Quad cities CHAPTER 299
Presidents Message
P lease accept in advance my
appreciation for your continued
support on behalf of the Vietnam
Veterans of America Chapter 299.
The recent “change of command” has
been effected smoothly through the
professional application of the election
process and your new leadership
team is in a position to serve the
membership, Chapter needs and attend
to those we are committed to assist.
I have confidence in the Officers,
Board of Directors and committeemen
to carry out the wishes of the
membership in a positive, harmonious
and “get the job done” manner! The
recent election brings together a
leadership composite with unique
qualities, talents, motivations and
experience which should keep Chapter
299 on the “cutting edge” of service to
Vietnam Veterans and the community
in which it exists. To that end, I ask
all our membership to “pull together”
and contribute as your personal
schedule permits to accomplish our
mission which will be defined in a
forthcoming Mission Statement. Our
Mission Statement will be our “road
map” enabling Chapter 299 to focus
on our objectives and stay on course.
My job as President will be to keep
Chapter 299 “on the road” toward our
goals and ensure the smooth operation
of the mechanism. Like the leader of
the orchestra, I must ensure we make
INSIDE: Article One; Page # • Article Two; Page # • Article Three; Page # • www.qcvva299.org
May 2008
chapter 299
a beautiful sound together, stay on
the same sheet of music and play
the same tune as one. Also, we must
President-Ray Hamliton
309.523.3259
speak as one voice and be consistent r.hamilton@mchsi.com
in our course of action and message. Vice President-Mike Ellis
309.792.8569
Our Chapter is blessed with a sullivanphillips@mchsi.com
cadre of talent, ideas and desire to Secretary-Tom Marxen
assist others. I welcome your input, 309.523.2727
suggestions and feedback and will tmarxsen@mchsi.com
Treasurer-Todd Harlow*
take into consideration any well
tharlow@co.rock-island.il.us
conceived proposal that will benefit Membership-Larry Tschappat
Chapter 299 members and those 309.788.2729
we are committed to serving. Also, let289@hotmail.com
if you have a concern or complaint VVA National Offices
about any aspect of our operations 800.882.1316
(keep petty differences to yourself), VA Outpatients Clinic Bettendorf
I will entertain your thoughts and 563.332.8528
observations, however, be ready to VAMC Iowa City, IA
defend your arguments and proposals 800.346.1843
319.338.0581
and put forth an alternative to that
IL Dept of Veterans Affairs
which is the source of your concern. Dan Bebber VSO
309.793.1460
In closing, I would like to thank ex- RI County Vet Ast Comm.
President Bill Albracht, the recent Todd Harlow - Supt. & VSO*
Officers and Board of Directors 309.721.5582
for a job well done, you elevated The Vet Center
Chapter 299 to a professional level Fred Waymen
of public service of which all of our 309.762.6954
membership can be proud! Our new Iowa Veteran Affairs
leadership will continue to draw David Woods
upon the vast experience and talent 563.326.8723
of those whom we are replacing. VVA Service Officers
Al “Butch” Huber
309.721.1453
Support the Troops, Steve Lowther
309.737.2954
Ray G. Hamilton
Honor Guard Co-Captains
President- elect Chapter 299 Dennis Laird - Funerals
H: 309.797.3207
C: 309.2303559
Andy Anderson - Parades
C: 563.940.5980
 2 Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder Volume 22 Issue 5 Sponsor Page 11
Summary of Minutes and motions for the April BOARD &
General MEMbership meeting & Chapter Electtions
BOARD MEETING of age. More to follow Services Appreciation subject to review.
as the date draws closer. event on 16 April 2008. The Secretaries

O n 8 April 2008, the

Chapter Board
meeting was held at the
Moline VFW. President
Bill Albracht called the
meeting to order. The
Pledge of Allegiance was
said and a moment of
silence for our troops, past
and present was observed.
Todd Harlow presented
the Treasures report,
which was accepted,
subject to review.
