ex-pow bulletin bulletin the official voice of the ... neal and wife, doris, ... make plans for...
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EX-POW BULLETINthe official voice of the
American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 67 Number 7/8www.axpow.org
July/August 2010
We exist to help those who cannot help themselves
2010 Election Issue
At the recent meeting of the Barbed-Wire Mountaineer Chapterof the American Ex-Prisoners of War, the members celebratedthe 99th birthday of Paul Lovell of Bridgeport, WV. The group isplanning their up-coming annualconvention inJune. Members inattendance whohonored Mr.Lovell are: sittingL to R are PatsyPalmeri, PaulLovell, and Okey
DeRaimo. Standing L to R, Okla Edgell (statecommander), Edward Young, Alfred Corbin,William Skinner, Thomas Mathews, CharlesBrown, and Benjamin Portaro.
Presentation of “Four Seasons of the Smoky Moun-tains” to the Ben T. Atchley Veterans’ Home inKnoxville, TN. The presenters were Ex-POW RalphNeal and wife, Doris, on behalf of the Smoky Moun-tain Chapter. The seasonal photographs weregiven to Ralph and Doris as Christmas gifts byRandy Neal with the request that they be donatedto a worthyrecipient.Ralph andDoris’ choice
of recipient was the new Ben Atchley VeteransNursing Home.
Identification of photos:Photo 1: Back: Doris Neal, Ralph Neal, Cmdr.Bonnie Weatherford, Activities Director JennieHowell. Foreground: Ex-POWs Don Abernathy,Dewey Large and Ralph Galyon, members of Smoky Mountain Chapter and residents at
Nursing Home.
Photo 2: From left: Ex-POW Bill Robinson, Sr. Vice Com-mander, Smoky Mountain Chapter; Ex-POW Ralph Nealand wife, Doris; Smoky Mountain Chapter Cmdr., BonnieWeatherford.
Photo 3: From left: Ex-POWs Dewey Large, Ralph Neal andBill Robinson and Chapter Cmdr. Bonnie Weatherford.
Photos by: Randy Neal
EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published bi-monthly (six times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway,Arlington, TX 76010. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin,AXPOW Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as BataanRelief Organization, Washington State non- profit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762,Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsementby the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement.
© 2010 American Ex-Prisoners of War
PublisherPNC Maurice Sharp
9716 54th Street CT WestUniversity Place, WA 98467-1118
(253) [email protected]
EditorCheryl Cerbone
23 Cove View DriveSouth Yarmouth, MA 02664
(508) 394-5250(508) 760-2008 fax
Deadline for the Sept/Oct 2010issue is Aug 1, 2010.
Please send all materials to theeditor at the above address.
officers/directors 4commander/HQ 5outreach/success 6medsearch 8namPOW 12andersonville 13tiger survivors 14pow/mia 15events, info, looking for 16members forum 17voluntary funding 18news 19convention 22biographies 30contributions 32taps 33new members 37NEW CREDIT CARD 38raffle/Ads 39quartermaster 41
July/August 2010table of contents
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
3
Here’s a great idea: Grab your grandkids and have
them bring you to the most wonderful convention!
The MemorialService at theNational Conventionwill be held atAndersonvilleNational HistoricSite on Thursday,September 23, 2010.Join us!
This is the annual convention/election issue. Please see pages 22-29for hotel/registration information, resolutions, voting procedures andcandidates for office. Delegate forms have been sent to chapters anddepartments. If you are planning to vote as a member-at-large, pleasefill out and send in the Delegate Form printed in the Bulletin. We lookforward to seeing many of you in Georgia!
Convention Program Ads! It’s time to get your ad in for the 2009convention! Don’t miss out! The deadline is August 1, 2009.
Your Ways & Means Committee has worked with VISA and CardPartnersto offer our members a custom AXPOW Credit Card. You can fill outyour application on line or call National Headquarters and they’ll makesure you get one. Commander Hanson talks about the fundraisingpotential this card offers.
The 2011 AXPOW Calendar, featuring camp cartoons, is ready to bemailed. Look for it in your postbox! Copy and pictures come togetherto make a sought-after and treasured mini-history of the prisoner ofwar experience and AXPOW.
Summer is in full swing! Attend your State Department conventionsand picnics! Fly your flag proudly! Make plans for Albany Georgia andour National Convention in September!
axpow officers & directors 2009-2010National Headquarters - Clydie J. Morgan, Adjutant
3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy, #40, Arlington, TX 76010(817) 649-2979 (817) 649-0109 fax [email protected]
North East RegionFranklin R. Koehler243 Torrey Pines Dr.Toms River, NJ 08757(732) 244-4629; (732) 505-8702 [email protected]
Laura McIntyrePO Box 475Hardwick, MA 01037(413) 477-8260 (413) 477-0172 [email protected]
East Central RegionJudy LeePO Box 248Madisonville, TN 37354(423) 442-3223; (423) 442-4702 [email protected]
Paul E. Galanti21 Maxwell RoadRichmond, VA 23226(804)[email protected]
Southeast RegionWm “Bill” Jeffers3522 Millbrook Way CrGreenacres, FL 33463(561) [email protected]
Sid Hecker7730 Laie PlaceDiamondhead, MS 39525(228) [email protected]
North Central RegionJohn W Clark1201 S Johnmeyer LnColumbia MO 65203(573) [email protected]
Larry Dwyer814 Woodlawn Ave.Muscatine, IA 52761(563) 263-5249
National CommanderKenny H Hanson9401 Lyndale Ave S #228Bloomington MN 55420(952) 888-2703 – [email protected]
National Senior Vice CommanderMorris Barker710 Chapel ViewWaco, Tx 76712(254) [email protected]
National TreasurerSonnie Bill Mottern279 Huckleberry RoadBluff City, Tenn. 37618(423) 542-1824; (423) 542-3469 [email protected]
National Judge AdvocateDave Drummond1 Crane CourtManalapan, NJ 07726(732) [email protected]
National ChaplainJames H. BeaverPO Box 2103Abingdon, VA 24212(276) [email protected]
Jr. Vice CommandersCharles Susino - Eastern Zone136 Jefferson StreetMetuchen, NJ 08840(732) 549-5775 phone & fax
Carroll Bogard - Central Zone726 N. Carolina PlaceMason City, IA 50401(641) 424-4870
PNC James Cooper - Western ZonePO Box 65Douglas, AZ 85608(520) 364-8582; (520) 805-9401 [email protected]
Mid-Central RegionGrover L. Swearingen408 Fair Park AvenueWest Union, OH 45693(937) [email protected]
Deanie Schmidt1001 Parkview Blvd. #316Columbus, OH 43219(614) [email protected]
South Central RegionJames L. Lollar292 VZ CR 3727Wills Point, TX 75169(903) 560-1734; (903) 560-1705 [email protected]
Pam Warner EslingerPO Box 117Hammon, OK 73650(580) [email protected]
Northwest RegionBonnie Sharp9716 54th Street CT WestUniversity Place, WA 98467-1118(253) [email protected]
Southwest RegionMilton “Skip” Moore2965 Sierra BermejaSierra Vista, AZ 85650(520) 459-7295; (520) 533-3757 [email protected]
Lewis “Lew” Sleeper6636 E Villa DoradoTucson, AZ 85715(520) 751-9628 Voice(520) 490-1082 [email protected]
Senior DirectorPNC Jim Clark214 OakdaleBastrop, LA 71220-2330(318) 281-5505 phone & [email protected]
DirectorsOfficers
Committee addresses appearwith their columns
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
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National CommanderKenny H Hanson
newsfromhq
National Headquarters has been re-ceiving a lot of calls and emails re-garding and IRS letter requestingthe chapters and departments to E-File. After several telephone calls toIRS, we have an answer for you.Toss ‘em.
The letters were sent out to allsmall non-profits to ensure that allnon-profits stayed current. It did
I want to start this message by pay-ing proper homage to our manyhardworking National Service Offic-ers. The vast majority of our NSOsdo their work on their own nickel.Fred Campbell, our Outreach Chair-man has been working tirelessly toobtain benefits for our memberseven though he is confined to hishome because of disabilities.
Lately, I have been busy attendingstate conventions. Around the endof April, I attended the Missouristate convention, from there wewent across to Nashville to attendthe Tennessee state convention. Weleft Nashville just in time to avoidthe flooding there. Then we wenthome to attend our own Minnesotastate convention. The first half ofJune was the Arizona and Texasconventions. Then in August, wewill travel to Columbus, Ohio fortheir state convention. I have hadto turn down a couple of invitationsto state conventions because ofconflicts in schedules.
Please keep our presumptives inmind and call or write your Con-gress people to urge their support.Right now, we are especially push-ing for Diabetes as a presumptivefor former POWs. Rep. Gus Bilirakisintroduced the bill in the House. Itis HR 944. Please ask your Repre-sentative to call Rep. Bilirakis’ of-fice at 202-225-5755. In the Senate,Sen. Patty Murray introduced thebill, S977. Have both of your sena-tors call Sen. Murray’s office at 202-224-2621.
Good news! As many of you know,Bank of America has dropped theAmerican Ex-Prisoners of WarCredit Card. We are prompt payersand good credit risks, and Bank ofAmerica didn’t think they weremaking any money on us, so theyjust stopped offering the creditcard. After much scrambling, ourWays and Means Committee hasfound a new bank willing – actuallyhappy – to have our business. It isUMB Bank, which is highly rated.They are offering a platinum VISAcard through CardPartners, whichwill pay $50.00 for each new ac-count. Just think about it. If only20% of our members carry this newcard, or 4,000 members (and thiscan include family members and
friends as well), we will painlesslyadd $200,000 to our treasury!That’s $200,000, with a percentagealso being deposited for eachmonth’s purchases. The card has noannual fee. Please think about ap-plying for it; either on line throughthe advertisement in this Bulletin,or by calling Headquarters and re-questing a paper application form.This is the easiest way I know toshow your support of AXPOW andfinancially support us as well.
Hope to see you in Georgia in Sep-tember.
Til next time.
Kenny
not matter to the IRS thatyou are covered underNational’s group filing.You do not have to filewith IRS. If you continueto receive letters aboutthis, please contact Na-tional Headquarters andwe will handle it for you.(See letter at left fromIRS)
Clydie and Sonnie
VA Outreach
S*O*O*N
Before it’s too late
NSO Fred Campbell, Chairman 3312 Chatterton Dr.San Angelo, TX 76904325-944-4002; [email protected]
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
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Reaching Out EducatingA Mixed Bag!
Margie calls from northern Califor-nia, “I am frustrated about my VAclaim. I’ve got my widow’s benefit,the DIC. Also I’ve got Aid and Atten-dance because I need daily care forsome things. But I can still drive. Myproblem is this. Even though my DICbenefit includes my right to seek theeducation benefit, the VA peoplehave said I’m not eligible because Iam not applying for that within tenyears after my husband got out ofmilitary service.” I tell her that mustbe an incorrect ruling by the VA.Then I asked, “Margie, how old areyou?” Her answer: “I’m 87. I havecome to realize I need a bit more in-come and I want to go to college here,to refresh my skills so I can workpart-time. In time past I worked fora CPA.”
I referred Margie to the POW Coordi-nator in the Oakland VA office and Iknow Dennis Uldricks will take careof this situation. Surely an 87 yearold lady deserves her education ben-efit. It’s never too late, when you’re87 years YOUNG!
Another call from northern Califor-nia. Diane says she needs help. “My
husband’s grandfather died of ALSat age 43 and was in the US Army inWWI. My husband’s father died ofALS at age 55. My husband died ofALS at 43. He was never in militaryservice, but I am wondering if Ishould be eligible for the DIC becauseof familial amytrophic lateral sclero-sis, ALS. It is so obvious that my hus-band got ALS because grandfathergot it in WWI and his father got itfrom him. What do you think?” I toldDiane I did not think she would beeligible for this benefit. She stillthought she should apply. I referredher to the Paralyzed Veterans ofAmerica office, Oakland VA. Godbless family ties.
A third California note: “Dear Mr. C,I went to the veterans office here, andafter going back and forth manytimes Bill told me I couldn’t get any-thing for ALS as my husband didn’tsign up for this while he was alive. Isthat true? I await your advice. I be-gan this because I read the letter inDear Abby. Thank you, Kathleen”Another referral to the PVA.
Bob from Massachusetts, trying tohelp his sister-in-law in Florida. “TheVA told her she was not eligible fora VA benefit because there is no evi-dence showing her husband had de-veloped Lou Gehrig’s disease whilein the service. Is that right?” A wrongopinion from the VA! If ALS is shownas cause of death on the death cer-tificate that is the service-connectedevidence needed. Bill Kraus in thePhiladelphia VARO corrects it.
E-mail from Kathy: “Fred, you haveliterally saved my life, and my home!After reading your note in Dear AbbyI called the VA. My husband died ofALS, years after serving in the Army.I have now got a retroactive compen-sation check and monthly benefits. Iam now trying to find out if this willimpact the social security check Ireceive. Thank you from the bottomof my heart. Blessings, Kathy”. No,Kathy, your VA benefit will not haveany effect on your social securitybenefit.
You never know what opportunitieswill come to meet the purpose of ourNational Service officers. Here’s arecent day:
1. A call comes from Betty inRocky Mount, NC, her deliciouslydrippy southern accent bespoke, “Ijust had to call to thank you. It blowsmy mind! I read that Dear Abby col-umn last July, 2009, and got my claimin on July 27th. It’s been a long wait,but…IT BLOWS MY MIND!...today Igot a retroactive check for $20,600.And I’m going to receive $1,154 amonth from now on. Thank you somuch, Betty”.2. Letter from Mary in Tampa,FL. “After reading the Dear Abby col-umn in the July 18th Tampa Tribune,I sent my claim papers to the VA onAug. 6th. My husband died of ALS in1990. Now I have my DIC $1,154 permonth. I am so very thankful to youfor this on behalf of my husband’sservice to our country!”3. Letter from Fran in Wiscon-sin. She has had her DIC widow’sbenefit and ChampVA for some time.Now, “My situation has somewhatchanged. Due to my son’s problemsI now have total responsibility for his12-year old son; the mother is notinvolved in any way. Social Servicesallows me $215 for my grandson.Could I receive more benefit from theVA? I tell her if she has legal guard-ianship for her grandson, she neededto call the Milwaukee POW Coordi-nator for VA advice, and ChampVAto see if he could be covered as adependent.4. E-mail from Shirley in Mon-tana. “Dear Fred, I am the widow ofa Navy man who died of Lou Gehrig’sdisease in 1973. I was very intriguedabout the news of possible VA ben-efits and would love to know moreabout this possibility.” Shirley saidher husband lived four years afterdiagnosis, and she cared for himuntil he died at age 35. “We, my four
boys, ages 9-13, had a very hard time,and it looks like I’ll be working tilI’m dead. At 69, I’m still earning myliving as a heavy-duty seamstress. Idid remarry and I know that mightbe a problem for this benefit. But Idivorced long ago.” I told Shirley thatsince she was divorced according toFederal Benefits book, she should beeligible for the VA widow’s benefitbased on her first husband’s ALSdeath. I referred her to the ParalyzedVeterans office in Seattle for helpwith her claim.
outreach cont’d...
