Honoring American Indian Vietnam Veterans Battle of Hue Garry ...

Providing a forum for veterans to share information, resources, and events important to the veterans and their families of Arizona.

Honoring American Indian Vietnam Veterans

Battle of Hue

Garry Powers Jr. USS Arizona’s Last Band

Light Horse Legacy

Medal of Honor

5th National Armed Forces FreedomRide

Arizona

Combat Infantry Badge

The Arizona Veterans Connec�on’s purpose and

goal is to connect veterans and their families

with informa�on and ac�vi�es of importance

and relevance to the veteran community.

We will be diligent to provide a pla orm to share

the history and legacy of Arizona veterans, past,

present, and future, ul�mately as a resource to

all who serve or have served.

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Marion Cartland

Publisher - Editor Photographer

Colonel Joe Abodeely USA (Ret.)

Connie Hunter Assistant Editor

MGySgt Robert A. Flores USMC (Ret.)

Annalee Monroe &

Barbara Hatch

Veterans Heritage Project

Alice Duckworth

Arizona Capitol Museum Collections Manager

Skeeter (Robin) Peak

Dr. Earl Field

Dave Barron

Army Veteran

Arizona Veterans Connec�on

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Enduring Freedom Memorial

The memorial is located at the

Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix.

“Recognizing our Arizona

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who protect our Na�on against

terrorism and honoring those

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died of kidney failure. The last of the first 29 Navajo men

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Japanese in World War II, marked the closure of a chapter

in the story of a special group of veterans.

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Staff Box

Contributors

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Powers’ flight path

Gary Powers, Jr., author and public speaker on the U-2 Incident

and Cold War History visited at the Arizona Capitol Museum in

Phoenix on July 10, 2014. The event was sponsored by the Ari-

zona Military Museum and the Arizona Capitol Museum.

Powers gave a brief overview of the Cold War, the misinfor-

ma�on surrounding his father’s involvement in the U-2 incident,

and the family’s effort to set the record straight. He discussed

current efforts to honor Cold War veterans, preserve Cold War

history, and educate future genera�ons about this �me period.

A?endees were able to purchase Mr. Powers’ book and Cold

War memorabilia.

In 1996, Francis Gary Powers, Jr. and John C. Welch founded the

Cold War Museum to preserve Cold War history and honor Cold

War Veterans. Currently, a mobile exhibit of historical ar�facts

associated with the U-2 Incident of May 1960 is traveling around

the world promo�ng interest in the crea�on of a permanent

Cold War Museum facility.

h?p://www.coldwar.org

Prior to being recruited by the CIA for the U-2 program, Francis

Gary Powers a?ended The Fighter School at Williams AFB in the

early 1950s. Powers had flown for the U.S. Air Force before shiF-

ing to the Central Intelligence Agency to become one of the first

U-2 pilots in 1956. He flew 27 successful missions in U-2s (not all

of them over the Soviet Union) before a surface-to-air missile

downed his air craF near Sverdlovsk in 1960.

On May 1, 1960 Powers departed from an air base outside Pesh-

awar, Pakistan.

He crossed the soviet border at the assigned al�tude and flipped

the switch that would ac�vate the reconnaissance cameras.

Powers was approximately 1300 miles within the Soviet Union

when a bright orange flash occurred at his al�tude of 70,500

feet.

The fragile tail sec�on of the aircraF was struck by one of 8 Sovi-

et SAM-2 missiles over Sverdlovsk. Powers parachuted to the

ground and into the hands of the KGB.

On August 17, 1960, Powers was convicted of espionage against

the Soviet Union. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years in pris-

on, three years of imprisonment followed by seven years of hard

labor. Powers was held in the famous “Vladimirsky Central” pris-

on in the city of Vladimir, east of Moscow.

On Saturday, February 10, 1962, twenty-one months aFer his

capture, pilot Francis Gary Powers was exchanged in a spy swap

for Soviet KGB Colonel Vilyam Fisher (aka Rudolf Ivanovich Abel)

at the now famous Glienicke Bridge. AFer being debriefed ex-

tensively by the CIA, Lockheed, and the USAF, on March 6, 1962,

he appeared before a Senate Armed Services Select Commi?ee

hearing composed of Senator Richard Russell and Senators Pres-

co? Bush and Barry Goldwater Sr. During the proceeding it was

determined that Powers followed orders, did not divulge any

cri�cal informa�on to the Soviets, and conducted himself “as a

fine young man under dangerous circumstances.”

Francis Gary Powers Presentation

Francis Gary Powers, posing in front of the KNBC Channel 4 "TeleCopter"

Wooden U-2 model - one of two used by Powers when he tes�fied to the Senate Commi?ee. The wings and tail are de-tached to demonstrate the aircraF's breakup upon impact.

Francis Gary Powers, Jr.

Francis Gary Powers

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Call to Ar�sts:

The Arizona Military Museum, a nonprofit organiza�on located at Papago Park Military Reserva�on in Phoenix, invites emerging and established ar�sts to submit artwork for our juried group show “Vietnam War Service, People, and Experi-ence” of art rela�ng to the veteran’s ser-vice, the people and the experience in the Vietnam War. The jurors will be looking for work capturing the posi�ve experience of those who served to defend the people of South Vietnam.

The consequences of America’s recent wars of choice have been exposed, and now the Vietnam War’s mission to prevent the spread of Communism into all of Southeast Asia has become more under-standable. The Vietnam War was fought to truly defend the freedom of the South Vi-etnamese. Art can capture the emo�on, history, beauty, and tragedy. It can tell stories that prose and poetry cannot tell us about the largest group of living veterans - Vietnam veterans.

No Entry fee required.

The show is from: 10/18/2014-11/23/2014,weekends

1-4pm and Veterans Day 1-4pm at: Arizona Military Museum.

Located in the old Arsenal Building at the Papago Park Military Reserva�on at 5600 East McDowell in Phoenix, audi-ences and patrons are cordially invited to a?end an art exhibi�on opening at the museum at 7:00 on October 18, 2014.

POC: email, submit your jpg submis-sions or ques�ons to:

[email protected]

or call Joe at: 520-868-6777.

To Arizona Vietnam Veterans, families & friends:

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Military Museum as Official Partners of the Commemora�on of the Vietnam War are pleased to co-host the 4th Annual

Event Honoring Arizona’s Vietnam Veterans. The objec�ve is:

To thank and honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in ac�on, for their service and sacrifice on behalf

of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

Special guest speaker will be:

Colonel Jack Jacobs, USA (Ret), Medal of Honor Recipient

DATE/TIME: October 4, 2014. Sign in 5:30 pm for table sea�ng. No-host bar 5:30 to 6:30 PROGRAM: Sea�ng at 6:30. Program begins at 7:00pm

LOCATION: Sco?sdale Plaza Resort, 7200 North Sco?sdale Road, Sco?sdale, AZ 85253

SEATING: Sea�ng will be assigned to those who respond first

ATTIRE: Business/casual or Army Class A or service equivalent, military decora�ons

COST: $50.00/person Make Checks payable to Arizona Military Museum. Use the RSVP.

This special experience includes a Vietnamese Color Guard, a wonderful dinner, good music, short speeches, videos, TAPS, and a special presenta�on to Vietnam Veterans. These events

are outstanding patrio�c/military events honoring our largest group of veterans who deserve

to be honored. We look forward to seeing many Vietnam veterans, their families and friends to honor those who honorably served in the Vietnam War.

Tickets are not issued, so we need your RSVP registra�on and check to confirm your a?end-

ance at this wonderful event. Sco?sdale Plaza Resort rooms are set aside for your conven-ience at only $125.00 per night to stay at this beau�ful resort, par�cularly if you’re travelling

from outside the Phoenix area. Just call the hotel for room reserva�ons at (480) 948-5000 or 1-800-832-2025. For other ques�ons call 520-868-6777.

