Check out Life magazine to see the photos.
From Daily Mail Online: Young faces of an old war: Unearthed photos of the Korean War show what the three-year conflict really looked like
The formal end of the war in Iraq earlier this month brings nine years of fighting in the country to a close. The images of war for much of the past decade have been largely filled with the sand of the Middle East.
But because of recently-released photos of the Korean War, the public can now visit a past battlefield from the past.
LIFE magazine published a collection of never-before-seen photos from the front lines of the three-year conflict that resulted in around 700,000 deaths.
Tensions in the region lingered after the Cold War, and the peninsula was divided on the 38th parallel.
The North turned Communist in 1948- which they have remained since- and the emotional and philosophical conflicts between the two countries turned physical on June 25, 1950.
In keeping with existing treaties that said that the United Nations would defend the South if they were attacked, and China and America were the biggest contributors of troops.
As a result, America- and all of the allies- paid a high toll for the fight in terms of human life. They lost 36,516 troops by the year the war ended in 1953.
The United Kingdom was the only European contributor and they lost 1,109 troops. Nearby Turkey lost 721 troops and the Canadians lost 516 troops. Australia
The biggest ally victim was China who LIFE estimates lost anywhere between 200,000 and 400,000 soldiers during the conflict.
Of those directly involved in the conflict, the North had more fatalities than the South, with each country loosing 215,000 and 137,899 respectively.
Many of the shots released by LIFE were done by the magazine's star photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White.
Ms Bourke-White was the magazine's first female journalist and her photo was the one that graced the inaugural issue in 1936.
In a rare move, one of the pictures even shows Ms Bourke-White interacting with her subjects, giving the viewer a sense of what the relationships on the front lines were really like.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
S. Korea to increase overseas development aid next year
From Yonhap News Agency: S. Korea to increase overseas development aid next year
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Monday that it will increase next year's budget for aid projects for developing countries by 12 percent as part of efforts to return what it had received from the international community to rebuild its war-torn economy decades ago.
A total of 1.9 trillion won (US$1.64 billion), or 0.15 percent of the country's gross national income, will be earmarked next year for the country's official development aid (ODA), according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
It is up from this year's 1.7 trillion won, or 0.13 percent of the country's total income.
The move is part of the country's efforts to double its international development aid to about US$3 billion by 2015 to give back after receiving help from the international community. With the help of international aid, the country has risen from the rubble of the 1950-53 Korean War to become a vibrant democracy within the ranks of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
While the ODA is designed to help underdeveloped countries across the world establish economic and industrial infrastructure, Seoul's assistance next year will be funneled mainly into the education, health, and green growth, the PMO added.
"To raise effectiveness of the country's aid with increased funds, the government needs to devise customized projects for each recipient while boosting cooperation among relevant departments," Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik said.
"We also need to devise follow-up measures to put 'the Busan Declaration' into practice," he added, citing the fourth high-level forum on aid effectiveness held in the South Korean port city early this month, where policymakers from about 160 countries agreed to establish a new worldwide partnership to seek better ways to spend annual development aid.
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Monday that it will increase next year's budget for aid projects for developing countries by 12 percent as part of efforts to return what it had received from the international community to rebuild its war-torn economy decades ago.
A total of 1.9 trillion won (US$1.64 billion), or 0.15 percent of the country's gross national income, will be earmarked next year for the country's official development aid (ODA), according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
It is up from this year's 1.7 trillion won, or 0.13 percent of the country's total income.
The move is part of the country's efforts to double its international development aid to about US$3 billion by 2015 to give back after receiving help from the international community. With the help of international aid, the country has risen from the rubble of the 1950-53 Korean War to become a vibrant democracy within the ranks of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
While the ODA is designed to help underdeveloped countries across the world establish economic and industrial infrastructure, Seoul's assistance next year will be funneled mainly into the education, health, and green growth, the PMO added.
"To raise effectiveness of the country's aid with increased funds, the government needs to devise customized projects for each recipient while boosting cooperation among relevant departments," Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik said.
"We also need to devise follow-up measures to put 'the Busan Declaration' into practice," he added, citing the fourth high-level forum on aid effectiveness held in the South Korean port city early this month, where policymakers from about 160 countries agreed to establish a new worldwide partnership to seek better ways to spend annual development aid.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Korean war film to play Tuesday
From Rome News-Tribune (Rome, Georgia): Korean war film to play Tuesday
One of the most anticipated films in Rome and Floyd County will premiere Tuesday night, and it doesn’t star Robert Downey Jr. or Tom Cruise.
Fifty-two veterans from Northwest Georgia are the film’s leading men. They share a collection of memories from the Korean War, which ended 50 years ago.
The film was compiled by Korean Americans Keon Lee and his son, Andrew Lee.
Lee is expected to speak to the group be-
fore the film. He is president of the Korean Association of Rome and Northwest Georgia and came to the U.S. 43 years ago when he was 12 years old.
The Lees have been interviewing veterans and relatives of deceased veterans since July.
The film will be screened at 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 52, 170 North Avenue, said veteran Charles Patterson. “This is a special showing for the veterans and their friends and family,” he said.
The film is one hour and 33 minutes long and features veterans from Floyd, Chattooga, Polk and Gordon counties. Fourteen of the veterans featured are deceased and are remembered in pictures and information provided by family members.
“This will be like a theater showing,” Patterson said. “We’ll have popcorn and Cokes.”
Each veteran featured will receive a copy of the film. Another copy will be given to the Rome-Floyd County Library.
One of the most anticipated films in Rome and Floyd County will premiere Tuesday night, and it doesn’t star Robert Downey Jr. or Tom Cruise.
Fifty-two veterans from Northwest Georgia are the film’s leading men. They share a collection of memories from the Korean War, which ended 50 years ago.
The film was compiled by Korean Americans Keon Lee and his son, Andrew Lee.
Lee is expected to speak to the group be-
fore the film. He is president of the Korean Association of Rome and Northwest Georgia and came to the U.S. 43 years ago when he was 12 years old.
The Lees have been interviewing veterans and relatives of deceased veterans since July.
The film will be screened at 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 52, 170 North Avenue, said veteran Charles Patterson. “This is a special showing for the veterans and their friends and family,” he said.
The film is one hour and 33 minutes long and features veterans from Floyd, Chattooga, Polk and Gordon counties. Fourteen of the veterans featured are deceased and are remembered in pictures and information provided by family members.
“This will be like a theater showing,” Patterson said. “We’ll have popcorn and Cokes.”
Each veteran featured will receive a copy of the film. Another copy will be given to the Rome-Floyd County Library.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
South Jersey Korean Americans, Korean War veterans, hope Kim Jong II’s death eases tensions
From Press of Atlantic City: South Jersey Korean Americans, Korean War veterans, hope Kim Jong II’s death eases tensions
The New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City’s Brighton Park is engraved with the names of more than 800 people from the state who were killed or lost in the conflict more than 50 years ago.
In some ways, the battle continues today. Veterans of that war — as well as Korean Americans living in South Jersey — wondered Monday whether the death of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Il, would eventually ease tensions with South Korea and the rest of the world, or only intensify them.
“Our dream and hope has always been to be united in some way,” said Judy Yoo, who was born in South Korea and is now president of the Greater Southern New Jersey Korean American Association. “I can’t say whether there’s going to be a better chance of that.”
Kim succeeded his father, Kim Il Sung, in 1994, taking the reins of a radical totalitarian dictatorship that has controlled the northern half of the Korean Peninsula since 1948.
Before his death Saturday from an apparent heart attack, Kim named his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, to be his successor. But with little known yet about the direction of the isolationist country and its repressive government, locals hoped for the best, but also anticipated the worst.
“I think we have a bigger problem because (Kim’s) son’s unknown,” said Ed Marinelli, of Hammonton, a former mayor and Korean War veteran. “I think it’s going to be a long, tough road ahead.”
Marinelli was serving in the Army in Japan in 1949 after World War II when war broke out between North Korea and South Korea, the two countries a result of the United States and Soviet Union dividing up the formerly Japanese-controlled region.
Although an armistice was signed in 1953 that ended fighting, an alliance between the U.S. and South Korea was also signed that year, and nearly 30,000 American troops continue to serve there in its defense.
Brief attacks over the countries’ border have heightened tensions several times in the past half century. More than a year ago, when North Korea fired artillery shells at a South Korean island, killing four people and injuring nearly 20 others, those tensions reached a height some said had not been seen since the Korean War,
There was widespread international condemnation of the North Korean attack, which the country said was instigated by the South firing shells into the North’s waters, a claim South Korea disputed.
North Korea has also had nuclear weapons since at least 2006, when the country claimed to have successfully tested its first nuclear weapon.
“You never know what’s going to happen there,” said Tom Costa, of Hammonton, who served in the Army in South Korea from 1963 to 1964. “I think it’s worse now because they have nuclear weapons.”
Meanwhile, as South Korea has progressed into a modernized capitalist country since recovering from the destruction of the Korean War, North Korea has a state-controlled economy and is considered among the world’s poorest countries.
“Except for the capital, the rest of the country is starving,” Costa said.
Koreans make up a small percentage of South Jersey’s Asian population today. Of the approximately 30,000 Asian residents living in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties, only about 7 percent are of Korean heritage, the U.S. Census Bureau says.
Ron Lee, of Egg Harbor Township, was born in South Korea and moved here in 1975. The owner of Sunshine Cleaners in Northfield, he also said he hopes the transition of North Korea’s leadership can lead to peace.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next couple of months, but there’s definitely a chance,” he said. “Hopefully, there’s a new change in the system.”
Yoo, who lives in Burlington Township, Burlington County, said she has been amazed at the progress of South Korea since she moved to the U.S. in 1983.
She said she doesn’t expect the death of Kim Jong Il to lead to such dramatic changes in the North, but would welcome it.
“We have to wait and see, but my hope is that it will bring peace,” she said.
The New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City’s Brighton Park is engraved with the names of more than 800 people from the state who were killed or lost in the conflict more than 50 years ago.
In some ways, the battle continues today. Veterans of that war — as well as Korean Americans living in South Jersey — wondered Monday whether the death of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Il, would eventually ease tensions with South Korea and the rest of the world, or only intensify them.