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
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The above four cases are an exampleof the work that our National Serviceofficers spend time on many days.
Compassionate Outreach: It hap-pened at Texas’ Big Spring VAMC. Anexample of what our slogan is allabout. One of the doctors had beento a VA meeting of medical and so-cial service specialists in Chicago,and was so impressed with one ofthe speakers, Robert Fletcher, that hearranged for him to come to BigSpring TX to speak to the hospitalstaff on their special Black HistoryMonth program this past February,as he was in that last Buffalo Soldierunit, disbanded in 1951.
I learned about this when Elaine inAbilene called me. “Fred, Ed diedMarch 19th. The last few weeks he wasin and out of the hospital.” As an NSOI had helped Ed get his 100% VA dis-ability rating years ago.
Elaine told me, “In February, Ed col-lapsed and the ambulance took himto the Big Spring VA hospital. As helay there in a coma, Robert and CarolFletcher came to my room. What ablessing they were. I was alone, 100miles from home, holding my Ed’shand as he lay comatose. Robert andCarol spent two and a half hours withme, comforting me and giving mestrength, especially since I knew Rob-ert Fletcher was a former POW likeEd, and Carol a retired registerednurse.”
I called Connie Plagens in Commu-nity Relations at Big Spring VAMCand asked how this happened. Shesaid the Fletchers had just arrivedand I told him we had a POW whohad come in and the doctors did notthink he would make it. She said, “Mr.Fletcher asked if they could go seethis POW family.” Robert Fletcherand his wife Carol gave hands-on realcompassionate outreach. Amen.
Mrs. B in Louisville, Ohio, writes:“Dear Mr. C, After writing you inAugust and following through withthe information you provided, I amnow receiving the widow’s monthlypension. I passed the Dear Abby ar-
ticle on to a friend of mine and shealso is receiving the widow’s benefits.Many thanks to you again for inform-ing veterans’ families about thesebenefits.” I wanted to make sure Mrs.B knew she was eligible forChampVA, the free VA Medicaresupplement, so I called her. “Yes, Isaw that but I don’t know anythingabout it and haven’t applied for it.”Mrs. B got excited about it when Iexplained it to her. She will be ap-plying. It’s a wonderful benefit.
The letter about ALS being service-connected for all veterans was in theJuly 18, 2009 Dear Abby column.After one year, hardly a day goes bythat I don’t get “thank you” notes likeMrs. B’s and Snook’s. With over 4,000responses to that letter, we of Ameri-can Ex-Prisoners of War can feel goodabout reaching out to so many withnews that has actually changed livesfor widows who would not haveknown of this benefit.
We can certainly thank JeannePhillips (Dear Abby) for reaching outin her wonderful column – outreachto so many people across the coun-try. But also, our AXPOW staff, Cly-die, Marsha and Donna, plus twoConcho Valley Chapter NSOs LindaHodges and Stella Webb here forgreat help. My wife Peggy and I couldnot have handled the over 4,000 re-sponses otherwise. And many thanksto the PVA, in most of the VAROscountrywide, who specialize in ALSclaims, to whom we’ve referred somany of these claims. And now, ayear later, calls, letters and e-mailskeep coming. We’ve done good.
And our NSOs keep on reaching out.Like: NSO Charles Susino in New Jer-sey who calls, “Friend of Ed in Katy,Texas, tells me about Ed who en-dured the 1945 forced march out ofStalag Luft IV; he got raised from 20%to 80%, and should have 100% dueto Unemployability. Needs Texashelp!” I call Ed and find he filled outthe proper form which the VA hadsent him in Jan. 2010, but had nevermailed it. I called POW CoordinatorShannon Wells in Houston VARO,who assures me she will make sureEd gets that in for his 100%. NSO
Charlie’s networking works for Edand wife, NJ to TX.
NSO Betty Harlan in Sudan, TX, writesof claimant in Texas, just 710 milessouth. “A widow in Brownsville justgot approved for DIC, husband wasa POW, died from heart attack in1998; when she tried to apply for DICthey told her she did not qualify. Shesaw Dear Abby’s letter and re-sponded. I ended up with a claim, andthis week she was approved for DIC,effective 1-1-2009. She will get a niceback pay of about $18,000 plus! DearAbby worked again! Maybe youshould see if she would put a letterin there every year! Regards, BettyHarlan”
Outreach that trumps all aces. NSODon Lewis writes from Dresher, PA(Philadelphia suburb): “While playingbridge with a group of neighborhoodladies last month, my wife Ruth re-marked that I was busy representingwidows of veterans whose cause ofdeath was ALS and were applying forDIC. One of the ladies said a formerneighbor of hers lost her husband to
ALS, 20 years ago. She was sure hewas a veteran. So they lady calledme the next day to be assured thatthis was for real, before she calledher friend who now lives in NewHampshire with a daughter. I as-sured her that if the death certifi-cate states cause of death as ALS,her friend was eligible to receiveDIC. The next day the widow calledme, and I coached her on the sup-porting documents needed. I senther an application form that day.Two weeks later, I received the com-pleted application and all necessarysupporting documentation. The dayafter the package was received, itwas on it’s way to the PhiladelphiaVARO for processing. It should en-counter no problem in winning anaward of DIC.”
Good work, Ruth and Don!
pow medsearchMarsha Coke, Chairman
e-mail: [email protected]
3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40
Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 649-2979
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
8
American POWs
in Koreaby John N. PowersW16533 Wilson Creek LnWittenberg, WI [email protected]
Part V
Camp 1
Chongsong (some references usethe spelling Changsong)Camp 1 was established in March of1951, the first POWs arriving on orabout Easter Sunday. Their Chineseguards threw the local villagers outof their homes and installed the pris-oners. The name Chang-ni is alsoused in reference to Camp 1 and ac-tually appears at the location whenusing Google Earth.
Location 40-27-12N 125-12-43EThis was a village on the bank of theYongju River about 5 miles fromwhere the Yongju fed into a backwa-ter of the Yalu where Camp 3 waslocated. The area, south southeastof Camp 3, was surrounded by highhills.
DescriptionThe camp consisted of about sixtyto one hundred typical Korean mudhomes with tile or thatched roofs andsome barracks type buildings. Somesources say the number of huts wastwo hundred. There were guards atvarious points around the camp andin the hills nearby. Initially the campincluded all ranks, both Americanand British. In May of 1951, whenthree hundred British prisoners ar-rived, there were six hundred Ameri-cans already there. Some time in Mayor June the officers and NCOs were
put in separate compounds. In Oc-tober of 1951 the officers were sentto Camp 2 and in August of 1952 theNCOs were sent to Camp 4. At thattime black privates and corporalswere sent to Camp 5.
At first there were seven companiesof POWs. Companies 1 through 4were American and kept on the westside of the village. Companies 5through 7 were British and kept onthe east side. Prior to the moves toother camps there were approxi-mately 2000 POWs in Camp 1. Bythe time of the armistice in 1953 thecamp held about 1400 POWs.
The POWs were organized into thestandard companies of about 200men, 40 men to a platoon, 10 to asquad. They were kept in two orthree room mud homes with onesquad per ten foot by ten foot room.They slept on the mud floor whichthey covered with straw mats orempty rice bags. The floor washeated with the standard Korean sys-tem. Each squad had a Chinese of-ficer assigned to monitor their po-litical “education.” There was littleor no communication allowed be-tween/among POWs outside theirspecific area. Only after the armi-stice was announced in late July werethe men allowed to visit with othercompanies, even though they hadbeen in the same camp for two years.
The three hundred British POWs whoarrived in May 1951 were kept sepa-rate from the Americans but theycould easily observe the daily buri-als in Boot Hill just to the north ofcamp. In one day they counted thirtyeight burials and estimated two hun-dred died in May and June of 1951.
A British officer who arrived in Oc-tober 1951 mentioned many dirtyand ill POWs covered with lice. Thecamp itself was described as filthy.American POWs arriving at that timewere given soap and allowed to bathein the river, their first wash since
being captured months before. Theirclothing was replaced with the stan-dard Chinese uniforms.
FoodUntil May of 1951 prisoners at Camp1 were fed sorghum balls with rawsoybeans and millet. Then in July of1951 the diet became sorghum, soy-beans, dried fish, and cabbage witha small amount of rice once a week.Meals were twice a day at 0830 andthen at 1600. In the summer theywere fed three times a day. A noonsnack of peanuts was commonly thisthird meal. The lack of vitaminscaused night blindness until turnipsand carrots were added to the dietand the night blindness disappeared.In the winter of 1952 a bakery wasset up. Barley bread would then re-place one meal a day. When thepeace talks went well food quality im-proved. This meant rice and greensonce a week, meat once or twice aweek. Meat meant a small piece ortwo of meat in the soup. As peacetalks progressed toward the end theyreceived more rice and sometimesbean curd and canned meat.
MedicalInitially there was a high rate of deathamong the POWs at Camp 1. Whenthey first arrived in March of 1951many POWs had frozen fingers andtoes. Some had no boots. Others hadfrozen feet and could not fit theminto their boots. It was common forfrozen toes to break off. There wasa “hospital” in a temple on a hill atthe edge of the village which mostviewed as a place to die. There wasno medical care at all until Decem-ber of 1951. A pill, assumed to beaspirin, was the standard treatmentfor almost any medical problem. Inthe summer of 1952 a female Chi-nese doctor was at the camp and careimproved. She was eventually trans-ferred. Some prisoners estimated sixto eight hundred died through thespring, summer, and fall of 1951.Malnutrition, dysentery, starvation,and lack of medical care were the
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
9
medsearch continued...cause of almost every death. Theburial area on the hillside north ofthe camp was called “Boot Hill.” Atone point forty five POWs arrived bytruck. Arriving by truck probablymeant they were the sick andwounded of a group which hadmarched to the camp. Within a fewweeks forty three of the forty fivedied.
During the summer of 1952 the openditch latrines caused severe fly prob-lems. POWs were given quotas offlies to kill each day. In the springof 1953 a more sanitary latrine wasbuilt and lime used. Prior to thattime the latrines were open ditcheswith a pole to sit on.
TreatmentEarly on the POWs at Camp 1 wereregularly lectured and asked to signpeace petitions or make recordings.Starting in the summer of 1951 theywould have to sit in the open and lis-ten to lectures for two to three hourseach morning and afternoon. ThePOWs were told they were students,not prisoners. They were also toldthose who adopted the wrong atti-tude were reactionaries. As studentsthey were to “learn the truth.” Inaddition to the lectures each squadwas required to respond in writingto questions from their Chinese in-structors. Inadequate responsescaused lengthy interrogations of thesquad leader and frequently led tothe squad missing one or two meals.Group lectures were conducted in theopen regardless of the weather. Theinstructors who led these lectureswere highly educated Chinese. Af-ter the spring of 1952 the lectureswere dropped except for classes theProgressives voluntarily attended.
The prisoners were given cards to fillout with their biographical informa-tion. They were told the senior of-ficer had filled his out so many POWsdid the same. Some used false in-formation or simply refused. In Julyof 1951 they were ordered to send atelegram of greetings to a peace con-ference in Chicago. The officers andNCOs refused but many of the lowerenlisted ranks signed. As a result of
B-29 strikes in the general area theChinese asked for an appeal from thePOWs. They were told the name ofthe village would be used in the let-ter. Many signed a letter drawn upby the Peace Committee in an at-tempt to get the camp location to UNforces. After they signed, any refer-ence to the camp’s location was re-moved from the letter.
For the October anniversary of theChinese Revolution the POWs weretold there would be a parade andthey would create banners with peaceslogans and participate. In order toeat they had to cooperate, but slo-gans such as “Down With The Impe-rialist Warmongers” and “Long LiveThe Peace-Loving Chinese People”found their way onto the bannersmissing the words “Imperialist” and“Chinese.” The Chinese were verypleased with the creation of a ban-ner of a large-breasted female carry-ing a dove and the accompanying slo-gan “We Want A Firm Front.” It ap-parently appealed to the Chinesesense of unity. During the parademany yelled insults rather than theslogans they were told to shout. Pic-tures taken by the Chinese made itlook like the entire camp had will-ingly participated. For the prisonersit simply meant a change in the bor-ing routine of the camp and a mealthat included large quantities of po-tatoes, onions, eggs, and fish. Evenwith those very welcome rations twoungrateful POWs escaped the follow-ing day. In August and September1951 alone there were at least 13escape attempts. Summer and fallwere the escape seasons.
Those prisoners who did not followthe regulations during the lectureswere sent to what some called theReconsideration Room. This was anunheated space where the prisonerhad to sit cross-legged without mov-ing for 16 to 18 hours at a time.There were also small cages in thejail in town where prisoners wouldbe made to stand with their armsthrough the bars holding a weight.When they dropped the weight theywere beaten. Others were crammedinto filthy cells and made to sit up-right or stand on one leg. Wheneverpossible they ignored these instruc-tions but the guards willingly beat
those they caught not following theirorders. POWs were usually placed inthe civilian jail while awaiting trialfor crimes such as escaping. POWswho attempted escapes sometimeshad their hands tied behind theirback with a rope leading from theirwrists over a beam and then tiedaround their neck. This forced themto stand on their toes or stranglethemselves. Escapees were some-times beaten and put into solitaryconfinement in boxes so small theycould not stand or stretch out on thefloor. About six such cages were keptin one building. Those POWs whoexperienced these cages called themdog kennels and referred to them-selves as the Kennel Club. Somespent months in these cages. Theywould be allowed out to use the la-trine only, and sometimes not eventhat. During the entire day they weremade to sit erect and not lean againstany part of the cage. The guards werequick to beat them for any infraction.Handcuffs were used on the leastcooperative. Some were forced to“stand” in the cage. In a cage fourfeet high this meant they had tostand doubled over at the waist. Oneprisoner caught relaxing from thispose was beaten by a guard. Theguard held his weapon by the barrelto beat the prisoner. The weapondischarged, killing the guard. ThatPOW was beaten almost continuouslyfor the next five days. Confinementin these cages and beatings wouldcontinue until an acceptable confes-
sion was written for whatever“crime” had been committed. In thelate summer of 1951 one POW, amember of the Kennel Club, wasmarched some distance from thecamp and told that if he did notimmediately write a confession hewould be shot while attempting toescape. He wrote a confession.Quite a few members of the Ken-nel Club were eventually trans-ferred to Camp 2-3. During 1952prisoners would be thrown into thehole for 1 to 4 weeks for minor actssuch as making a face at a guard.Hard labor was a common punish-ment. Beatings, torture, and with
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
10
medsearch continued...
The map above shows the location of the larger temporary camps and all thepermanent camps.There are over one hundred and fifty locations listed in official studies ofcollection points and temporary camps, more than thirty in and aroundPyongyang. Many of them are duplicates, called one name by one group ofprisoners and a different name by another. Some of them were christenedthe Bunkers, Death House, Fourteen Day Place, Half-way House, Kangdong,Pan’s Camp, Pike’s Peak, and Twin Peaks. Even today the actual location forsome of these places has not been determined.
holding of food and clothing werestandard treatment for individualswho were uncooperative in some wayor another.