Colonel Joseph E. Abodeely, USA (Ret.) Director, Arizona Military Museum Ted Vogt, Director, Arizona Department of Veterans Services

http://www.gunstosalutethefallen.com/Donate.html

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The Ba?le for Hue, Tet 1968 was the a?ack on the old Imperial capital of Hue by forces of the North Vietnamese Army and South

Vietnamese insurgents of the Na�onal Libera�on Front during the Tet Offensive. The Communist forces hoped a popular uprising by

the “oppressed” people in South Vietnam would lead to a general

uprising and overthrow of the “puppet” regime supported by the United States. The city of Hue was the only city to be completely

occupied by the communist forces during the massive offensive,

and was the scene of violent and close-quarter figh�ng that waged for nearly a month, from January 31st to February 25th, 1968.

With a war�me popula�on of about 140,000 persons, Hue re-tained much of its pre-war ambience. It had been immune to much

of the war. Unknown to the allies, enemy regiments were on the

move toward Hue. The 6th NVA had as its three primary objec�ves the Mang Ca headquarters compound, the Tay Loc airfield, and the

Imperial palace--all in the Citadel. South of the Perfume River, the

4th NVA was to a?ack the modern city.

A division-sized force of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet

Cong (VC) soldiers launched a well coordinated mul�-pronged a?ack on the city of Hué. Their strategic objec�ve, however, was

to "liberate" the en�re city, but it failed totally as its occupants

were solidly on the side of the Americans and South Vietnamese.

The NVA a?ack began early on Jan.31, and by 0800, North Viet-

namese troops raised the red and blue Viet Cong banner with its

gold star over the Citadel flag tower. It was quite a shock to the allies. It was not un�l Feb. 24th, that the US Marines had finally

prevailed and had retaken the Citadel and NVA flag

The U.S. Marines, not well-trained in urban combat, found a har-

rowing house-to-house, booby trap infested ordeal as they swept

through every inch of the city. Armor and airstrikes were very lim-ited due to adverse condi�ons and in an a?empt to keep casual�es

down. Allied forces were ordered not to bomb or shell the city, for

fear of destroying the historic structures. Also, since it was mon-soon season, it was virtually impossible for the U.S. forces to use

air support. But as the intensity of the ba?le increased, the policy was eliminated. The communist forces constantly used snipers, hid

inside buildings or in small holes, and prepared makeshiF machine

gun bunkers.

Communist forces suffered heavy losses in this ba?le, losing 5,133

men at Hue; about 3,000 more were es�mated to be killed outside of the city. Basically its whole a?ack force was wiped

out. Approximately 2,800 people killed by the NVA and VC simply

because they were pro-allies. Mass graves of executed and other atroci�es were unearthed. American losses were 142.

An interes�ng, li?le-men�oned aspect to the Ba?le of Hue was the use of fire team assault boats by the Marines. Then Lieutenant

Gene Cox, a Marine Amtrak officer, was in charge of a fire team assault boat platoon consis�ng of 12 boats. Each boat was 16 feet

long, made of fiberglass, had a 50 hp Mercury motor, four men,

and a mounted M-60 machinegun. Cox and his unit were sent from Dong Ha to Hue so his boats could support the Marines there.

These assault boats were used primarily for river opera�ons pa-

trolling the waterways. Cox and his unit found themselves ac�ng as infantry at the heavily defended East Gate of the Citadel. They

transported wounded across the river and conducted search and destroy missions. Cox at various points had ARVN soldiers and

even tanks a?ached to his command. His Marines and the ARVNs

traversed a wall and were moving forward when he was ordered not to take the city. The poli�cs was to have the ARVNs take back

the ancient imperial city of Hue. Years later, the U.S. let the Kuwai-

�s retake their country.

The following 26-day effort by the U.S. Marines, U.S. Army and

ARVN to recapture the Citadel produced a stunning military defeat for the Communists. Yet the strategic victory ul�mately went to

them because of the scenes of bloody figh�ng in Hué, Saigon and

other ci�es in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and so shocked the American people via television that the pressure to withdraw from

the war became overwhelming.

Vietnam was the first ever American televised war with nightly news coverage. People watched the blood and napalm as they ate

dinner. The draF in America was immensely unpopular with many college-age men burning their draF cards, leaving for Canada, or

geUng out of duty claiming to be a drug addict or “queer”. (NOTE:

The above use of language is “of those �mes.”)

Walter Cronkite added his opinion right aFer the Ba?le of Hue

during the Tet offensive of 1968:

“Who won and who lost in the great Tet offensive against the ci�es? I’m not sure. The Vietcong did not win by a knockout, but

neither did we. The referees of history may make it a draw. It seems now more certain than ever that the bloody experience of

Vietnam is to end in a stalemate. But it is increasingly clear to this

reporter that the only ra�onal way out then will be to nego�ate, not as victors, but as honorable people who lived up to their

pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could.”

Not all Americans were against the war, but the Ba?le of Hue and

the Tet offensive of 1968 was the turning point, and Walter

Cronkite, the most trusted man in America, contributed to it.

Battle of Hue -Tet 1968 By Col. Joe Abodeely USA (Ret.)


Fire team assault boat

Cox at Hue, 2nd from right

Amtrak

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The Arizona Military Museum and the Heard Museum partnered

in a commemora�on of the Vietnam War “Honoring American Indian Veterans” dinner on May 24 at the Heard Museum Steel

Auditorium in Phoenix.

Na�ve Americans have served with dis�nc�on for over two hun-

dred years under General George Washington during the Revolu-

�onary War to today’s war in Iraq. The warrior tradi�on, spirit,

courage, and determina�on has made our Na�ve American war-

riors a formidable enemy and a strong ally when they figh�ng

alongside other Americans. At the end of the twen�eth century,

there were 190,000 Na�ve American veterans.

They have one of the highest record of service in the Vietnam

era conflict per capita of any ethnic group. The majority of these

service members enlisted and a dispropor�onal number served

in combat posi�ons-- infantry regiments, tank ba?alions, air-

borne and airmobile units as well as ar�llery ba?eries. During

the Vietnam Era nearly 82,000 Na�ve Americans severed in the

U.S. military, and 226 had lost their lives during the conflict.

Guests had a chance to mix and mingle and speak with fellow

veterans before the ceremony started. The commemora�on

opened with a speech given by the Master of Ceremonies, Col.

Joe Abodeely, USA (Ret.), Director of the Arizona Military Muse-

um. Presen�ng the flags was Na�ve American color guard led by

the members of the American Legion Ira Hayes Post 84 from

Sacaton, and members from the Arizona Honor Guard Legion

Post 1. The Thunder Spring Drum Group performed veterans’

song during the pos�ng of the colors.

Tribal member Shaylin Shabi, Miss Na�ve American 2012-2013,

performed the Na�onal Anthem in her na�ve Navajo language.

A blessing was given by Jeff Bagay (Navajo) followed by a wel-

come speech from James Pepper Henry (Kaw/Muscogee Creek)

director of the Heard Museum.

Guest speaker, Colonel Joey Strickland (Choctaw), USA (Ret.), the

former director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services

took the stage and gave a speech to the guests. Strickland was

presented with a special giF by Mr. Numkena (Hopi).

The special commemora�on was concluded with a video presen-

ta�on and a moment of silence.

Honoring American Indian Vietnam Warriors


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The Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) was created with the primary goal of recognizing the sacrifices of the infantrymen who were disproportionately likely to be killed or wounded during World War II. The (CIB) is an award of the United States Army which is presented to those officers, warrant officers and enlisted sol-diers, in the grade of Colonel and below, who participate in active ground combat while assigned as a member of an infantry or Spe-cial Forces unit, brigade or smaller size, during any period subse-quent to December 6, 1941.