“Our dream and hope has always been to be united in some way,” said Judy Yoo, who was born in South Korea and is now president of the Greater Southern New Jersey Korean American Association. “I can’t say whether there’s going to be a better chance of that.”
Kim succeeded his father, Kim Il Sung, in 1994, taking the reins of a radical totalitarian dictatorship that has controlled the northern half of the Korean Peninsula since 1948.
Before his death Saturday from an apparent heart attack, Kim named his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, to be his successor. But with little known yet about the direction of the isolationist country and its repressive government, locals hoped for the best, but also anticipated the worst.
“I think we have a bigger problem because (Kim’s) son’s unknown,” said Ed Marinelli, of Hammonton, a former mayor and Korean War veteran. “I think it’s going to be a long, tough road ahead.”
Marinelli was serving in the Army in Japan in 1949 after World War II when war broke out between North Korea and South Korea, the two countries a result of the United States and Soviet Union dividing up the formerly Japanese-controlled region.
Although an armistice was signed in 1953 that ended fighting, an alliance between the U.S. and South Korea was also signed that year, and nearly 30,000 American troops continue to serve there in its defense.
Brief attacks over the countries’ border have heightened tensions several times in the past half century. More than a year ago, when North Korea fired artillery shells at a South Korean island, killing four people and injuring nearly 20 others, those tensions reached a height some said had not been seen since the Korean War,
There was widespread international condemnation of the North Korean attack, which the country said was instigated by the South firing shells into the North’s waters, a claim South Korea disputed.
North Korea has also had nuclear weapons since at least 2006, when the country claimed to have successfully tested its first nuclear weapon.
“You never know what’s going to happen there,” said Tom Costa, of Hammonton, who served in the Army in South Korea from 1963 to 1964. “I think it’s worse now because they have nuclear weapons.”
Meanwhile, as South Korea has progressed into a modernized capitalist country since recovering from the destruction of the Korean War, North Korea has a state-controlled economy and is considered among the world’s poorest countries.
“Except for the capital, the rest of the country is starving,” Costa said.
Koreans make up a small percentage of South Jersey’s Asian population today. Of the approximately 30,000 Asian residents living in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties, only about 7 percent are of Korean heritage, the U.S. Census Bureau says.
Ron Lee, of Egg Harbor Township, was born in South Korea and moved here in 1975. The owner of Sunshine Cleaners in Northfield, he also said he hopes the transition of North Korea’s leadership can lead to peace.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next couple of months, but there’s definitely a chance,” he said. “Hopefully, there’s a new change in the system.”
Yoo, who lives in Burlington Township, Burlington County, said she has been amazed at the progress of South Korea since she moved to the U.S. in 1983.
She said she doesn’t expect the death of Kim Jong Il to lead to such dramatic changes in the North, but would welcome it.
“We have to wait and see, but my hope is that it will bring peace,” she said.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Remains of Korean War soldier return home
From Newsday: Remains of Korean War soldier return home
t was a send-off Maximo Troche would have appreciated.
The calling out of orders, the raising of the American flag, the crisp white gloves climbing in salute: -- Troche would have been proud, said his sister-in-law Angie Mario, 84, of Brentwood. "He was so patriotic, he would have loved this," she said as a tear slid down her cheek.
Sixty years after his death in the Korean War, Troche's remains were returned to his family Wednesday in a military ceremony at Kennedy Airport.
Army Private First Class Troche, of Manhattan, had also seen battle in World War II, and re-enlisted for the Korean War. He was declared a prisoner missing in action in Korea in 1951. The 24-year-old's remains were recovered in 1993, but it wasn't until last month that his family learned a positive identification had been made.
Wednesday, more than a dozen of Troche's relatives gathered on the tarmac at Kennedy Airport as Delta Flight 2250 arrived from Hawaii. As Troche's flag-draped coffin rolled from the plane's belly onto a conveyor belt, family members gasped and embraced. American flags flapped in the breeze next to members of the Patriot Guard Riders -- a motorcycle group that honors fallen soldiers -- and Army Reserve members saluted before hoisting the coffin into a hearse.
The remains were taken in a funeral procession to the Michael J. Grant Funeral Home in Brentwood, where a service is planned Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Troche is to be buried in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, alongside other relatives.
With his grandson, Troche's second cousin Robert Arce -- who was 3 years old when he watched Troche go off to war -- approached the coffin at the funeral home. Kneeling, Arce closed his eyes and prayed. " 'You're almost home now,' I said," he recalled. "I can't wait for that reunion on Saturday."
More than 6,100 Korean War combatants remain missing in action, said DeWayne Reed, the Army's section chief for Korea and Southeast Asia at Fort Knox. To date, the Army has identified 155 sets of remains, he said. "It's not a simple process and it's not a hard process, but it is a time-consuming process," he said.
Family members Wednesday thanked the Army.
"They were relentless in their pursuit to find us and bring him home," said Troche's niece Jacqui Mario, of Patterson, N.Y. "When they say they don't leave anybody behind, they're not kidding."
t was a send-off Maximo Troche would have appreciated.
The calling out of orders, the raising of the American flag, the crisp white gloves climbing in salute: -- Troche would have been proud, said his sister-in-law Angie Mario, 84, of Brentwood. "He was so patriotic, he would have loved this," she said as a tear slid down her cheek.
Sixty years after his death in the Korean War, Troche's remains were returned to his family Wednesday in a military ceremony at Kennedy Airport.
Army Private First Class Troche, of Manhattan, had also seen battle in World War II, and re-enlisted for the Korean War. He was declared a prisoner missing in action in Korea in 1951. The 24-year-old's remains were recovered in 1993, but it wasn't until last month that his family learned a positive identification had been made.
Wednesday, more than a dozen of Troche's relatives gathered on the tarmac at Kennedy Airport as Delta Flight 2250 arrived from Hawaii. As Troche's flag-draped coffin rolled from the plane's belly onto a conveyor belt, family members gasped and embraced. American flags flapped in the breeze next to members of the Patriot Guard Riders -- a motorcycle group that honors fallen soldiers -- and Army Reserve members saluted before hoisting the coffin into a hearse.
The remains were taken in a funeral procession to the Michael J. Grant Funeral Home in Brentwood, where a service is planned Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Troche is to be buried in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, alongside other relatives.
With his grandson, Troche's second cousin Robert Arce -- who was 3 years old when he watched Troche go off to war -- approached the coffin at the funeral home. Kneeling, Arce closed his eyes and prayed. " 'You're almost home now,' I said," he recalled. "I can't wait for that reunion on Saturday."
More than 6,100 Korean War combatants remain missing in action, said DeWayne Reed, the Army's section chief for Korea and Southeast Asia at Fort Knox. To date, the Army has identified 155 sets of remains, he said. "It's not a simple process and it's not a hard process, but it is a time-consuming process," he said.
Family members Wednesday thanked the Army.
"They were relentless in their pursuit to find us and bring him home," said Troche's niece Jacqui Mario, of Patterson, N.Y. "When they say they don't leave anybody behind, they're not kidding."
Friday, December 16, 2011
Videographer Records the Life Stories of World War II and Korean Veterans
From Patch.com: Videographer Records the Life Stories of World War II and Korean Veterans
Dick Sutherland doesn't sit on his laurels. He's an active member in his church, Montrose Zion United Methodist, and he runs two businesses with his wife Beverly.
He is also active in the World War II-Korean War Roundtable, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Roundtable hosts guest speakers the fourth Thursday of each month at the Kiwanis Community Center in Fairlawn.
Sutherland is concerned that schools don't really teach kids about these wars anymore. "I'd like to see the schools teach this in social studies or American history," he says.
He'd also like to see schools take advantage of what the Roundtable has to offer. The public is invited to its monthly meetings, and the group encourages parents to bring their children.
For the Roundtable, Sutherland has been videotaping the life stories of veterans through the business that he and his wife run, Pic-Tur-This Video, since June of 2002. "This is like plasma for me, even though I wasn't active in combat," Sutherland says. His recordings are made available to the public through the University of Akron's Archival Services.
"We call this a living history," Sutherland says.
A Navy veteran of the Korean War, Sutherland didn't see combat. He enlisted in the Navy soon after graduating from high school in 1948. He always wanted to fly, so he went into Naval Air, where he eventually became an in-flight instructor.
He was discharged in 1952 and started working as a technician for AT&T in his hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio. The self-described country boy was promoted to sales and relocated to the "big city" of Cleveland, where he met his wife. Over his years at AT&T, Sutherland worked in Toledo and Columbus, and eventually found his way back to the area as a national sales manager in Akron.
"Every four to five years, you were moved someplace," Sutherland says.
When college graduates started taking all the big promotions, Sutherland was downsized. "I wound up making more money taking a step down." Five years later, he left the company and retired at 53 years old.
Since then, Sutherland and his wife have been juggling an Amway business and Pic-Tur-This Video.
The soon-to-be 82-year-old has been an active participant in Bath Township, more specifically the Montrose area, for the 32 years that he and his wife have lived here. He's helped coach football at Copley High School, where his two sons graduated, and he's been on the Bath Township's Trustees Advisory Council.
It was at Copley High School where he got his start as a freelance videographer. He used the school's equipment to video tape its wrestling matches and football games.
Incidently, that's also when he was tapped to help coach football games. While his two sons, who are 18 months a part, played football for the high school, Sutherland was a volunteer assistant coach between 1983 and 1992. "I enjoyed every minute of it."
Sutherland and his wife started videotaping weddings and receptions as a fluke. A friend asked if they would record her wedding and wanted to know how much they would charge. They didn't know at the time, so they settled for a meal.
Now, 25 years later, the business is flourishing. And it goes beyond the boundaries of Montrose. "Have camera, will travel," Sutherland says. "We've gone as far as Canada."
And it offers more than video recording. Beverly Sutherland carries along her needle and thread to help brides keep their dresses perfect for their special days.
Sutherland and his wife do everything together, he says. "We even went to the doctor together this morning."
They have lunch together every day. It's a habit they started about eight to 12 months before he retired from AT&T. "After work, there was too much happening with the kids.
