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POW/MIA RADIO:

 

 

 

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ALASKA:
 

 

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ARIZONA:

 

http://www.yumasun.com/news/wounded_44762___article.html/help_motorcycles.html

Veterans ride motorcycles to help other wounded troops Comments 0 | Recommend 0 October 2, 2008 - 6:20PM BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER About 65 motorcycle-riding veterans made a brief stop in Yuma Thursday on their way to San Diego as part of the Wounded Warrior Project to deliver health, comfort and personal items to wounded military personnel.

The riders left Queen Creek earlier the same morning and were escorting a truckload full of about $55,000 worth of items to veterans recovering in the Camp Pendleton Hospital and the Balboa Medical Center.

"They do such a great job for the veterans and it is always wonderful to see them come through here," said American Legion Post 19 commander Jim Caley.

Among the items inside the 24-foot truck, which was donated, were two 42-inch flat-screen televisions, two 50-inch plasma televisions, 200 MP3 players, 400 pajama pants, 300 pair of socks, 300 T-shirts, 200 DVDs, Wii II games and an assortment of hygiene items for both men and women.

Veterans from American Legion posts in Glendale, Tucson, Peoria, Lake Havasu, Queen Creek and California were participating in the ride.

As part of their trip, the riders made a stop at American Legion Post 19 here in Yuma, where a benefit luncheon was being held to help raise more money for the organization.

In addition to some of the proceeds from the luncheon going to the Wounded Warrior Project, Caley said the post was giving the project $700 and other items donated by private individuals and organizations.

Veteran Dick Merschdorf, who co-founded the project along with fellow veterans Jeff Harbison and Bill Tuttle, said the wounded are taken to hospitals in the United States after their injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan and don't have any of their personal or hygiene items. The project fills that need, he said.

"We are taking them the little things they don't have," said Merschdorf, a member of American Legion Post 129 in Queen Creek and an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. "The bottom line is we want them to know we care."

Merschdorf said American Legion Post 129 and the American Legion Riders Post 19 sponsor the program, which relies heavily on community and business donations.

"We spend all year collecting items and then we contact the hospitals to see what they need," Merschdorf said.

Merschdorf, who will have ridden 470 miles on this trip, added that his negative experiences from returning from Vietnam are also contributing to his reasons for delivering the items each year.

"We want to instill something in our current generation of veterans," Merschdorf said. "Our hope is that we are giving them something that they will carry on to the next vets."

John Escalante, an active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, drove from San Diego to Yuma Thursday morning so he could take part in the final leg of the journey.

"Getting packages like this helps keeps (wounded troops') spirits up," Escalante said. "Something like this is a worthy cause."

Escalante, who is active in his American Legion post in Escondido, said he had duty Wednesday night but as soon as he got off he went home, got on his motorcycle and made the 3-1/2-hour trip.

He added that as an active-duty Marine, he has had friends who have been injured and understands that sometimes they don't get visits from family members and friends due to being sent to faraway hospitals. So he understands the need the project fills.

Merschdorf said anyone who wants to make a donation to the organization can do so at Union Bank, c/o Operation Wounded Warrior, 20713 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85232.

After the luncheon, the riders left Yuma with a thunder of revving motorcycles at about 1:30 p.m. and headed out along Interstate 8.

Merschdorf added that the group will be taking items to Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio next week.

The ride, now in its fourth year, gets bigger each year, according to Merschdorf. He said the first year they did it, 12 riders showed up. The second year, there were 48 and last year 157. About 300 riders are expected to participate this year.

--- James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.

 

 

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INDIANA:

 

http://www.post-trib.com/news/neighbors/1195530,powmia.article

Program at Valpo VFW centers on POWs, MIAs Recommend (1) Comments

October 1, 2008

By Janna Odenthal Post-Tribune correspondent

VALPARAISO -- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 988 conducted a somber, but hopeful, ceremony recently to remember armed forces members still designated as prisoners of war or missing in action. The event included a speech by Adrian Cronauer, brought to fame by Robin Williams in the film "Good Morning Vietnam," followed by the release of black balloons accompanied by a lone trumpeter playing taps. Each balloon represented a prisoner of war or a soldier missing in action.

The crowd saluted, remaining silent during the balloon release.

The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is the third Friday each September. At the Valparaiso event, Porter County Sheriff David Lain sang the national anthem and said the worst crime was abandonment. He talked about the agony experienced by families unable to have closure when a loved one is missing.