Ron Staes was appointed
Chairman of the
Advertising Committee.
All future functions can
be routed through Ron
who will coordinate and
keep a record of people
contacted when we
advertise events such as
the Veterans Day Dance
and Chapter dinners.
Ron will also make the
posters and handouts
required for advertising
the events. Many thanks
to Ron for stepping up.
Bob Brooks announced
that the Spaghetti Dinner
held at the Moline
Paul “Frenchy” Eaves
and Bob Brooks have
been recognized for
their volunteer work
and will attending the
Annual Veterans Affairs
Volunteer Services
Appreciation event on 16
April 2008 in Iowa City.
Congratulations guys!
Continuing, Brooks
announced that the next
VVA Dinner will be
held on 21 May 2008, at
4:30p – 7pm (or as long
as the food lasts!) at the
Moline American Legion.
This dinner will feature
deep fried chicken, bake
beans, potato salad, etc.
The cost will be $7.00
dollars per person.
BUD’S Skyline Inn is
the Chapters newest
Newsletter sponsor.
Bill Albracht announced
that the Chapter netted
$171.00 from the sale
of the Chapter Letter
Jackets. If you would like
to order a jacket contact
Bill or Ron Staes. Bill also
Bob Brooks declined.
No. 2. A motion was
made and approved to
donate $300.00 to help
in the shortfall of funds
needed to bring POW’s
to Springfield, IL to
attend the Vietnam Wall
Vigil in May. Forwarded
to the Charities/
Donations Committee.
No. 3. A motion was
made and approved to
provide Paul “Frenchy”
Eaves $600 per year or
$150.00 per quarter to
fund the Chapter’s Vet-
2-Vet project for the
Iowa City VA Hospital
visits. Forwarded
to the Charities/
Donations Committee.
GENERAL MEETING
On 15 April 2008, Quad
Cities Chapter 299 held its
general membership and
annual election meeting
at the RI Arsenal cafeteria.
President Bill Albracht
called the meeting to order
at 1900 hrs. The Pledge
report was accepted as
published in the March
Chapter Newsletter.
President Albracht All financial services
explained the change to
the Chapter Constitution provided, all the time, to all of
By-Laws regarding “A
spending cap, increase
the Quad Cities...and beyond.
or decrease, approved
by the Chapter Board in
the form of a Standing
Motion must be approved
by the membership at a
legal General meeting”
in which a quorum
of 15 percent of the
Chapter is present. A full
description can be found
in the Chapter Newsletter.
The membership
voted to approve the
Chapter Constitution
By-Law change.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Bob McSparin reported
that the Charities/
Donation Committee
has pledged $4,000
James W. Victor
Senior Vice President-Wealth Management
so far this year. Portfolio Management Director
Bob McSparin reported Financial Advisor
that the Charities/ 563-344-4334 1-800-553-1871

American Legion on 19
March 2008 was very
successful. We actually
ran out of food and had
to turn people away. The
Chapter netted $490.00.
Brooks also announced
that the Chapter picnic
would be held at the
Arsenal Sports Complex
on 21 June 2008, between
1200 hrs and 1800 hrs.
The cost will be $5.00
for adults and $3.00 for
children under 12 years
announced that there
would be an increase in
the cost of the jackets
on the next order due to
increase in material costs.
Motions:
No. 1. A motion was
made and approved to
pay for gas and per diem
to send Paul Frenchy”
Eaves to Iowa City
to attend the Annual
Veterans Affairs Volunteer
of Allegiance was said
and a moment of silence
for our troops, past and
present was observed.
The meeting was turned
over to Frank Perez,
Election Committee
Chair, who explained
the voting procedure
and collected ballots.
Once completed, the
meeting was turned back
to President Albracht.
The Treasurer’s
report was accepted,
Donation Committee has
approved the following:
To provide Paul
“Frenchy” Eaves $600
or $150.00 per quarter
for the up coming Vet-
2-Vet Day funding.