"We both vowed that neither one of us are going to die. We are going together," Sutherland says. Besides, "I told her she can't die, because I don't understand her bookkeeping."
Dick Sutherland doesn't sit on his laurels. He's an active member in his church, Montrose Zion United Methodist, and he runs two businesses with his wife Beverly.
He is also active in the World War II-Korean War Roundtable, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Roundtable hosts guest speakers the fourth Thursday of each month at the Kiwanis Community Center in Fairlawn.
Sutherland is concerned that schools don't really teach kids about these wars anymore. "I'd like to see the schools teach this in social studies or American history," he says.
He'd also like to see schools take advantage of what the Roundtable has to offer. The public is invited to its monthly meetings, and the group encourages parents to bring their children.
For the Roundtable, Sutherland has been videotaping the life stories of veterans through the business that he and his wife run, Pic-Tur-This Video, since June of 2002. "This is like plasma for me, even though I wasn't active in combat," Sutherland says. His recordings are made available to the public through the University of Akron's Archival Services.
"We call this a living history," Sutherland says.
A Navy veteran of the Korean War, Sutherland didn't see combat. He enlisted in the Navy soon after graduating from high school in 1948. He always wanted to fly, so he went into Naval Air, where he eventually became an in-flight instructor.
He was discharged in 1952 and started working as a technician for AT&T in his hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio. The self-described country boy was promoted to sales and relocated to the "big city" of Cleveland, where he met his wife. Over his years at AT&T, Sutherland worked in Toledo and Columbus, and eventually found his way back to the area as a national sales manager in Akron.
"Every four to five years, you were moved someplace," Sutherland says.
When college graduates started taking all the big promotions, Sutherland was downsized. "I wound up making more money taking a step down." Five years later, he left the company and retired at 53 years old.
Since then, Sutherland and his wife have been juggling an Amway business and Pic-Tur-This Video.
The soon-to-be 82-year-old has been an active participant in Bath Township, more specifically the Montrose area, for the 32 years that he and his wife have lived here. He's helped coach football at Copley High School, where his two sons graduated, and he's been on the Bath Township's Trustees Advisory Council.
It was at Copley High School where he got his start as a freelance videographer. He used the school's equipment to video tape its wrestling matches and football games.
Incidently, that's also when he was tapped to help coach football games. While his two sons, who are 18 months a part, played football for the high school, Sutherland was a volunteer assistant coach between 1983 and 1992. "I enjoyed every minute of it."
Sutherland and his wife started videotaping weddings and receptions as a fluke. A friend asked if they would record her wedding and wanted to know how much they would charge. They didn't know at the time, so they settled for a meal.
Now, 25 years later, the business is flourishing. And it goes beyond the boundaries of Montrose. "Have camera, will travel," Sutherland says. "We've gone as far as Canada."
And it offers more than video recording. Beverly Sutherland carries along her needle and thread to help brides keep their dresses perfect for their special days.
Sutherland and his wife do everything together, he says. "We even went to the doctor together this morning."
They have lunch together every day. It's a habit they started about eight to 12 months before he retired from AT&T. "After work, there was too much happening with the kids.
"We both vowed that neither one of us are going to die. We are going together," Sutherland says. Besides, "I told her she can't die, because I don't understand her bookkeeping."
Monday, December 12, 2011
Last member of Holt dynasty lives up to name
From the Korea Herald: Last member of Holt dynasty lives up to name
ILSAN ― She’s known by many names, from the Mother Teresa of Korea to the Mother of all Korea’s Orphans ― and 55 years on she is still living up to them.
Molly Holt, chairwoman of Holt Children’s Services, was not only a witness to the nation’s rise from the ashes of the Korean War. Because of her selfless heart, she was knee deep in it.
“I kept on delaying my college, because there was so much to do here, so much poverty, so much ignorance and so many babies died,” said Holt, referring to when she first arrived here in 1956.
“The Busan city asked me to go to this one orphanage where they had a lot of deaths,” said the daughter of Harry and Bertha Holt, who founded the nation’s largest adoption agency at the time.
Armed only with her nursing skills, a pure heart and a selfless will to care for others, Holt simply could not leave the country in need, which is why she decided to spend the rest of her life here.
And at the Holt Ilsan Center’s 50-year anniversary on Thursday, volunteers, residents and special adoptee guests recognized how far the organization had come and what Holt has done for it.
“We truly appreciate her dedication, just like her parents,” said Kim Hanson, a 44-year-old adoptee.
“The whole focus of her life is what will be good for the children, that is the only thing that she thinks about. If it is good for the children she will be absolutely all over it,” said Lee Soo-yeon, a director at the center.
And it is that focus which means she will do anything for her residents.
According to some at the center, Holt has slept on the floor and given up her bed for residents in need.
“She is an angel, to have such a big heart to reach out to so many needed individuals, we cannot put into words,” said Kimberly Armstrong, unable to finish the sentence as she fought back tears.
The 55-year-old from Oregon is one of the first wave of Korean adoptees.
Living at the center, Holt still utilizes her medical expertise and love to help the some 300 adults and children with disabilities living at the center.
“She is part of the medical discussion when we first receive residents as to whether or not they require surgery or other special considerations,” said Lee.
“We have what we call evaluation clinics, where we determine what is for their (residents) future, because we want as many of them to become independent,” said Holt, who personally overseas the clinics.
And since she is the chairwoman of the board, the clinics are only the tip of the iceberg.
“I’ve put my nose into every little corner,” said Holt with a giggle, adding that her first priority has always been adoption for the children with disabilities.
But despite Holt’s efforts some things do not work out as hoped.
“We have to do our best when they can’t be adopted because they are too severely disabled or have personality problems, or mental problems,” said Holt.
By hearing her fondest memories one can see how much the children and residents really mean to her.
“When the young people come back and say thank you, and you can see how they have married and had children,” replied Holt when asked about her fondest memories.
But herein lies one of her biggest disappointments as well.
“I have yet to meet an adult Holt domestic adoptee, they are all secret,” said Holt, referring to the some 25,000 children adopted through the service.
However during the anniversary ceremony, Holt was able to meet adoptees of all ages, who came to celebrate the center.
ILSAN ― She’s known by many names, from the Mother Teresa of Korea to the Mother of all Korea’s Orphans ― and 55 years on she is still living up to them.
Molly Holt, chairwoman of Holt Children’s Services, was not only a witness to the nation’s rise from the ashes of the Korean War. Because of her selfless heart, she was knee deep in it.
“I kept on delaying my college, because there was so much to do here, so much poverty, so much ignorance and so many babies died,” said Holt, referring to when she first arrived here in 1956.
“The Busan city asked me to go to this one orphanage where they had a lot of deaths,” said the daughter of Harry and Bertha Holt, who founded the nation’s largest adoption agency at the time.
Armed only with her nursing skills, a pure heart and a selfless will to care for others, Holt simply could not leave the country in need, which is why she decided to spend the rest of her life here.
And at the Holt Ilsan Center’s 50-year anniversary on Thursday, volunteers, residents and special adoptee guests recognized how far the organization had come and what Holt has done for it.
“We truly appreciate her dedication, just like her parents,” said Kim Hanson, a 44-year-old adoptee.
“The whole focus of her life is what will be good for the children, that is the only thing that she thinks about. If it is good for the children she will be absolutely all over it,” said Lee Soo-yeon, a director at the center.
And it is that focus which means she will do anything for her residents.
According to some at the center, Holt has slept on the floor and given up her bed for residents in need.
“She is an angel, to have such a big heart to reach out to so many needed individuals, we cannot put into words,” said Kimberly Armstrong, unable to finish the sentence as she fought back tears.
The 55-year-old from Oregon is one of the first wave of Korean adoptees.
Living at the center, Holt still utilizes her medical expertise and love to help the some 300 adults and children with disabilities living at the center.
“She is part of the medical discussion when we first receive residents as to whether or not they require surgery or other special considerations,” said Lee.
“We have what we call evaluation clinics, where we determine what is for their (residents) future, because we want as many of them to become independent,” said Holt, who personally overseas the clinics.
And since she is the chairwoman of the board, the clinics are only the tip of the iceberg.
“I’ve put my nose into every little corner,” said Holt with a giggle, adding that her first priority has always been adoption for the children with disabilities.
But despite Holt’s efforts some things do not work out as hoped.
“We have to do our best when they can’t be adopted because they are too severely disabled or have personality problems, or mental problems,” said Holt.
By hearing her fondest memories one can see how much the children and residents really mean to her.
“When the young people come back and say thank you, and you can see how they have married and had children,” replied Holt when asked about her fondest memories.
But herein lies one of her biggest disappointments as well.
“I have yet to meet an adult Holt domestic adoptee, they are all secret,” said Holt, referring to the some 25,000 children adopted through the service.
However during the anniversary ceremony, Holt was able to meet adoptees of all ages, who came to celebrate the center.
Vandals destroy war memorial wreaths
From Action News 6: Vandals destroy war memorial wreaths
PENN'S LANDING - December 11, 2011 (WPVI) -- For the third December in a row, custodian James Moran says he's picking up the pieces by the war memorials at Penn's Landing.
This afternoon he called police after discovering five wreaths destroyed. They were placed by the Korean War Memorial on Veterans Day.
"We have young men and women dying in Afghanistan and Iraq for our flag; it's a disgrace this goes on every single year," Moran said.
Moran says flowers were torn off or stolen. Moran found what was left strewn across the plaza or stuffed in a trash can.
Moran is a custodian for the Vietnam Memorial, but also keeps an eye on the nearby Korean War and Beirut memorials. He predicts wreaths by the other two will soon be hit, as has been the pattern for the last two years.
Moran lost his brother, a Marine, in Cambodia; his only son is a Marine and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As he cleaned up, Moran said more respect should be shown for the many men and women who have served our country.
"Our country don't ask anything of anybody, they want everybody to live in peace and harmony. Why take symbol of our memorials and destruct it," Moran said.
PENN'S LANDING - December 11, 2011 (WPVI) -- For the third December in a row, custodian James Moran says he's picking up the pieces by the war memorials at Penn's Landing.
This afternoon he called police after discovering five wreaths destroyed. They were placed by the Korean War Memorial on Veterans Day.