Cher Wright of Hebron said people need to learn about missing soldiers and act on their behalf.

"POW/MIA is a very important issue," she said. "The thought of a family member not knowing what happened to their loved one and not having closure is something I want to change. I want to educate the community and rally them to get out there and do something."

In front of the podium, a table and empty chair represented missing comrades. A flag and red rose symbolized the blood they shed for freedom.

A candle illustrated the light of hope that the soldiers will return one day. A slice of lemon and pinch of salt on a plate reminded the crowd of the bitter fate of those captured and the tears of their families.

Bill Hanna, Valparaiso deputy mayor, spoke about the time he served as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery.

"I think that place represents a good degree of solace to families who never found out the status of their missing loved ones," Hanna said. "It was a blessing to be there, a once-in-a-lifetime honor. It pales in comparison to the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The evening ended with words from Cronauer, who serves as special assistant to the director of the Pentagon's POW/MIA Office.

Rather than being overwhelmed by the list of 88,000 POW/MIAs, Cronauer said he treats each one as a unique individual. He described the search as trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without the picture from the box, and not being sure that all the pieces were from the same puzzle. He called the work slow and laborious.

Regardless of the difficulties, however, his passion and dedication to find soldiers remains relentless, he said.

Cronauer said each lead is followed as far as possible to reach the ultimate goal of returning the soldier's remains to his or her loved ones. He offered advice for public involvement.

"Support our efforts politically with Congress," he said. "Be careful about rumors and urban legends about POWs and MIAs. Include our people in your prayers that they can be safe and successful. For the troops who are serving now, support them. Thank them for their service and welcome them back."

How to help

For more information about the Defense Technical Information Center, visit www.dtic.mil/dpmo.

 

 

 

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MAINE:

 

http://blog.intheregister.com/2008/10/02/letter-observations-on-peoples-priorities-oct-2-2008.aspx

Letter: Observations on people’s priorities (Oct. 2, 2008) Posted by Register Editor at 10/2/2008 2:15 PM and is filed under Opinion,Letters to the Editor

Editor:

On Saturday, Sept. 20 Rolling Thunder Maine held a very important ceremony on Central Park in Sanford, the annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day. Although the official day is the third Friday in September every year — a work day for many — these dedicated veterans and non-veterans have chosen to hold their remembrance ceremony the next day to afford the citizens and veterans a better chance to attend and show their respect for the very people that have given up their most precious freedom so that we as Americans can live free.

In attendance we had veterans from the various veteran’s posts, future veterans from the Massabesic Junior R.O.T.C. Color Guard, local town officials and invited guests. We had many more veterans this year than last of which we are very grateful. What I also noticed was the absence of the citizenry; there was probably a half dozen in attendance for the ceremony. Is honoring the very individuals that gave up their freedom for us that unimportant to you all.

After our ceremony I drove past the area of “The Great Pumpkin Drop” there all along the way people were standing three, maybe four-deep to watch planes dropping pumpkins.

Is that more important than paying tribute to our military? You could not spare 45 minutes out of your morning to attend a very import ceremony as the POW/MIA Remembrance Day ceremony?

At our ceremony I asked the following of all in attendance and I am asking the same of the readers of this article:

Seek out the former POW’s and their families of the missing in your community and ask them to publicly tell their stories so that our children and their children will understand the service and sacrifice that’s required when America calls upon its military.

Teach America about World War II – about a time when a nation of 133 million citizens put 16 million of them into uniform to help save the world from tyranny.

Teach them about Korea – “The Forgotten War” – but one just a brutal as any conflict in our nation’s history.

Teach them about Vietnam – about how a nation turned its back on an entire generation of soldiers because its citizens couldn’t disassociate the war from the warrior.

Teach them about Operation Desert Storm – the first Gulf War – when America vowed to never again turn its back on its warriors. When America regained its pride for those who wear the uniform of our country.

And teach them about the brave men and women who continue to serve in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere.

People who put others before themselves IS the story of America – the America that rose to greatness on the shoulders of ordinary citizens who refuse to shirk the responsibility of citizenship – some of whom paid the highest price to preserve peace and freedom for others to enjoy.

Joseph Armstrong,

President

Rolling Thunder Maine

 

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MASSACHUSETTS:

 

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080929/NEWS/809290341

Local Viet Vets Chapter marks POW/MIA Day

NEW BEDFORD — To honor POW/MIA Day, which this year fell on Sept. 19, Chapter 499 of the Vietnam Veterans of America gathered at Fort Taber Park on Sunday afternoon. The group gathered on the porch outside the park's military museum at 1:30 p.m. for prayer and readings in memory of servicemen and women who did not return home.