To provide $300.00 to
help in the shortfall of
funds needed to bring
POW’s to Springfield,
IL to attend the of the
Vietnam Wall vigil.
To provide the Scott
County National Alliance 309-786-1450
10 Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder 3
“Minutes” continued from page 2 AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF CHAPTER 299
on Mental Illness with Bob Brooks reported NEW BUSINESS: Congratulations to Steve
$250,
Chapter
making
a
our
sponsor.
that the 2008 Summer
Picnic would be held on
Ron Staes has been
appointed Chairman of the
Runde and Ron Roman
winners of the 50/50 life
G entlemen: Thank you
for allowing me to serve
as chapter Vice President
out his business card which
stated: “ I ask the support
of you the membership as
a problem. Implying that
anyone not on your slate
does not “work for the good
give the time they have to
give when they can give it.
I do not name these two
The three donations 21 June 2008 at the Rock Advertising Committee. membership drawing. for the last two years. your voice on the Board of of the chapter” is cheap, gentlemen because they
were voted on by Island Arsenal Sports All future functions can We have just gone through Directors and also National divisive and unprofessional. did not name me or anyone
the membership Complex between 1200 be routed through Ron ELECTION RESULTS: our annual election cycle Delegate. I commit honesty, These gentlemen handed else personally. We were
and approved. hrs and 1800 hrs. The cost who will coordinate and and moving forward seems integrity and a pledge to out cards that stated their singled out as a group by
Larry Tschappat, will be $5.00 for adults keep a record of people The following are the to be the word and work of work for VVA, Veterans names and the names of implication in a very public
Membership Committee, and $3.00 for children contacted when we elected officers for the the day. Congratulations to and the community” those they endorsed with way; therefore, I think that
reported that the chapter under 12 years of age. All advertise such events as 2008-2009 fiscal year. all of the newly elected office an added phrase: “These it is fair to single out the
holders. I offer my continued Frenchy talked about men are workers for the offenders in an equally
has 288 members, 146 members from MAVA, the Veterans Day Dance President – Ray Hamilton
support for the Chapter and himself, what he stands for good of the chapter” public way. I do, however,
life memberships, and Bettendorf Chapter 776, and Chapter dinners. Ron Vice President
all of the elected officials. and what he is offering. The believe that if “working for
46AVVA members. Larry and Moline 669 will also will also make the posters – Mike Ellis
While the election cycle membership listened and I am personally offended the good of the chapter” is
also reported that our be invited. A general and handouts required Secretary – Tom Marxen the true motivation behind
is brief it is never the less elected him to the Board of by this comment. The
Chapter is currently head count is needed for advertising the events. Treasurer – Todd Harlow intense in relative terms. Directors. Congratulations implication is that those of us electing their slate then
the 12th largest in the for planning purposes. Director – Bob Albracht We are all competitors to the membership and who ran for office and were explaining what was meant
nation. We slipped in Newly elected members GOOD OF THE ORDER: Director – Larry and competitive and to Frenchy. He will not recommended by these by the offending words,
total numbers because will be expected to help STAND OUT Tschappat want to win when we continue to serve us well. two are not working to the not only to those of us who
several renewals are at all Chapter events such MEMBER AWARDS: Director – Ron Staes pursue these endeavors. Unfortunately, all best of our collective ability were embarrassed but to the
pending. We hope to be as; the Vets Day Dance, Director – Andy Ortiz I want to single out one campaigns were not waged for the good of the Chapter. entire Chapter is in order.