Several factors led to the creation of the CIB, some of the most prominent factors were:

The need for large numbers of well-trained infantry to bring about a successful conclusion to the war and the already critical shortage of infantrymen.

Of all Soldiers, it was recognized that the infantryman continu-ously operated under the worst conditions and performed a mis-sion that was not assigned to any other Soldier or unit.

The infantry, a small portion of the total Armed Forces, was suf-fering the most casualties while receiving the least public recog-nition.

General Marshall had a well-known affinity for the ground forces Soldier and, in particular, the infantryman. All these factors led to the establishment of the CIB, an award that would provide special recognition of the unique role of the Army infantryman, the only Soldier whose daily mission is to close with and destroy the ene-my and to seize and hold terrain. The badge was intended as an inducement for individuals to join the infantry while serving as a morale booster for infantrymen serving in every theater.

Work to establish the CIB was initiated by General Marshall, who had been prompted by Medal of Honor recipient Major Charles W. Davis’ observation to him that “it would be wonder-ful if someone could design a badge for every infantryman who faces the enemy every day and every night with so little recogni-tion.”

The CIB was established by the War Department on 27 October 1943. Lieutenant General Lesley J. McNair, then the Army Ground Forces commanding general, was instrumental in its crea-tion. He originally recommended that it be called the “fighter badge.” The CIB was designed to enhance morale and the pres-tige of the “Queen of Battle.” Then Secretary of War Henry Stin-son said, “It is high time we recognize in a personal way the skill and heroism of the American infantry.”

The Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) was established by Section I, War Department Circular 269, dated October 27, 1943:

“The present war has demonstrated the importance of highly pro-ficient, tough, hard and aggressive infantry, which can be ob-tained only by developing a high degree of individual all-around proficiency on the part of every infantryman. As a means of at-taining the high standards desired and to foster esprit de corps in infantry units; the Expert Infantryman and the Combat Infantry-man badges are established for infantry personnel. “

This circular also stated that, “only one of these badges will be worn at one time” and that “the Combat Infantryman Badge is the highest award”. Award of the CIB was officially authorized by an executive order dated November 15, 1943. It was made retroac-tive to December 6, 1941.

Army Regulation 600-8-22; 11 December 2006 Military Awards

Section II, Combat and special Skill Badges

8 – 6. Combat Infantryman Badge (pages 98 – 101)

a. For award of the CIB a Soldier must meet the following three requirements:

(1) Be an infantryman satisfactorily performing infantry duties.

(2) Assigned to an infantry unit during such time as the unit is engaged in active ground combat.

(3) Actively participate in such ground combat. Campaign or battle credit alone is not sufficient for award of the CIB.

In developing the CIB, the War Department did not dismiss out of hand or ignore the contributions of other branches. Their vital contributions to the overall war effort were certainly noted, but it was decided that other awards and decorations were sufficient to recognize their contributions. From the beginning, Army leaders have taken care to retain the badge for the unique purpose for which it was established and to prevent the adoption of any other badge which would lower its prestige. At the close of World War II, our largest war in which the armor and artillery played key roles in the ground campaigns, a review was conducted of the CIB criteria with consideration being given to creating either additional badges or authorizing the badge to cavalry and armor units. The review noted that any change in policy would detract from the prestige of the badge.

(4) The definition of requirement to be “engaged in active ground combat” has generated much dialogue over the years as to the original intent of the CIB. The 1943 War Department Circular required infantrymen to demonstrate “satisfactory performance of duty in action against the enemy.” The operative words “in ac-tion” connoted actual combat. A War Department determination in October 1944 specified that “action against the enemy” for purposes of award of the CIB was to be interpreted as “ground combat against enemy ground forces.”

(5) In 1948, the regulation governing badges stipulated that “battle participation credit is not sufficient; the unit must have been in contact with the enemy.” This clearly indicated that an exchange of hostile fire or equivalent personal exposure was the intent of the Army leadership.

(6) In 1963 and 1965 HQDA messages to the senior Army com-mander in the Southeast Asia theater of operations authorized award of the CIB to otherwise qualified personnel “provided they are personally present and under fire.” U.S. Army Vietnam regu-lations went so far as to require documentation of the type and intensity of enemy fire encountered by the Soldier. The intended requirement to be “personally present and under fire” has not changed.

© 2014 Combat Infantrymen's Association

HISTORY OF THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN’S BADGE


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LOCALE GENERAL PUBLIC DATES 1. Arizona Historical Society Rio Colorado Division Yuma November 12, 2014-May 3, 2015 2. Arizona Historical Society Northern Division Flagstaff May 17, 2015-October 25, 2015 3. Arizona Historical Society Southern Division Tucson November 12, 2015-May 7, 2016 4. Sharlot Hall Museum Presco6 May 22, 2016 - November 4, 2016

Above and Beyond: Arizona and the Medal of Honor is a new

exhibit that tells Arizona’s amazing history with the na�on’s

highest military decora�on – the Medal of Honor. The exhibit

features many items never displayed before at the Arizona His-

torical Society Museum (AHSM) at Papago Park (1300 N. College

Avenue, Tempe), and opened to the public on Sunday, May

18th. This important military exhibit is expected to a6ract ac-

�ve duty and military veterans and their families, military histo-

rians, or anyone with an interest in military history.

Prior to opening to the general public, a special recep�on was

held honoring both Maj. Fred Ferguson (who earned the Medal

of Honor in Vietnam), and the family of Manuel "The Arizona

Kid" Mendoza (whose Medal of Honor was presented posthu-

mously in April at the White House). The opening ceremony

included comments by Colonel Fred Ferguson along with a

USMC Color Guard and the 108th U.S. Army Na�onal Guard

Band. Medal of Honor recipient Colonel J.R. Vargas was sched-

uled to speak but could not a6end. In his absence, a video

presenta�on that featured Vargas speaking about his service in

the Vietnam War was subs�tuted. .

In the early years of the Civil War, the United States Congress

enacted legisla�on that authorized the Congressional Medal of

Honor to be awarded to those soldiers, sailors and marines who

dis�nguished themselves by their acts of valor in our na�on’s

wars. Between 1862 and 1889, some 156 United States Army

officers and enlisted men serving in today’s Arizona received

our na�on’s highest military decora�on for valor. Since that

�me, these Medal of Honor recipients would be joined by five

of Arizona’s na�ve sons.

Above and Beyond features five actual Medals of Honor earned

by a diverse mix of military service members, either in ac�ons

conducted in Arizona or by our state’s na�ve sons while at war

abroad. One of the Medals, incredibly, was buried under a layer

of dirt and discovered by chance by Dwain Oliver, a modern day

"history saver" with his metal detector. Li6le is known about

this par�cular Medal’s recipient. The centerpiece of the exhibi-

�on is the Medal of Honor awarded by Congress to Chiquito, an

Apache Indian Scout who served in Arizona during the Indian

Wars. On loan by its owner, this historically significant piece

and associated informa�on, commemorates the important role

of Apache scouts in that conflict.

To learn more about the exhibit, please visit: www.azmoh.org.

Regular updates will be made on the website to keep the public

informed about the statewide tour. Created in partnership with

the Sharlot Hall Museum, aLer six months in Tempe, the exhibit

will tour statewide visi�ng AHS museums throughput the Arizo-

na . For the next two and a half years (in six months intervals),

the exhibit will visit AHS museums at Tucson, Yuma and Flag-

staff, and, finally, to the Sharlot Hall Museum in Presco6.