"We have young men and women dying in Afghanistan and Iraq for our flag; it's a disgrace this goes on every single year," Moran said.
Moran says flowers were torn off or stolen. Moran found what was left strewn across the plaza or stuffed in a trash can.
Moran is a custodian for the Vietnam Memorial, but also keeps an eye on the nearby Korean War and Beirut memorials. He predicts wreaths by the other two will soon be hit, as has been the pattern for the last two years.
Moran lost his brother, a Marine, in Cambodia; his only son is a Marine and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As he cleaned up, Moran said more respect should be shown for the many men and women who have served our country.
"Our country don't ask anything of anybody, they want everybody to live in peace and harmony. Why take symbol of our memorials and destruct it," Moran said.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Time Keeps On Slipping Into the Future
Sorry for the dearth of posts recently...I've been working on a project, wanted to devote all my time to it, and kept telling myself...it'll be done today so I can get back to blogging here tomorrow.
The next day it was... okay, it's definitely going to get done today....
Well, today it is done... so back to posting here on a daily basis tomorrow. (With the first post appearing tomorrow afternoon while I'm watching football!)
Thanks for your patience.
The next day it was... okay, it's definitely going to get done today....
Well, today it is done... so back to posting here on a daily basis tomorrow. (With the first post appearing tomorrow afternoon while I'm watching football!)
Thanks for your patience.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Taunton Korean War vet reflects on U.S. S. Bennington ‘disaster’ Read more: http://www.tauntongazette.com/dcover/x1560333163/Taunton-Korean-War-vet-r
From the Taunton Gazette: Taunton Korean War vet reflects on U.S. S. Bennington ‘disaster’
Taunton —
Taunton’s Donald Scott recently revisited the memory of a near naval aircraft carrier catastrophe in the North Atlantic that he witnessed first-hand, ending in what many who witnessed it called a “miracle.”
Scott, a Korean War veteran, was aboard the U.S.S. Bennington on Sept. 23, 1953 when 42 U.S. and Canadian propeller planes became stranded in the sky as the result of heavy fog that prevented pilots from finding the aircraft carrier.
“Everyone was quite scared, but they were excited when they all got down,” Scott said. “There was plenty of prayers being said. There wasn’t supposed to be anyone on flight deck, but there was people all around on the catwalks watching them come in. It was quite a thing to see.”
The event, which took place in the context of a large NATO exercise called Operation Mariner, involved three aircraft carriers. Along with the Bennington was the U.S.S. Wasp and the Canadian carrier HMCS Magnificent.
The incident was recapped in the October 2011 issue of “Flight Journal.” The magazine dubbed it the “greatest peacetime disaster in the naval aviation history.”
While beyond the range of any suitable landing fields ashore (the nearest land was 460 miles northwest of Cape Farewell in Greenland), the NATO contingent launched a strike exercise.
The situation was complicated by conflicting weather reports, with a strong fog leaving 42 aircrafts circling the carriers with low amounts of fuel as the night set in.
Scott said many service members on the carriers believed the fog clearing just in time for everyone to land was a miracle.
“What was extraordinary was they couldn’t land for two hours,” Scott said. “One of the small planes — I was in the landing signal — was given the wave off. But the pilot knew he didn’t have enough gas for another circle, so he went ahead and landed. One pilot was so nervous he couldn’t get out of the plane.”
Scott said his role on the Bennington was to signal aircrafts to take off.
When Scott left the military in 1954, he was a Second Class Aviation Metalsmith Petty Officer.
Scott has lived in Taunton has resided in the Silver City since 1961 with his wife Catherine.
Taunton —
Taunton’s Donald Scott recently revisited the memory of a near naval aircraft carrier catastrophe in the North Atlantic that he witnessed first-hand, ending in what many who witnessed it called a “miracle.”
Scott, a Korean War veteran, was aboard the U.S.S. Bennington on Sept. 23, 1953 when 42 U.S. and Canadian propeller planes became stranded in the sky as the result of heavy fog that prevented pilots from finding the aircraft carrier.
“Everyone was quite scared, but they were excited when they all got down,” Scott said. “There was plenty of prayers being said. There wasn’t supposed to be anyone on flight deck, but there was people all around on the catwalks watching them come in. It was quite a thing to see.”
The event, which took place in the context of a large NATO exercise called Operation Mariner, involved three aircraft carriers. Along with the Bennington was the U.S.S. Wasp and the Canadian carrier HMCS Magnificent.
The incident was recapped in the October 2011 issue of “Flight Journal.” The magazine dubbed it the “greatest peacetime disaster in the naval aviation history.”
While beyond the range of any suitable landing fields ashore (the nearest land was 460 miles northwest of Cape Farewell in Greenland), the NATO contingent launched a strike exercise.
The situation was complicated by conflicting weather reports, with a strong fog leaving 42 aircrafts circling the carriers with low amounts of fuel as the night set in.
Scott said many service members on the carriers believed the fog clearing just in time for everyone to land was a miracle.
“What was extraordinary was they couldn’t land for two hours,” Scott said. “One of the small planes — I was in the landing signal — was given the wave off. But the pilot knew he didn’t have enough gas for another circle, so he went ahead and landed. One pilot was so nervous he couldn’t get out of the plane.”
Scott said his role on the Bennington was to signal aircrafts to take off.
When Scott left the military in 1954, he was a Second Class Aviation Metalsmith Petty Officer.
Scott has lived in Taunton has resided in the Silver City since 1961 with his wife Catherine.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Local Korean War veterans enjoy Valor Flight
From the Sand Mountain Reporter: Local Korean War veterans enjoy Valor Flight
The weather in Washington, D.C., was sunny and 62 degrees the day after Veterans Day.
It was a perfect day for a tour of the sights.
And a perfect day to remember the fallen of the Forgotten War.
The Rev. Willis Kelly, a Korean War veteran and Albertville resident, remembered one of the fallen in particular, a soldier from Cullman that he knew as Pfc. Mynatt.
"I was in Korea 13 months from April ‘52 to May ‘53," Kelly recalled. "A couple of months before I left Korea, the chaplain wanted me to drive the jeep for him."
Kelly declined, not wanting to change units with just two months left on his tour.
"He asked me if I knew anybody, and I knew a guy from Cullman," Kelly said. "He talked to him, and Pfc. Mynatt went to work for him driving the jeep."
Kelly later heard Pfc. Mynatt died when a shell exploded near the jeep.
"If I'd been driving the jeep, that would've been me," Kelly said. "You can't help but think about that. If you go through a war and come back, you have a lot to be thankful for."
Kelly was one of at least three Sand Mountain residents who journeyed to Washington, D.C., as members of the first-ever Valor Flight on Nov. 12.
Albertville resident Alton Hester and Horton resident Melvin Nixon also took the trip to D.C.
Valor Flight, a nonprofit organization based in Madison, is dedicated to providing a free trip for Korean War veterans who live in the Tennessee Valley, so they can visit their memorial in the nation's capital for a day of remembrance. The organization's goal is to reach veterans who served in the Korean War from 1950-53.
The organization provided the flight, daylong tour and meals at no charge to the veterans. The trip was funded by personal and corporate donations.
The flight departed from Huntsville International Airport about 6:30 a.m. and landed in D.C. around 10 a.m. More than 100 Korean War veterans toured the memorials, ate and returned to Huntsville by about 8:30 p.m.
Highlights included a stop at Arlington National Cemetery and a chance to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
But the reason the three men flew to D.C. was to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Dedicated in 1995, the memorial represents the 1.5 million Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard men and women who fought in the war, according to the Valor Flight website.
During the three years of hostilities from June 1950 to July 1953, a total of 54,200 Americans reportedly died.
"The Korean Memorial reminded us all of being in Korea," Kelly said.
Guardians escorted each of the veterans. Hester was visibly emotional when he talked about the guardians, many of them young adults volunteering their Saturday to make sure the day was special for the veterans.
"They treated us like royalty," Hester said. "I don't know how anybody can do more. Every time you turned around, somebody was thanking you for something you did 60 years ago. I wasn't accustomed to that. I can't thank them enough. I don't think you'd find one single solitary person on that trip that didn't enjoy it.
"The young person that greeted me in Washington had all kinds of alternatives to spend her Saturday, but she chose to spend it with one old GI that had been to Korea. It tells me our young people are a lot better than we give them credit for. I was very impressed. It's something that gets to you."
Hester had visited D.C. before but indicated the Valor Flight felt more meaningful.
"It's a lot different going back with a bunch of GIs with common experiences," Hester said. "I met a guy in the same regiment I was in."
Hester was "touched" by the receptions they received in Huntsville and D.C., noting the contrast from when he returned from the Korean War.
"We had a super reception in Huntsville and in Washington," Hester said. "It was a lot different when we came home from the war. When we landed in Seattle, not one single soul was there to welcome us. But I didn't care. I was back here."
The Valor Flight acknowledged the Forgotten War by calling the trip "Flight of the Not Forgotten."
"The country didn't pay much attention to the Korean War," Hester said. "I was drafted and went because I was supposed to go. I very willingly went. There are some experiences I wouldn't take anything in the world for, and there are some experiences I wouldn't want to go through again."
For Nixon, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He especially liked the portion of the monument where 19 stainless steel statues, each more than 7 feet tall, depict men on patrol.
"That was the first time I'd ever been up there," Nixon said. "When I saw that monument ... that was real touching. All these guys going to battle had on ponchos."
Hester was struck by the detail in the faces of the statues.
"That was the most realistic thing you've ever seen," Hester said. "That look in their eyes ... their eyes had a very intense look."
Valor Flight is planning another trip in 2012 and is requesting donations. One trip costs about $100,000.
Personal and corporate tax-deductible donations are accepted online using the donate button at www.valorflight.com or mail donations to: Valor Flight, P.O. Box 1353, Madison, AL 35758.
Kelly thanked the organizers for giving the aging Korean War veterans a chance to see their monument. Kelly, Hester and Nixon are all 80 years or older.
"It was an exciting trip," Kelly said. "We did it in remembrance of those that didn't come back."
The weather in Washington, D.C., was sunny and 62 degrees the day after Veterans Day.
It was a perfect day for a tour of the sights.
