the “ooo rah”in the battle of wana draw. john was 18 years old and a rifleman in my squad in c...
TRANSCRIPT
April /May 2017
Central Florida Chapter Officers:
President Elmer Hawkins Phone 386.679.3814 Email [email protected] Vice President Mike Galyean Phone 407.740.5097 Email [email protected] Treasurer Art Dreves Phone 407.542.1482 Email [email protected] Secretary Chris Hoey Phone 407.645.4817 Email [email protected] Chaplain Russ Kaufman Phone 407-275-3653 Email [email protected] Sgt at Arms Jim Weinberg Phone 407.529.7971 Email [email protected] Chapter Rep. Mike Galyean Newsletter Editor: Mike Galyean (with a lot of help from Nancy)
Next Meeting:
Saturday, June 6
10:30 a.m.
Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub 544 West Fairbanks Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789
Ph.407.645.2050
The “Ooo Rah”
Newsletter of the Central Florida Chapter 1st Marine Division Association
Marines, I have been asked by Mike Galyean to thank everyone who stepped up during his and Nancy’s absence at the last Lake Nona VA “Trivia.” We had a good group of volunteers and veterans and another successful event… rumor has it that Greg Melnick is making a move to claim the “Trivia King” title from Mike. Plans are being developed for the 2017 “SOS Marine Corps Birthday SOS Breakfast.” Jim Weinberg, Greg Melnick and Chris Hoey have volunteered to head up the event, but other volunteers are going to be needed to ensure a successful event. Contact any of the three if you are willing to help. June will be our last meeting until October… When we come back after the summer break, nominations need to be made for chapter officers 2018-1019. We need fresh people to assume leadership in our chapter. It’s time Art and I retire from our leadership posi-tions! Elections will be held at the December meeting, and new officers resume their posi-tions in January 2018. Because of the reunion in Norfolk there will not be a meeting in August. After June, the next meeting will be in October. Semper Fi, “Hawk”
June Meeting to Feature the Camaraderie Foundation, Inc. Presented by Terri L. Wallace, Executive Director
In 2009, U.S. Army Captain (Ret) Michael Waldrop and his wife Marnie re-sponded to a pressing community need. Returning Post-9/11 Veterans and their fam-ilies needed critical counseling and support services to facilitate a successful reinte-gration into their communities. While numerous services existed to help Veterans, their families were largely forgotten. The invisible wounds of war impacting all family
members were being unaddressed, resulting in a critical need to save marriages, families, and lives Drawing upon their firsthand experience navigating painful individual and family transitions, the Waldrops stepped forward and founded Camaraderie Foundation. Each day, Camaraderie advances our mission to “provide healing for the invisible wounds of war through counseling services, family programming, and spiritual support for all branches of Military
Service Members, Veterans, and their families. Camaraderie’s drive is to save the lives and marriages of the brave men and women who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Since 2001, nearly three million Ser-vice Members have deployed in the War on Terrorism. Never before in our nation’s history have so few, defended so many, for so long. With less than 1% of our coun-try’s population serving in the Military, troops, both active duty and those in the Mili-tary Reserves, have been deployed multiple times over the last 16 years, with many being exposed for prolonged periods to combat-related stress or traumatic events. This constant vigilance results in wounds that go beyond the battlefield. The invisible wounds of war are many and run deep, including Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TMI), depression, alcoholism, and social withdrawal. Many people only associate these wounds with Service Members. (Continued on page3)
Editor’s Note: A Call was sent out to members of the Central Florida Chapter to take this opportunity to publicly honor those who the may specifically remember when Memorial day comes each year. Of course, I’m sure most are like me and remember names and faces
every day of those whose presence never leave the corners of our hearts and minds. It’s also nearly impossible to single out only one or two when there are so many who deserve this special homage. I appreciate and thank those who did make submissions. I will include a few of my own. LCpl. Tony Steen — Remembered by CWO3 Jack Wing I have been thinking about one Marine who was outstanding and a guy who I would like to have 30 more of. During my two tours in Vietnam I witnessed and had many friends killed in action. I was a Sergeant in charge of a mine sweeping team just outside of DaNang. American Marines conducted the sweeps and the South Korean Marines were our security. (The South Koreans were tough and ruthless). LCpl. Tony Steen asked me the night prior to his death to carry the mine detector. We all ran into an ambush of small arms, mortars and a command detonated 'Dazie (sp) Chain of five 105 rounds. My best Marine Tony Steen was standing on top of one of the 105 rounds. He was blown about 50-60 feet up. When we picked him up, he had no head and his intestines fell out into my hands. One of the Korean Marines had his leg and two arms blown away. This is something that I live with every day! Side note: His Mother who is now 95 years old and his whole family still have contact with me.