Through the ini�a�ve of re�red U.S. Army Colonel Phil Hansen,

the state board of the Arizona Historical Society (AHS) voted for

FREE admission for veterans to all AHS museums.

Above and Beyond: Arizona and the Medal of Honor Exhibit

Above: Col. J.R. Vargas

Below: Colonel Fred Ferguson

Manuel "The Arizona Kid" Mendoza

Below: Mendoza’s Medal of Honor

D-Day and the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway Remembered June 6, 2014 marked the 70th anniversary of the invasion of

Normandy to end the Nazi tyranny infec/ng Europe. The Arizona

Military Museum and The Arizona Capitol Museum presented a

special event commemora/ng D-Day and the Ba4le of the Coral

Sea and the Ba4le of Midway at the Historic Senate Chamber at

the Arizona Capitol Museum. Colonel Joe Abodeely, USA (Ret),

showed a D Day presenta/on of over 50 slides in a power-point

presenta/on. The most drama/c point of his talk was audio and

sound effects of the landing cra; engines, the crashing of the

waves, the distant ar/llery, the automa/c weapons fire, and the

screams of men rushing over 200 yards across an open beach

under heavy enemy fire trying to cheat eternity.

Captain Steven Borden, USN (Ret) also presented an excellent

and informa/ve slide show and lecture of the Ba4les of Coral

Sea and Midway. He highlighted the strategies of the par/es

involved and the aspects of luck which determined the results of

the ba4les.

There were over 80 people in a4endance including three WWII

veterans—a PB-Y pilot at Midway, a corpsman at the hospital at

Pearl Harbor when it was a4acked, and a soldier who was in-

volved in the taking of the bridge at Remagen.

The Arizona Military Museum and the Arizona Capitol Museum will present Gary Powers, Jr. at noon, July 10, at the same loca/on at the Capitol.


A D-Day Veteran’s Experiences June 6-11, 1944 Transcribed by Alice Duckworth

Arizona Capitol Museum Collec�ons Manager

Along with the Arizona Capitol Museum’s exhibit about the effects of WWII on Arizona, the 70th Anniversary of D-Day was a reminder to review the memoirs of my late father-in-law, Army Colonel George H. Duckworth (1914-2013). Following are con-densed excerpts from his own manuscript, beginning D-Day as a Platoon Leader 1st Lieutenant. It is hard for me to recognize the gentle loving man I knew in the situa�ons that he describes. He truly was an officer and a gentleman and a hero though he would never have made that claim for himself. His long, highly decorated, military service to his country speaks for him.

“My unit, the 23rd Infantry Regiment…was to pass through the first assault wave off (Omaha) beach and drive inland…At craF…The Navy crew of our transport distributed steak sandwiches as a gesture of good will and good luck. We grounded…a few yards offshore…and waded ashore… Our designated assembly area had not been cleared of enemy…and we had to wait for daylight and clear the area... We found a road-block…supported by ma-chine guns. We mounted a full scale a?ach and over ran the po-si�on… We encountered other delaying and harassing situa�on before emerging from Cerisy Forest…”

“On June 10th we were ordered to gain…the high ground in the vicinity of Hill 192… As the troops moved out…all hell broke loose. “F” Company’s posi�on was completely blanketed by ene-my ar�llery, mortar and automa�c weapons fire… Our casual�es were so heavy that our advance was halted”

“Very early the next morning, the Ba?alion received orders to mount a full scale, all out, bayonet charge…to…capture Hill 192… We moved out…. With fixed bayonets, but …were deluged with fire from enemy Armored Vehicles… This concentra�on of high explosives was devasta�ng, men were falling everywhere… We had to withdraw what was leF of the company… The en�re leF side of my combat jacket was ripped and torn away, my canteen had been shot off my leF hip, my trench knife…strapped to my right leg, had the handle shot off at the hilt, my carbine had a 4 inch piece of razor sharp shell fragment imbedded half way through the stock, my helmet had two deep creases on the right side with a large dent on the leF side, and I had cuts and scratch-es all over my body… I do not know how…I survived…” (The only company officer not killed or disabled.)

“The Ba?alion Commander…told me that I was on orders as the Company Commander and being recommended for a ba?le field promo�on to Captain. He also…was recommending me for the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.” (End of personal excerpts.)

In December 1944 Ba?le of the Bulge, Capt. Duckworth’s de-tached company held a strategic road at Krinkelt against two days and nights of heavy a?acks, diver�ng a number of large enemy units in the beginning of the German failure. During more than 300 days in front line combat, he was awarded three Bronze Stars and the Silver Star. AFer WWII, Duckworth had a succession of pres�gious assignments and rose to the rank of Colonel. He was selected for the Infantry Hall of Fame and awarded the Army Legion of Merit medal.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Lambert Modder, Capt. Steve Borden, PHS - Jack Holder, Nelson Mitchell

Gus Mohr, WWII Army Veteran - Photo: David Carrasco

Capt. Steve Borden

L: Col. Joe

Abodeely, USA

(Ret)

R: United States

Sea Cadet Corps

Members

Robert Flores,

Capitol Museum

Coordinator

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Much like their WWI namesakes, and almost 100 years

later to the day the aircra� of the “Dawn Patrol”, a name

given to those flyers who rise early to take off just before

sunrise, taxied out of Glendale Az. airports north hang-

ers. Coming into view was a Hollywood film crew bustling

around the ramp behind orange cones. Directors, Cam-

era operators, script supervisors and others toiled in the

breaking daylight around what appeared to be the skele-

ton of a helicopter. Light Horse Legacy had been up for

some 0me.

With a panoramic view of Glendale’s main ramp area dis-

played out of the hanger door, Light Horse Legacy (LHL) is

a Peoria based 501(c)3 non-profit organiza0on. Working

to provide an outreach to Veteran’s and their families,

LHL strives to link their needs with care providers and

services for those affected by Post Trauma0c Stress. CEO

David L. Barron knows from experience the kind of a<en-

0on surplus military helicopters can draw. Dave who

spent 31 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Los

Angeles County Fire Dept., along with Paula Woods and

Mike Clary founded Light Horse Legacy in 2009. Designed

to serve as an outreach program, LHL connects the Veter-

an and their families with the care providers and other

groups who can supply support services. Paula, a pilot

and past chairwoman of the Phoenix’s 99’s, a women’s

pilot associa0on, is working with support groups and or-

ganiza0ons to bring into focus the plight of our Women

Veterans who are serving in combat roles in larger num-

bers. LHL’s main contact with the VA is the Westside Vet-

eran’s Center in Peoria.

A Veteran of the Army’s Air Cavalry, a helicopter pilot

and mechanic, Dave searched for and secured a UH-1H

and a OH-58C airframe and parts that started LHL’s grow-

ing fleet of helicopters. Volunteers such as Ron Dwight

and Jake Lucas have put in countless hours repairing

sheet metal and removing non-serviceable parts to facili-

tate the restora0on process. LHL has provided it’s UH-1H

“Huey” and OH-58 Kiowa to events such as the televised

Phoenix and Mesa Veterans parades, the Glendale “Stand

up for Veterans” hosted by Mayor Jerry Weiers, 4th of

July fireworks at Westgate, Luke Days and Dillon’s Cruise

In car show at Wildlife World Zoo. Well over half a million

people have seen the aircra� in this past year alone!

The venerable UH-1, be<er known as the Huey was se-

lected to represent the Viet Nam era due to its fame as a

rugged warhorse. Thousands of Viet Nam veteran’s hold

the Huey in high esteem as a fighter and survivor. S0ll

used the world over, our UH-1 evokes emo0ons every-

where she goes. While transpor0ng the aircra� back to

Phoenix from Central California we had to stop at the side

of the road. The usual stops, ques0ons and pictures were

punctuated as one man stopped. Spor0ng gray hair and a

Viet Nam Veteran cap on his head, he walked to the nose

and placed an open palm on the helicopter. Head bowed

he communicated with souls long past. A�er some 0me

he stood up, whispered a quiet “thanks” and drove off.