And a perfect day to remember the fallen of the Forgotten War.
The Rev. Willis Kelly, a Korean War veteran and Albertville resident, remembered one of the fallen in particular, a soldier from Cullman that he knew as Pfc. Mynatt.
"I was in Korea 13 months from April ‘52 to May ‘53," Kelly recalled. "A couple of months before I left Korea, the chaplain wanted me to drive the jeep for him."
Kelly declined, not wanting to change units with just two months left on his tour.
"He asked me if I knew anybody, and I knew a guy from Cullman," Kelly said. "He talked to him, and Pfc. Mynatt went to work for him driving the jeep."
Kelly later heard Pfc. Mynatt died when a shell exploded near the jeep.
"If I'd been driving the jeep, that would've been me," Kelly said. "You can't help but think about that. If you go through a war and come back, you have a lot to be thankful for."
Kelly was one of at least three Sand Mountain residents who journeyed to Washington, D.C., as members of the first-ever Valor Flight on Nov. 12.
Albertville resident Alton Hester and Horton resident Melvin Nixon also took the trip to D.C.
Valor Flight, a nonprofit organization based in Madison, is dedicated to providing a free trip for Korean War veterans who live in the Tennessee Valley, so they can visit their memorial in the nation's capital for a day of remembrance. The organization's goal is to reach veterans who served in the Korean War from 1950-53.
The organization provided the flight, daylong tour and meals at no charge to the veterans. The trip was funded by personal and corporate donations.
The flight departed from Huntsville International Airport about 6:30 a.m. and landed in D.C. around 10 a.m. More than 100 Korean War veterans toured the memorials, ate and returned to Huntsville by about 8:30 p.m.
Highlights included a stop at Arlington National Cemetery and a chance to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
But the reason the three men flew to D.C. was to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Dedicated in 1995, the memorial represents the 1.5 million Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard men and women who fought in the war, according to the Valor Flight website.
During the three years of hostilities from June 1950 to July 1953, a total of 54,200 Americans reportedly died.
"The Korean Memorial reminded us all of being in Korea," Kelly said.
Guardians escorted each of the veterans. Hester was visibly emotional when he talked about the guardians, many of them young adults volunteering their Saturday to make sure the day was special for the veterans.
"They treated us like royalty," Hester said. "I don't know how anybody can do more. Every time you turned around, somebody was thanking you for something you did 60 years ago. I wasn't accustomed to that. I can't thank them enough. I don't think you'd find one single solitary person on that trip that didn't enjoy it.
"The young person that greeted me in Washington had all kinds of alternatives to spend her Saturday, but she chose to spend it with one old GI that had been to Korea. It tells me our young people are a lot better than we give them credit for. I was very impressed. It's something that gets to you."
Hester had visited D.C. before but indicated the Valor Flight felt more meaningful.
"It's a lot different going back with a bunch of GIs with common experiences," Hester said. "I met a guy in the same regiment I was in."
Hester was "touched" by the receptions they received in Huntsville and D.C., noting the contrast from when he returned from the Korean War.
"We had a super reception in Huntsville and in Washington," Hester said. "It was a lot different when we came home from the war. When we landed in Seattle, not one single soul was there to welcome us. But I didn't care. I was back here."
The Valor Flight acknowledged the Forgotten War by calling the trip "Flight of the Not Forgotten."
"The country didn't pay much attention to the Korean War," Hester said. "I was drafted and went because I was supposed to go. I very willingly went. There are some experiences I wouldn't take anything in the world for, and there are some experiences I wouldn't want to go through again."
For Nixon, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He especially liked the portion of the monument where 19 stainless steel statues, each more than 7 feet tall, depict men on patrol.
"That was the first time I'd ever been up there," Nixon said. "When I saw that monument ... that was real touching. All these guys going to battle had on ponchos."
Hester was struck by the detail in the faces of the statues.
"That was the most realistic thing you've ever seen," Hester said. "That look in their eyes ... their eyes had a very intense look."
Valor Flight is planning another trip in 2012 and is requesting donations. One trip costs about $100,000.
Personal and corporate tax-deductible donations are accepted online using the donate button at www.valorflight.com or mail donations to: Valor Flight, P.O. Box 1353, Madison, AL 35758.
Kelly thanked the organizers for giving the aging Korean War veterans a chance to see their monument. Kelly, Hester and Nixon are all 80 years or older.
"It was an exciting trip," Kelly said. "We did it in remembrance of those that didn't come back."
Sunday, November 27, 2011
SKorean official travels to NKorea to monitor aid
From Bloomberg Business Week: SKorean official travels to NKorea to monitor aid
SEOUL, South Korea -- A South Korean official will help monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid to North Korean children for the first time in three years, the Seoul government said Friday.
He is the first South Korean government official to travel to Pyongyang to monitor aid distribution since conservative President Lee Myung-bak took office in 2008 with a tough policy toward North Korean aid. The visit is seen as a key sign that relations are improving after years of tension.
The divided Korean peninsula remains in a technical state of war because their three-year conflict ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
Relations have been particularly tense during Lee's presidency, culminating in a North Korean artillery attack on a front-line island a year ago that killed four South Koreans.
The South Korean official left Friday for Pyongyang along with four aid workers, the Unification Ministry said in a statement. He is expected to remain in the North until Tuesday to help monitor the distribution of 300 tons of flour for North Korean children. The flour is being provided by a South Korean civic group.
Some 6 million North Koreans, about a quarter of the population, will go hungry without outside food aid, according to the World Food Program.
South Korean officials have not traveled to North Korea to monitor food aid since Lee took office with a tough policy on linking assistance to North Korea's progress in dismantling its nuclear program.
However, in recent months, officials from both Koreas have met to discuss ways to resume nuclear disarmament-for-aid talks. Seoul has also allowed religious and cultural figures to visit North Korea.
On Thursday, South Korean scholars visited a North Korean border town to join a project to recover and preserve an ancient Korean palace.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
United by Sacrifice: Coleman vets memorial closer to completion
Midland Daily News: United by Sacrifice: Coleman vets memorial closer to completion
The installation of a Korean War statue completes the first phase of the Coleman Veterans Memorial.
It stands alongside statues representing soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War, WWII and the Global War on Terror.
Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee President Randy Zylman said the second phase will include a female statue representing a modern day soldier and a WWI statue.
Fundraising efforts for the "United by Sacrifice" memorial began in the summer of 2010 when members of the newly formed Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee, as well as community members, raised more than $20,000 in one night. Each statue costs more than $80,000.
The idea for the memorial began after Zylman’s son, Casey Zylman, was killed in Iraq May 25, 2007. He was a Corporal in the Second Platoon, Apache Troop 3-4 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division.
Instead of creating a memorial solely in honor of his son, Zylman and his family chose to build one honoring all soldiers.
Paying tribute to Casey, the first phase of the memorial statues are exact replicas of the 25th Infantry Division memorial located on the Schofield Army Base in Hawaii.
Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee Vice President Jim Johnston designed the plan for the area surrounding the memorial in Coleman. He said that this area of the memorial also conveys a meaningful message.
"Whoever designs them wanted it to have a special meaning," he said.
Zylman said the committee still needs to raise a lot of funds to begin the second phase, the installation of the female statue representing a modern day soldier and a WWI statue.
Coleman Community Schools are hosting a "Save your Change" fundraiser for the memorial. A class from each school that collects the most change will win a pizza party. The fundraiser ends Dec. 8.
The Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee is made up of local residents. With help from the 25th Infantry Division Memorial Fund, the committee created a special project to raise and collect funds for the Coleman Veterans Memorial. The 25th Infantry Division Memorial Fund is an IRS Certified 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information or to purchase a commemorative brick paver, a T-shirt or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.colemanveteransmemorial.org
The installation of a Korean War statue completes the first phase of the Coleman Veterans Memorial.
It stands alongside statues representing soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War, WWII and the Global War on Terror.
Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee President Randy Zylman said the second phase will include a female statue representing a modern day soldier and a WWI statue.
Fundraising efforts for the "United by Sacrifice" memorial began in the summer of 2010 when members of the newly formed Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee, as well as community members, raised more than $20,000 in one night. Each statue costs more than $80,000.
The idea for the memorial began after Zylman’s son, Casey Zylman, was killed in Iraq May 25, 2007. He was a Corporal in the Second Platoon, Apache Troop 3-4 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division.
Instead of creating a memorial solely in honor of his son, Zylman and his family chose to build one honoring all soldiers.
Paying tribute to Casey, the first phase of the memorial statues are exact replicas of the 25th Infantry Division memorial located on the Schofield Army Base in Hawaii.
Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee Vice President Jim Johnston designed the plan for the area surrounding the memorial in Coleman. He said that this area of the memorial also conveys a meaningful message.
"Whoever designs them wanted it to have a special meaning," he said.
Zylman said the committee still needs to raise a lot of funds to begin the second phase, the installation of the female statue representing a modern day soldier and a WWI statue.
Coleman Community Schools are hosting a "Save your Change" fundraiser for the memorial. A class from each school that collects the most change will win a pizza party. The fundraiser ends Dec. 8.
The Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee is made up of local residents. With help from the 25th Infantry Division Memorial Fund, the committee created a special project to raise and collect funds for the Coleman Veterans Memorial. The 25th Infantry Division Memorial Fund is an IRS Certified 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information or to purchase a commemorative brick paver, a T-shirt or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.colemanveteransmemorial.org
Monday, November 21, 2011
New posting schedule
Sorry for the long delay in posting - had some family issues.
The posting schedule for this blog - starting this Wednesday, Nov 23, will be Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Thanks for your patience!
The posting schedule for this blog - starting this Wednesday, Nov 23, will be Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Thanks for your patience!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Brazil, Indiana: Harper Studios offers free gifts
From Brazil Times: Harper Studios offers free gifts
Harper Studios, 111 W. National Ave., Brazil, recently announced it will offer free Christmas gifts to all World War II and Korean War veterans.
The studio will photograph any and all veterans of World War II and Korea free of charge and will give each veteran one free 8-by-10 color photograph as a keepsake.
