army Birthday Ball to the local high school Junior ROTC awards dinner. The media covers some events but most are not. My message is always the same, honor our men & women in uniform and honor the sacrifices or veterans have made for our great country. With reference to “commandeering a helicopter and changing missions” – well, you cannot commandeer what is yours. The bird was assigned to me. When I asked the pilots to make a medical run prior to the awards ceremony, the crew responded “Sir, this is your bird and we will go where you tell us.” And I did just that. I would only add that ALL the Helios in Southern II Corps were grounded due to the extremely high winds on 5 November, 1969. Apparently, Lt. General Charles Corcoran, First Field Force Commander out ranks Mother Nature because he ordered mine to be flown. The “pretty ribbons” that you refer to are just that – pretty ribbons. Who among us grunts really had time for such things when we were looking ahead to our next enemy contact. Like you, I received my last Purple Heart in the mail a year after my discharge. You speak of me and my men receiving awards for avoiding the enemy. After five days of almost non stop fighting, faced with the loss of all our close in helicopter support, coupled with the fact that there would be no reinforcements or resupply and add that we were down to about one magazine and a half canteen of water per trooper, the Firebase could no longer be held. I made a command decision and implemented a new mission – save as many of Kate’s defenders as I could. Again, by the Hand of God, we only lost one man of the 130 plus in the night E&E through enemy lines. A small miracle by most standards, a major miracle if you were there. You mentioned John Baker. John was a personal friend of mine and I consider John to be a National Treasure and one of the best men that ever represented our Quad Cities. A true American Hero. Words fail me to begin to tell you what an honor it was to be considered part of his family at his funeral. Not now nor ever have I or will I compare my actions to those of my friend, MSGT John F. Baker, Jr. As far as the possible upgrade of the Kate award, again I will state emphatically – this is NOT my call and I have no hand in the process except to authorize the release of my military information and a correction of records if warranted. So though you and I have never met, I hope we do and I will personally salute you and all my Marine brothers for the incredible job you did “in country”, for as is said “Here’s to us and those like us, damn few left.” With respect and honor to all that have served, Bill Albracht - VN Veteran
COUNTER POINT
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER6
Ken Stotmeister CLU LUTCF 563-349-9160 Producer/Broker [email protected] Personal & Business Insurance Solutions
17620 HUBBARD ROAD EAST MOLINE, IL 61244
FAX: 309-496-1831
Providing advice on Medicare Supplement Plans, Prescription Drug Plans & Medicare Health Plans since 1983
Helping you protect and maintain your quality of life
Thomas SkorepaATTORNEY AT LAW
3725 Black Hawk Road Suite 200Rock Island, IL 61201 309.788.7481
Continuing the tradition of service to those in need.
VSO Carla Waibel Accepts a MSGT John Baker Print from President Tom Hickson
Members and Friends of Chapter 299 still have until July 10th to get your pledges called in to Ray Hamilton for the John Deere Classic and Birdies for Charity. Remember that all proceeds go to Chapter 299’s Scholarship Fund and John Deere “kicks in” another 10% to our total. You’re gambling a penny or two that you can guess the number of Birdies that will be made by the Professional Golfers. Historically the John Deere Classic produces less than 2,000 Birdies per Tourney so if you “bet” 1 penny at most you’ll lose $10 or less. If your bet is the exact number or closest to the number
Chapter 299’S Birdies For Charity Program At John Deere Classic of Birdies made you also have a chance to tool around in a Lexus for 2 years. To make a Pledge Call Ray today at [563] 650 – 7486Who Wants To Be At The John Deere Classic’s Hole 18 ? All Military Personnel Currently holding a Common Access Card (CAC), as well as those who have Retired from Armed Services and VETERANS will be given FREE ADMISSION along with 1 Guest Each Day Thursday - Sunday. Veterans May Display Department Of Defense Uniform Services ID Cards, or US Department of Veterans Affairs [ VA Healthcare ] Cards or a DD-214. All Military Guests are invited ALL WEEK to the AIR-CONDITIONED Trophy Suite behind #18 Tee for VIP golf viewing. ***** Submitted by Life Member Ken Moffett *****
VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 7
307 6th Avenue E - Andalusia, IL - Phone: (309) 798-2512
With Respect and Admiration To All Who Served.
MCAThe Eastern Iowa - Western Illinois
Mechinical Contractors Association of America
Salute America and Our Veterans!
2508 – 25TH STREET, SUITE #3 ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201
Go to voicemail? Leave a message.
61204-6076
We proudly support Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 299
309-756-2700
“The piecemeal application of force, a hallmark of American strategy in Vietnam, is one of the cardinal sins of warfare that military strategist Carl von Clausewitz warned against 200 years ago.” – General David Zabecki (US Army ret.) * Submitted by James Cool