A reactionary squad of about 15POWs was formed by the Chinese.They isolated this group at a Koreanfarm about a mile from the maincamp. Even there, already isolated,they had two solitary confinementrooms. The British referred to thissquad as the Slave Labor Unit (SLU).Men in this squad were put to workcutting down trees to be convertedinto lumber or fuel. Some POWs weresent there to serve sentences for vari-ous crimes and were returned to themain camp when their sentence wascompleted. These sentences weresometimes handed out at staged tri-als where the “defense counsel”would argue for severe punishment.Many of the men in this squad wereeventually sent to Camp 2-3.
POWs in the main camp also had togo into the surrounding hills to carryfirewood for the camp. The Chinesekept track of how much firewoodeach man brought back to camp.There was a weight quota that hadto be met. Some put this quota atforty to sixty pounds per individual.Gathering firewood could be an 8 to10 mile round trip hike, carrying aheavy load on the way back. Thepoor diet and lack of medical caremade this a dangerous burden.When on the firewood detail theywere fed three meals a day.
When the peace talks began cardsand ping-pong sets were supplied.Softball equipment was brought inand music played on loud speakers.Books were made available, most ofthem being communist oriented.After the armistice was signed RedCross packages were distributed andlife generally improved. But that wasonly for the last few weeks of captiv-ity.
ClothingIn late July 1951 arrivals at Camp 1were deloused and issued a summeruniform and in November they gottheir padded winter uniforms. Ifuniforms were ripped or torn whileon work details they were not re-placed until the next seasonal changewas issued. Uniforms would fre-quently need cleaning from sitting inthe mud listening to lectures or fromchronic diarrhea. When possible theywould be washed in the river or evenwith rain water, but no soap wasavailable. They were dried simply byputting them back on as they had noextra clothing. This method of clean-ing meant no washing during thewinter.
POWs who arrived in Oct 51 weregiven 2 uniforms, tooth powder, andsoap. After a time they received aweekly ration of tobacco and sugarand the standard summer and win-
ter issue of uniforms. A blanket andcomforter was given to every 3rd man.It was cold enough in the winter forthe prisoners to scrape ice from thewalls of their huts.
A British reference says they slept onempty rice sacks and each squad of10 POWs received 3 old overcoats.Both are probably accurate, depend-ing on the time of captivity they arereferring to.
MailIn the spring of 1952 the prisonerswere allowed to send four letters amonth but whether the Chinese ac-tually sent the letters is unclear.Some sources say the limit was oneletter per month. Incoming mail be-gan in June 1952.
The POWs at Camp 1 were truckedout of the camp mid August 1953.
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
11
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Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
12
And the beat goes on.
Under the category of “Life is notnecessarily fair,” consider this fromone of World War II’s most heavilyengaged units: “During World WarII, the 29th Infantry Division suf-fered 3720 killed in action, 15403wounded in action, 462 missing inaction, 526 prisoners of war….”
Staggering numbers for an infantrydivision of approximately 20,000men at the start of Operation Over-lord, the liberation of Europe. To-day they would be met with sancti-monious, posturing politicians who
have never served aday in their livescluck-clucking overthe total incompe-tence of the militaryleaders. But thatwon’t happen in thisday of special opera-tions and remotelycontrolled drone air-craft. Indeed, therehave only been asmall number ofPOWs since the Glo-bal War on Terrorstarted - nearly all ofwhom were released or rescued inmere weeks.
On this 5th and 6th of June, at theinvitation of Major General RobertNewman, Virginia’s Adjutant Gen-eral, your humble correspondentspent several terrific hours flyingaround Virginia in a Virginia Na-tional Guard Blackhawk helicoptersaluting the very few survivors ofthis incredible sacrifice.
I spoke at Winchester, Virginia nowthe division’s headquarters, as aconference center was dedicated tothe memory of Major Thomas D.Howie, the “Major of Saint Lo.” I at-tended an incredible ceremony at
the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Vir-ginia – a town whose NationalGuard Alpha Company, 1st Battal-
ion of the 516th Infantry Regimentlost 29 of 32 young men in the firstassault on Omaha Beach on D-Day1944.
Much of the movie, “Saving PrivateRyan” is based on the awful experi-ences of the 116th Infantry Regi-ment which was the first into theTiger’s Mouth at Omaha Beach. De-scribed as the bloodiest scene in thehistory of movies, the first 20 min-utes of Private Ryan using incred-ible cinematographic effects, re-minded us of just how horrific warcan be. And the grisly effects thatcan be felt for generations.
More impressive, though, were theyoung soldiers of the 29th who aremade of the same stuff as their unitancestors. They know what they’redoing, their units have been en-gaged for nearly ten years and stillthey come. The young troopers areeager, gung ho, and ooze compe-tence. From the General officers tothe newly enlisted privates and spe-cialists, all were impressive.
That such events can occur in thisjaded, Oh-So-Sophisticated agemakes this bordering-on-geezerhood, ink-stained wretch feelgrateful. There is, indeed hope inthis age of “Me, first.”
And then, there’s that thumpingsound, coming from the ages. Andthe beat goes on…
Photos: Blackhawks
andersonville
Andersonville NHS496 Cemetery RoadAndersonville, GA 31711(229) 924-0343
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
13
Make Your Plans Now!
Albany, GeorgiaSept. 21-26, 2010.
From the Revolutionary War toOperation Iraqi Freedom, Ameri-can prisoners of war have en-dured untold hardships, andshown tremendous courage.Andersonville NHS commemo-rates the sacrifices of thesebrave Americans through exhib-its in the National Prisoner ofWar Museum; preserves the siteof Camp Sumter (Andersonvilleprison); and manages Anderson-ville National Cemetery.
National Prisoner
of War Museum
The 1970 legislation responsiblefor establishing AndersonvilleNational Historic Site instructedthe site “to interpret the role ofprisoners-of-war camps in his-tory” and “to commemorate thesacrifice of Americans who losttheir lives in such camps.” Tothat end, the exhibits in the Na-tional Prisoner of War Museumserve as a memorial to all Ameri-can prisoners of war. The mu-seum opened in 1998 and isdedicated to the American menand women who have sufferedas POWs.
May a Month of
Remembrance at
Andersonville
by Alan Marsh [email protected]
Seven Native Americans, membersof Company K, 1st Michigan Sharp-shooters, died at Andersonville 146years ago. They are not forgotten.On May 15th, eight members of theAnishinabe Ogitchedaw Veteransand Warriors Society, SaginawChippewa Tribe, traveled fromMichigan and conducted a cer-emony to remember and honor theseven fallen warriors.
Following a private ceremony, theVeterans and Warrior Society held
a public event that incorporatednative drum, song, and prayer.
On May 28th Andersonville NationalHistoric Site continued its traditionof honoring those who gave theirlives in service to the nation. OnFriday over 300 Boy Scouts andother volunteers arrived at Ander-sonville National Cemetery andplaced American flags at each head-stone in the cemetery. The 20,000flags served as a reminder of thesacrifices made by so manythroughout our history
On Sunday, May 30th, the historicsite held its annual Memorial Dayobservance. The Fort Benning Ma-neuver Center of Excellence Bandplayed for thirty minutes beforepark superintendent Jon BradleyBennett opened the ceremony. Ed-ward DeMent, past National Direc-tor of the Southeast Region Ameri-can Ex-Prisoners of War, recognizedveterans and former prisoners ofwar in attendance. John Bates,President of the Friends of Ander-sonville, spoke about the supportthis organization has provided tothe park, including its current fund-raising efforts for the ‘Victory FromWithin’ traveling exhibition.
Congressman Sanford Bishop intro-duced the event’s primary speaker,Sergeant Major (retired) PatrickHenson. Sergeant Major Henson
Veterans including ex-POWs andactive duty personnel attendMemorial Day observance.
Ed DeMent & Ester Carboni layingthe AXPOW wreath.
served in the Army for 22 years andserved overseas on assignmentsand campaigns that included Cen-tral and South America, Europe, theMiddle East, the Balkans, and Ko-rea. Henson presently heads themilitary history department for theArmy Warrant Officer Career Col-lege at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Memorial Day is always a specialtime of remembrance at Anderson-ville National Historic Site but ournation’s veterans are rememberedhere every day. As the writing onthe Wisconsin Monument pro-claims, “To live in hearts we leavebehind in not to die.”
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
14
tiger survivors
Shorty Estabrook37645 Flora CourtMurrieta, CA [email protected]
An Ode to my Feet
I was born with my feet in HoultonMaine and they have been with meall these years. In fact they were bornfirst. They have taken me to far flungshores and never failed me.
They are below me all the time andsometimes they get very tired andeven smell at times. In the beginningthey were always bare and Momloved them because she used to kissthem a lot.
My feet loved to walk in mud andonce in a while a cow paddy. Thatwas supposed to prevent against footdisease. These feet of mine got cut alot and was used to shedding theirblood for me.
My feet would go outside bare in themiddle of the winter and take a longtime to thaw out. They would burnsometimes. I had to be careful ofgetting my feet frozen.
My feet, a size 5 ½ EEE, would carryme to childhood play and to thefields for work. Sometimes on thelong walk home I thought they wouldnever make it but they always did.During those years of hard times myfeet usually had two pair of shoes ayear.At 16 my feet took me into the Army
and basic training at Fort Dix NJ inthe middle of the winter. The Armydid not have any boots in my size somy feet had to wear my civilian shoesthrough most of basic training. Soonnew boots arrived and my feet wereso happy.
In June of 1948 my feet took me to aboat on the West Coast and weheaded for Japan. I don’t think myfeet liked the trip on the ocean butsoon both of us arrived in Japan anda new culture and life. My feet and Iwent to the Southern Island ofKyushu and it was most beautifulthere.
My feet and I played in that beauti-ful place and sometimes my feetwould not support me when I par-took of the local liquid but they werealways there in the morning and of-fered support to which I am eternallygrateful to this day.
Soon my feet were taking me to an-other land across some water calledKorea. My feet did a lot of walkingthen and soon both of us were in afoxhole waiting for bad people tocome south to get us and guess what,they did get us. Soon my feet and Iwere POWs with the North Koreansand my feet became very sad and un-happy because the boots that cov-ered my dear feet were wanted byseveral North Korean soldiers and somy feet were out in the cold, streetfeet so to speak.
My feet and I walked a lot of miles inKorea which is called the Land of theMorning Calm. We walked to Seouland Pyongyang , Manpo andChunggang , Andong and Hanjang-ni . My poor feet suffered much dur-ing those days. I didn’t get much foodso my feet suffered from lack of en-ergy.
My feet and I were even on a DeathMarch where many were shot. Mygood old feet never failed me eventhough they were bloody from beingbare.That first winter was most hard onmy feet and they did get frostbite.My feet didn’t like that at all.
But my feet were there to feel thespring sun which came to warm us
up a bit. My dear feet had gone dirtyfor a long time and had become verytough like leather.
Soon my feet would take me toAndong where we spent the summerof 1951 and then in October both ofus caught a barge to go and becomepart of the Chinese Army Prisoner ofWar Camp system.
Now we both were housed indoorsand warm most of the time. My feetwere happy campers from then on.My feet and I are unhappy and sadbecause of the 58% of our group thatdid not make it.
My feet took me home, then back toKorea, Germany, Nebraska, Wiscon-sin, Iowa , Massachusetts, New Hamp-shire, California, Philippines, Texasand then back to California.My feet have taken me to manyplaces and they are still with me andboth of us go to a gym every day andmy feet enjoy the pool the most.
We are both retired now and doingwell.
At this time I would like to thank myfeet for all their support over theyears.
Open letter to that North Ko-rean Lt who got my boots
I want to thank you, whoeveryou are, for taking my 5-1/2EEE boots when I was cap-tured. I didn’t like it when youshot me in the leg either. Youare not a very good person.
At that time I had a severecase of athletes feet and myboots were all slippery fromthat. I hope you enjoyed thatdisease and I hope you lost afoot because of that.
If you are already dead thendisregard this message.
Shorty the TigerAKA Sondaga Bitchie
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
15
pow-mia
PNC John Edwards
Chairman889 Randall Road
Niskayuna, NY 12309-4815
(518) 393-3907 phone & fax
THE RIDE HOME – ANDERSONVILLENATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (NHS): Rolling Thunder®‘s 2010 Ride Home– a multi-day annual activity held inconjunction with the National ParkService‘s Andersonville National His-toric Site and Georgia SouthwesternState University to recognize andhonor the Nation’s Prisoners of War(POW) and those Missing in Action(MIA). The Vietnam Traveling Me-morial Wall and the Some Gave AllMoving Tribute will be at Anderson-ville NHS from September 17-26. The three-day Ride Home 2010 willonce again be held on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the 3rd week-end of September. Ceremonies andservices, a dinner, a motorcycle ride(invited guests are provided bustransportation!) and other tributesare scheduled. This year, there willbe a greater number of MIA familiesrepresenting their missing lovedones, and the League wants to be sureyou know what is planned. Pleasevisit www.theridehome.com.
AIR FORCE OFFICER IDENTIFIED:The Defense POW/MIA Office justannounced that the remains of Lt ColHenry P. Brauner, USAF, recoveredFebruary 8, 2006, in Laos, were iden-tified December 2, 2008. There arenow 1,719 Americans are still listedby DoD as missing and unaccountedfor from the Vietnam War, thoughover 450 were at sea/over waterlosses: Vietnam - 1,323 (VN-478 VS-835); Laos – 340; Cambodia - 59;
Peoples Republic of China territorialwaters – 7.
The number of Americans returnedand identified since the end of theVietnam War in 1975 is now 864,though another 63 US personnel wererecovered post-incident and identi-fied before the end of the war, bring-ing the total to 927. Of the 1,719unreturned veterans still unac-counted for, 90% were lost in Viet-nam or areas of Laos and Cambodiaunder Vietnam’s wartime control.
US-VIETNAM ACCOUNTING COOP-ERATION: In early April, Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC)officiated at the largest turnover ofremains from Vietnam since the early’90s in Danang – remains that couldbe those of seven US personnel pre-viously missing and unaccounted forin Vietnam. The field operations,working with Vietnamese counter-parts, leading up to this repatriationwere reportedly very productive. Four of the seven remains camefrom joint recoveries, two from theField Forensic Review of remainsturned over by Vietnamese citizens,and one from Vietnamese unilateralexcavation in a sensitive area whereUS teams are not allowed. Vietnam-ese and American, for their effortsthat brought identification by JPAC’sCentral Identification Laboratory willbe made as soon as possible. In late April, MG Stephen Tom,USAR, JPAC Commander, led a USdelegation for technical talks withVietnamese counterparts, includingthe “new” Vietnam Office for Seek-ing Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Direc-tor Nguyen Ba Hung, who also servesas Director-General of the AmericasDepartment, Ministry of Foreign Af-fairs. This is his third assignmentas head of VNOSMP, an interagencygroup formed many years ago toimplement Vietnamese leaders’ de-cisions regarding US-Vietnam coop-eration on all POW/MIA accounting-related matters. Reports indicatethat the talks were productive. DPMO, JPAC and DIA Stony Beachofficials also participated. A large-scale Joint Field Activity(JFA), including an underwater inves-tigation along Vietnam’s northern
coast, began on May 20th and isscheduled to continue until June22nd. Four Recovery Teams (RTs),two Investigation Teams (Its) and anUnderwater Recovery Team (URT) arenow working throughout the coun-try and along the northern coastline.