"Roland Gendron ran the whole thing. It was put on by the Vietnam veterans but it's to honor all wars," chapter president John Remedis said.

POW/MIA Day is one of six days that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag.

The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day, according to the Department of Defense.

— DON CUDDY

 

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http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081003/OPINION/810030316/-1/NEWS01

LETTER: More candidates should join political debates October 03, 2008 9:55 PM  More candidates should join political debates

Barack Obama did not do as well as I expected in the Friday night debate because his own lying propaganda was inferior to that of John McCain, who delivered his lies in a rather flawless fashion for a man of his age and debility.

Mr. Obama could have pointed out that Georgia was the first to assault its own provinces, but instead held to mainstream propaganda labeling Russia as the initial aggressor. Even John McLaughlin on PBS wasn't afraid to set that record straight.

Allowing timely opportunities to pass him by, Mr. Obama could easily have pointed out Mr. McCain's sordid role in the "Keating five" scandal, and could easily have pointed out the contempt in which Mr. McCain is held for refusing to allow reams of POW/MIA information to be declassified and released to help comfort Vietnam War veteran families. But Mr. Obama seemed far more interested in retaining his "good guy" status by refusing to vigorously answer Mr. McCain's frequent attacks on him as unprepared, naďve, and inexperienced.

Mr. McCain consistently presented himself as the toughest candidate on America's alleged enemies such as Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, North Korea and Iran, while at the same time promoting the myth of his devotion to American troops and veterans.

Both performances underscored the pressing need for wider participation in the debates. Ralph Nader could have made the two stars blanch under the glare of unvarnished truth, but our whole election process has been tarnished by powerhouses who insist on allegiance to policies promoting the interests of the richest over the rest of us.

KEN ELLIS

New Bedford

 

 

 

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OHIO:

 

 

Sept. 30, 2008

 

PILOT MISSING IN ACTION FROM THE VIETNAM WAR IS IDENTIFIED

 

            The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

 

            He is Col. David H. Zook, Jr., U.S. Air Force, of West Liberty, Ohio.  He will be buried Oct. 4 in West Liberty.

 

            On Oct. 4, 1967, Zook was on a psychological warfare operation over Song Be Province, South Vietnam, when his U-10B Super Courier aircraft collided in mid-air with a C-7A Caribou.  The C-7 pilot said he saw the other aircraft hit the ground and explode. Several search and rescue attempts failed to locate Zook’s remains.

 

            In 1992, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident in Song Be Province.  The team interviewed Vietnamese citizens who witnessed the crash and saw remains amid the wreckage.  The team surveyed the site and found evidence consistent with Zook’s crash.  While later examining the evidence recovered from the site, a small fragment of bone was found.

 

            In 1993, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered a bone fragment and non-biological material including small pieces of military clothing.  In March 2008, a final excavation was conducted and more human remains were recovered.

 

            Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and also used dental comparisons in the identification of Zook’s remains. 

 

            For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

 

-end-

 

 

AMG Note:  This doesn't doesn't change the number listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  That number remains at 1,749, as of today

 

Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
(PH) 703-465-7432 (FX) 703-465-7433
www.pow-miafamilies.org
 

 

 

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http://www.salemnews.net/page/content.detail/id/505517.html?nav=5007

AMVETS honor comrades MATTHEW WHITE POSTED: September 28, 2008 Save | Print | Email Email: "AMVETS honor comrades"

Members of the AMVETS Post 45 honored their comrades who were prisoners of war or missing in action Sunday in conjunction with the National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Post Commander Jim Barker presented the following individuals with a white rose in recognition of their (or their husband's) service: Normal Swaney, Dominic Staffrey, Jeanne Staffey, Mike Zenn, Elaine Zenn, Charles Myers, Paul Eskay, Hilda Spack, Ike Spack and Millie Baringer.

The 19th Ohio Light Artillery, the AMVETS Post 45 Drill Team, and the post's honor guard saluted the service members with three volleys with their rifles.

Daryal Emelo, Master Sergeant Major, said it's important to remember those who are missing in action.

"We still have a lot of of men missing in action," he said. "Hundreds in Vietnam and it means a lot to let the community know."