Vincent “Buck” Rogers and Tom Allif — Remembered by Sgt. Don Bauman In 1995 the Korean War Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC. Don Bauman was motivated by that memorial’s dedication to look up the family of friends he’d lost in Korea. This resulted in his visit to the grave of his friend Pfc. Thomas R. Allif. The last time he had seen Tom alive was on Nov. 2, 1950 and he was 18 years old. Tommy and another friend “Buck” Rogers were both killed in the battle around the Chosin Reservoir. Don writes, “Buck Rogers as we called him, was killed in an ambush just outside of Wanson. We were going on a mission to bring back North Korean POW’s when we ran into a roadblock. Buck was killed and Tom Allif was also killed trying get to Buck. I visited Tom's grave in East Greenville Pa. and found his 95 year old Mother here in Florida, and presented her with one of the plaques of Honor I received for both men at the dedication of the Korean Memorial, and also gave a copy to the church in Greenville where Tom was a member. Many people remembered Tom and the Town made a historical story to be placed in the town in memory of Tom. I am still looking for Buck's family. I found out where he is buried in St. Louis, Missouri.
Cpl. John Brown and Cpl George Brown— Remembered by Sgt. Art Dreves May 1945 was not a good month for the 1st. Div. on Okinawa. I Lost a good buddy of mine, Cpl. John Brown, in the Battle of Wana Draw. John was 18 years old and a rifleman in my squad in C 1/1. He was killed by Japanese machine gun fire during a “hell-of-a-firefight.” at Wana Draw. He was buried on Okinawa and I have a picture of his grave. Also, it was the second week in May that the Japs got a piece of me. The second Brown that I remember from my squad is Cpl. George Brown. We went through Okinawa together and then were both shipped out to North china. He was with me the night we had our encounter with the Chinese when they were going to kill a Japanese factory owner and his family. The Japanese gentleman had lived in China for 35 years and had been educated for seven years in America. My buddy, Cpl George Brown, and I were on patrol around the factory and came upon the altercation. We stepped between the Chinese and the Japanese family and kept them from being killed. We were invited to dinner at his house as thanks, and he specifically wanted George there because he had lived in Baltimore where George was from. (Continued on page 4)
PAGE 2 THE “OOO RAH”
Visit our website http://CFC1stMarDiv.com
Thanks to our “webmaster” Rick Dreves. Rick is the son of member Art Dreves. The “Ooo Rah” newsletter may be accessed at the chapter’s website. Articles and letters are welcome.
Who Do You Remember on Memorial Day?