Our OH-58C with its flat windshield connects LHL with the

Veterans of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. Sco< Hurst one of

our Pilot’s and a school trained OH-58 mechanic actually

flew 71-20775 during his pilot training at Ft. Rucker, Ala.

At our first public showing with 775 during the Glendale

Airport open house a Veteran of Iraq walked up with a

look of gra0tude. Poin0ng at the ship to show his family

he spoke loudly “I love this helicopter”! He went on to

explain to his wife that the OH-58 was the aircra� that

flew ahead of their convoys to scout for snipers and IED’s.

He came home safe in no small part due to the OH-58’s

serving in that war.

Light Horse Legacy settles in at Light Horse Legacy settles in at Light Horse Legacy settles in at Light Horse Legacy settles in at

Glendale Az. AirportGlendale Az. AirportGlendale Az. AirportGlendale Az. Airport

Arizona Veterans Connec0on

Advancing avia�on thru restora�on projects involving kids and teens is another goal of Light Horse Legacy. LHL is nego�a�ng the dona�on of a USMC UH-34D, another

aircraF with a long combat history. This is to be a project for the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets and will find a display loca-�on appropriate to her history. These types of restora-�ons allow our staff to teach the basics of aircraF mainte-nance and care. Sparking an interest in flying we an�ci-pate many of our par�cipants to go on to earn their pi-

lot’s licenses and seek out an avia�on career many think is beyond their grasp

Light Horse Legacy is an official partner with the Depart-

ment of Defense for the Viet Nam 50 year Commemora-�ve that will host na�onwide events during the years 2015-17. Two programs are underway to meet that com-mitment.

2015 marks the 40th year since the fall of Saigon and 50 years since the first U.S. combat troops arrived in Viet Nam on March 8, 1965. Light Horse Legacy’s key project is the Patriots Legacy flight. A mission to fly the UH-1 and in �me our OH-58C on a cross country flight from Coast to

Coast ending in Washington D.C. for the Rolling Thunder event on Memorial Day. Stops at Ft. Bliss, Tx., Ft. Hood, Tx. and Ft. Rucker Ala. will reacquaint the Huey with to-day’s modern soldiers. An invita�on to land at the Bell Helicopter Plant, birthplace of the Huey has been accept-ed. Karl Rentz III of American Patriot Helicopters is

providing his UH-1H and UH-1C for the flight. An avid sponsor of LHL, Karl is suppor�ng our efforts to get the Huey flyable. A planning & logis�cs team is being assem-bled. The route of flight, sponsor ci�es and 1,000 other details are geUng organized to support the 2015 and fol-

lowing Patriots Legacy flights.

2013 saw LHL working with contemporary ar�st Steve Maloney on his groundbreaking “Ride‘em Copter” pro-ject. Our mechanics worked with Steve to provide our

experience with OH-58s to accomplish the technical work on the aircraF . From that collabora�on LHL and Art by Maloney have partnered up once again to present “Take

Me Home Huey”. Light Horse Legacy secured a very dam-aged UH-1H from Overseas AircraF Support in Lakeside Az. 67-17174 flew with the 1st Cavalry Division in Viet Nam as an Air Assault ship and later as a Medical Evacua-�on bird. On Valen�nes Day 1969 the Crew chief and Medic were lost due to enemy fire and the ensuing crash.

AFer an extensive rebuild she flew another 28 years be-fore another accident sent her to the scrap yard. Tony Cartland our Project Manager for Take Me Home Huey is direc�ng a team that has taken her down to bare bones . The process of repairing the crash damage is well under-

way with comple�on due on Dec. 1st, 2014. 174 then goes to California for Steve’s interpreta�on before she embarks on a 3 year na�onwide exhibi�on.

That early Memorial Day morning, the Dawn Patrol wit-

nessed the filming of the Project’s documentary and later the interviews with Veterans, Par�cipants and surviving family of Viet Nam casual�es. The crews were on their Memorial Day holiday from many of Hollywood’s prime �me programs to document “Take Me Home Huey” and

its impact on our lives to this day.

Light Horse Legacy can be followed at:

lighthorselegacy.org

Stevemaloney.com has a link to “Take Me Home Huey” and Take Me Home Huey is also on Facebook:

Huey h"ps://www.facebook.com/takemehomehuey

Visit Light Horse Legacy on Facebook at:

h"ps://www.facebook.com/groups/LightHorseLegacy/


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Hello everyone, my name is Annalee Monroe and I am honored

to be speaking here today at such a beau�ful ceremony. It truly is one of the best gradua�on giFs ever. Thank you, Mrs. Hatch!

On May 15, 2012, my grandfather Thomas C. Roche was in-terred here. At 83 years old he held insurmountable pride and

honor for his country that never wavered. When I was around 6

years old, he was the one who first told me about the military and what it did for the United States. As a Lieutenant Com-

mander in the Navy in ac�ve duty and reserves for over 20

years, my grandpa had countless stories to tell of his service.

However, my grandfather’s is not the only to be told! There are

thousands of other veterans across the state of Arizona who have important stories. As a member of Veterans Heritage Pro-

ject, spearheaded by Mrs. Barbara Hatch, students like myself

are able to establish connec�ons across genera�ons with veter-ans. We interview veterans and write their service stories in a

published book printed every April, called Since You Asked. This

book, along with recorded DVDs of the veteran interviews, is sent to the Library of Congress to be archived.

I have been a member of this fantas�c project for three years.

Each year I am astounded by the compassion and dedica�on of

students, many younger than I am, toward veterans, in par�cu-lar the World War II veterans, whom we are beginning to lose

too soon. I am also thankful of the apprecia�on I am able to hold at a young age because of VHP. Memorial Day is the day

where I realize the freedom we enjoy is not free. I am tremen-

dously honored to be part of Veterans Heritage Project in a way where we pay tribute to these unspoken heroes. When I see

the American flags waving in the wind over the beau�ful graves,

I can’t help but be en�rely moved with the spirit of these fallen soldiers. It is thoroughly humbling.

Even more so, when I see the flags around us, I am comforted by the fact that my grandpa rests here. He wouldn’t have it any

other way—to be in such a place that honors veterans and the

United States of America. His spirit lives on in this day through all of you who came to celebrate the memory of others who

gave everything they had to this amazing country. Thank you

for being here, and thank you to all current and former United States servicemen and women.

God bless the veterans and the United States of America.

Veterans, families, government officials and other honored

guests gathered at the Na�onal Memorial Cemetery to show their respect and remember those who are interned there. The

ceremonies commenced at 0800, with a flyover by a 1930’s World War II trainer aircraF flown by the Arizona An�que Air-

plane Associa�on. The Master of Ceremonies was Maricopa

County A?orney, Bill Montgomery. Governor Jan Brewer pre-sented the Proclama�on to officially recognize May 26th 2014 as

“Arizona Memorial Day”. Governor Brewer was joined by Arizo-

na Department of Veterans’ Services Director Tim Vogt and the current director of the Na�onal Memorial Cemetery of Arizona,

Jerry Rainey. Mr. Rainey has been responsible for all burials and

opera�ons at the Na�onal Memorial Cemetery of Arizona as

well as the Presco? Na�onal Cemetery.