The event featured a bamboo cage that gave illustration to the conditions prisoners of war were kept in while in Vietnam. Jim Barker explained how American service members were often kept in the cage for long periods of time and often had to struggle to breath as the water level rose.

Salem Mayor Jerry Wolford told the crowd, "We must keep our faith that the others out there will come back to us. We have to hope and pray every day."

State Sen. Jason Wilson told the crowd he is co-sponsoring legislation to create a cabinet-level position for veteran's affairs. He also showed the crowd a Western Union message his family received notifying them that his great uncle was missing in action.

He said it was followed several days later by another notice, that his uncle had been killed in action.

Matthew White may be contacted at mwhite@salemnews.net

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http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/01/sns100208POW.html

Vietnam War pilot's remains identified after 40 years By Matt Sanctis

Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

West Liberty — About 40 years after his death in a mid-air collision in South Vietnam, a West Liberty pilot has been identified and will be buried in his home town.

Col. David Zook Jr., will be buried with full military honors Saturday, Oct. 4 in West Liberty.

He was born in Bellefontaine on Jan. 22, 1930 and joined the U.S. Air Force in March, 1956.

Zook was declared Missing in Action after a plane crash on Oct. 4, 1967 over the Song Be Province in South Vietnam, according to the Department of Defense POW Missing Personnel Office (DPMO).

Zook was in a U-10B Super Courier aircraft flying a psychological warfare operation over the province when the plane crashed with a C-7A Caribou. The pilot of the C-7 reported that he watched the other aircraft crash and explode, and several attempts to locate Zook's remains failed.

Larry Greer, a spokesman for POW/MIA office, said Zook had a wife and two children at the time of the crash. They could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

However, efforts to locate his remains did not stop after the crash. In 1992, a team that included members of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command continued to investigate the crash. Along with interviewing Vietnamese residents, the team viewed the site and found evidence that matched the crash, according to the DPMO.

A small bone fragment was found, and another team investigated the site a year later, recovering another bone fragment, as well as pieces of military clothing.

According to information from the DPMO, the site was excavated in March this year and more remains were discovered. Scientists used dental records, as well as circumstantial evidence and other forensic tools to identify the remains.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

 

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http://www.mchnews.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=84&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=3883&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=

&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=

&sc=1950&hn=mchnews&he=.com

 

POW/MIAs recognized at ceremony

MCH Photo | DON KELLER A National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony, sponsored by the VFW Motorcycle Club, was held recently at the Athletic Field in McConnelsville. The ceremony honored America’s POW/MIAs and the success of America’s efforts to account for them.

At the opening, the Ohio Army National Honor Guard from 2nd-174th ADA Avenger Battalion presented the colors. Boy Scout Troop 288 and Girl Scout Troop 283 participated in the Flag Raising Ceremony, followed by Jeff Norman singing the National Anthem.

Ray Pierce, president of VFW Post 4713 Motorcycle Club of Malta, offered the welcome, followed by the invocation pronounced by Pastor Charles Baum.

The POW/MIA Day was set to recognize the sacrifices of those service members and civilians, who were prisoners of war or are still missing in action, as well as their families.

In every generation, members of the Armed Forces have answered the call of duty in our Nation’s hour of need. These patriots have defended our freedom and way of life, triumphed over brutal enemies, and answered the prayers of millions.

“May recognition be given and never forgotten to those American prisoners of war for enduring unimaginable hardships while serving in the military conflicts around the globe,” a spokesperson stated.

“As it is known, especially to the families of our missing, the war is never over. Many families still have unaccounted loved ones. For many Americans, this day brings back particularly painful memories and emotions. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to these quiet heroes who proudly serve our Nation and sacrifice so much,” the spokesperson concluded.

Lieutenant Jeff Schultz of the 2nd-174th ADA Avenger Battalion, Ohio Army National Guard, was a guest speaker. Adam Triplett conducted the Missing Man Table Ceremony, followed by another guest speaker, Judge Dan Favreau of the Morgan County Common Pleas Court. Jeff Bragg also spoke to those assembled.

A common theme of the talks was that “all gave some and some gave all, referring to the service of the country’s men and women and the ultimate sacrifice given by many of them. Members of the audience were encouraged to never forget our POW/MIAs, “for if we don’t stay viligant, who will?”

A Missing Man “Hat” Honors Ceremony was held, in which members of Girl Scout Troop 283 and Boy Scout Troop 288 placed a hat from each branch of the service on the Missing Man Table.