US-LAO ACCOUNTING COOPERA-TION: Deputy Assistant Secretaryfor POW/MIA Affairs Bob Newberryvisited Laos in mid-March to rein-force the importance of the issueand, in the case of Laos, raise issuesthat are complicating bilateral POW/MIA cooperation in Laos and Viet-nam. A major issue deals with safetycertification required by the US forhelicopter transport of personnel;these requirements also apply to ac-counting efforts in Vietnam. Unlessresolved soon, field operations willbe severely restricted, as transportof personnel on the large helicoptersis currently prohibited, with an ex-ception allowing only supplies andmaterial. DPMO and JPAC are seek-ing solutions, admirably supportedby Ambassadors Ravic Huso in Laosand Michael Michalak in Vietnam. The 114th Joint Field Activity (JFA10-4LA) began April 29th and isscheduled to conclude on June 1st. Three Recovery Teams (RTs) areexcavating sites in Houaphan andXiengkhoang Provinces in northernLaos, and one Phase Two Investiga-tion Team (P2T) is conducting sur-veys in the southern provinces ofSavannakhet, Xekong and Attapeu.
THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OFFICEMOVED: The move was made to the new loca-tion at the end of February, and ournew office address is NationalLeague of POW/MIA Families, 5673Columbia Pike, Suite 100, FallsChurch, VA 22041. Phone and faxnumbers are the same. US Service members reported miss-ing or captured while supportingcombat operations. Army PFC BoweR. Bargdahl 23 June 30, 2009, Af-ghanistan. Army Staff Sgt. Ahmed
K. Altaie, 44 Oct 23, 2006, Baghdad.
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
16
events
August 12 - 15, 2010. The Dept.of Ohio convention will be held atthe Ramada Plaza, 4900 Sinclair Rd.Columbus, Ohio. Kenny Hanson ourNational commander will be ourguest. For information contactNorman Swaney - 330 726 9217 ore-mail [email protected]
Aug. 4-8, 2010. The Third MarineDivision Association’s annual fam-ily reunion will be held at theSheraton North Charleston Hotel,Charleston, SC. Anyone who servedin, was attached to, or served insupport of the 3rd Marine Divisionat any time is eligible and invitedto attend. Contact Jeffrey A De-ment, 23830 W. Ottawa St.,Plainfield, IL 60544; 815-436-3783;[email protected].
Aug 11-15, 2010. The 91st AnnualReunion of the Eightieth BlueRidge Division Veterans Associa-tion will be held at the SheratonNational Hotel, 900 South Orme St.,Arlington, VA 22204; 703-521-1900. Contact: Max R. Schmidt, Re-union Chair, 336-288-0983.
August 13-14, 2010. The Lost Bat-talion Reunion will be held at theOmni Dallas Hotel at Park West(www.omnihotels.com), 1590 LBJFreeway, Dallas TX 75234. Reser-vations - 800-843-6664. For moreinformation contact Tom Ficklin, LBpresident, at [email protected].
September 21-26, 2010. The Na-tional Convention will be held atAlbany, Georgia, with opening cer-emonies at Andersonville NationalHistoric Site. Registration/Informa-tion throughout the Bulletin.
lookingfor
Sept. 22-26, 2010. The Korean WarVeterans Reunion will be held atthe Radisson Hotel & ConferenceCenter, Camp Hill, PA. Great sidetrips to the Washington KoreanMemorial and Arlington NationalCemetery have been planned. AllKorean War veterans welcome! Con-tact: Charles or Judy Egresitz, 717-652-4088 or 717-497-6971;[email protected].
I am in a hassle with the Pentagonas to when I was liberated by theRussian Army from Stalag III C. Idistinctly remember the day as be-ing January 31st, 1945. I never seeany reference in the Bulletin to Sta-lag III C, east of Berlin, and haveoften wondered does American Ex-Prisoners of War really know of thatprison where about 2000 AmericanNCOs were held. In the Bulletin do we have an op-portunity to contact other POWs. I’dreally like to ask other Stalag III CPOWs when they recall our libera-tion occurring. Since 1946 I havebeen celebrating that date as myliberation day, and the Pentagonsays I was liberated March 23, 1945.I traveled from III C across the Ger-man frontier, across Poland andwound up in the Moscow freightyards, then to Odessa on The BlackSea where I took a British ship ul-timately to Naples, Italy. Robert L.(Bob) Beardenw w w . b o b l b e a r d e n . c o m
[email protected] 5950 Lakeside Belton, TX 76513 254-698-6099.
My Dad, Cecil C. McGrew, was aPOW in WWII in Stalag Luft 1 inGermany. The B-24 he was flying inwas shot down over Germany De-cember 3, 1944. My Dad always told
a story about landing in a tree in asmall village after he parachutedout. Some of the villagers were go-ing to shoot him but the police chiefstopped them and detained Daduntil the German military took him.The police chief kept his parachuteand was going to use it for hisdaughter’s wedding dress. My Dadwas injured and I think he spentsome time in a hospital becausethere was some kind of record fromanother downed servicemen thatthey shared a room. I would reallylike to confirm these stories andfind out exactly where in Germanyhe landed and his journey fromthere to Barth I am interested inwhere he was captured and inter-rogated after he parachuted down.Is it possible after all this time tofind this information? Thank you,Susie McGrew Kaiser, 3847 203rdAve NE, Sammamish, WA 98074;425-868-6857.
I am looking for anyone who mayhave known Alfred C. Carroll. Dadwas captured at Battle of Salernobeginning September 9, 1943. Hewas wounded and received PurpleHeart. Believe he was captured about Sept 19. He was transportedto Stalag 2B in Hammerstein Ger-many. He became acting Chaplainafter Bruce Meads was repatriatedbecause of an illness I do know of.My Dad conducted many servicesand went out to the Kommando
units for religious services. I havecopies of letters written to themothers whose sons had died in thecamp, telling who attended and thatthey were given military honors ascould be under circumstances. Hewas with the 36th Infantry, trainedat Ft. Devens in Mass. He conductedfunerals of POW’s which he noted,as well as who attended. He wrotethat not all Germans were bad. Inhis journal, many prisoners wrote,thanking him, French, Serbian, En-glish, etc. He kept a record of themarch from Stalag 2B beginning Jan29, 1945 thru Germany and notedeach town and how many KM theymarched. Thanks for any [email protected].
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
17
members’
forum
Cheryl:Are you aware that just taking a ridearound the airport is a dangerousmatter. Are you aware that those menwere not volunteers? The Army, dur-ing WW II, would just select an In-fantry Regiment and assign them tobe Glider Outfits. There is little ques-tion about the fact that on D-Day anddays thereafter, I never saw ANYGliders intact. All landings were“crash” landings and there is nodoubt that their causalities wereheavy. These poor troops, who were mucholder than we paratroopers who werepaid $50.00 per month “Jump Pay”
and we were ALL Volunteers, we werenot drafted/assigned to the para-troops. So, at this late date, those of us whoare interested in veterans issues,need to get to work to have the gov-ernment pay everyone of those com-bat Glider Troops there “Flight Pay’for the days they served in GliderOutfits and were riding gliders. If youknew just how risky riding a gliderwas you would understand my anxi-ety over these guys. Their combatcausality rate must have been ter-rible. Think about this issue and considerhow AXPOW might pursue such aJUST cause.
Bob Beardon5950 Lakeside Belton, TX 76513 254-698-6099
Dear Editor:Please extend my thanks to FredCampbell for his outreach to veter-ans through Dear Abby last summer,regarding VA entitlement for wid-
ows of veterans who died of ALS. We applied for that benefit for mymother, and she began receiving it afew weeks ago. She had been man-aging on her Social Security income,but the VA benefit is easing her mindabout meeting her medical expensesand generally making her life morecomfortable. My father was a combat veteran ofWWII who suffered from the devas-tation of ALS from age 70 until hisdeath at age 82. He was and mymother is part of that Greatest Gen-eration who contributed so much toour country. I am pleased and grate-ful that their contribution andstruggle is being recognized in thispractical and useful manner. Thanks again for getting the wordout. We would not have had thisinformation without Mr. Campbelland Dear Abby. Sincerely,Pam Tinsley
Midlothian, VA.
Virgil McCollum1948-1949
Kenneth Day1949-1950
John Walker1950-1951
Ray O’Day1951-1952
Robert Geis1952-1953
William A. Berry1953-1954
James S. Browning1954-1955
Roger Bamford
1955-1956Walter Yosko
1956-1958Leo J. “Moose” Maselli
1958-1959
Paul Richter1959-1960
George Coates
1960-1961Jack Warner
1961-1962Alex Salinas
1962-1963
Pat Wheat1963-1964
Ralph Rodriguez1964-1965
Rufus W. “Willie” Smith1965-1966
Calvin Graef1966-1967
DC “Bull” Massey1967-1968
Chuck Towne1968-1969
John Lay1969-1970
Grady Inzer1970-1971
Juan Baldanado1971-1972
Harold Page
1972-1973Walter Pawlesh
1973-1974
DC Wimberly1974-1975
Joseph Perry1975-1976
Melvin Madero
1976-1977Joe Schisser
1977-1978
Joe Upton1978-1979
Herman Molen1979-1980
Stanley Sommers1980-1981
Charles Morgan1981-1982
Charles Miller1982-1983
C. Earl Derrington, Jr.1983-1984
Alfred P. “Joe” Galloway1984-1985
Orlo Natvig1985-1986
Wm. Curtis Musten1986-1987
Albert Bland1987-1988
Milton Moore, Sr.
1988-1989John Edwards
1989-1990
Francis W. Agnes1990-1991
John Krejci1991-1992
Charles Minietta
1992-1993William E. Bearisto
1993-1994
Charles Prigmore1994-1995
Lawrence S. Moses1995-1996
Wm. E. “Sonny” Mottern1996-1997
Wayne Hitchcock1997-1998
Richard M. Throckmorton1998-1999
Zack Roberts
1999-2000Wm. “Bill” Schmidt
2000-2001John W. Klumpp
2001-2002Maurice Sharp
2002-2003F. Paul Dallas
2003-2004James Cooper
2004-2005
Gerald Harvey2005-2006
Warren King2007-2008
Jim Clark
2008-2009Kenny Hanson
2009-2010
Past National
Commanders
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
18
AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR
VOLUNTARY FUNDING PROGRAMThe AXPOW Voluntary Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, wherebythe entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to
contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability andwillingness to contribute.
All contributions will go directly into the General Fund to be used for the operation of the organization.A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each month.
I am enclosing my contribution to support the operation of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.
$20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other
Please circle one category:
Individual Chapter State Department(If chapter or department, please give name)
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone #
Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary FundingMail contributions to: National Headquarters
American Ex-Prisoners of War3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40
Arlington, TX 76010Donations are not tax-deductible at this time
National ConventionSeptember21-26, 2010
Albany Georgia
Make Your Plans Now!
The 2010 National Convention is being
held in Albany, GeorgiaAlbany is about 40 miles south of
Andersonville...you can get there fromanywhere!
Drive...Fly (3 fights daily into Albany)...
Train (to Atlanta, then rent a car)
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
19
News
Briefs
Pink Ribbon Cutting for
the Katherine F. Arnold
Women Veterans Wing
When the Dom opened its doors onApril 4, 1990, Katherine F. Arnold,our hospital’s Volunteer PatientAdvocate, was there assisting theVeterans. In fact, Kay was provid-ing assistance to Veterans before theDom opened.
Mrs. Arnold recently logged 45,000volunteer hours. Her services werecelebrated at the Bedford VoluntaryService Appreciation Awards lun-cheon.
On May 20, Bedford’s Dom cel-ebrated over twenty years of ser-vice provided to 2700 Veterans andthe unveiling of the Women Veter-ans Wing. Our new wing was dedi-cated to Katherine F. Arnold. Mrs.Arnold is most deservingly well-re-spected by Veterans and it was theDom Veterans who suggested thatthe new Women Veterans Wing benamed in her honor.
About VAMC Bedford
The Edith Nourse Rogers MemorialVeterans Hospital (Bedford VA)consists of a 500+ bed facility lo-cated in Bedford, MA. It includes aVeterans Community Care Center,Vietnam Veterans Outreach Centerin Lowell, MA, and Veterans DayActivity Center in Winchendon, MA.
Diabetes Legislation
UpdateBy Mary P RolenLegislative Co-Chair
HR944 has only two co-sponsors…my Rep. GeraldConnolly and Rep. Walt Minnick ofBoise, ID., with whom I worked dili-gently with his people on our Leg-islative Program at the Boise, IDNational Convention last year. Yes,they co-sponsored the bill then. WENEED YOU TO GET YOUR REP. &SENATORS TO CO-SPONSOR. Justby making the third call and ex-plaining our bill, S977 the bill in-troduced by Senator Patty Murray,Washington State…this is the Billin the Senate. What I am saying, yesmy Sen. Jim Webb’s office says hewill also co-sign on our bill.
THIS IS WHAT I’M SAYING, YOUOUR MEMBERSHIP AND THEBOARD OF DIRECTORS must do ifwe are going to get this bill. Thisweek I have talked to both the Sen-ate and House Veterans AffairsCommittees and they said WE ARENOT GOING TO GET THE DIABETESPASSED UNLESS THEY START RE-CEIVING SOME ACTION FROMTHEIR CONSTITUENCY! THAT ISYOU!
Here are the numbers:S977- Senator Patty Murray’s office– 202-2224-2621; fax 202-224-0239HR944 – Gus Bilirakis’ office – 202-225-5755; fax 202-225-4085
If you will call me or write with anyquestions, I will try and help.
VA – Simpler Forms
and New ProgramWill Reduce Paperwork andSpeed Process
As part of Secretary of Veterans Af-fairs Eric K. Shinseki’s effort tobreak the back of the backlog, the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)is reducing the paperwork and ex-pediting the process for Veteransseeking compensation for disabili-ties related to their military service.
“These reductions in paperwork,along with other improvements tosimplify and speed the claims pro-cess, symbolize changes underwayto make VA more responsive to Vet-erans and their families,” said Sec-retary Shinseki.
VA has shortened application formsto reduce paperwork for Veterans.The new forms, which are beingmade available on VA’s Web site atwww.va.gov/vaforms <http://
www.va.gov/vaforms/> , include:
* A shortened VA Form 21-526 for Veterans applying for thefirst-time to VA for disability com-pensation or pension benefits. Thisform has been cut in half - from 23to 10 pages. It is immediately avail-able to Veterans via Web download,and will be available through VA’sonline claim-filing process later thissummer at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
* VA Form 21-526b for Veter-ans seeking increased benefits forconditions already determined byVA to be service-connected. Thisnew form more clearly describes theinformation needed to supportclaims for increased benefits.
In order to make the claims processfaster, VA has also introduced twonew forms for Veterans participat-ing in the Department’s new fullydeveloped claim (FDC) program,which is one of the fastest means toreceive a claims decision.
Gathering the information and evi-dence needed to support a Veteran’sdisability claim often takes the larg-est portion of the processing time.