back over 300 by May. Poppy sales, dinners, Please see separate Director – Dennis Laird individual by name for in as honorable fashion. Two I, like many in the Chapter,
Ray Hamilton reported and assist at Bingo at article in this Newsletter Director - Frenchy Eaves his total professionalism, of our fellow members chose am still working a job. We are Joe Murphy
on the progress of the least once per month. with award details State Delegate - integrity, commitment, to impugn the integrity, not retired and do not have
honor and respect for honor and commitment to the same time that some
John Baker Bridge Project. Vet-2-Vet Paul “Frenchy” Todd Harlow
the Chapter and Chapter the organization of those have to give. I commend
Ray talked to Springfield OLD BUSINESS: Eaves announced that State Delegate -
members in the way he of us who ran for office but both of the offending
and reports that the bill Chapter 299 and MAVA Larry Tschappat conducted his campaign. were not recommended by gentlemen for the time they Anyone wishing a rebuttal
is still in the Senate and Raffle tickets for members will be meeting Trustee (appointed) Paul “Frenchy” Eaves stood these two gentlemen to be give and the commitment please submit same in
will be acted on in the the Vietnam Era Tuesday, 13 May 2008 – Bill Albracht out front of the meeting hall, elected. Putting a slate of they show to the chapter. I WORD Doc. to the Chapter
next 2 weeks. Ray will go commemorative KA-BAR at the “Flying J” truck shook hands and handed candidates together is not also commend those who Newsletter via the web site.
to Springfield to testify knife with display stand stop on I-80 at 0700 Our Chapter salutes
when the bill comes up at are still available at $1 hrs for breakfast. They and backs you!
the committee hearings. ticket or 6 for $5. The actual will then depart for Govern well, govern OUR CHAPTER HONORS STAND OUT MEMBERS
O
At this juncture, there drawing will be held at the Iowa City Veterans fair, govern honest. nce a year, our Chapter takes man truly In Service To America. our only source of revenue, it is the
does not appear to be the June 21st Hog Roast. Hospital after breakfast. the time to pay tribute to The first VOLUNTEER OF THE largest.
any impediments to Raffle tickets are still All volunteers contact Respectfully submitted Chapter members that have stood YEAR AWARD went to Ray As a Chapter first this year,
getting the bill passed. available for the 1964 “Frenchy”. The Chapter for the last time! out in their service to our Chapter, Hamilton for the incredible amount we recognized Chapter 299’s
Honor Guard Co- Ford Galaxy 500, two pays for breakfast. Bob Albracht – Chapter the community, and veterans over of time & work that he put into the CONSILIARE, Frank Coyle
Captain Andy Anderson door hardtop which is Congratulations to 299 Secretary the past year. This selection is made John Baker I-280 Bridge Naming with the Chapter’s SPECIAL
gave an overview of sponsored by the Illinois Ken Mital who won the by the Chapter President, and is Project. Ray’s effort to spearhead ACHIVEMENT AWARD. Frank
the Guard’s activities. State VVA Council. $25.00 monthly drawing. never easy due to the outstanding this project has moved this is not only legal council for our
array of candidates to choose from. initiative to one step away from the Chapter, but also does pro bono
LEST WE FORGET… THE SPRINGFIELD VN MEMORIAL VIGIL This year was no exception. When
weighing all the attributes and the
Governors desk.
The second award for the
work for the Il Council as well.
His long standing commitment,
On May 3RD, 2008, our Chapter’s Honor Guard, TO THOSE WHO DIED, HONORAND ETERNAL REST sacrifices made by individuals, VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR award dedication & guidance have been
along with MAVA, will be once again stand as TO THOSE STILL IN BONDAGE, when the smoke cleared, the final went to Todd Harlow. Todd has run a steady hand as the Chapter has
silent sentinels at the Viet Nam War Memorial in REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE TO THOSE WHO selections were made. the Chapter’s Bingo operation as grown, matured, and evolved.