Tony Harper, owner of Harper Studios, is a veteran of the Vietnam War. His father, Jack, was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. In addition, two uncles, John Portemont Jr. (United States Marines) and Noel "Junior" Lindsay (United States Navy) were veterans of World War II and a brother, Jack, served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
"As a family, we have proudly served our country in three wars," Tony said. "This is my way of saying, 'Thank you,' to all veterans and that we have not forgotten your service and your sacrifices."
Veterans may receive their free "setting" and free 8-by-10 color photograph by calling Harper Studios at 442-7856 and making an appointment between Nov. 20-Dec. 16.
Harper Studios, 111 W. National Ave., Brazil, recently announced it will offer free Christmas gifts to all World War II and Korean War veterans.
The studio will photograph any and all veterans of World War II and Korea free of charge and will give each veteran one free 8-by-10 color photograph as a keepsake.
Tony Harper, owner of Harper Studios, is a veteran of the Vietnam War. His father, Jack, was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. In addition, two uncles, John Portemont Jr. (United States Marines) and Noel "Junior" Lindsay (United States Navy) were veterans of World War II and a brother, Jack, served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
"As a family, we have proudly served our country in three wars," Tony said. "This is my way of saying, 'Thank you,' to all veterans and that we have not forgotten your service and your sacrifices."
Veterans may receive their free "setting" and free 8-by-10 color photograph by calling Harper Studios at 442-7856 and making an appointment between Nov. 20-Dec. 16.
Barbara Bedell: Veterans group welcomes Korean visitors
From RecordOnline.com: Barbara Bedell: Veterans group welcomes Korean visitors
In honor of Veterans Day, the Korean War Veterans in Middletown, led by Sam Tucker, president, welcomed delegates from the Korean Veterans Association, Republic of Korea, for a daylong visit.
The American veterans and the Korean veterans first visited West Point, led by former congressman Ben Gilman and Dr. Hubert Lee. Afterward, they had a luncheon program at American Legion Post 151 on Wawayanda Avenue in Middletown.
Tribute was paid to all who served in the Korean War, especially those killed in action and permanently disabled. A stirring prayer, composed by Tucker, was read to start the event in Middletown, followed by the singing of "God Bless America" and the Korean national anthem.
Gilman and Lee, both very active in the Korean Association, were among the speakers. Gilman is a former chairman of the House International Relations Committee and a former a Congressional delegate to the United Nations, serving under Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick in 1981. Earlier this year, he was honored with the World Peace Prize for 2011. The prize is awarded by a committee to individuals who have contributed to the cause of world peace by preventing regional conflicts or world war.
Lee is president of the Korean American Foundation USA. Also speaking was retired four-star Gen. Jae Kwan Lee, commanding general of the first ROK Army in South Korea.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ex-soldier remembers Korean War fallen
From Wales Online: Ex-soldier remembers Korean War fallen
SIXTY years after serving in the Korean War, former tank driver Peter Archer still has horrendous nightmares.
Peter, 80, who is collecting money for the Poppy Appeal in Wales this week, still can’t bring himself to talk about some of the terrible things he witnessed in the Far East.
But he says it’s important we never forget the soldiers who laid down their lives.
“Some awful things were done, war is no good. I still have nightmares,” said Peter, who lives in Wrexham.
When he was sent to Korea 18 weeks after joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1951, he had never been away from home before.
The 20-year-old rookie soldier drove the new Centurion tanks and later served alongside the Americans at the helm of a Sherman tank.
He remembers the horror of the notorious month-long battle of Heartbreak Ridge in the Korean conflict.
“On the first day at Heartbreak Ridge the Americans lost 500 men in an hour and a half trying to take it because the Koreans were already up there,” he recalls.
“We need to remember the men who sacrificed their lives. In those days people were not repatriated, there was no Wootton Bassett.
“A lot of them were lost in the mud. I know we went to rescue some fellas on the hill, and they clambered on the tank to get out.
“There were four tanks and as we were bringing them back from the hill they were getting shot at and mortars were dropped around them and all sorts of things so you couldn’t stop.”
Peter still recalls the shock of suddenly being at the heart of a bloody war.
“I’d never been away from home before and within 18 weeks I was heading for Korea, so it was all new to me,” he says.
“Eighteen months was the most you could serve. You could stand two summers, which got up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but you could only stand one winter because it would drop down to minus 50C,” he said.
“It’s cold I tell you, when a dozen of you are lying on the ground and sleeping under the sheet like penguins trying to all get together to keep warm, and then every so often half way through the night you’d have to change over so that those on the outside got some warmth.
More than 1,000 British soldiers were killed in action during the conflict between North and South Korea, often called the ‘forgotten war’.
The bodies of some who died were consumed by the thick mud where they perished with nothing to mark their last resting place.
Peter, a retired mechanic and plant hire operator, says he always wears his poppy to honour comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice.
And he is selling poppies and raising money through the Royal British Legion with his friend Arthur Jones, a 78-year-old ex-Royal Navy veteran of the Korean War, to help those who survived the conflict but were injured or suffered other trauma.
The friends, who both live in Wrexham, will be selling poppies for the Poppy Appeal in North Wales this week.
They will be at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham on November 11 and 12 .
Arthur said: “The Poppy Appeal is really important, especially now with Afghanistan.”
While Kevin Forbes, the Royal British Legion’s North Wales community fundraiser, said: “The Poppy Appeal stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve – our brave armed forces serving in Afghanistan today, veterans of past conflict, and their families.”
“The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for the Royal British Legion to help our Armed Forces’ families with £1.2m every week in direct welfare support.
“That’s £72m each year, answering more than 160,000 calls for help.”
“On top of that, we need to raise £50m towards the recovery of our Armed Forces injured in Afghanistan and Iraq.”
_______________________________________________
THE Korean War 1950-53, was the first significant armed conflict of the Cold War between the Communist East and Capitalist West following the end of World War II.
South Korea – supported by the United Nations – fought the China and USSR-backed North Korea.
Tensions had been brewing since Korea was divided by Allies at the end of the Second World War.
The Korean peninsula had been ruled by Japan but when Japan surrendered in 1945, US troops occupied the south and Soviet troops the north.
By 1948 tension between the two political foes escalated into open war when North Korean forces invaded South Korea in June 1950.
The United Nations, particularly the United States, came to the aid of South Korea and the People’s Republic of China entered the war on the side of the North.
Fighting ended in 1953 with an armistice that restored the two Koreas and created a buffer zone between the two although tensions still exist.
SIXTY years after serving in the Korean War, former tank driver Peter Archer still has horrendous nightmares.
Peter, 80, who is collecting money for the Poppy Appeal in Wales this week, still can’t bring himself to talk about some of the terrible things he witnessed in the Far East.
But he says it’s important we never forget the soldiers who laid down their lives.
“Some awful things were done, war is no good. I still have nightmares,” said Peter, who lives in Wrexham.
When he was sent to Korea 18 weeks after joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1951, he had never been away from home before.
The 20-year-old rookie soldier drove the new Centurion tanks and later served alongside the Americans at the helm of a Sherman tank.
He remembers the horror of the notorious month-long battle of Heartbreak Ridge in the Korean conflict.
“On the first day at Heartbreak Ridge the Americans lost 500 men in an hour and a half trying to take it because the Koreans were already up there,” he recalls.
“We need to remember the men who sacrificed their lives. In those days people were not repatriated, there was no Wootton Bassett.
“A lot of them were lost in the mud. I know we went to rescue some fellas on the hill, and they clambered on the tank to get out.
“There were four tanks and as we were bringing them back from the hill they were getting shot at and mortars were dropped around them and all sorts of things so you couldn’t stop.”
Peter still recalls the shock of suddenly being at the heart of a bloody war.
“I’d never been away from home before and within 18 weeks I was heading for Korea, so it was all new to me,” he says.
“Eighteen months was the most you could serve. You could stand two summers, which got up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but you could only stand one winter because it would drop down to minus 50C,” he said.
“It’s cold I tell you, when a dozen of you are lying on the ground and sleeping under the sheet like penguins trying to all get together to keep warm, and then every so often half way through the night you’d have to change over so that those on the outside got some warmth.
More than 1,000 British soldiers were killed in action during the conflict between North and South Korea, often called the ‘forgotten war’.
The bodies of some who died were consumed by the thick mud where they perished with nothing to mark their last resting place.
Peter, a retired mechanic and plant hire operator, says he always wears his poppy to honour comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice.
And he is selling poppies and raising money through the Royal British Legion with his friend Arthur Jones, a 78-year-old ex-Royal Navy veteran of the Korean War, to help those who survived the conflict but were injured or suffered other trauma.
The friends, who both live in Wrexham, will be selling poppies for the Poppy Appeal in North Wales this week.
They will be at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham on November 11 and 12 .
Arthur said: “The Poppy Appeal is really important, especially now with Afghanistan.”
While Kevin Forbes, the Royal British Legion’s North Wales community fundraiser, said: “The Poppy Appeal stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve – our brave armed forces serving in Afghanistan today, veterans of past conflict, and their families.”
“The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for the Royal British Legion to help our Armed Forces’ families with £1.2m every week in direct welfare support.
“That’s £72m each year, answering more than 160,000 calls for help.”
“On top of that, we need to raise £50m towards the recovery of our Armed Forces injured in Afghanistan and Iraq.”
_______________________________________________
THE Korean War 1950-53, was the first significant armed conflict of the Cold War between the Communist East and Capitalist West following the end of World War II.
South Korea – supported by the United Nations – fought the China and USSR-backed North Korea.
Tensions had been brewing since Korea was divided by Allies at the end of the Second World War.
The Korean peninsula had been ruled by Japan but when Japan surrendered in 1945, US troops occupied the south and Soviet troops the north.
By 1948 tension between the two political foes escalated into open war when North Korean forces invaded South Korea in June 1950.
The United Nations, particularly the United States, came to the aid of South Korea and the People’s Republic of China entered the war on the side of the North.
Fighting ended in 1953 with an armistice that restored the two Koreas and created a buffer zone between the two although tensions still exist.
War memorial now displays soldier statues
From Charlotte Observer: War memorial now displays soldier statues
A pair of 1.5-ton granite soldiers now flank the North Carolina Korean War Memorial in Mint Hill Park on Fairview Road, just off Interstate 485.