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
20
news briefs,cont’d...
If VA receives all of the availableevidence when the claim is submit-ted, the remaining steps in theclaims-decision process can be ex-pedited without compromisingquality.
To participate in the FDC program,Veterans should complete and sub-mit an FDC Certification and VAForm 21-526EZ, “Fully DevelopedClaim (Compensation),” for a com-pensation claim, or a VA Form 21-527EZ, “Fully Developed Claim(Pension),” for a pension claim.
The forms were designed specifi-cally for the FDC program. Thesesix-page application forms in-clude notification to applicants ofall information and evidencenecessary to “fully develop” andsubstantiate their claims. Withthis notification, Veterans andtheir representatives can “fullydevelop” their claims beforesubmission to VA for processing.
Along with the application andcertification, Veterans must alsosubmit all relevant and pertinentevidence to “fully develop” theirclaims. A claim submitted as“fully developed” may still requiresome additional evidence to beobtained by VA, to include certainfederal records and a VA medicalexamination.
USS Houston Assn...
Dear Houston friends and family,
Nana Booker, Australian HonoraryConsulate, contacted Dana Charlesadvising the Australian Ambassa-dor to the United States (out of DC)
would be in Houston, TX & wouldlike to lay a wreath at our USS Hous-ton CA-30 Monument in memory ofthe Houston & crew. Dana con-tacted me and we got busy emailingpeople! Both Dana and I were onthe same wave length & as he wasemailing me about Challenge Coins,I was addressing the envelope tosend to Capt. Carter Conlin of theNaval Order of the United States,Texas Commandery....
We want to thank Capt. CarterConlin, Ron & Lin Drees, and ourson Dak Poss for taking time fromwork and their busy schedules andmeeting with Nana and Kim Beazlyalong with his lovely wife anddaughter. It was a special honor tohave the Ambassador take timefrom his busy schedule to bestowthis honor! Again, we are veryproud of our friends and familythat were our representatives. Wealso thank Nana Booker for invit-ing us and providing a beautifulwreath.
We continue to work together withour friends from Down Under toperpetuate their memory......Val Poss
Photo-left to right: Carter Conlin,Ron Drees, Nana Booker,Ambassador’s daughter, Ambassa-dor Beazly, Lin Drees, Ambassador’swife and Dak Poss
Mojave Desert
Veteran MemorialFrom: American Legion
Less than two weeks after the U.S.Supreme Court ruled that, for now,
the Mojave Desert cross could re-main in its location, vandals havetorn the memorial to World War Iveterans down from its location,leaving only the bolts in SunriseRock as evidence of the cross. Theincident sparked outrage amongsupporters of the cross, includingThe American Legion, which filedcrucial amicus (friend-of-the-court)brief in favor of the cross stayingput. The act also drew scorn fromLiberty Institute, which has repre-sented the Legion and other orga-nizations in the fight to keep thecross in its current location. “Thisis an outrage, akin to desecratingpeople’s graves,” said KellyShackelford, president/CEO of Lib-erty Institute. “It’s a disgraceful at-tack on the selfless sacrifice of ourveterans. We will not rest until thismemorial is re-installed.”
Park workers noticed on May 8th
that the box that has covered thecross during the ongoing lawsuithad been removed. “When a main-tenance team went out to put thebox back up, that’s when they dis-covered the cross had been re-moved,” said Linda Slater, publicaffairs officer for the Mojave Na-tional Preserve. “The bolts are stillin the ground, but the cross itselfis gone.” Park law enforcement isinvestigating this crime and is ask-ing for the public’s assistance. Lib-erty Institute is offering a $25,000reward for information leading tothe arrest and conviction of thoseresponsible. Anyone with informa-tion about the theft is asked to call(760) 252-6120.
Vietnam War
Anniversary
Commission
The Department of Defense is set-ting up the 50th Anniversary of theVietnam War CommemorationCommission. The commission isCongressionally mandated andchartered by the Department ofDefense to plan and conduct this
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
21
commemorative program whichmay include activities and ceremo-nies to achieve the following objec-tives:
(1) To thank and honor veter-
ans of the Vietnam War, in-
cluding personnel who were
held as prisoners of war or
listed as missing in action,
for their service and sacri-
fice on behalf of the United
States and to thank and
honor the families of these
veterans.
(2) To highlight the service of
the Armed Forces during
the Vietnam War and the
contributions of Federal
agencies and governmental
and non-governmental or-
ganizations that served
with, or in support of, the
Armed Forces.
(3) To pay tribute to the con-
tributions made on the
home front by the people of
the United States during the
Vietnam War.
(4) To highlight the advances in
technology, science, and
medicine related to military
research conducted during
the Vietnam War; and
(5) To recognize the contribu-
tions and sacrifices made
by the allies of the United
States during the Vietnam
War.
The Commission’s activities willlast until 2025 and will involve Viet-nam War Commemoration pro-grams conducted by the federalgovernment, state and local govern-ments, and international, commer-cial and private organizations.
Flanders House
Commemoration
New York - This Memorial Day,Flanders House commemorated allwar victims and in particular thoseAmerican and Canadian soldierswho fought “In Flanders Fields.”This commemoration was held atthe Clinton War Memorial on theSouth-East corner of De Witt ClintonPark, located at 11th Avenue and52nd Street. A wreath was placedat the foot of the Clinton WarMemorial, which is a statue of aWWI soldier with the poem “InFlanders Fields” inscribed in itsfoot. At the same time “The LastPost” was played as a symbolic finalfarewell. The memorial ended withthe reading of the beautiful “InFlanders Fields” poem by Lt. Col.
John McCrae.
VAChiropractic Care
Chiropractic care would have to beavailable at a minimum of 75 vet-erans’ medical centers by the endof 2011 and at all 153 medical cen-ters by the end of 2013, under abill passed on April 29th by a Housesubcommittee. Passed by voice voteby the health subcommittee of theHouse Veterans’ Affairs Commit-tee, the bill, H.R.1017, marks a ma-jor step in a 10-year fight in Con-gress to make chiropractic care andservices available to veterans. Rep.
news briefs,cont’d...
Bob Filner (D-CA), the veterans’committee chairman, is the chiefsponsor. Chiropractic care was firstprovided at Veterans Affairs De-partment facilities in 2004 under apilot program at about 25 locations,where the VA either hired chiro-practors or contracted for care. Justgetting the pilot program launchedafter it was first authorized was athree-year effort. Expansion of careto all VA facilities has been one ofthe top priorities of the Interna-tional Chiropractic Association.Expansion of military and veterans’treatment programs is part of whatthey are calling the “Adjust theVote” campaign, in a bit of chiro-practic humor.
Filner’s bill goes further than a vet-erans’ health care bill passed by theSenate Veterans’ Affairs Committeeearlier this year. That bill, S.1237,Homeless Veterans and Other Vet-erans Health Care Authorities Actof 2010, requires that comprehen-sive chiropractic services be avail-able in at least two locations withineach of the 21 veterans’ integratedservices networks. The veteranscommittee passed the bill in Janu-ary but it has not yet been broughtto the Senate floor for debate. Ev-ery network has at least one centerwith chiropractic services today,but 12 have only one location, ac-cording to the nonpartisan Con-gressional Budget Office, which es-timates it would cost about $8 mil-lion over five years to provide 12more centers.
Next of KinChorus Will Be
Performing at theNational
Convention!Contact ND
Deanie Schmidt fordetails!
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
22
Decision 2010Candidates
for
National
Commander
MORRIS BARKER
for
National Senior
Vice Commander
CARROLL BOGARD
for
National Jr. Vice
Commander-East
CHARLES SUSINO
While serving with the 15th. AirForce, 451 BG, 726 Sqdn, Morriswas shot down near Budapest Hun-gary and was held in Stalag Luft IV.He was also on the 86 day marchthrough Germany.
After discharge from the military,he graduated from Texas A&M Uni-versity, and later earned a MA fromthe University of Texas. He hasbeen an active member of AXPOW,serving as Chapter Commander,Texas State Department Com-mander, National Director as wellas Jr. and Sr. Vice Commander.Morris developed an AXPOW Vol-untary Funding Program that hasproven very successful in provid-ing operating funds for the Ameri-can Ex-Prisoners of War organiza-tion during the past two years. WithMorris’ help, the Budget & FinanceCommittee has worked to come upwith ways to maximize both ourfinances and our potential.
Morris lives in Waco, Texas.
Carroll enlisted in the Air Force in1942, serving with the 8th AF, 466th
BG, 785th BS. He was captured inAugust, 1944, then held in StalagLuft VI and Luft IV. He participatedin the 87 day march across north-ern Europe before being liberatedby the British 7 th Army atLauenburg, Germany on the ElbeRiver.
He joined AXPOW in 1986 andquickly became an active member.He has been NE Iowa Chapter Ad-jutant, Vice Commander and Com-mander; at the Dept. level, heworked the chairs, culminatingwith a three-year stint as Com-mander when the Dept. hosted the1995 National Convention in DesMoines. He’s reprising that roleagain this year.
He has been a National Director,serving the North Central Region,for five years. He served 2009-2010as National Jr. Vice Commander forthe Central Zone.
Carroll and his wife, Barbara, lifein Mason City, IA.
Current National Jr. ViceCommander 2008-2010.National DirectorBudget and Finance CommitteeGrievance & Investigation Com-mitteeCommander, Dept. of New Jersey(13+ years).NSO-11years.
AAC Veteran, flew B-24 Europeantheatre – hit the silk over Nord,France, March 5, 1944 after beinghit by flak and fighters. Pilot gavethe order “bail out” and he was cap-tured by two squads of German sol-diers. After being shipped to DulagLuft on the Rhine for 7 days of in-terrogation, he was sent by boxcarto East Prussia, Luft 6. In Jan. 1945,he was forced marched to Memel,then sent to Luft 4. After beingforced onto the 2 1/2 month-long“Black Hunger March”, he escapedwith five other prisoners and lo-cated a field hospital in the Ameri-can Zone.
Charlie and his wife, Lillian live inMetuchen, New Jersey
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
23
Decision 2010
Candidates
for
National Jr. Vice
Commander-Central
JAMES LOLLAR
for
National Jr. Vice
Commander-West
MILTON MOORE, JR
for National Director
Northeast
FRANKLIN KOEHLER
Jim is currently serving his 2nd termas National Director for the SouthCentral Region, Adjutant/Treasurerfor the Department of Texas, & his3rd term as Commander of the Dal-las Metroplex Chapter. He is theChair of the Grievance & Investiga-tion Committee for his 2nd term &has served as both member & Chairof the Ways & Means Committee.
Life Memberships include: AXPOW,4th Allied POW Wing (Nam-POW),Red River Valley Fighter Pilots As-sociation, B52 Strata-fortress Asso-ciation, Son Tay Raiders Associa-tion, AF Gunners Association, NCOAssociation, VFW, AMVETS, Viet-Now, DFC Society, MOPH Associa-tion, Weber Booster Club, & NRA.
Jim was a Tail-Gunner on a B-52Bomber & is the sole survivor onhis crew after being shot down overNorth Vietnam during OperationLinebacker II. He was a POW at HoaLo Prison (the Hanoi Hilton) untilhis release on 29 March 1973. Hewas on the last rescue flight out ofHanoi on a C-141 Med-EvacStarlifter, the “Hanoi Taxi”.
Jim lives in Wills Point, Texas.
During WWII,Frank wasserving withthe 106th Inf.D i v i s i o n ,Company D,424th Inf. Hewas capturedduring theBattle of theBulge. He was held in Stalag XIIA,Limburg, Germany, then marched,and finally liberated from Wetzlar.
Frank has been serving as NationalDirector for the Northeast Regionsince 2006. He served on the Bylawsand Resolutions Committee. He hasbeen Chapter Commander of theOcean County Chapter since 2001.He is a member of the Board of Di-rectors – Dept. of New Jersey. In 2005,he chaired the committee to host theNJ State Convention in Atlantic City.
Frank and his wife, Mae, live in Toms
River, New Jersey
for National Director
East Central
PAUL E GALANTI
Paul Galantiwas a POW fornearly 7 yearsin NorthV i e t n a m ’ si n f a m o u sHanoi Hiltoncomplex. Hewas released inFebruary, 1973
and immediately picked up his life.
Skip was born in Ft. Clayton,Panama Canal Zone in Oct. 1947.His father, Milton M. Moore Sr.spent 27 years in the United StatesArmy and was elected as the Na-tional Commander of AXPOW in1989. Skip served as National Sgtat Arms for 6 years. He spent 22years in the Army and had twotours of duty in Viet Nam, retiringas a SSG (E6) in August of 1989.
Skip’s son is stationed at Ft. Hood,Texas, after serving two tours inIraq.
“I am extremely proud of what myson is doing in the military. Myfamily has had a relative in everywar the United States has beeninvolved with since the Civil War.”
Currently, Skip is the Commanderof the Cochise Chapter AXPOW andCommander for the Department ofArizona, AXPOW.
Skip and his wife, Margie, live inSierra Vista, Arizona.
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
24
Decision 2010
CandidatesIn 2002, Paul was appointed as theDirector of National Service Officersfor AXPOW and currently is a serviceofficer. In 2003, he was appointed bySecretary of Veterans Affairs,Anthony J. Principi to serve on theSecretary’s Advisory Committee onFormer POWs for the second time.Paul was named to serve on theBoard of Virginia’s Department ofVeterans’ Services. He was electedChairman of the Board of VeteransServices in 2006. In 2006, he washonored with induction in theVirginia Aviation Hall of Fame. In thespring of 2010, Paul was appointedCommissioner of Veterans Servicesfor the state of Virginia.
Paul and Phyllis live in Richmond,VA.
for National Director
South East
WILLIAM JEFFERS
Bill joined AX-POW in themid -1980s .He was first amember ofthe NorthernVirginia Chap-ter (now BillRolen Memo-rial Chapter);when he moved to Florida, he joinedthe Suncoast Chapter where heserved as treasurer .
Bill is also active in his community.He has spent 11 years as a memberof the HOA Board of Directors – asPresident, Vice-President, Treasurerand Editor of the community news-
letter. On a national level, Bill hasserved on the awards committee forthe past three years; he is currentlychairman of the committee.During WWII, Bill served with the AirForce, 401st BG, 613th BS. He was cap-tured at Zandvoot, Netherlands andheld in Amsterdam, Oberursel,Wetzlar, and Stalags 13D & 7A.
Bill lives in Greenacres, FL.
for National Director
South Central
(vote for 2)
PAM WARNER
ESLINGER
Pam becameinvolved withAXPOW at theage of 3 at theNational Con-vention in1953. She iscurrently ViceCommanderfor the Dept.of Oklahoma.
She writes: “This organization is likemy second family, and I love helpingmy family. AXPOW has always beenso special to my dad (PNC JackWarner), and he has installed that inme. I believe I am who and what I amtoday because of him and my motherJune.”
On a community level, Pam hasraised money to erect the VeteransMemorial, she is one of three womenwho put together the local Veteransprogram at the school on VeteransDay.