Springfield, IL. The vigil will begin at 1200 hours RETURNED, GRATITUDE AND PEACE This years MEMBER OF THE YEAR well as the Illinois State Council’s
and for the next twenty-four hours; Honor Guards went to Clayton Peterson. Clayton Bingo for several years with little or Gentlemen, on behalf of a grateful
from across the state will bear witness that our Enjoy your Memorial Day on May 26th and has worked tirelessly, year after know break. Bingo proceeds enable Chapter, thank you.
brothers are not forgotten. Why is this done? One remember with honor those that have already passed. year in the Chapter fund raising this Chapter to be as pro-active as
needs only read the words inscribed on the memorial: arena. He is involved, dedicated, we are in matters of community Bill Albracht
Bill Albracht and driven. He is a man apart, a and veteran affairs. Although not
4 Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder
VVA CHAPTER #299 IS HAVING A
“CHICKEN DINNER”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21ST
FOR THE INCREDIBLE LOW PRICE OF $7.00
COLESLAW, POTATO SALAD, BAKED BEANS, TEA & COFFEE, INCLUDED
SERVING BEGINS AT 4:30 PM AND ENDS AT 7:30 PM
QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299
www.qcvva299.org
Location: Moline American Legion 1623-15th St.
www.qcvva299.org
We Gather As Brothers to Raise Money for Our Local
Quad Cities Area Charities.
Pictured in the center is Brent Cobb. He
served with the 9th Infantry Division as a
rifleman (11 BUSH as it was affectionately
known). He is on “stand” in between combat
operations. The photo was take in February of
1969 in the Mekong Delta area.
Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder 9
VVA CHAPTER #299 IS HOSTING A
“HOG ROAST”
SATURDAY, JUNE 21ST
FOR THE INCREDIBLE LOW PRICE OF
$5.00
KIDS UNDER TWELVE $3.00
COLESLAW, POTATO SALAD, BAKED
BEANS, INCLUDED
 POP & BEER WILL BE AVAILABLE 
SERVING BEGINS AT 12:00 PM AND ENDS AT 4:00 PM
www.qcvva299.org
LOCATION: ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL SPORTS
COMPLEX ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND
ADJACENT TO THE MISSISSIPPI
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
Q C River Bandits & the Army Sponsor a
Night at the Ballpark honoring our Veterans
The Pentagon has authorized a FLY
OVER the ball park prior to the start of the
River Bandits vs. Peoria Chiefs ball game.
Jeryl Krumbholz, representing the US Army, has
organized an event to acknowledge and honor Mark your calendar and plan to attend this fun
active military and area veterans and their families. night honoring our veterans past and present. Any
military (active or veteran) attending the game can
On Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 7pm at Modern Woodman Ball purchase a discounted ticket for $2.00 admission.
Park, it’s “Honoring Our Veterans Night at the Ballpark”.
Jeryl, has requested the combined Honor Guards
of 299 & 776 to present the Colors prior to the game.
5 Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder 8

VET 2 VET – The Quarterly Iowa City Pilgrimage OUR CHAPTER WELCOMES BUD’S SKYLINE COLDLZ - Where are you?

When: 13 May, 2008 Other Details: Frenchy (aka Paul Eaves) is

Where: Iowa City VA Hospital Visit
Why: To let them know they are not forgotten
Who: Anyone who wishes to brighten a
hospital bound vets day
Time: Meet at the Flying “J” Truck Stop on When I approached Bud as a possible Newsletter
Northwestern Blvd. & I-80 at 0700
Departure: 0800 heading west on I-80
INN AS OUR NEWEST SPONSOR!
forming yet another excursion to the Iowa City
VA Hospital to spread cheer and good will to the
veteran shut-ins. Our Chapter is buying breakfast
at the Flying J for all those volunteers making the
trip.
Questions? - Call Frenchy at 563.386.1696 or
email at Frenchy1776Eaves@aol.com
Bud Canfield, of BUD’S SKYLINE INN, has always been a
guy who has had a deep respect for all those who served
and are currently serving our country. He is a respected
business owner and is well know in the QCA for cuisine,
service, and specialty items served up at his restaurant.
sponsor, I explained who we are, what we do, and how
we do it. Bud never hesitated and just said, “I’m in”.
Bud’s SKYLINE INN is located on Airport Road, adjacent to the
Quad Cities International Airport in Moline (see the sponsorship
page). Stop in, have a great meal, and thank Bud for his support.