Pastor Charles Baum pronounced the benediction, followed by the closing ceremony led by Sarah Harlow of the VFW Motorcycle Club.

At the end of the service, black helium balloons were released in memory of the American POW/MIAs who remain missing. Everyone stood and joined hands while the music played “Some Gave All,” as the balloons were released.

 

 

 

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SOUTH CAROLINA:

 

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/neighbors/story/615476.html

VFW remembers lost souls POW/MIA By Mary R. Wayne - For The Sun News E-Mail Print Comments (0) Recommend (0) Text Size: tool nameclose tool goes here About 25 people dedicated to remembering military personnel left behind in foreign wars gathered at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7288 in Calabash, N.C., for the National POW/MIA Day of Recognition on Sept. 19.

A poster for National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2008 hanging in the VFW hall depicting the National Cemetery of the Pacific says, "In these gardens are recorded the names of Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose earthly resting place is known only to God."

"This day of remembrance has been going on at least 25 years," said Ray Ketchum of Calabash, a Vietnam veteran who spent eight months there as a medic.

 

 

 

 

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WASHINGTON DC:

 

 

 

DD FORM 214 -- SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT

 

 

Make a copy of this for future use. Jim AKA Papa Smurf

Please share this with anyone who's had active duty service prior to
January 2002 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to
this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your
military service, for active duty any time from 1940 through 2001 (the
program was done away with in January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of
earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a
substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your
retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office -
and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! Soc Sec
website:
 http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm 

This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social
Security down the road. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has
served on active duty prior to January 2002.
FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!

we've all been on active duty between 1940 and 2001!

Passing on good information for all you military folks when you apply
for social security. I know this may be too early for some of you to
think about social security but, keep living and you will reach that age.

Good news for Military retiree's/Veterans.

Please share this with anyone who's had active duty service prior to
January 2002 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to
this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your
military service, for active duty any time from 1940 through 2001 (the
program was done away with in January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of
earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a
substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your
retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office -
and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! Soc Sec
website:

http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm 

_

 

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READERS SHARE:
 

 

LET US THINK OF THE COUNTRY AND OUR SOLDIERS FIRST
>
> Much was bandied about during the political primaries about who were
> heroes in the POW community and even, in at least my case, who was sane.
> Within the POW community there are some huge yet paper-thin egos out
> there.
> There are also some paper-thin stories and even our highest awards based
> on self-witnessed ‘heroics.’
>
> In this I am proud the U.S. Army and Marine Corps treated their
> ground-pounders differently than the Air Force and Navy treated their
> pilot POW personnel.  For years the American people did not know who the
> longest held POW was and in this the Army failed Colonel Floyd ‘Jim’
> Thompson. That was a crime.
>
> Now the right and the left in politics are taking a hard look at some of
> my POW brethren.
> The spot-light will shine on who really saw what and how many actually
> witnessed certain acts resulting in medals of the highest order.
> I believe that the awards conferred were deserved but I must believe this
> because to not believe is too terrible to consider.
> One must remember that some of the awards given went to those who died.
> That they were the only witnesses to their gallantry could be placed
> in the category of '‘death-bed’ statements and become acceptable to most.
> But when one looks at others who lived and had conferred upon them our
> highest awards, the results are troubling.
> After all, not just regulations but laws cover the unique requirements
> for certain awards.
> Much will be made of these things by those who support and those who
> oppose Senator McCain within the returned POW community.
> I ask that my fellow Americans keep their eye on what the stakes truly
> are.
> I must support McCain based on his stated purpose to win a war and not
> allow America to cut and run again.
> It is not lost on me that his own son serves in uniform.
> I ask that my fellow Americans disregard the attacks by some of the
> hollow ‘heroes’ within the POW community upon a handful of others and
> myself.

I for one feel very comfortable with the Army policy of putting battlefield
heroics before any real or professed heroics from the prisons. After all,
this election is not about John in Vietnam but John’s stated purpose not to
sell this generation of warriors down the river. My opinion on high awards
is simple; ‘If you get an award for heroism or gallantry, I want to see
enemy dead lying around you.’ I also feel the regulations/law must be
followed, regardless of circumstance, regarding independent witnesses to the
acts being honored. Those who do not meet this standard should perhaps
consider remaining silent about one of the brethren whose acts were
witnessed by many. This is especially true when their words and deeds may
well, as I warned early on, be used to attack John’s candidacy. But the
paper-thin egos are large and that probably will not happen even though the
daggers are now out.