Pam and Willie live in Harmon, Okla-
homa.
for National Director
South Central
(vote for 2)
JAMES CLARK
Jim has beena workhorseat both thelocal and na-tional levelsof AXPOW forthe past 29years. He or-ganized theN.E. LA Chap-ter and wasCommander for almost 12 years. Heis also the Dept. of LA Commander– a post he’s held since 1987. Jimcompleted 12 years as National Di-rector, two terms as JVC, one termas SVC and was National Commanderin 2008-09. He and his wife, Jerri,hosted the successful Baton RougeConvention in 1998. He has also beenchairman of three national commit-tees.
Serving with the Air Force duringWWII, Jim was captured at St. Lo andheld in Stalag Luft III, XIIID and VIIA.
Jim and Jerri live in Bastrop, LA.
There may be additionalnominations from the floor atthe National Convention inAlbany, Georgia, September24, 2010.Skip Moore, ChairmanNominations & ElectionsCommittee
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
25
RESOLUTION 2010-01
To amend the National Bylaws, Article XIII – Convention - Paragraph D
WHEREAS: It has become increasingly difficult to find chapters willing and able to host a NationalConvention; andWHEREAS: It has been established that working with an outside agency to host a convention does notmeet the Organization’s needs; andWHEREAS: When the Organization hosts the convention more work is done in-house, thereby increasingprofits; andWHEREAS: The National Headquarters has staff that is experienced and willing to do the work necessary:therefore be itRESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph D be changed to read:
D. The location for the National Convention shall be Arlington, Texas, or the vicinity, or as votedby the majority of members present and voting at National Convention.
Submitted by the National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010-2
To amend the National Bylaws, Article XIII – National Convention – Paragraph A.
WHEREAS: The Organization would like to coordinate its National Convention with other veterans serviceorganizations which are normally held during the summer months; andWHEREAS: Local and nationally-elected politicians are mostly unable to attend a National Convention dueto their heavy work schedule in the autumn months; andWHEREAS: The Organization is trying to attract the next-of-kin members to its National Convention; and WHEREAS: Many children and grandchildren are employed by or are enrolled in schools making it difficult,if not impossible, for them to attend a National Convention; andWHEREAS: The Organization held its National Convention during the month of July until 1987; thereforebe it
RESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph A be changed to read:
A. The organization’s annual meeting shall be held between June 15 and September 15 of eachyear and shall be called the National Convention.
Submitted by National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010-3
To amend the National Bylaws, Article XIII - Delegates.
WHEREAS: The credentialing of National Delegates has evolved over the years and the procedures asoutlined in the Bylaws need to change to keep up with the changes; therefore be itRESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph E be changed to read:
Decision 2010Resolutions
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
26
E. Selection of Delegates1. State departments and individual chapters are entitled to appoint delegate(s) to repre-sent and cast votes for their department or chapter at the National Convention.a. The state department and chapter adjutant shall authenticate their indi-vidual delegate(s) credentials letter to include an alphabetical listing sent to them by National Headquartersand validated by the local adjutant. The credentials letter and validated membership listing shall be submit-ted to the National Adjutant for validation no later than twenty (20) days prior to the schedules NationalConvention.b. The National Adjutant shall return the validated delegate letter to the des-ignated head delegate no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled National Convention.2. Each delegation shall present its validated credentials letter to the Credentials Com-mittee no later than three (3) hours prior to the first business meeting of the National Convention. No delegate(s)shall be permitted to vote who presents his credentials letter to the Credentials Committee later than three(s)hours before the first business meeting of the National Convention has been called to order. The votes asso-ciated with any delegation will not be counted if the head, or designated alternate, delegate does not properlypresent their validated credentials letter to the Credentials Committee.
Submitted by the National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010-4
To amend the Bylaws Article XIII – Convention – Paragraph F, sub-paragraph 4.
WHEREAS: The voting on all business at the National Convention is by members present during the busi-ness meetings with the exception of the election of officers, which is done by a paper ballot and the voting onresolutions to change the National Bylaws; therefore be it
RESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph F, sub-paragraph 4, and subsequent notations be changed to be incompliance with this amendment, be changed to read:Voting on all business at the National Convention shall be by the members present in assembly at the time avote is called with the exception of voting for the election of officers and the passage of resolutions to changethe National Bylaws.
Submitted the National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010–5To amend the National Bylaws Article VI – Membership – Paragraph D – Sub-paragraph 8.
WHEREAS: Clarification of the membership qualifications has been asked for; andWHEREAS: Since the Organization began keeping records, it has been interpreting the membership rulesin the same fashion; therefore be itRESOLVED That Article VI, Paragraph D, sub-paragraph 8, be changed to read:
8. The spouse of 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Submitted by the National Board of Directors
Decision 2010
Resolutions
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
27
REGISTRATION FORM
YES, SIGN ME UP FOR THE AMERICAN-EX PRISONERS OF WAR 2010 CONVENTION!!!
NAME ______________________________________________________________________________POW CAMP________________________________ BRANCH OF SERVICE_______________ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PHONE___________________________________EMAIL____________________________________NAME OF YOUR GUESTS____________________________________________________________PLEASE LIST ANY SPECIAL NEEDS:__________________________________________________IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTIFY___________________________________________________BANQUET MEAL SELECTION: BEEF_______ CHICKEN________ VEGETARIAN_______IS THIS YOUR FIRST REUNION? YES:______ NO:______REGISTRATION FEES
REQUIRED REGISTRATION FEE: # of PERSONS _______x $96 = ______
BUS TO ANDERSONVILLE NUMBER ATTENDING ______ x $16 = ______LADIES’ LUNCHEON NUMBER ATTENDING ______ x $20 = ______
TOTAL ENCLOSED = ______
PAYMENT IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 20, 2010
PLEASE SEND PAYMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS AND MADE PAYABLE TO:
THE REUNION BRAT50721 State Hwy 410 E, Greenwater, WA 98022; (360)663-2521———————————————————————————————————————————Confirmation of Registration and Itinerary will be sent out by August 30, 2010. A $20 per personcancellation fee will apply to all cancellations received within 30 days of the event. Cancellationsreceived within 10 days of the event will be non-refundable. Call the Hilton Garden Inn at 229-878-4861 no later than August 20, 2010 to make your hotel reservations. Be sure to mention you arewith the AXPOW Convention to receive your group rate of $109 a night, plustax. These prices are available 3 days prior to and after your event should you
choose to extend your stay. We’ll see you soon in Albany!
American Ex-Prisoners of War 63rd Annual ConventionSept 21-26, 2010
~~ Albany, Georgia ~~
To be held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Room rates are $109 per night, plus tax. Parking at thehotel is free. Airport Transportation is about $15 by cab from the Southwest Georgia RegionalAirport. Call the Hilton Garden Inn at 229-878-4861 no later than August 20, 2010 to makeyour hotel reservations.
COME JOIN US AS WE SHARE OLD MEMORIES AND MAKE NEW ONES!!!
For More Information, contact: American Ex-Prisoners of WarPhone: (817)649-2979; Email: [email protected]
Or The Reunion BRATPhone: (360)663-2521; Email: [email protected]
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
28
AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR 2010 NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATE VALIDATION FORM
SEPTEMBER 22 – 26, 2010 ALBANY, GEORGIA
Please validate the following members as delegates to the 2010 National Convention in Albany, Georgia, September 21 – 26. 2010.
____________________________________________________________________ Chapter/Department Name (Please print) Head Delegate: (Please print name and address.)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
Other Delegates and Alternates: (Please print names and addresses.)
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Validated lists will be returned to the Head Delegates.
If you are a chapter voting with your state department, do not return this form.
MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR CREDENTIALS 3201 EAST PIONEER PARKWAY #40 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76010-5396
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
29
American Ex-Prisoners of WarCandidate for National Office
2010
Candidate for office of:Name:Address: Telephone:
Member Chapter:Military Service Organization (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or civilian):
Date and Place of Capture:Places of Internment:Date and Place of Liberation:
Biography (Please attach, including picture):
To be eligible to run for a national office, a candidate must have been a member for the 3 previous years.Submit to: Milton M Moore, Jr., Chairman, 2965 Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650email: [email protected] Phone: (520) 459-7925
AD Order FormPage size is 8 ½ x 11
Ad PricingBlack & White ColorFull Page …..$250 $500Half Page… .$175 $300Quarter Page…$125BusinessCard..$50
Name: __________________________
Organization: ____________________
Address:_________________________
City: ____________ _______________
State & Zip: ______________________
Telephone: _______________________
Ad Size: _________________________
Amount Enclosed $________________
Checks Payable to:2010 Convention FundMail Form with Ad materials andcheck to: Marsha Coke, NationalHeadquarters, 3101 E. Pioneer Pkway,Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010
National Convention
Tentative Agenda
Sept. 21-26, 2010
Tuesday Sept. 21:National Service OfficerTrainingRegistration Desk Open in PM
Wednesday Sept. 22:National Board of DirectorsMeetingRegistration Desk OpenHospitality Room OpenHospitality RoomEvening Entertainment
Thursday Sept. 23:
Daytrip to AndersonvilleOpening Ceremonies atAndersonville National HistoricSite and the National POWMuseum
Friday Sept. 24:Past National CommandersBreakfastGeneral Business SessionCamp ReunionsHospitality RoomCommanders ReceptionEvening Entertainment
Saturday Sept. 25:General Business Session &BallotingBanquet and Installation ofOfficers
Sunday Sept. 26:DevotionalNational Board of DirectorsMeeting
PSSST!Did you know the hotel is
only 8 miles from SouthwestGeorgia Regional Airport?
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
30
American Ex-Prisoners of WarWebsite Biography
www.axpow.org
If you are not a current member of AXPOW,
you must submit documentation of your POW status.
Name
Nickname
Address
City/State/Zip Telephone
Conflict and Theater of Operation
Branch of Service Unit
Where were you captured? Date captured
POW camps you were held in
How long were you a POW? Date liberated
Medals received
Job in the militaryAfter military service
Submit 1 or 2 photographs (color or black and white).Biography: (please type or print)
SEND TO: American Ex-Prisoners of War3201 East Pioneer Parkway #40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396
Please include your check for $65 payable to AXPOW. If you have any questions, please contact Clydie Morgan,National Adjutant, at 817-649-2979; [email protected]
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
31
Suitable for framing, thiscertificate of captivity, printed on8½” x 11” quality paper, proudlydisplays your history as a prisonerof war. Each certificate backgroundis personalized to the theater ofoperation. To purchase thiscertificate from AXPOW, send yourname, service number, branch ofservice, unit when captured, POWnumber (if known), camp namesand locations, along with your
payment of $25.00. You may
include a picture with your order.
Please order from NationalHeadquarters. If you are orderingat Convention, you can place yourorder in the Merchandise Room.
Certificate of Captivity
request for membership application
American Ex-Prisoners of War
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________
Membership is open to US Military and Civilians capturedbecause of their US citizenship and their families.
Do NOT send dues with this request for an application
Life Membership RatesUnder 35 $36036-50 $30051-60 $18061 & over $120Spouse of life member $ 40Annual Membership Rates Single Membership $ 40Husband & wife $ 50
Mail to:
American Ex-Prisoners of War
3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40Arlington, TX 76010-5936
(817) 649-2979 voice
(817)649-0109 fax
e-mail:[email protected]
Please send donations to:National Headquarters, 3201 EastPioneer Parkway, Suite 40,Arlington, TX 76010. You can alsomake a donation with a credit card(MasterCard or Visa). Just call 817-6492979. Thank you!
Contributions are nottax deductible at this time
contributions
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
32
GENERAL FUNDIrvin Roberts, Richmond VAJoseph Bauman, Boca Raton FLKaren Kahrl, Columbus OHMahoning Valley Chapter, OhioVirginia Timpanaro, Brick NJWarren Ledbetter, Midwest City OKIn memory of all soldiers, by J. C.McCrayIn memory of Bill Jollif, by Arnold &Donna Schuler, by Betty & DonHertel, by Bud Hofer, by DonaldStang, by Emily Market, by EugeneNonilla Copes, by Fred Chappolow,by Hoss Rade, by ImogeneCummings, by Jim & Faye Hofer, byJim & Val, Noah, Ray Farrow, by JohnAshley, Audrey & Ana Westerfield,by Keith & Wanda Monroe, by LesterMonroe, by Lowell & Joann Market,by M/M Robert Pfaff, by M/M TerryShepard & Morgan, by M/M VirgilTebbe, by Mark & Laura Westerfield,by Nancy Moster, by Wayne & Bar-bara Monroe, by Wayne & SharonHalcomb
In memory of Carl Heimaster, byPatricia RothIn memory of Clifton Barber, byMarian Barber JohnsonIn memory of David Rashes, by Irv-ing LautmanIn memory of Edwin “Bud” Huson, byEleanor HusonIn memory of Erwin Lange, by BirdieMae JohnsonIn memory of Erwin Lange, by Rob-ert & Shirley FieldIn memory of Henry Sha, by Richard& Martha CarrollIn memory of John D ‘JD’ Collins, byE R & Glenda ArledgeIn memory of John Frost Kidd, byWanda Reeves, by Illava Griffin, byCalvin & Arline Stripling, by Jim &Linda Lindsey, by Glenda MesinbrinkIn memory of Keith L Shepherd, byhis wife, RandineIn memory of Mary Currin, by theMagnolia ChapterIn memory of Mary MargaretBrowder, by Eleanor HusonIn memory of Myron Swack, by Irv-ing LautmanIn memory of Oren Hanbaum, byBruce KimeIn memory of Raymond Buerster, byBob & Mary BotashIn memory of Ruben Parrish, by theMid-Iowa ChapterIn memory of Samuel Alden Alle, byhis wife, ShirleyIn memory of Thomas Pines Jr, byLincoln & Mary HanscomIn memory of Virgil Scott, by the Mid-Iowa Chapter
LEGISLATIVE FUNDIn memory of Steve Augerinos, by theDepartment of Maryland
MEDSEARCH FUNDIn memory of Annabel Livaudais, bythe South Louisiana ChapterIn memory of Guy Martin, by the De-partment of MarylandIn memory of James Stengel, by theNorthwest Central Ohio ChapterIn memory of Margaret Johnson, bythe South Louisiana ChapterIn memory of Robert & ElizabethWoehlke, by the Department of Mary-landIn memory of William Lamastus, bythe Northwest Central Ohio ChapterMahoning Valley Chapter, OhioWisconsin Indianhead Chapter
NSODepartment of MissouriMembers of Department of MissouriMembers of Department of Tennes-see
VOLUNTARY FUNDINGBen & Lila Nienart, Lafayette NJBernard Kahn, Brandon MSBilly Reinbeau, Thornville OHCamille Crivelli, Oceanside NYDonald Durant, Sun City Center FLEdward Wallner, Edison NJErnest Smith, Wichita KSErnest Smith, Wichita KSFloyd Jarnigan, Midland TXFrank Gailer, San Antonio TXGarden State Chapter #1, NJGerald Hanus, Milwaukee WIHarry Crane, Las Cruces NMHarry Hinkle, Barnesville OHJack Browder, Tyler TXJames Walker, Riverside NJJohn Gatens, Fairlawn NJKenneth William Brown, Hardwick VTLarry & Mary Dwyer, Muscatine IALew & Jan SleeperLincoln & Mary Hanscom,Somersworth NHLucille Whitby, Halifax NCM/M Edward Holler, Rogers ARMarilyn Hanna, Indian Trail NCMary Piscitello, Pittsboro NCMaurice Markworth, Annville PAMurray Webster Jr, Charlotte NCPaul Young, Lakewood WARamon Chavez, Geneseo ILRobert Haverkos, Dunedin FLRobert Rodenbaugh, Columbia MORobert Vogler, San Diego CAViolet Porter Bridges, Jemison ALVirginia Betz, Hilliard OHW T Jones, Baytown TXIn memory of John Frost Kidd, bySally MorganIn memory of Joseph Monteith, by
Rita Monteith
Bring yourgrandkids!