Our Chapter web site received an inquiry
form a Sean Keller. Sean is looking for a
Viet Nam veteran who goes by “Billy”. He
and Billy took a class together at Black
Hawk College between 1998 and 2000.
The class was on the VN War and taught
by Dr. Art Pitz. It was well attended as
there were numerous VN vets as well as
regular students in this class.
Billy may have roots to the east coast
area; New York in particular. His brother
once won an Emmy for camera work in
the sports venue.

IL House Bill 4197 – Sean is now at the University of Iowa

working on a project that Billy would be
Property Tax Relief For Disabled Illinois Veterans most helpful.

T he Illinois
95th General
Assembly has before
it HB4197 which was
introduced by Rep.
Ron Stephens, 102nd
District, Highland,
IL and co-sponsored
by our own area IL
State Representative
Pat Verschoore (72nd
District) and Jim Watson
of the 97th District
(Jacksonville). Stephens,
a combat decorated Viet
Nam Veteran, along with
Verschoore & Watson,
need our assistance in
getting this through.
The proposed bill
synopsis is as follows:
Amends the Property
Tax code. Requires the
county clerk to abate
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you each month by:
BILL ALBRACHT & RON STATES - NEWSLETTER CO-EDITORS
and SEAN MURPHY - CHAPTER WEBMASTER & NEWSLETTER Coordinator
a percentage of the support and backing
property taxes levied on will co to “Committee”.
each parcel of property
that is owned and used This bill needs a push
exclusively as a home from every veteran in
by a disabled veteran, or the state. Please call
the spouse or unmarried
surviving spouse of
your representative and
state senator and tell
the veteran. Provides them to vote in favor of
that the percentage of this bill. If they say that
taxes to be abated is the State can not afford
equal to the percentage it, simply quote Walt
of the veteran. - Carlin, “how can they
Effective immediately. not afford to do this for
our disabled veterans?”
In plainer terms, a
veteran classified 100% Thanks goes out to
disabled by the VA Walt Carlin for bringing
would pay no property this critical piece of
tax. A vet classified legislation to our
75% disabled by the VA Chapter’s attention,
would pay 25% of his/her and special thanks for
property tax, and so on. Pat Verschoore who not
The bill is currently only is co-sponsoring
in “Rules” and with this important piece of
proposed legislation,
but is the force behind
the John Baker Bridge
Naming Initiative.
Give Pat a call, drop
him a line, or send him
an e-mail and let him
know how you feel on
this issue and be sure
and thank him for the
work he does on behalf
of the QCA veterans.
Contact Info:
Local: 309.793.4716
/ Spfld: 217.782.5970
/ e-mail:
pverschoore@qconline.com / remarkable trailer to an upcoming film/
Or write him at:
1504 – 3 Avenue,
2nd Fl, Rock Island,
IL. 61201-8612
Bill Albracht
3rd Annual Armed Forces Day
Celebration
T
he Armed Forces Day
Committee invites you to
attend and participate in the
3rd Annual Armed Forces Day
Celebration to be held Saturday,
May 17, 2008, 11:00 A.M. – 3:00
P.M. at the Brady Street Stadium
Complex in Davenport. This is
an opportunity for the Quad
Cities to take part in Armed
Forces Day Celebrations
being conducted nationwide.
The goal is to establish a
positive display and media
campaign to reach out to the
community and educate them
on the military and its history.
Our support in participating
will make this Annual
Sean’s last clue is that Billy’s Illinois
vehicle tag read COLDLZ. If anyone has
any idea who Billy may be, please contact
Sean direct at sean-keller@uiowa.edu.
Good luck Sean.
Celebration a great success
as we honor our Armed
“Some people were meant to be 911,
Forces on that day. Any some people were meant to call
contribution or resource you 911…”
would make will definitely
have an impact on the success
of this annual celebration. This is a quote from a tribute to warriors
of our great country from WWII to
To request or confirm Iraq. Take five minutes and view this
space for a static display or
if you have any questions, documentary. It will remain in your
please feel free to contact
thoughts long after the viewing.