The Special Guest Speaker for the services was Annalee Monroe

of the Veterans Heritage Project. The music was provided by the 108th Army Band and Vocalist Vern West SFC, USA (Ret.). The

Parade of the Colors and the placing of the wreaths were carried

out by many veteran-serving organiza�ons, community sup-por�ve groups, Civil Air Patrol squadrons, and Armed Forces

Color Guards. The memorial ceremony concluded with “Taps”

played by Vern West as Civil Air Patrol squadrons 301 and 302 released ceremonial white doves.

Memorial Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Memorial Day speech

Annalee Monroe, Veterans Heritage Project

National Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona

Annalee Monroe, Photo by Barbara Hatch - Veterans Heritage Project h4p://veteransheritage.org/


Bill Montgomery, County A4orney

L: Gov. Jan Brewer Jerry Rainey, Director Na/onal Cemetery of Arizona Below: ScoHsh American Military Society

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The members of the Fleet Reserve Associa�on (FRA), Chapter #163 and Ladies Auxiliary Unit #163 met at the Greenwood

Cemetery at I-17 on Armed Forces Day to perform the unsung ceremonial du�es to pay respect and to honor veterans. The

members of the FRA and Ladies Auxiliary gather early in the

morning to sort, clean, repair and recondi�on thousands of flags. They are joined every year by cadets and staff from the

United States Sea Cadet Corps that help sort and recondi�on

the flags. These flags are then placed the following week by local Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops on the graves of veterans

buried at the cemetery.

This year was one of the more challenging years due to the purchase of flags by both the FRA and the Greenwood Ceme-

tery. This added or replaced an addi�onal 3,600 to the approx-imately 5,000 flags that were repaired.

The interac�on with veterans added to the special moments

that veterans, auxiliary members and cadets shared in their combined work for this special day of honoring. The historic

personal experience sea tales shared by veterans were of great

interest to the curious, a?en�ve cadets. This special duty is carried out by the FRA and the Naval Sea Cadets to ensure that

every veteran has a presentable flag placed on their respec�ve

grave sites. During this labor of love, cadets learn the im-portance of service, reverence and tradi�onal remembrance of

those who served their country.

Flag Sharpening at the Greenwood Cemetery

If you like to submit ar�cles, announce upcoming events or

place an adver�sement in this publica�on, you may contact

me at : [email protected] or call 602-885-7038.

Find us on Facebook:

h"ps://www.facebook.com/AZVETCON - Be sure to “Like” us.

Or visit our webpage: h"p://azveteransconnec�on.org/

Arizona StandDown:

A new StandDown will be held at the VFW Post 9972, 549 Veter-ans Drive, in Sierra Vista from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug 22. At

this StandDown many services will be available to homeless and in-need veterans. Bus routes have been set up throughout the

Cochise County area in Tombstone, Bisbee and other loca�ons.

Informa�on is available at 520-226-6317 or 520-236-2844. Vol-unteers are also needed. E-mail [email protected] or go

to facebook.com/CCStandDown.

5 Ton Food/Dona�on Drive and Turkeys to Troops

Have you ever been hungry? Not because you’re on a diet or

you didn’t have �me to eat, but because you don’t have enough money to buy food? Unfortunately, that’s what it’s like for many

Arizona wounded Veterans and their families. Arizona Heroes to

Hometowns knows you’d like to help. Bring your non-perishable food items and dona�ons to their 5 Ton Food Drive on Friday,

July 25th at 4 valley Fry’s Food Stores. Let’s fill these trucks!!

This year we’ve added a special 5 Ton Food/Dona�on Drive to be held at 4 Fry’s Food Stores throughout the Phoenix area and

the help of local radio sta�ons. Non-perishable food and mone-tary dona�ons for the 5 Ton Food/Dona�on program will be

accepted to complete food boxes from local food banks. Friday

July 25th, 2014 is your chance to help restock local food banks

and/or donate to the Turkeys to Troops program through AZ

Heroes to Hometowns. ’ AZ Heroes to Hometowns will be at the following Fry’s loca�ons

from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday July 25th stop by one of the following 4 Fry’s loca�ons and help us fill the trucks! 5100 S.

McClintock, Tempe 85282 (Baseline and McClintock) 4707 E.

Shea Blvd. Phoenix, 85028 (Shea Blvd and Tatum) 1845 E. Base-line Rd., Gilbert 85233 (Gilbert Rd. and Baseline) 10675 W. Indi-

an School Rd., Avondale 85037 (107th Ave and Indian School Rd)

In partnership with AZ Heroes to Hometowns, you can thank our military service members and their families, by leUng them

know that Arizonan cares. Please consider helping those men, women, and their families that have done their part to fight for

our freedom. ’

Thank you in advance for your assistance and support of our troops.


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“Our Mission is to raise awareness for those who have

served and those s�ll figh�ng for our Freedoms, to recognize them not only every day, but to pay our respects for their brav-

ery, unselfish courage and commitment on Armed Forces Day.”

5th Na�onal Armed Forces FreedomRide Arizona

The Arizona state chapter of the Na�onal Armed Forces

FreedomRide took place on Saturday, May 17, 2014. This year’s FreedomRide was sponsored by American Legion Post 2 Phoe-

nix. One hundred riders and over two hundred par�cipants and supporters came together to celebrate Armed Forces Day

and to raise money for a very worthy cause. All event proceeds

were presented to Margy Bons, CEO and founder of MAM—the Military Assistance Mission. “MAM’s mission is to provide fi-

nancial and morale aid to our current ac�ve duty military, and

wounded warriors regardless of overseas deployment.” For more informa�on on the charitable work of MAM, please visit:

h?p://www.azmam.org/ .

This year’s Arizona Chapter ride began at American Legion Post 1 Phoenix, and rode to Post 84 at Ira Hayes Veterans Memorial

Park in Sacaton, then on to Post 9 Florence, Post 27 Apache

Junc�on and ended at Post 2 in Tempe. Skeeter Peak, the Ari-zona state coordinator, has been involved with organizing the

event since the founding of the state’s chapter, including this year’s very successful event.

The 2014 event featured a free pancake breakfast and lunch,

live music by Unknown Associates, and special appearances by

the Devoted Dolls, Civil Air Patrol, Sky Harbor Composite Squadron 301, Desert Warrior Military Vehicles, Joe Miller,

Mike Malcom from Buckeye Fire on bagpipes, and, Aurora the Eagle from Wildlife Liberty. A great Armed Forces Day celebra-

�on was presented by the Patriot Youth Corp; the POW, MIA,

KIA Honor Guard; and Motorcycle Color Guards of America. Rhona Maskin graced the event, singing a stunning version of

the Na�onal Anthem. Vendors included Hog Wear, Purple Slice,

Kangaroo Hut and Lady Aces’ massage booth.

Currently, there are twenty-five states that have Na�onal Armed Forces FreedomRide USA chapters, including Arizona.

Founder Cathy “Gypsy” Hooper has envisioned since 2009 to have all fiFy states par�cipate in a ride. These special motorcy-

cle ride-ins and annual associated events raise awareness for

our service members that have served in the U.S. military and for those who are s�ll figh�ng for freedom recognizing their

daily sacrifices. With special ceremony and recogni�on on

Armed Forces Day each year, state chapters pay their respects to the brave, unselfish courage of all who are serving or have

served our country.

Visit the website to find out more about next year’s 6th Annual event. Online registra�on is ongoing throughout the year at:

www.azfreedomride.webs.com. Sponsors are always welcome.

Photos taken by: Marion Cartland, Arizona Veterans Connec-

�on Magazine; Dene?e Reid, Patriot Youth Corp; and, Bonnie “Wolf” Paul.