National ConventionSeptember 21-26, 2010Opening Ceremonies
will be held atAndersonville National
Historic Site
Special Thanks to:
Albert Dixon, Orangeburg SCFrederick Irving, Belmont MAKazmer Rachak, Casper WYManuel Moreno, East Troy WINicholas Tosques, Millville DEfor their unwavering support of
AXPOW!
taps
Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
33
ALBERTSEN, Norman A “Al”, ofCarson City, Nevada, died in April,2010. Al served on the USS Grena-dier and was held in Ofuna andOmori, from April 1943 to Septem-ber 1945. He is survived by his wifeof 64 years, Betty. Both have beenAXPOW life members since 1979. Heis additionally survived by 2 daugh-ters, 2 sons, 6 grandchildren and alarge and loving extended family.
ALLE, Samuel Alden, of Grand Rap-ids, Minnesota, died February 15,2010. He was a WWII combat medic,80th Div., Cl L-317. A member of theLake Superior Chapter, he was a POWin Stalags 12A and 3C. He is survivedby his wife, Shirley.
BABINGTON, William F., 87, ofFranklinton, LA died March 3, 2010.He served with the 8th AF duringWWII, with the 94th BG. He was shotdown, captured and held in Luft 1,Barth. Survivors include his lovingwife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren and7 great-grandchildren.
BARTON, Donald E., of Portland, ORdied May 14, 2010 at the age of 77. Originally from OK Don served as aMedic with the 2nd Infantry Divisionin Korea. He was captured in May’51, was seriously wounded whilebeing marched north and spent 28months in a POW camp on the YaluRiver. Don was active in both the FtVancouver and the Columbia RiverChapters AXPOW. He is survived byhis wife of 57 years, three sons, twodaughters, 14 grandchildren and 24great grandchildren.
BOYLE, Glen E., of Portage, MNpassed away May 15, 2010. He was87. During WWII, he served with the450th BG; he was shot down over Ro-mania and captured. Glenn is sur-vived by 3 children, 9 grandchildren,4 great-grandchildren, 1 brother andtheir families.
BRAY, Robert, 85, of Worthington,MN died in April 2010. During WWII,
he served with the 484th BG, 826th BS.His B-24 Liberator was shot down; hewas captured and held in Luft IV andlater Luft I until liberation. He was amember of AXPOW. Survivors in-clude two sons.
CASTOR, Evelyn, of Sidney, OHpassed away April 22, 2010. She wasthe beloved wife of PDC Ken Castor.Both were charter members of theDayton Chapter, AXPOW. Evelyn wasa volunteer at the Dayton VAMC formore than 20 years. She will bemissed by her family and friends.
DRABIK, Edward, of Muskegon, MIdied April 22, 2010. He was 88. In1944, he was stationed in Italy withthe 455th BG. He was captured andheld in Stalag 7A, Moosberg. Survi-vors include his wife of 65 years,Ardis, 2 daughters, 2 grandchildrenand 2 great-grandchildren.
EDWARDS, Benjamin F., Jr., residentof Oregon and longtime member ofAXPOW, died May 11, 2010. He wasa civilian POW, held in Santo Tomasand Los Banos internment camps.Ben was one of the men chosen toescape from Los Banos in Feb. 1945to contact the American forces inManila and to assist them in the lib-eration. He is survived by 2 children,5 grandchildren and 1 great-grand-daughter.
FIELDS, John Wilbur ofReynoldsburg, Ohio, died April 26,2010, leaving his widow Rose Marie,a son, two daughters, 14 grandchil-dren and three great-grandchildren.He served in the ETO with the 101st
Airborne and was held in Stalag 4B. FREEDMAN, Bertram, ofWestminster, MD passed away May8, 2010. He was 92. He was capturedon Corregidor and held for 3 ½ yearsin POW camps in the Philippines andJapan. He was a member of ADBC.Survivors include 3 daughters, 2 step-children, 1 brother, 11 grandchildrenand 5 great-grandchildren.
GLEESING, Jerry, of Spokane WAdied April 25, 2010, at age 85. He wascommander of the Spokane InlandEmpire Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He also served asDept. Commander. During WWII,Jerry was deployed to Italy as a flightofficer with the 15th Air Force, 459th
Bomb Group. His B-24 was shot downand the crew bailed out over Yugo-slavia and he was taken prisoner. Hewas held at Stalag 13-D and 7A untilliberation. Survivors include his wife,Nancy, 5 sons, 2 daughters, 17 grand-children and 7 great-grandchildren.
GRENIER, Richard, 77, of Old Town,ME passed away Nov. 28, 2009. Heserved in the Army during the Ko-rean War; he was captured on Nov.2, 1950 and held for 33 months un-til being released back to US forces.Dick leaves his loving wife, Rita, 6children, 21 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grand-child, 1 brother and 2 sisters.
GUNDY, Samuel C., beloved husbandof Mary, died April 23, 2010. He was92. He was captured while servingwith the 8th AF, 388th BG, 562nd BS.His B-17 was shot down and he wasa POW for 15 months, including timeat Stalag Luft III. In addition to his
wife of 66 years, he leaves 2 childrenand numerous grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren.
HEIMASTER, Carl Verner, “Pops”, ofSantee, California, died April 22,2010. Originally from southwest Mis-souri, he served as a Tail Gunner ona B-24 Bomber with the 451st BG,724th BS. He was captured and heldas a POW by the Germans for 333days. He was a member of the SanDiego County Chapter. He is survivedby his loving wife of 7 years, Patricia,2 sons, 4 step-children, 14 grandchil-dren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
34
taps continued...HENRY, Colleen A., of Dunbar, WVpassed away April 13, 2010. She andher husband Ed were members of theBarbed Wire Mountaineers Chapter,AXPOW. Colleen is survived by herhusband, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 10grandchildren and 12 great-grand-children.
HOSKINS, Catherine Cotterman, ofSacramento, California died May 2,2010. She was born in the Philippinesin 1921, grew up in the overseasAmerican community of Manila, andwas valedictorian of the AmericanSchool Class of 1938. She was in-terned, along with numerous mem-bers of four generations of her ex-tended family and thousands of al-lied civilians, for three years duringthe World War II Japanese occupationof the Philippines, until liberated bythe famous flying column of the FirstCavalry Division, lead by Company Bof the 44th Tank Battalion, firstthrough the gates of the Santo To-mas prison camp on 3 February 1945.She married Gilman G. Hoskins, a re-turning veteran and himself the sonof a casualty of Bataan, in San Fran-cisco in 1946, was widowed in 1979,and is survived by three daughters,two sons, eight grandchildren, andone great-grandchild. She was a lifemember of AXPOW and had held theposts of secretary and chaplain of the49ers Chapter in Sacramento.
HUSBERG, Harry, of Joshua, Texas,died April 15, 2010. Harry servedwith the 13th Div, 59th Inf, Co. B, andwas held on a farm in the Ruhu Val-ley after capture. An AXPOW lifemember since 1989, he was an ac-tive member of the Fort Worth Chap-ter
KIDD, John Frost, of Spring, Texas,passed away on May 4, 2010. He issurvived by his wife of 29 years,Suzanne. He left school at the age of17 to join the U.S. Navy. He was cap-tured in 1942 by the Japanese on theisland of Corregidor in the PhilippineIslands and held prisoner until the
end of the war in 1945. A memberof the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, Johnhas been an AXPOW member since1979, and has served as the Com-mander of the Department of Texas.
KRIPPEL, William F “Krip”, of Ft.Worth, Texas, died May 18, 2010. Amember of the Fort Worth Chapter,Bill served with the 15 AF in FoggiaItaly, as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Bomber. Shot down on his 21 mis-sion, he was captured and held bythe Germans. He is survived by hiswife of 57 years, Peggy.
LAMASTUS, William, 84, of Anna,OH passed away Feb. 25, 2010. Billwas a veteran of the Army duringWWII. He was a POW in Hamburg,Nurnberg and Leipzig camps. He wasa member of the NW Central OhioChapter, AXPOW (having served ascommander). Survivors include hiswife of 62 years, Helen, 2 daughters,granddaughters, great-grandchildrenand sisters.
LEVY, Robert Benjamin, 85, of WestHaven, CT died May 19, 2010. Heserved with the 4th Div., 2nd Inf. Reg.,Co A. Bob was captured at the Battleof St. Lo, Normandy, on July 29, 1944.He was a POW at Chartres, 12A and7A. Bob was a life member of Con-necticut Chapter, AXPOW. He leaveshis wife, Mary, 2 sons, 2 daughters,5 grandchildren and 1 great-grand-daughter.
LIVAUDAIS, Annabel Johnson,hardworking member of the SouthLouisiana Chapter, AXPOW, diedApril 28, 2010. She is survived by herhusband, Clyde (POW in the KoreaWar, captured in 1951). She leaves 2sons, 1 daughter, 7 grandchildrenand 1 brother.
MacLEAN, Robert A of Lake Wales,FL died Feb. 24, 2010 at the age of78. He was captured at the ChosinReservoir and held POW in Korea.Bob was commander of the GreaterTampa Bay Chapter, AXPOW. He issurvived by his wife, Anne, 7 chil-dren, 21 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
MAHURIN, Walker “Bud”, of New-port Beach, CA passed away May 11,
2010. He was 91 and one of WWII’sleading fighter pilots – the first“Double Ace” in the 8th AF. Althoughshot down in France, he was hiddenby the resistance and returned toAmerican control. In Korea, he wasn’tso lucky. He was shot down, capturedand held for 16 months until repa-triation. He leaves his wife, Joan, 2sons, 1 daughter, 1 stepdaughter and7 grandchildren.
MARKHAM, Mabel E., 87, of Ply-mouth, MA passed away April 20,2010. She was the wife of ex-POWFrederick (610th Tank Div Battalion).Both Mabel and Fred were life mem-bers of AXPOW and Mass Chapter #1.Survivors include 1 daughter, 2 sons,2 grandchildren and 3 brothers.
MARTINDALE, Robert Rene, of SanAntonio, TX died May 9, 2010. Dur-ing WWII, he served with the AAF; hewas shot down over the Bismarck Seaand was a POW of the Japanese al-most 3 years. He leaves 2 daughters,3 grandchildren and 1 great-grand-
son.
McISAAC, Willis, of East Point, MIpassed away April 9, 2010. He was88. Willis was a POW in Germany,captured while serving in the Army.Survivors include 1 son, 2 brothers,2 sisters, 6 grandchildren and 4great-grandchildren.
MONTI, Aldo Vincent , ofBrackenridge, Pennsylvania, died May30, 2010. He was captured by theGermans on October 24, 1944. A vol-unteer at the VA Hospital, he is sur-vived by his wife of 63 years, Agnes.
OLECKI, Edward Joseph, of PortRichey, FL passed away April 25,2010 at the age of 91. He was cap-tured in the Battle of the Bulge whileserving with the 106th Inf., 422nd Div.,Co D. His men called him Sgt. Lucky.Ed was a member of FL Chapter #1,AXPOW. Survivors include his wife of51 years, Arline, 3 grandchildren anda large and loving extended familyand friends.
PARRISH, Ruben, 90, of Des Moines,IA died May 16, 2010. Ruben servedwith the 781st Tank BN; he was a POWof the Germans at Heipenheim. Hewas a life member of AXPOW and the
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
35
taps continued...Mid-Iowa chapter. He is survived by1 daughter, 6 grandchildren, 19great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, 2 sisters and 1brother.
PURDY, Genny J., of Fitzgerald, GApassed away April 15, 2010 at the ageof 86. She is survived by one daugh-ter and one grandson. She lost herbeloved husband, ex-POW William E.Purdy, Jr. in 2001.
ROBERTSON, Billy R., 84, of Gregory,MI died Nov. 23, 2009. He was cap-tured while serving with the 305th BG,365th BS; he spent 9 months as a POWin Germany. Survivors include hiswife of 63 years, Maryanna, 3 chil-dren, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
RUNGE, Carl F., of Round Rock, TXdied Jan. 14, 2010. He was 86. Dur-ing WWII, he served with the 486th
BG, 8th AF. He was shot down overCzechoslovakia, captured and held inSaaz and Teplitz. Carl is survived byhis wife, Mary, 2 children, 6 grand-children and 2 great-grandchildren.
SCHMIDT, Dora passed away onApril 13, 2010. Dora was thewidow of ex-POW TheodoreSchmidt. Dora was a member ofFresno Chapter #1 and resided inFresno, CA.
SCHULTZ, John C., age 89, of Buf-falo, NY died Jan. 25, 2010. He servedwith the US Army, Rifleman 745 withCo. F, 411th Inf. Reg., 103rd Div. Hewas a POW in Stalag 9B, Bad Orb. Johnwas a member of the Western NYChapter, AXPOW. He is survived by1 daughter and 2 grandchildren.
SCOTT, Virgil, 87, of Webster City,IA passed away April 21, 2010. Virgilserved in the AAF during WWII; withthe 301st BG, 353rd BS. He was shotdown on his 24th mission and heldcaptive in Germany. Virgil is survivedby 4 sons, 4 daughters, 25 grandchil-dren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1brother and 1 sister. He was a mem-ber of the Mid-Iowa Chapter, AXPOW.
SELLERS, Burl, of Troy MI died April13, 2010. He was a WWII veteran;captured in the Battle of the Bulge.Burl is survived by 1 daughter, 1 son,4 grandchildren and 11 great-grand-children.
SKINNER, Dick W., 86, of Sarasota,FL died May 18, 2010. During WWII,he served with the 8th AF, 493rd BG,861st BS. He was shot down overLudwigshafen, captured and held inLufts IV and I. He was a life memberof AXPOW, past commander of theSuncoast Chapter and member of theManasota Chapter. His wife of 65years, Jean survives him; he alsoleaves one daughter.
SMITH, Matthew J., 87, of WesleyChapel, FL died April 28, 2010. Dur-ing WWII, he served in the AAC, 483rd
BG, 817th BS. He was captured afterbeing shot down over Memmingen,Germany and held until liberation.Matthew leaves 6 children, 9 grand-children and a number of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.He was a life member of AXPOW.
SNIDER, Edward Joe, of Tours, TXpassed away May 11, 2010 at the ageof 90. He served with the 41st Inf.Reg., 2nd Armor Div. during WWII. Hewas a POW and a member of Chap-ter #1. Survivors include his belovedwife of 61 years, Eleanor, 1 son, 3daughters, 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and many extendedfamily and friends.