Robert Brooks Jr., Exhibitor
Chairperson. (Home) 563-322-
Go to:
2905 (Cell) 563-650-1462 or at
thunderchickn92@aol.com . www.warriorsthefilm.com/Movie.html
Let us show our thanks for
all of those who have served
in our nations armed forces.
 6 Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder Volume 22 Issue 5 Shoulder to Shoulder 7
A Vietnam Combat Veteran Story on the 35th asking if I served in
Vietnam with a SSC Attached is a poem she
on the radio. I remember
when it fell silent.”
3.
Jimmy carries a
Anniversary of POW Release James C. Doloughty.
I did not respond
wrote and posted on
the web in January 2008
I don’t remember
anything,
turquoise box tucked
under his arm, like an
By Jimmy Kuroiwa, Jr., the 100/442d USAR graduate from the NCO troops to air assault until a year later. that I have seen for the the television set in my outfielder walking
in April of 1964 a Academy. He stuck with into Veghel. The next first time one the web as head stuck on a 24/7 with his leather glove
This is a real War story. couple of months me thinking I knew day my section air My wife and I were I am writing this story. broadcast of white to the dugout.
It is about the Vietnam before graduating the ropes, of which assaulted into Veghel. planning to be in noise and static. We make it to home
War. It was in 1969. My from UH Manoa. I was a cherry as he. Washington D.C for SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, plate, the end of
story began 39 years After some two the WWII Memorial 2008 Memorial Day 2004 2. the East Wall, to start
ago. Our eldest son was After some four years The next morning weeks of search dedication on May 29, The Wall is an the slow uphill
just two back then and with B Co 100/442d at first formation and destroy, things 2004. I informed Noreen Here’s another of my angled black line walk along the
today is a U.S. Army USAR in Hilo, we we both get the call, kinda quieted down and she responded that Intro to Poetry pieces, separating the West Wall. We’re
LTC preparing to go to received activation “101st Airborne” SSG around FSB Veghel. she was going to be inspired by real-life living from the almost there.
Iraq for his second tour. orders in April of 1968. Doloughty, James C., present at the Vietnam events on Memorial dead, like the Eighteen, nineteen,
We were stationed at SSG Kuroiwa, James The 1/502d received Memorial ceremony Day weekend, 2004 foul line on a twenty, twenty-one.
This story about Jim Schofield Barracks and I. Jr. ……… We were orders in early May and our dates matched. in Washington, DC. baseball diamond. I stop and crouch
Doloughty on the 35th during that period I headed for P-Training (We left the A Shau two I feel more down like a catcher
anniversary of the volunteering twice for at Bien Hoa for a couple days before Hamburger My wife and I met Memorial Day 2004 than 58,000 spectators, to touch your
release of American Vietnam and twice of days to process in Hill) to join up with Noreen at the Vietnam those names name, JAMES C.
POW’s from the Hanoi rejected. I was finally get our equipment and the 1/501st and go to Nurses Memorial then 1. on the Wall, DOLOUGHTY.
prison to end their given orders for Vietnam M-16. After some six Tam Ky attached to the walked to the Wall. I The guilt of not watching me and White hand on black
ordeal and return home. in December 1968. It was days, we boarded a Americal Division. This had made rubbings of remembering you, Jimmy, eavesdropping. granite, it’s smooth and
not a very nice time for KC-130 at Long Bien is at the East end of the my dozen close friends Dad, hangs on my Dad, I warm from the afternoon
I have personally met my wife, of now forty- Airfield and left for LZ A Shau that opens to a day before from the chest, a leaden x-ray learned the facts sun. The humid air’s
and know John McCain three years and my Sally south of the DMZ Da Nang and Chu Lai. wall and Jim was one of apron, pinning me of your death: heavy with the smell
and being named his mom but interestingly, and Quang Tri City those names. We then under its weight so July 8, 1969, your of fresh-mown lawn.