Mark Your Calendars
Tuesday, May 29… Memorial Day
Saturday, June 3 … Chapter Meeting Saturday, July 1… Chapter Officers Meeting - TBD
Thursday, July 13 … Lake Nona VA “Happy Hour Trivia and Bingo” August 1—6 … FMDA Annual Reun-ion, Norfolk, VA NO CHAPTER MEETING IN AUGUST
The Larry E. Smedley Detachment of the Marine Corps League—Meeting will be Tuesday 7 pm. American Legion 1912A Lee Road John Gionet, Comman-dant
Page 3 Volume 14 Issue 5 The “Ooo Rah”
(Continued from page 1)
However, family members are wounded as well, also seen with depression, alcoholism, and social withdrawal, as well as secondary PTS. Children not only suffer these effects, but also increased episodes of acting out and poor academic performance. These and other painful wounds are devastating to Military families. Families of returning Post-9/11 Veter-ans and Service Members experience twice the number of divorces, increased family violence, child neglect, poor communication, and increased risk of homelessness. For family members of Reservists and Guardsmen, there is an added burden. When loved ones serve our country, they leave behind their employment and families may expe-rience economic hardships. With each day, more and more families are coping with the mounting burden of repeated combat deploy-ments. Increasingly, those burdens include troubling mental health challenges and, in worst-case scenarios, suicid-al situations/actions. Safeguarding the mental health of our Military men and women and their loved ones is an im-portant part of ensuring the future readiness of our Armed Forces, and compensating and honoring those who have served our nation. Terri Wallace, Executive Director of the Camaraderie Foundation will provide the program at our June meeting. In October 2013, Terri became Executive Director of Ca-maraderie Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides 100% financial support for private counseling and support services to qualifying military service members and their families to help combat the invisible wounds of war. Since its inception in 2009, Cama-raderie Foundation has helped hundreds of families heal from invisible wounds through counseling services, ranging from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and marriage coun-seling to family engagement events and business networking – all towards a goal of eas-ing the transition of military families back to civilian life. The foundation is headquartered in Orlando and concentrates its efforts throughout the Central Florida area.
You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn more about this extremely help-ful program and how it impacts active duty service men and women as well as veterans from all branches of military service. To sponsor a program, become a partner or corpo-rate sponsor, volunteer your skills, or make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit: www.camaraderiefoundation.org.
Terri L. Wallace, Executive Director of
the Camaraderie Foundation
Marines Memorial Association Reconnects with Modern Generation of Marines
By Lance Cpl. Bradley Morrow | 1st Marine Division | September 19, 2016
Retired Maj. Gen. James Myatt, now the president and CEO of the Marines’ Memorial Association, fires an M4A1 carbine during a shoot-ing drill aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016. Started in 1946, the MMA honors the sacrifices of members of the armed forces.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Members of the Marines’ Memorial Association visited Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, to reconnect with the current generation of Marines and see the advances in training and equipment aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016.
During their visit, members of the MMA participated with Marines in training exercises, received hands-on experience testing rifles and interacted with Marines as they conducted several training events.
Marines’ Memorial Association is an organization that is dedicated to honoring the legacy of military service through a historic hotel that is
also a Marine Corps museum. They offer programs that commemorate, educate, and serve veterans of all eras.
MajGen. James Myatt, USMC (ret) Marine Corps photo by LCpl Bradley J. Morrow
PAGE 4 THE “OOO RAH”
(Continued from page 3) George Brown died alone in Miami. He had no living relatives. The po-lice found letters from me in his belongings after his death was discovered and contacted me. Through the efforts of a local undertaker, the police in Miami and the American Legion he was buried at Arlington with full military honors.
Private John Paxton — Remembered by Capt. Jack Paxton Editor ‘s note … These comments are taken from an article written by Jack Paxton titled “Memorial Day: A Tribute to a Granddad and a Small Town. “ The complete article appeared in an earlier issue of the “Ooo Rah.”