STODDARD, Val, of Pocatello, Idaho,died in May, 2010. A member of theIdaho Chapter, Val served with the358 BS, 303 BG. He was held in Sta-lag 17B.
STONE, Jay E. of Ashland, VA passedaway May 28, 2010. He was 88. Whileserving with the Army, attached withCo. B, 103rd Eng. Combat Bn, he wascaptured in the Battle of the Bulge.He was held in Bad Orb and Bergauntil liberation. Jay was a memberof the North Central Ohio Chapter 8,AXPOW. He leaves 1 daughter, 5grandchildren, 2 great-grandchil-dren, 1 sister and a large and lovingextended family.
TOFFTON, Ellen Childers, 79, ofRocky Mount, NC died March 24,2010. She was a life member of AX-POW and a member of the EasternNorth Carolina Chapter. She is sur-vived by her loving husband of 64years, James (Luft I ex-POW), 3 chil-dren, 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
WALSH, Rosemary, wife of Jack
Walsh, died April 20, 2010. She livedin Paradise Valley, Arizona. She wasan Agua Fria Chapter member and aNational Member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Jack was inthe 387th BG, 559th BS.
WITT, Lawrence, 86, of Ann Arbor,MI died April 10, 2010. He servedwith the 8th AF, 96th BG; his plane wasshot down, he was captured and heldin Stalag Luft IV, then force-marchedahead of the Russian Army to Stalag357. He was a life member of AXPOW.Survivors include 3 daughters, 7grandchildren and 1 great-grand-child.
YOUNG, Robert Alexander “Bob”,life member of AXPOW and aproud, longtime member of the49’ers chapter, Sacramento, diedApril 19, 2010 at the age of 93.He was a civilian prisoner of war dur-ing the Japanese occupation of thePhilippines and was held atthe Santo Tomas and Los Banos in-ternment camps. After coming toSacramento, he met his future wifeLucy. They married in 1956 andraised a family of 7 children. He wasloved by his 13 grandchildren, 12great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He will begreatly missed by all who knew him.
ZMUDA, Alexander J. , 86, ofClermont, FL passed away April 4,2010. He served in the Army, 36th
Div., 141st Inf., Co K during WWII. Hewas captured at the Rapido River,Italy, then held in Kommando 1637for 18 months. Alex is survived byhis wife of 61 years, Virginia, 2daughters, 1 son and 6 grandchil-
dren.
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
36
The Legacy of your love can live on after…
An important way you can help ensure that the American Ex-Prisoners of War is always there forreturning POWs, their families and their dependents is through your will or living trust.
The gift you make through your will or trust, large or small, is crucial to the future of our organiza-tion. In just a few years, after the generations of the heroes of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and morerecent wars have passed away, there will be far fewer men and women to carry the banner of AXPOWand her service to America. It will be far easier for our non-veteran population to forget those whosacrificed their blood and their health to ensure America’s freedom.
It’s very simple to make a bequest to the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Just add the following to yourwill or living trust: “I give, devise and bequeath to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. PioneerParkway, Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010, the sum of $_______ or ______percent of the rest, residue andremainder of my estate.”
Please take a few minutes of your time to help.
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan”and
“We exist to help those who cannot help themselves”are not empty phrases.
They are cornerstones of our faith in our future.
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
37
National Headquarters3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010; (817) [email protected]
new members
New Annual Members
Welcome Home!
Danny L McCrackenRogers ARSon of Jerry Oxenreider
Harold F GantertParsippany NJUSAAF 384 BG 544 BSLuft 3, 13D, 7A4/29/44-4/29/45
The Ladies Luncheon...
New Life Members
Welcome Home!
*denotes new member to AXPOW
Pamela Batia Geiser 39669Biloxi MSDaughter of William Batia, ETO
Louis J Deslatte 39670Luftin TX465 BG 781 BSLuft 4 & 13
Gloria J West *39671Midwest City OKDaughter of Warren Ledbetter, PAC
Roland A Lissner *38672San Clemente CA8 AF 306 BG 367 BSLinderagen, Northern Sweden,Hospitals2/3/45-8/23/45
Meet old friends andmake new ones at the
National Convention inAlbany, Georgia!
FEATURING...Maxie the Preacher’s Wife is a character created by Elaine Brantley. Elaine, a pastor’s wife, ismarried to Dr. Rickey Brantley, who has dedicated his life to pastoring and teaching God’s people. She is alsothe mother of three children, a musician, an author and illustrator, and a lover of humor. Elaine created theMaxie character as a good, clean, wholesome form of entertainment.
You’ll do much more than just laugh as you hear about the many adventures of life as a preacher’s wife. You
may even recognize some of the same people in your own congregation as she shares about the humorousside of church life.
Elaine also is very active in leading Women’s Conferences and Retreats covering many topics and issueswomen face today. Among those issues taught from a Biblical perspective are:When Life Gives You Lemons (a conference study of the book of Ruth and how it relates to today’s woman)Do You Really Believe What Jesus Said? (a conference study of direct encounters Jesus had with women inScripture)Laughter…Good for What Ails You (a conference on the importance and benefits of laughter)The newest conference offered is our “for women only” Sisters’ Conference:Sisters…Or If You’re from the South…Sistahs!Elaine has recently released a children’s book, The Pesky Little Donkey, which she wrote and illustrated. Shehas also illustrated the first two books of a series of children’s books, The Mattie Rose Knows… series. Alsojust released is her new book, Raised Right in the South, a book celebrating growing up in the South, nowavailable at Dragonfly Books in Dublin, GA and at Kema’s Bookstore in Gray, GA and as an online ebook.These and other products including DVDs and CDs will be available at the luncheon or are available atmaxiethepreacherswife.com.
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
38
For mail-in applications,please call National Headquarters at
817-649-2979
50/50 drawingMarch 2010
Arlington, Texas
1st Place Walter Riley $431.60Dallas, TX
2nd Place Milton “Skip” Moore $323.70Sierra Vista, AZ
3rd Place Ernest Smith $215.80Wichita, KS
4th Place Sally Morgan $107.90Grand Prairie, TX
These drawings help raise money needed for our operating ex-penses. They allow our members to participate in a very worth-while project, while giving them a chance to win. 50% of thedonations will be given to the General Fund and the other 50%are awarded as prizes. The amounts are determined after alldonations are received. You do not have to be present to win.Please make copies of the tickets on the other side and offerthem to your Chapter members, family and friends. We are ask-ing $5.00 for 6 tickets. These donations are not tax deductible.Fill out the tickets and send them and your donations to:National Headquarters ~ 50/50 Drawing3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, #40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
Ex-POW Bulletin
July/August 2010
39
The 106th InfantryDivision Association
Organized atCamp Lucky Strike 1945 active since
1946
If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, wereattached to the 106th,a relative of a 106th veteran, you
are eligible for membership in the Association.Annual Dues $10.00
The CUB Magazine is published three timesper year. Published since 1946.
Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947.
Contact: Lyle Beeth, Membership Chairman2004 Golf Manor RoadValico, FL 33594-7288
(813) 689-9621; fax: (813) 655-8952Toll Free (888) 644-8952
Let’s Light Up Your WayWith a NUMBERED
keychain/flashlight combination(battery included).
If it’s lost, the finder can return it to us and receive a$15.00 reward. We will return it to you. If you givethis as a gift, you need to give us the name and addressof your recipient.
This is an attractive, silver-colored and thoughtfulitem. It is sent in a handy gift box and is ideal forfriends and family.
This is a fund-raising project of the Dept. of NewYork. Profits are being used to give Wounded Warriorsand their families a “Taste of the Big Apple”. Fivedays/four nights airfare, hotel, food, admissions.
$10 each including S/HTo: Dept. of New York, AXPOW190 Bethel Loop, #10-HBrooklyn, NY 11239
Life’s JourneyAuthored by Cor LongiottiList Price: $17.95
Growing up in a small town. Enduring Life in the great depression era.Attending Catholic school forsix years and graduating fromPublic High School.Serving in U.S. Army with the 179th Infantry as a machinegunner in Sicily. Fighting in Italy, landing on the beachesof Salerno and fighting our way to Casino then retreating to make a landing at Anzio. After much fierce fighting getting captured, and spending time as a POW in Italy and Germany. Returning home, getting married,
raising a family and working to build a better life.
For a copy of book, go to;Amazon.com/life journey-cor-longiotti/dp/1449596630
Or send $18.00 (shipping included) to; Cor Longiotti, 522 E. Valley View Rd. Ashland, Or. 97520
American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing
PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______
Address:_________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________
Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.
Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (9/10)
American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing
PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______
Address:_________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________
Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.
Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (9/10)
American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing
PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______
Address:_________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.
Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.
Thank you for your support.
American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing
PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______
Address:_________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________
Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.
Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (9/10)
American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing
PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______
Address:_________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________
Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.
Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (9/10)
American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing
PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______
Address:_________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.
Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (9/10)Ex-POW Bulletin (9/10)
July/August 2010
40
Ex-POW BulletinJuly/August 2010
41
TheQuartermaster’s Shop
AXPOW Pocket Knife11 function pocket knife
includes a stainless steel
knife, screwdrivers and
much more! AXPOW
imprint is protected by an
epoxy dome, lasting a
lifetime. Rubber grip
ensures easy
handling...individually
gift boxed...folded knife
measures 3 3/4”x1”
$13.00 plus s/h
Bronze GraveMedallion
with AXPOW LOGOThe Medallion is 4", Bronze/
Brown with Lacquer, weighs
approximately 1lb 4oz,
containing 84% copper,
balance in other metals. The
hardware for mounting is
included in each packet.check with your local
cemetery before ordering tosee if medallions are
permitted.
$75.00 plus s/h/i($15.00 for one; $20.00 for
two or more)
AXPOW Vests!The uniform of the American Ex-
POWs consists of the military cap and the vest. These vestsare custom-made with your name on the front, and your
chapter and logo shield on the back. Orders take approxi-
mately six weeks to complete.
$55.00 each includes
shipping/handlingFor pins, vest guards and otheritems to “dress up” your vest, or-der from the merchandise page.
Jeweled FlagYou love your country. Our
Austrian Crystal Flag and USA
pins are beautiful ways to show
your patriotism. They make
wonderful gifts ~ for yourself
or someone you love.
American Flag ~
$30.00 plus s/h
order on page 42
AXPOW FlashlightsBright safety light whenyou need it! AXPOW logo
in color...individually
gift-boxed.
$12.00 plus s/h
AXPOW Vest Order Form(For members only)Name________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________________
Size (Men/coat, Women/chest measurement) __________________________
Long, Regular or Short_________________________________________
Name on front of vest __________________________________________
Chapter Name (back of vest) _______________________________
Price: $55.00, includes shipping/handlingPlease allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.
Mail orders to:AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396
Official AXPOW Cap (specify size) 40.00Vinyl Cap Bag 3.00Maroon AXPOW Sport Cap 8.00Black Eagle Sport Cap 9.00Canvas Sport Cap (tan) 10.00AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00Necktie w/logo 30.00 (specify regular or pre-tied)AXPOW Logo Bolo Tie 25.00U.S. Flag Bolo Tie 20.00Mini POW Medal Bolo Tie 30.00Barbed Wire pin 3.00Life Member pin 5.00Crossed Flags Lapel pin 5.00Brooch pin 5.00EX-POW pin (goldtone) 5.00Logo pin 5.00POW Stamp pin 3.00Past Chapter Commander pin 5.00Past Department Commander pin 5.00AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00
Eagle pin w/Barbed Wire 8.00(specify gold, silver or antique gold)Jeweled Flag Pin 30.00USA Jeweled Pin 15.00Logo Necklace 5.00 Logo Earrings (pierced or clip) 5.002” Medallion (for plaque) 5.00Vest Chainguard w/eagles 8.003” Blazer Patch 4.004” Blazer Patch 4.008” Blazer Patch 10.00CLOTH STRIPES (specify which title) 3.00Life Member · Chapter CommanderPast Chapter Commander · Chapter Adj/Treas ChapterAdjutant · Chapter TreasurerState Department CommanderPast State Dept. Commander · Department AdjutantDepartment Treasurer · Sr. Vice CommanderJr. Vice Commander · Chaplain · HistorianService Officer · Legislative OfficerPast Chapter Officer · Past Department Officer
QUANTITY ITEM SIZE / COLOR PRICE
For orders up to 4.00, add $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders 8.00 to 25.00,add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00For orders over 100.00, add $20.00 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted.
For credit card orders: Card # _________________________________ Expiration: _________
(Check one) Master Card ___________Visa____________
Name _______________________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________City, State, Zip ________________________________________________Phone _____________________________
Shipping/Handling/Insurance:
Total: $
MAIL TO:AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR
3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396
We accept Master Card/Visa
Name Badge Order Form(for members only)Actual size of badge issize of a credit card
PLEASE PRINT:Name __________________________________________Line 1 __________________________________________Line 2 __________________________________________
Name Badge with name & chapter and city: $6.00(includes shipping and handling)Ship to:Street ____________________________________________
City/State/Zip ______________________________________
Mail orders to:AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396
12x18 AXPOW Graveside Flag 10.003x5 ft. AXPOW Flag w/3-color logo with fringe, indoor use 60.00 with grommets, outdoor use 60.003x5ft. blackPOW/MIA flag, outdoor use 25.00AXPOW Metal License Plate Frame 10.00Aluminum License Plate 5.003” Vinyl Decal 1.003” Inside Decal 1.008” Vinyl Decal 6.0012” Vinyl Decal 10.00Bumper Sticker “Freedom – Ask us” 2.00AXPOW Wall Clock (includes battery) 20.00AXPOW Notecards (pkg of 25) 6.00Special Prayer Cards (pkg of 25) 6.00AXPOW Prayer Book 2.00Ladies Prayer Book 1.00AXPOW By-Laws 5.00POW Videotape – ETO or Pacific 11.00“Speak Out” Education Packet 6.00Canvas Totebag w/4” logo 15.00AXPOW Flashlight 12.00
Dedication of the POW/MIA-AXPOW Memorial in Fresno, California…
Spearheaded by Rudy Giannoni, Fresno Chapter #1, AXPOW, who writes: “This
was a very heart-warming ceremony with over 500 people in attendance. There
were more tears flowing that day than I have ever seen at any ceremony.” The
total cost was $23,000 all donated by members of Fresno Chapter#1, their wives
and widows. The monument is 8 feet tall, made of polished granite.
Please print:
Name_____________________________________
Address___________________________________
City/State/Zip______________________________
Phone ( )_________________________________Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections.
Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway,Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396Or fax: (817) 649-0109e-mail: [email protected]
All orders for products sold byAXPOW National Organization,
including dues/subscriptionsshould be mailed to:
American Ex-Prisoners of WarNational Headquarters
3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396
(817) 649-2979/ (817) 649-0109 faxe-mail: [email protected] collect calls, please
Subscription Rates -- non members$40.00 per year
Foreign subscriptions$50.00 per year
Now accepting MasterCard/Visa
Thank you for supporting the American Ex-
POWS with your purchases of National
Merchandise.
change of address formInclude your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies,
please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided.
AXPOW FlashlightsBright safety light when you need
it! AXPOW logo in
color...individually
gift-boxed.
$12.00 plus s/h