Hawaii McCain2000 my dad understood. and north of the City of SSG Jim Doloughty’s walked up the Mall that sometimes I can’t company was Voices oftourists passing
Political Director was an Hue and Camp Eagle. platoon gets ambushed pass the Washington breathe when I ambushed by a large by behind me, Jimmy
honor. This second time My flight on Qantas on July 8, 1969 and he Memorial and had lunch talk about you. I try enemy force, steps up to my side. His
around is an experience. was from Hickam AFB We walked into dies in the hospital on together constantly to fill the black some little hamlet brown moon face grows
to Clark AFB in the the 1/502d Battalion July 9, 1969. One of four talking about her dad. hole inside with west of Chu dimples. “You’re as white
John McCain’s position Philippines than to Headquarters at LZ survivors, Pfc Dave bundles of paper and Lai. You lost too as your dad.” He hands
on the Iraq War is rock Tan Son Nuht Airport Sally and he gets Haney gets re-assigned She was eight months second-hand many friends me the box: chocolate-
solid and brings all of and Camp Alpha. assigned to Alpha to my 81 mm section. I old when Jim was killed memories. Today I’m that day, too much covered macadamia nuts,
us Vietnam veterans, We boarded a bus Company and I get get to spend time with in Vietnam. Her mother with your army of your own and I hold it up next to
including the 58,000 at Camp Alpha and Echo Company. From Dave talking about never remarried. She buddy, Jimmy from blood. “I used to your name and smile
veterans on the Wall, were driven through that point we rarely the experience to settle never had a strong Hawaii. It’s Memorial play baseball for Jimmy’s camera.
home for the first time. Saigon to a replacement got to see each other him down and to talk reason to ask her mom Day weekend, with your dad at I imagine you rounding
Why, because winning center in Long Bien. for about six months. about SSG Doloughty. about her dad until 2000. perfect weather for Camp Eagle,” the bases, Dad, knowing
the War in Iraq with When she inquired, her baseball, low 80s, Jimmy says. “Hell of all you ever wanted
honor can close the That is where I Our Battalion began its Today, Dave continues mom took out a box sunny, humid. We meet a short-stop.” I knew was to head for home.
chapter on Vietnam met SSG James operations in March 1969 to suffer with Post of letters and other at the bronze nurses, you liked baseball.
for us. America will Cornelius Doloughty into the A Shau Valley Traumatic Stress, but memorabilia from Jim frozen in their attempt “What else did he Jimmy Kuroiwa, Jr. is
have learned from the from Pittsburgh, at FSB Veghel leading after making contact and they went through to save a wounded like?” Jimmy asks, the First Strike, E Co
mistakes of Vietnam Pennsylvania. We were with Charlie Company with a number of us, he all the “junk” together. bronze soldier. “I don’t and I answer: Pepsi, 1/502d 101st Abn And
that we must never both SSG E-6’s, but he air assaulting in and has remarried his wife remember your dad potato chips, cigarettes Go For Broke B Co
again cut and run from was very different. I taking heavy casualties. and is doing great. We She then went on the saying he had a and Chevelles. 100/442d USAR. Reach
a commitment to a was twenty-six going It was my first War are his support group. web to find soldiers that daughter,” Jimmy You wanted a him at mailto:kuroiwaj@
people and a Country. on twenty-seven and he experience unloading served with her dad. She says, as we green Chevelle. earthlink.net
was twenty. We SSG’s dead Americans from Come 2002, some 31 had a large void in her walk from the outfield
This story is one of stuck together and the choppers returning years after my tour in life and wanted it filled. to the east side of the
my many Vietnam he explained that he from Veghel dropping Vietnam. I receive an I believe it was Gods Vietnam Veterans
happy stories. It began was an “Instant” SSG them off at our location inquiry email from grace that he picked me Memorial. Jimmy says, “I
when I enlisted with because he was the top before picking up more a Noreen Doloughty to help fill that void. listened to the ambush