It was Memorial Day 1938. I was 8 and would march in my first parade hand in hand with Pvt. John Paxton, father of eight, carpenter, former soldier in the 1898 Philippine campaign and, best of all, my granddad. This was in Greenville, Pa, a small town in northwestern Pennsylvania. During the next 10 years, I would participate with my granddad and other family members in this annual event that took on greater prominence as our nation entered and won World War II and more flags were added to new headstones. Peace returned, yet the custom continued. Many times, though, I participated without giving much thought to what the day meant to my granddad. Today, long after his death and my own 22-year military career in the Marines, my thoughts often return to this proud little town. Now, I am considered one of the old soldiers. As I hear (almost daily it seems) news of the deaths of comrades from Korea, Vietnam or more recent times, I can only hope Greenville's patriotic citizens are continuing this proud custom and that other granddads will see that it goes on forever. Gunnery Sgt. Charles G Rush Jr.— Remembered by Sgt. John Matthews I was the radio man and followed “Gunny” Rush and Capt John-son in the area we called "Dodge City". I wasn't trained to be a radio operator, but we had so many killed or wounded that I got stuck with the job. Gunny Rush was from Tennessee and carried a shotgun when almost everyone else carried rifles. Rush was not just a tough Marine Sgt. He was a skilled teacher. He taught the men how to avoid booby traps and ambushes. Rush was killed on April 21st, 1969 by a "bouncing betty" in the sand dunes south of DaNang. I wear a bracelet with his name on it. 1Lt. Pete Gray and 2nd Lt. Ken Kubik — Remembered by Mike Galyean Pete lived across the hall from me at the Basic school and we be-came good friends. He was the Honor Graduate in my TBS class of 250 Marines, went on to Army Ranger School where he was also the honor graduate. He had played football at UVA. Pete had served six months in the field with 1st Recon in Vietnam and I had gone by to see him before rotating home in 1969. Upon inquiring at the desk at Recon Bn. I was told that he had just been killed in a training accident whole preparing for a visit by the Com-mandant. Chesty Puller was a friend of his family in Virginia and attended Pete’s funeral at a 250 year old church in Eastern Virginia. Nancy and I have made several visited his grave, and my hike of the Appala-chian Trail was in Pete’s honor. Ken Kubik was a formerly enlisted Marine in my OCS platoon and (Continued on page 5)
~IMPORTANT~ Central Florida Chapter members need to be members of the 1st Marine Division As-sociation...contact the FMDA office or visit the website for membership information.
The 1st MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION HAS MOVED!
New Address and contact information
1st Marine Division Association
Phone
(760) 763-3268
Office: [email protected] June Cormier:
Association President
Vince Rios: [email protected]
Office hours remain the same:
Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm PCT
<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>
Volume 14 Issue 5 The “Ooo Rah” Page 5
Important Information Regarding
Service-Connected Disabilities
The Department of Health said that Florida is one of the first states to develop a program giving funeral di-rectors the ability to notify the certifying physician that the decedent may have a service-connected disability. The veterans’ spouse or other family members may be entitled to VA compensation and other benefits if the service-connected condition was the underlying cause of death or a contributing factor. Survivors need a death certificate indicating the cause of death was service-connected when applying for the benefit. Mike Mason, Supervisor Polk County Veteran Services, has worked to get the program off the ground for quite a while. “This new program didn’t come about over-night,” he says. “It has taken years to get this program im-plemented, but we are thrilled that its time has come. Be-fore this, deaths that came about from service-connected conditions were very difficult to prove, causing spouses and family members of deceased veterans to miss out on much deserved benefits.” “We have seen the struggle of spouses and family members who were trying to get death benefits from service-connected conditions that were not properly documented. We knew getting the funeral direc-tors involved would be a giant step to make sure families get the benefits they are entitled to. We are proud that Florida, the most Veteran-friendly state in the country, is leading the way in this effort.” “Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is really an underutilized but vital VA program that pays wid-ows and widowers of veterans a monthly stipend that ranges from $1215 to $1915,” says Bobby Carbonell, Vet-erans Florida Executive Director. “Mike Mason really spearheaded this effort to ensure that funeral home direc-tors, county medical examiners and families are aware of this benefit and how to document properly.” A downloadable brochure from the Florida Health Department defines a VA service-connected disability as follows: A VA service-connected disability is an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated, beyond nor-
mal progression, during active military service. Service-connected disabilities can apply to both physical and mental health conditions. The brochure advises disabled veterans and their families to obtain a VA Disability Rating Letter in their nearest VA office and to get a VA service-connected disability listed on a veteran’s death certificate because “if a service-connected disability was a contributing factor in the veteran’s death, the surviving spouse and depend-ent children may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). A death certificate indicating the cause of death was service-connected is evidence needed by survivors when applying for the DIC benefit. (Source: www.veteransflorida.org ) Reprinted from the newsletter of the Central Florida Veterans, Inc.