One statue depicts a soldier in a dress uniform, and the other is an image of a soldier in a poncho - a common site during the Korean War.
The statues and their matching bases - weighing in at about 4 tons each - arrived Monday from Elberton, Ga. The pieces are an important part of the $500,000 memorial that, when complete, will resemble the South Korean flag.
Four granite pillars engraved with the 789 names of North Carolinians either killed or missing in action are still to come. There also will be a fountain installed in the middle of the brick-walled circular memorial.
Organizers have raised about $400,000 and received an interest-free loan from a private individual to complete the project.
The loan will be paid off with contributions from Mint Hill businesses and the sale of granite pavers, which can be purchased by the public and engraved with the names of loved ones from any war the United States has ever engaged in.
Paver prices start at $200.
Contributors also can sponsor trees with markers for $1,000 each, to be planted around the memorial.
Once the memorial is complete, it will be turned over to the town of Mint Hill for maintenance and upkeep.
For more information, visit www.koreanwarmemorialnc.com.
A pair of 1.5-ton granite soldiers now flank the North Carolina Korean War Memorial in Mint Hill Park on Fairview Road, just off Interstate 485.
One statue depicts a soldier in a dress uniform, and the other is an image of a soldier in a poncho - a common site during the Korean War.
The statues and their matching bases - weighing in at about 4 tons each - arrived Monday from Elberton, Ga. The pieces are an important part of the $500,000 memorial that, when complete, will resemble the South Korean flag.
Four granite pillars engraved with the 789 names of North Carolinians either killed or missing in action are still to come. There also will be a fountain installed in the middle of the brick-walled circular memorial.
Organizers have raised about $400,000 and received an interest-free loan from a private individual to complete the project.
The loan will be paid off with contributions from Mint Hill businesses and the sale of granite pavers, which can be purchased by the public and engraved with the names of loved ones from any war the United States has ever engaged in.
Paver prices start at $200.
Contributors also can sponsor trees with markers for $1,000 each, to be planted around the memorial.
Once the memorial is complete, it will be turned over to the town of Mint Hill for maintenance and upkeep.
For more information, visit www.koreanwarmemorialnc.com.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Belleville Veterans Day parade leads to squabble over timing of hero monument's unveiling
From NJ.com: Belleville Veterans Day parade leads to squabble over timing of hero monument's unveiling
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Veterans Day parade is a quintessential small-town tradition.
On a crisp autumn day, residents line Union Avenue to honor service members, hear marching bands and wave at politicians. This year, the town honored one of its own fallen heroes, Pfc. Henry Svehla, with a new monument.
A soldier’s silhouette adorns the nine-foot rectangular monument honoring Svehla, a 19-year-old Belleville native who died in the Korean War in 1952. In May, Svehla was awarded the Medal of Honor for throwing himself on a grenade to shield other soldiers.
Today, a squabble about whether the monument should be unveiled at the parade or another event later this week spiraled into a shouting and shoving match.
"I think we should be honoring veterans instead of arguing back and forth about something so trivial," Mayor Raymond Kimble said as he walked the parade route.
For most attendees, the sideline skirmish likely went unnoticed. But things got pretty heated between township residents Joseph Fornarotto and Richard Yanuzzi.
Despite being warned by the police chief, Fornarotto removed the black sheet covering the monument. Yanuzzi quickly covered it back up. When Fornarotto started pulling the cloth off again, the two began yelling and shoving each other.
Fornarotto, the parade organizer for some 25 years, said this year, Yanuzzi and the Belleville Board of Education are trying to steal the show. Yanuzzi said the school district’s Thursday event was suppose to feature the unveiling.
"He’s trying to take credit for everything," Yanuzzi said today.
Fornarotto shot back: "We have nothing to do with the Board of Education. Why are they here? That’s my argument."
Veteran Fosco Oliveti, 80, of Nutley, sided with Fornarotto and said it’s all politics for the other side.
"We’re having this big event and they want to keep it covered. It’s ludicrous," Oliveti said. "They want to make a big splash for their own benefit."
In the end, the covering stayed off.
Kimble said the town will simply "rededicate" the monument Thursday.
The mayor was joined by other officials, including U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.). Svehla’s nephew Anthony Svehla, 48, of Belleville, and several other relatives also attended.
Pascrell, who has known Fornarotto for more than 15 years, said the 86-year-old veteran isn’t shy about fighting for veterans.
"He’s dedicated to veterans. Sometimes he’ll drive people up a wall. But sometimes you need that or (things like the monument) don’t happen," Pascrell said.
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Veterans Day parade is a quintessential small-town tradition.
On a crisp autumn day, residents line Union Avenue to honor service members, hear marching bands and wave at politicians. This year, the town honored one of its own fallen heroes, Pfc. Henry Svehla, with a new monument.
A soldier’s silhouette adorns the nine-foot rectangular monument honoring Svehla, a 19-year-old Belleville native who died in the Korean War in 1952. In May, Svehla was awarded the Medal of Honor for throwing himself on a grenade to shield other soldiers.
Today, a squabble about whether the monument should be unveiled at the parade or another event later this week spiraled into a shouting and shoving match.
"I think we should be honoring veterans instead of arguing back and forth about something so trivial," Mayor Raymond Kimble said as he walked the parade route.
For most attendees, the sideline skirmish likely went unnoticed. But things got pretty heated between township residents Joseph Fornarotto and Richard Yanuzzi.
Despite being warned by the police chief, Fornarotto removed the black sheet covering the monument. Yanuzzi quickly covered it back up. When Fornarotto started pulling the cloth off again, the two began yelling and shoving each other.
Fornarotto, the parade organizer for some 25 years, said this year, Yanuzzi and the Belleville Board of Education are trying to steal the show. Yanuzzi said the school district’s Thursday event was suppose to feature the unveiling.
"He’s trying to take credit for everything," Yanuzzi said today.
Fornarotto shot back: "We have nothing to do with the Board of Education. Why are they here? That’s my argument."
Veteran Fosco Oliveti, 80, of Nutley, sided with Fornarotto and said it’s all politics for the other side.
"We’re having this big event and they want to keep it covered. It’s ludicrous," Oliveti said. "They want to make a big splash for their own benefit."
In the end, the covering stayed off.
Kimble said the town will simply "rededicate" the monument Thursday.
The mayor was joined by other officials, including U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.). Svehla’s nephew Anthony Svehla, 48, of Belleville, and several other relatives also attended.
Pascrell, who has known Fornarotto for more than 15 years, said the 86-year-old veteran isn’t shy about fighting for veterans.
"He’s dedicated to veterans. Sometimes he’ll drive people up a wall. But sometimes you need that or (things like the monument) don’t happen," Pascrell said.
Moundville, WV: Korean War Vets To Be Honored
From the Wheeling News-Register: Korean War Vets To Be Honored
Military veterans who served in the Korean War will be honored at a Veterans Day observance which will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at the All-Wars Monument on the east lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse in Moundsville.
Korean War veterans planning to attend are asked to contact Bob Blazer either by email at rblazer1306@comcast, or by telephone at 304-281-7331 in order to have a seat reserved. Also, Korean War veterans from Marshall County unable to attend are asked to contact Blazer with information on their branch of service.
Korean War veterans in attendance will be recognized while those unable to attend will have their names read.
At last year's Veterans Day observance World War II veterans were honored in a similar fashion.
Speaking of veterans, the second volume of Gary Rider's book, "Marshall County Patriots and Heroes," will be available during a book signing from 4-6 Thursday at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library.
Rider will introduce the book and sign it for those who wish to purchase a copy.
Volume 2 includes information of 140 veterans from Marshall County who served in the military from the American Revolution to Afghanistan. Several of the profiles are of men who were prisoners of war or killed in action. More than 60 World War II veterans have stories in the book.
Volume 1 contained information on 130 military veterans.
Rider has compiled information on 50 others who will be a part of Volume 3.
Volume 1will also be available for purchase on Friday, and after that date the books will be at Ace Hardware.
For more information about the book signing call the library at 304-845-6911.
Military veterans who served in the Korean War will be honored at a Veterans Day observance which will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at the All-Wars Monument on the east lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse in Moundsville.
Korean War veterans planning to attend are asked to contact Bob Blazer either by email at rblazer1306@comcast, or by telephone at 304-281-7331 in order to have a seat reserved. Also, Korean War veterans from Marshall County unable to attend are asked to contact Blazer with information on their branch of service.
Korean War veterans in attendance will be recognized while those unable to attend will have their names read.
At last year's Veterans Day observance World War II veterans were honored in a similar fashion.
Speaking of veterans, the second volume of Gary Rider's book, "Marshall County Patriots and Heroes," will be available during a book signing from 4-6 Thursday at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library.
Rider will introduce the book and sign it for those who wish to purchase a copy.
Volume 2 includes information of 140 veterans from Marshall County who served in the military from the American Revolution to Afghanistan. Several of the profiles are of men who were prisoners of war or killed in action. More than 60 World War II veterans have stories in the book.
Volume 1 contained information on 130 military veterans.
Rider has compiled information on 50 others who will be a part of Volume 3.
Volume 1will also be available for purchase on Friday, and after that date the books will be at Ace Hardware.
For more information about the book signing call the library at 304-845-6911.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Korean War vets to receive tribute from U.S.
From Truro Daily News: Korean War vets to receive tribute from U.S.
TRURO - Local veterans of the Korean War are being asked to contact the United States Department of Defense so they can receive a commendation.
If you served with the United Nations during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, the American defense department is looking to pay you a tribute in the form of its Commemorative Certificate in recognition of this year being the 60th anniversary of the start of the war.
"I think it's great," said Bible Hill resident and Korean War vet Curtis Faulkner. "I think it's wonderful they're recognizing us. We were all there together, we were all forgotten (following the war)."
The war began in Korea in 1950 when invading armies from the north stormed across the border into the southern half of the peninsula. At great cost, the overwhelming tide of enemy soldiers was eventually pushed back. After three years of bloody fighting, the campaign finally came to an end in 1953 after a ceasefire was declared.
Canada's contingent of volunteers was successful in helping to restore peace, although the cost in human numbers was high with 516 soldiers losing their lives, making Korea this country's third costliest war.