Let us never forget that this election is about the military of today and
not about Vietnam.  John needs to address the traditional conservative
concerns and reach out and commit to addressing those concerns from the
question of unsecured borders to accounting honestly for all POW/MIA from
all of our wars.  These are the true issues and not who was the biggest hero
in the enemy camp.
> Besides, someone might decide to base that on who was least heard from
> during that time.
> Thus some in the POW community need to be quieter in their support of John
> and their attacks on other POW personnel who may not have initially
> supported him.
> After all, few are in a position to match a lack of radio time or anti-war
> letter time with a handful of the rest of us. The same is true of the
> genesis of too many awards and decorations.
> So my brethren, you go easy now because this nation cannot afford to have
> John lose because some of you wish to bask in the reflected glory.
> I think most of you have had more than your share of that already.
> It is about today and this war we cannot afford to lose, not about you.
> So beat the drum softly with purpose for John and encourage him to address
> in no uncertain terms the concerns of POW/MIA families, veterans and the
> conservative base of the Republican Party and the heart of America.
> He will lose if he does not.  It has never been about you and frankly some
> of you cannot afford the scrutiny.

GBU,Mark
 

 

 

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*****Friday Nights*****

 

another weekly series created by Warren

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United States  and Canada.

 

 

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LINKS TO SHARE:
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http://www.military.com/veterans-report/medallions-available-for-headstones 

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp 

Medallions Available for Headstones

Week of September 15, 2008

Family members of veterans who passed away on or after Nov. 1, 1990 can now request a medallion or other device to be placed on the deceased's headstone or grave marker to signify their status as a veteran. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in the preliminary stages of designing the medallion and anticipates

 

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http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/09/sarah-palin-m-3.html

« National electoral map: Drift from McCain toward Obama persists | Main | John and Cindy McCain: Cars aplenty »

John McCain and Sarah Palin get special biker offer MEDIA, Pa. -- When Sen. John McCain campaigned at a motorcycle rally last month in Sturgis, S.D., he joked that he'd urged his wife, Cindy, to enter the semi-nude "Miss Buffalo Chip" beauty contest.

The burly bikers gathered there gunned their engines loudly in appreciation.

On Monday, McCain offered to pack his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, onto a custom chopper and drive her to Washington to “raise hell.” The response this time was applause and laughter.

The occasion was a McCain-Palin rally that drew several thousand people to the courthouse square here. As usual, Palin spoke first, and she stoked the crowd by repeatedly praising McCain's leadership, especially on the war in Iraq.

Then the GOP's vice presidential nominee announced a surprise for McCain.

Heavy metal music thundered from loudspeakers. Then, barrel-chested, blond-haired, grandly tattooed Paul Teutel slowly rode a gleaming, cream-colored chopper up a ramp and onto the stage, followed by sons Paul Jr. and Mikey. The crowd cheered at the sight.

The trio are best known as the constantly squabbling stars of Orange County Choppers, a custom motorcycle company based in central New York state (no, not the other Orange County) that is featured on "American Chopper," a long-running reality TV show on the Discovery Channel.

Paul Sr., a Vietnam veteran, climbed off the bike and leaned over to the microphone. The chopper, he said, was a special POW-MIA tribute, referring to prisoners of war and missing in action. “How many people out there love their country and the military?” he asked.

Satisfied that enough did, he noted that McCain suffered as a POW in Vietnam and said, “This bike represents that. All the people who have been POW-MIA, this bike represents that.”

McCain, standing to one side, grinned wildly. “Marvelous,” he enthused, after grabbing the mike. “Sarah and I are going to get on that chopper and ride it right to Washington and raise hell when we get there.”

A campaign aide said later that Orange County Chopper normally hauls the chopper to special memorials and “support our troops” events. It will continue to serve as such a tribute –- unless McCain borrows it to ride up to Capitol Hill next January.

-- Bob Drogin

 

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Please support our Veterans......My dear friend David George of Law Enforcement Biker, is allowing me to make a donation for each and every TShirt that is sold!! I think that's such a wonderful idea~!

 

Please visit Vetsdontforget.com

 

I think this would be the place I'd like to see benefit from the TShirt sales... Several Veterans charities such as VietNam Veterans Memorial Fund, The Homeless Veterans Shelters, Packages for Patriots are charities that are being considered at the moment.

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