5th National Armed Forces FreedomRide

Arizona


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All capital ships had bands. At 0800 (8 a.m.) every morning, they played the Na�onal Anthem as the Na�onal Ensign was raised. This is what the bands aboard the ships at Pearl Harbor were preparing to do on 7 December 1941, but at 0750 every-thing changed ~ forever ~ and ALL 21 members of the USS Ari-zona's band were lost. The USS Arizona band is the only US Navy band which was formed together, trained together, transferred together, reported aboard a ship together, fought together, and died together.

There is a myth that the band of the USS Arizona had won an internship band contest in Honolulu the night before Decem-ber 7th. As a reward they were allowed to sleep in late on Sun-day. Therefore, they all died together in their bunks when the a?ack occurred. That is a ridiculous completely false myth. Please allow me to ask you a ques�on: “If you were being bombed, strafed, general quarters was sounding, and the speaker was blur�ng out ‘man your ba?le sta�on—this is no drill’ would you be asleep in your bunk? Of course not. Fur-thermore, survivors remember seeing band members at their ba?le sta�ons. It is true that every member of the band died during the a?ack, but they were not in their bunks!

Where did this myth come from? There was a band contest,

but the Arizona’s band had been cut two weeks before. They were not even at the contest the night before. Lorraine Marks, Robert ManzeU, and I went to the home of a survi-vor’s daughter. She had a box of memorabilia from her father that she was giving to the USS Arizona Reunion Associa�on. While going through the box, I discovered the program from the band contest held on 6 December, 1941. The band of the Arizona was not on the program because it had been cut two weeks before. The band of the USS Nevada had won the con-test. The confusion probably came from the fact that the Ne-vada’s band had engraved on their winning trophy, “IN MEMORY of the band of the USS Arizona.” All 21 members of the band were killed (KIA) aboard the ARIZONA on that infa-mous day.

Following are pictures of the twenty-one, along with very brief informa�on of each. This is taken from official US Navy records and other sources. Especially note their nicknames.

“USS ARIZONA BB-39 17 June 1941 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Deck Log 1600 to 2000. Pursuant to basic orders from the Com-manding Officer, Receiving Ship, Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., NM9/P-16-4/MM dated May 26, 1941 the following men re-ported for duty:”

KINNEY, Frederick W. (BANDMASTER). 279-25-26, 1st Mus. Home: Bremerton, Washing-ton. Graduate of Bremerton High School, a?ended University of Washington at Sea?le.

HAAS, Cur�s J. 316-70-82, S2C. Home: Kansas City, Missouri. Graduate of North Kansas City High School, a?ended Huff Business College. Previous occupa�on - Professional Musician. Major instrument - Flute, Piccolo. Minor instrument - Tenor Sax, Clarinet. Nickname - "Curt"

LYNCH, Emme" I. 287-39-39 Musician 2c. Home: Louisville, Kentucky. Graduate of Ormsby Village High School. A.B. from Georgetown College. Previous occupa�on - Salesman. Major instrument - Bass Drum. Nickname - "Rusty"

USS ARIZONA'S LAST BAND

By Dr. Earl Field : USS Arizona Reunion Associa�on

RADFORD, Neal J. 316-69-33 S2C. Home: Newark, Nebraska. A?ended Kearney High School. Previous occupa�on - Farmer. Major instrument - Baritone. Nickname - "Brick"

BANDY, Wayne L. 337-41-33 S2C. Home: Waynesville, Missouri. Graduate of Waynesville High School. Previous occupa�on - Truck Driver. Major instument - Trumpet. Nickname - "Buck"

CHERNUCHA, Harry G. 223-91-08 S2C. Home: North Merrick, Long Island, New York. Graduate of Mephan High School. Wrestling champion of New York State High Schools. Major instrument - Clari-net. Minor instrument - Sax. Nickname - "Cherry" & "The Mad Russian"


s

Visit our Facebook page to view many photo albums from veteran events throughout the year as well as flyers for upcoming events, charity rides, helpful informa�on, and much more, at:

h"ps://www.facebook.com/AZVETCON - Be sure to “Like” us.

You may also request to have your newsle?er from your organiza�on or veterans group posted on our web page to assure a wide dissemina�on of informa�on throughout the state at:

h"p://azveteransconnec�on.org/

WILLIAMS, Clyde R. 356-42-55 S2C. Home: Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Graduate of Okmulgee High School. Previ-ous occupa�on - "Soda Jerk" Major instrument - Cor-net. Nickname - "Oklmulgee"

SHAW, Robert K. 360-26-52 S2C. Home: Pasadena, Texas. Graduate of Pasadena High School. Previous occupa�on - Movie Usher. Major instrument - Trom-bone. Nickname - "Peepee"

SCRUGGS, Jack L. 382-34-07 S2C. Home: Long Beach, California. Graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Previous occupa�on - Salesman and Semi-professional musician. (His sister reported Jack was asked by ADM Kidd, Sr. to play his accordion for his wife's birthday call.) Major instrument - Trombone. Minor instrument - Piano and Piano Accordion. Nickname - "Scrooge"

MCCARY, William M. 272-49-25 S2C. (Deck log spells last name McCrary) Home: Birmingham, Ala-bama. Graduate of Shades Cahaba High School. Previous occupa�on - Ranch Hand. Major instru-ment - Tuba. Nickname - "Swede"

BURDETTE, Ralph W. 224-09-35 S2C. Home: Plain-field, New Jersey. Graduate of Plainfield High School. Major instrument - French Horn. Nickname - "Chowhound"

NADEL, Alexander J. 224-14-64 S2C. Home: Astoria, Long Island, New York. Graduate of Bryant High School. A?ended Juilliard Conservatory of Music. Previous occupa�on - Semi-professional musician. Major instrument - Trumpet. Nickname - "Alexander the Swooze"

HUGHES, Bernard T. 243-88-64 S2C. Home: Athens, Pennsylvania. Graduate of Athens High School. Previ-ous occupa�on - Factory Worker. Major instrument - Trombone. Nickname - "Bee"

WHITSON, Ernest H. Jr. 279-79-54 S2C. Home: Cin-cinna�, Ohio. Graduate of Withrow High School. A?ended Cincinna� Conservatory of Music. Previous occupa�on - Salesman. Major instrument - String Bass. Nickname - "Ernie"

FLOEGE, Frank N. 300-38-73 S2C. Home: Har-vey, Illinois. Graduate of Thornton Township High School. Previous occupa�on - Welder in Buda Diesel Co. Major instrument - Clarinet. Minor instrument - Sax. Nickname - "Flat-foot Floogie"

COX, Gerald C. 300-38-24 S2C. Home: Rock Island, Illinois. Graduate of East Molin High School. A?ended Racine Conservatory of Mu-sic. Previous occupa�on - Guitar Teacher. Ma-jor instrument - Guitar. Nickname - "Jerry"

WHITE, Charles W. 368-62-78 S2C. Home: Boun�ful, Utah. Graduate of Davis High School. A?ended Brigham Young University. Previous occupa�on - Professional Musician. Major instrument - Drums. Nickname - "Whitey"

SANDERSON, James H. 376-15-83 S2C. Home: Lindsay, California. Graduate of Lindsay High School. Previous occupa�on - Orange Grower. Major instrument - Sax. Nickname - "Sandy"

HURLEY, Wendell R. 291-66-49 S2C. Home: Louisville, Kentucky. Graduate of Marion High School. Previous occupa�on- Baton Twirling Teacher. Major instrument - Clari-net. Nickname - "Lady Killer"

MOORHOUSE, William S. 342-29-10 Musician 2c. (Deck log spells name Moorehouse) Home: Wichita, Kansas. Graduate of Strong Vincent High School. A?ended Erie Conserva-tory of Music. Previous occupa�on - DraFs-man. Major instrument - Trumpet. Nickname - "Killer"

BRABBZON, Oran M. 223-81-96 Musician 2c. Home: East Meadow, Long Island, New York. Graduate of Hempstead High School. Major instrument - French Horn. Nickname - "Bu?ercup"


s

Julian Wya? is a 30-year Navy veteran who belongs to Jewish War Veterans’ Copper State Post #619. He and Gabe Forsberg banded forces to fundraise in Laveen rather than driving to Sun Lakes (where the chapter meets every month).