(Continued from page 4)
came to OCS as a Sergeant after two tours in Vietnam, including Khe Sanh. Ken was like a mother to all of us in the OCS platoon. He was married and had a one year old son when he reported to OCS and was com-missioned a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1968. It was no surprise to anyone that he was named the Honor Graduate of my OCS class. He attended Army para-trooper school after the Basic School and returned to Vietnam for a third tour. After being assigned to 1st Recon. He was kia leading his first recon patrol his 5th day in country, along with one other Marine and a Navy Corpsman. 2nd Lt Kubic was awarded the Silver Stat posthumously for his heroism under fire. For all of the men mentioned in this article and the many, many more that live in the hearts of all who may be reading this article, we hold Memorial Day to be very special. I will be representing the chapter at the Me-morial Day service at Glen Haven Cemetery at 11:00 on May 29.. Wherever you may be on that day, I know that you will pause in remembrance of someone spe-cial… perhaps more than one. We will raise a glass in a toast to them all at the June chapter meeting.
Chronic Marine Syndrome (CMS): This is a new condition under consideration by the Veterans Administration and being brought to your at-tention by http://iamamarine.com/ .... Some consider it a dangerous affliction; others say it's a positive
condition. It affects mostly men but can affect some women too. Symptom: 1. Pride in oneself and the organization they represent.
Page 6 Volume 14, Issue 5 The “Ooo Rah”
1st Marine Division Association 2017 Reunion Norfolk, VA / July 31—August 6, 2017
Welcome to Norfolk
Greater Norfolk’s dramatic history and the history of our country began in 1607 when three ships of English settlers landed near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Today, the past and present are intertwined in the sights and sounds of a modern city that solidly embraces its 400-year old roots. The 2017 1st Marine Division Assoc. Reunion program will provide the opportunity to experience the area’s history, modern day revitalization and strong military presence. Planned events will include a Norfolk City Tour, Naval Base Harbor Cruise, MacArthur Memorial , Lunch or Dinner Cruise, and a tour of the USS Wisconsin Battleship. Norfolk is the per-fect choice for the 2017 Reunion, and will provide many oppor-tunities to relax and enjoy your family and friends in this ideal setting.
Hotel Information We will be staying at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott July 31—August 6, 2017, located at 235 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23410. The hotel is conveniently located near many of the area’s top attractions. The room rate is $119.00 plus tax per night. Breakfast coupons will be available upon check-in. For those of you who choose to arrive early or stay later the reunion ends, the same rate will be available for three days prior and three days after, based on availability. If you have any trouble getting a room at the group rate call MRP @ 8917.251.3551 for assistance. You may also email: [email protected].
Call the Norfolk Waterside Marriott direct at 757.627.4200. When calling the hotel, please make sure you tell them you are attending the 1st Marine Division Reunion. It is always best to make your reservation directly with the hotel and not a central hotel-chain call center. MRP has negotiated numerous ameni-ties for you that the call centers may not be aware of. For best results, call during business hours on week days. Make your reservations NOW, and you may cancel your hotel up to 72 hours prior to arrival and not be charged. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or July 14, whichever comes first.