AFer obtaining permission from the Corporate Headquarters to expand the number of Fry's stores where the poppies can be sold, the two were able to do fundraising over two days--May 25 and Memorial Day. The chapter raises funds by selling poppies a few �mes a year. Proceeds from the poppy sales benefit veter-ans in need. The photo below is of Ed Herrera who was so sup-por�ve of these charitable efforts.

On the second day, Julian was joined by his son, Nathan, (L) and his grandson Angel (R).

In the foreground, you can see an amazing "shadow box" con-cept designed by Julian. When Lt. Commander Wya? leF the Navy aFer 30 years, he used a specially designed cedar chest to house his insignia and med-als. On the leF of the shadow box were items from his �me as an enlisted sailor. To the leF of the American flag are items from his �me as an officer. Normally, the bo?om of the cedar chest holds his evalua-�ons and other military paper-work and his uniforms (but it was empty so it could be trans-ported). On the lid of the ce-dar chest is a cer�ficate of his Bronze Star received for hero-ism in Iraq. People would stop

and take photos of the display, which was a great way for Gabe and Julian to meet the Laveen Fry's customers. In those two days, they were able to raise nearly $900 to support homeless veterans.

Dona�ons to help homeless and at-risk veterans can be mailed to Gail Canton, Jewish War Veterans, Post #619, 9502 E. Cham-pagne Drive., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Dona�ons are tax deduc�-ble according to the law.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A dedicated family man, this publica�on would like to give a special “shout out” to Julian to thank him for his military service, his valor, and his support of others—including veterans—over a many years. This is just one of the many pro-jects that Jewish War Veterans manage each year and a fine example of vets helping vets—giving a hand up, not a hand out.

Poppy Sales:Poppy Sales:Poppy Sales:Poppy Sales: Jewish War Veterans’ Special Sales Team Raises Funds for Homeless Veterans Jewish War Veterans’ Special Sales Team Raises Funds for Homeless Veterans Jewish War Veterans’ Special Sales Team Raises Funds for Homeless Veterans Jewish War Veterans’ Special Sales Team Raises Funds for Homeless Veterans


’Dear Fellow Patriots, ’ We are sending this invita�on early so you may plan ahead and mark the date on your calendar of ac�vi�es and events before taking your summer hiatus from organiza-�onal mee�ngs. The Phoenix Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, is once again conduc�ng its massing of the colors and service of remembrance in September. Members of your organiza�on, their families and friends are cordially invited to a?end this moving and patrio�c program. This colorful annual event, honoring those who served our Na�on during peace and war, along with a Service of Re-membrance for those brave men and women who gave their lives figh�ng for our freedom, will be held at Carl Hayden Community High School on September 14th, 2014, the Sunday closest to the 13th anniversary of Patriots’ Day. The high school, located at 3333 West Roosevelt Street, and the JROTC Department have made the school auditorium available for this occasion. The 108th Army Band, Arizona Army Na�onal Guard, will be in concert be-ginning at 2:00 PM, followed at 2:30 PM by the Massing and Service of Remembrance ceremonies. ‘

Please plan to par�cipate in this solemn ceremony. Your na�onal colors and/or service organiza�onal banner, along with those of many other patrio�c and service organiza-�ons, will be paraded in a dignified pageantry to honor all military service personnel past and present. Help us pay tribute to those who have served, especially to those who have made the supreme sacrifice in all our wars. Color Bearers should report to the JROTC Unit Coordinator at the front of the school auditorium not later than 1 PM. Your representa�ves will receive their final march order assignments when they report with your organiza�onal colors. High School JROTC Cadets, CAP Cadets, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts of America will be provided to carry the colors of those who are unable to do so themselves. Please RSVP as soon as possible to accept this invita�on, or tender your organiza�on’s regrets. Your responses must be received not later than 1 September 2014 to insure that your organiza�on is properly recognized on our printed program.

Glenn S. Goins

Major, United States Army (Re�red)

Phoenix Chapter Unit and Colors Coordinator

Phone: (480) 940-4080/E-Mail: [email protected]

The Military Order of the World WarsThe Military Order of the World WarsThe Military Order of the World WarsThe Military Order of the World Wars

Phoenix ChapterPhoenix ChapterPhoenix ChapterPhoenix Chapter

A Patriotic OrganizationA Patriotic OrganizationA Patriotic OrganizationA Patriotic Organization

Established 24 May 1934 Established 24 May 1934 Established 24 May 1934 Established 24 May 1934

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;

http://www.va.gov/

Benefits: 1-800-827-1000

Health Care: 1-877-222-VETS (8387)

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs;

https://dvs.az.gov/

1335 North 52nd Street, Room M5710 Phoenix, AZ 85008

Phone: 602-629-4380 Fax: 602-627-3275

Veterans Employment and Training Service

(VETS); http://www.dol.gov/vets/

DVET Michael Espinosa; [email protected]

Phone: (602) 542-2515

VPA DeeAnna Bratton; [email protected] ;

Phone: (602) 542-2516

ADVET Jesus Arrieta; [email protected] ;

Phone: (602) 542-2515 Fax: (602) 542-4103

Veterans' Employment and Training Service

1400 West Washington Street, Suite 123

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

The Official Benefits website of the U.S. government;

http://www.benefits.gov/

U.S. federal government website for information on disabil-

ity programs and services nationwide;

https://www.disability.gov/

Military One Source;

https://www.militaryonesourceeap.org

1-800-342-9647.

TRICARE health care program for service members

(active, Guard/Reserve, retired) and their families;

http://www.tricare.mil/

(1-877-988-9378)

Military Service and Social Security

www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free,

1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY

number, 1-800-325-0778).

If you became disabled while on active military service on

or after October 1, 2001, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/

woundedwarriors to find out how you can receive expedit-

ed processing of your disability claim.

National Contact Center; If you have a question about

federal agencies, programs, benefits, or services

http://www.usa.gov/ 1-800-FED-INFO (333-4636)

HealtheVet is VA’s online personal health record

https://www.myhealth.va.gov/

BenefitsCheckUp is free service of the National Coun-

cil on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit service and advocacy or-

ganization in Washington, DC.

https://www.benefitscheckup.org/

Help for Homeless Veterans;

http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ 1-877-4AID-VET 1 (877)

424-3838.

Center for Women Veterans

https://dvs.az.gov/women-vets

Beneficiaries in receipt of Pension Benefits

1-877-294-6380

Debt Management Center (Collection of Non-Medical

Debts) 1-800-827-0648

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department

of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) 1-800-733-8387

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV)

1-877-345-8179 (or) 1-888-820-1756

Foreign Medical Program (FMP)

Spina Bifida Health Care Program

Education (GI Bill) 1-877-222-8387

Health Care Benefits 1-888-442-4551

Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Combat Call Center

1-877-WAR-VETS ( 877-927-8387)

Life Insurance:

Service members and/or Veterans Group Life Insurance

Program 1-800-419-1473

All other VA Life Insurance Programs 1-800-669-8477

Mammography Helpline

1-888-492-7844

Women Veterans Hotline

1-855-VA-WOMEN (829-6636)

Center for Women Veterans

http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/

Phoenix Downtown office 3333 North Central Avenue,

Suite 1052 Phoenix, AZ 85012, 602-627-3261

Services and Resource


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