Airport Transportation & Parking
For those of you flying to the reunion, the closest airport is Norfolk International (ORF). Cabs, Uber & LYFT are available from ORF with the latter being the most reasonable by far. The Marriott has cov-ered parking available on-site for $13 /day (reduced from $20/day. Airport Connection– Norfolk, operated by Carey Transportation, a division of James River Bus /Lines, has been serving Virginia since 1928. Offers very reasonable rates from Norfolk International Airport to the entire area— approximately $20 $25 to Downtown Norfolk. Professional uniformed drivers provide the service with new individual seats. All vehicles are equipped with GPS satellite tracking and surveillance cameras for added safety and security. Located outside the baggage claim lobby at the booth marked “Airport Connection.” For more information call 757.986.0433 or 866.823. 4626. (toll-free). Travel safely and we will …
See you in Norfolk
Volume 14 Issue 5 The “Ooo Rah” Page 7
Minutes Central Florida Chapter
First Marine Division Association April 1, 2017
Fiddlers Green Irish Pub
The meeting was called to order by President, Elmer Hawkins. The opening prayer was led by Vice President, Mike Galyean. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sgt at Arms, Jim Weinbarg. Members rose to introduce themselves. Treasurer's Report Treasurer, Art Dreves, reported that the Chapter had $3,558.92 in the checking account and $1,020.42 in the savings ac-count. We have $37 in post exchange chits for a total of $4,616.94. Major expenses in March were $61.25 for State fees and $80.91 for the printing of the Ooo-Rah. The total available funds after expenses is $4,108.48. Secretary's Report Minutes of the February meeting were accepted as printed in the last Ooo-Rah. Introduction of Speaker Vice President, Mike Galyean, introduced today's speaker, Maureen Karkovice. Maureen is the On-board Director of Fisher House of Orlando and has a son in the Marines. Fisher House is a non-profit established solely to support the building of a Fisher House at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona. The Orlando facility is currently being built directly in front of the VA Medical Center. The Orlando facility will serve the 100,000 Veterans in Central Florida. It will provide approximately 6,000 free nights a year for families of Veterans being treated at the VA. Its goal is to raise $3 million locally through the Friends of Fisher House. They are always looking for volunteers. Old Business We need to start getting organized for our S.O.S. Breakfast in November. We will have more information at our June meet-ing. Greg Melnick, Jim Weinberg and Chris Hoey have volunteered to lead the effort and can use all of the help they can get. New Business We will be honoring Marine JROTC cadets at Apopka HS, Edgewater HS and University HS by presenting plaques to se-lected cadets at their units end of year awards ceremonies. Shane Johnson volunteered to represent us at Apopka, and Barron Mills will represent us at University HS. A volunteer is needed for Edgewater HS. This year's FMDA Reunion will be held in Norfolk, VA on July 31 - August 6. Mike and Hawk will be attending and everyone is invited to attend. The next Executive meeting will be held May 6, the next VA Hospital visit will be on Thursday, May 11. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, June 3. The drawing for the raffle was held and 3 winners were drawn. The meeting was adjourned by the reciting of the Navy Hymn and the singing of the Marines Hymn. Most members stayed for lunch and fellowship. Respectfully submitted, Chris Hoey Secretary
NEW MEMBERS
1st Sgt. Al Carter China / Korea Hotel Company 3/5 Cpl. Shane Johnson War on Terror 3/4 and 1st Recon
Welcome to the Central Florida Chapter
1st Marine Division Association
In order to belong to the Central Florida Chapter, you must... Join the 1st Marine Division Association
World War II ~ North China ~ Korea ~ Cold War ~ Vietnam ~ Gulf War ~ Iraqi Freedom ~ War on Terror
Call the 1st Marine Division Association in Oceanside, CA at (760) 763-3268 or email [email protected] for information
Central Florida Chapter
Select Membership type: ___ Regular ($20) ~ ___ Associate ($20) ~ ___ Life ($200) ~ Active Duty($5) ___ ___ New ___ Renewal
PLEASE PRINT: __________________________________________________________________________________ (Rank / Grade) (First Name) (Middle Initial) (Last Name)
____________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Number and Street or P.O. Box #) Spouses name
________________________________________________________________________________________________ (City) (State) (Zip)
I was with: (list two units, max) ________________________________________________________________________ (Company - Battalion - Regiment/Squadron - Group)
WWII____ China____ Korea____ Cold War____ Vietnam____ Gulf War____ Iraqi Freedom____ War on Terror____
Email address: ________________________________ Phone No. (___) ____________________ Recommended by _____________
Please enclose $20 for Regular / Associate Membership; $200 for Life Membership; $5 for Active Duty
Make checks payable to: Cent. Fla. Chap., 1st Mar. Div. Assoc. ~~~ Return to Mike Galyean, 746 McIntyre Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
Central Florida Chapter 1st Marine Division Association 746 McIntyre Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789