When the ceasefire was declared, an estimated 10 million soldiers and civilians from both sides of the 38th parallel had been killed.
Since the war, the Republic of Korea and its citizens, many who have now immigrated to Canada, continually show their great admiration and thanks for what Canadians had done for them, which is why the government of the United States is also seeking to show its appreciation.
And while Faulkner is appreciative of the American tribute, he is not concerned that Canada is not involved in a similar initiative.
"I'm looked after by Veteran's Affairs," he said. "Canada is doing a lot for its veterans."
If you are a veteran of the Korean War and would like to receive the Department of Defense Commemorative Certificate, please contact committee member Guy Black c/o 944 Dundonald Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 1B7 or by email at: korea19501953@yahoo.com Provide your first and last name, rank, unit or branch of service, dates you were in Korea and your mailing address.
TRURO - Local veterans of the Korean War are being asked to contact the United States Department of Defense so they can receive a commendation.
If you served with the United Nations during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, the American defense department is looking to pay you a tribute in the form of its Commemorative Certificate in recognition of this year being the 60th anniversary of the start of the war.
"I think it's great," said Bible Hill resident and Korean War vet Curtis Faulkner. "I think it's wonderful they're recognizing us. We were all there together, we were all forgotten (following the war)."
The war began in Korea in 1950 when invading armies from the north stormed across the border into the southern half of the peninsula. At great cost, the overwhelming tide of enemy soldiers was eventually pushed back. After three years of bloody fighting, the campaign finally came to an end in 1953 after a ceasefire was declared.
Canada's contingent of volunteers was successful in helping to restore peace, although the cost in human numbers was high with 516 soldiers losing their lives, making Korea this country's third costliest war.
When the ceasefire was declared, an estimated 10 million soldiers and civilians from both sides of the 38th parallel had been killed.
Since the war, the Republic of Korea and its citizens, many who have now immigrated to Canada, continually show their great admiration and thanks for what Canadians had done for them, which is why the government of the United States is also seeking to show its appreciation.
And while Faulkner is appreciative of the American tribute, he is not concerned that Canada is not involved in a similar initiative.
"I'm looked after by Veteran's Affairs," he said. "Canada is doing a lot for its veterans."
If you are a veteran of the Korean War and would like to receive the Department of Defense Commemorative Certificate, please contact committee member Guy Black c/o 944 Dundonald Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 1B7 or by email at: korea19501953@yahoo.com Provide your first and last name, rank, unit or branch of service, dates you were in Korea and your mailing address.
Legion's poppy campaign kicks off at JTFN
HQYellowknife.com: Legion's poppy campaign kicks off at JTFN
Yellowknife, N.W.T. - World War Two veterans Dusty Miller and Brock Parsons and Korean War veteran Jan Stirling were the first three people to receive poppies this year at the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy ceremony.
They were joined at JTFN on Friday morning by Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington, commissioner George Tuccaro, deputy mayor Mark Heyck, and several other veterans.
Past Legion president Lloyd Lush did the honours and said the ceremony is very important.
“Remembrance Day is every year on Nov. 11 and the first poppy comes out to the premier and all those people,” he said. “They remember those veterans and when you see that poppy on, you know what it means.”
The poppies will be available to the public starting Saturday leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th.
But Heyck said it’s important to recognize veterans more than one day a year.
“I think it’s not only important to remember the sacrifices that have been made around Remembrance Day, but really throughout the year,” he said. “There’s considerable sacrifices, both past and present, and lasting effects on the individuals who were involved directly in these conflicts.”
Remembrance Day events will include a wreath laying followed by a ceremony at Sir John Franklin High School.
Yellowknife, N.W.T. - World War Two veterans Dusty Miller and Brock Parsons and Korean War veteran Jan Stirling were the first three people to receive poppies this year at the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy ceremony.
They were joined at JTFN on Friday morning by Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington, commissioner George Tuccaro, deputy mayor Mark Heyck, and several other veterans.
Past Legion president Lloyd Lush did the honours and said the ceremony is very important.
“Remembrance Day is every year on Nov. 11 and the first poppy comes out to the premier and all those people,” he said. “They remember those veterans and when you see that poppy on, you know what it means.”
The poppies will be available to the public starting Saturday leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th.
But Heyck said it’s important to recognize veterans more than one day a year.
“I think it’s not only important to remember the sacrifices that have been made around Remembrance Day, but really throughout the year,” he said. “There’s considerable sacrifices, both past and present, and lasting effects on the individuals who were involved directly in these conflicts.”
Remembrance Day events will include a wreath laying followed by a ceremony at Sir John Franklin High School.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Work begins to move war memorial
From PetoskeyNews.com: Work begins to move war memorial
Piece by piece, workers recently have been dismantling the memorial to World War II and Korean War veterans on Petoskey’s west side in preparation to reinstall it a few blocks away in Pennsylvania Park.
Petoskey Department of Parks and Recreation director Al Hansen said footings were poured last week at the monument’s new site, across a walkway from an existing group of war memorials in the downtown park.
“The two largest memorials (the World War II/Korean War monument and one commemorating local veterans of the Vietnam conflict) will be located opposite each other,” Hansen said.
Richie Construction is assisting the city with the monument’s move, for which members of Petoskey High School’s Class of 1949 spearheaded fundraising. Workers dismantling the monument Monday at its site near the corner of Mitchell and Madison streets were hopeful the work there would be finished by today, Tuesday. Hansen expects at least a few days of work will be involved in putting the monument back together.
Parks and recreation officials originally hoped to move the monument in two pieces. But when they determined that numerous stones that help form the structure were damaged, Hansen said it was decided to disassemble the monument more thoroughly — separating the stones that surround the commemorative tablets — and reconstruct it at its new site.
Earlier on, the expense to move the monument was expected to be in the $5,000 to $6,000 range. But now, Hansen said, it appears the cost will be in the $6,000 to $7,000 range, including landscaping at the new site.
Hansen said about $6,000 is available from the fundraising efforts. He expects the city’s use of in-house labor for some of the relocation work will help in controlling its expenses for the project, and hopes that some local landscaping firms perhaps can donate some resources to rein in the costs.
Class of 1949 members involved with the fundraising noted that the monument’s west-side location isn’t well-suited for those who’d like to visit and pay respects to veterans. The site is in a commercial neighborhood near a busy highway, with limited parking nearby.
Petoskey’s parks and recreation master plan has identified a goal of consolidating war memorials in the downtown park. Hansen sees this spot as an appropriate one for honoring and commemorating veterans.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said of the relocatio
Piece by piece, workers recently have been dismantling the memorial to World War II and Korean War veterans on Petoskey’s west side in preparation to reinstall it a few blocks away in Pennsylvania Park.
Petoskey Department of Parks and Recreation director Al Hansen said footings were poured last week at the monument’s new site, across a walkway from an existing group of war memorials in the downtown park.
“The two largest memorials (the World War II/Korean War monument and one commemorating local veterans of the Vietnam conflict) will be located opposite each other,” Hansen said.
Richie Construction is assisting the city with the monument’s move, for which members of Petoskey High School’s Class of 1949 spearheaded fundraising. Workers dismantling the monument Monday at its site near the corner of Mitchell and Madison streets were hopeful the work there would be finished by today, Tuesday. Hansen expects at least a few days of work will be involved in putting the monument back together.
Parks and recreation officials originally hoped to move the monument in two pieces. But when they determined that numerous stones that help form the structure were damaged, Hansen said it was decided to disassemble the monument more thoroughly — separating the stones that surround the commemorative tablets — and reconstruct it at its new site.
Earlier on, the expense to move the monument was expected to be in the $5,000 to $6,000 range. But now, Hansen said, it appears the cost will be in the $6,000 to $7,000 range, including landscaping at the new site.
Hansen said about $6,000 is available from the fundraising efforts. He expects the city’s use of in-house labor for some of the relocation work will help in controlling its expenses for the project, and hopes that some local landscaping firms perhaps can donate some resources to rein in the costs.
Class of 1949 members involved with the fundraising noted that the monument’s west-side location isn’t well-suited for those who’d like to visit and pay respects to veterans. The site is in a commercial neighborhood near a busy highway, with limited parking nearby.
Petoskey’s parks and recreation master plan has identified a goal of consolidating war memorials in the downtown park. Hansen sees this spot as an appropriate one for honoring and commemorating veterans.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said of the relocatio
New Mexico: Ten military veterans get a proper burial at long last
From Carlsbad Current-Argus: Ten military veterans get a proper burial at long last
SANTA FE — Ten solitary men who served their country, including a soldier from World War I, were buried Tuesday in a mass funeral.
"It's a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own," said Gov. Susana Martinez, who gave the eulogy.
In some cases, the remains of these veterans went unclaimed for decades.
One of the 10 was a retired Army colonel whose military status approached that of legend.
His name was John Garnett Coughlin, and he received the Distinguished Service Cross for uncommon bravery in the Korean War. The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award for valor in combat, behind only the Medal of Honor.
Coughlin, who also served in World II, died in 1987. He was 79 years old, and his unclaimed body was cremated.
For years, his ashes sat in an urn at the Berardinelli Funeral Home in Santa Fe. Separate urns at Berardinelli held the remains of the other nine servicemen.
Another was Army Pvt. John L. Craft, who was born in 1901 and as a teenager served in World War I. Craft died in 1983.
But the most belated burial was for Donald Claire Smith, a sailor during World War II. He died in 1975, when Gov. Martinez was a sophomore in high school.
The 10 veterans' lives may have been painful and lonely at the end, but on this balmy autumn afternoon they received a stirring sendoff.
About 150 people attended their funeral. One was retired Maj. Gen. Frank J. Schober Jr.,
who lives in Santa Fe.
Schober said he was stunned that a soldier of Coughlin's accomplishments had somehow died without anyone seeming to notice.
"How does that happen?" Schober asked.
Even a hero such as Coughlin, it seems, can slip through the cracks for a generation. His burial came almost a quarter-century after his death.
Martinez said all 10 were brave men whose contributions were finally and fittingly recognized in a public service.
"Today, they receive the honor they deserve," she said.
The funeral was part of the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program. It provides for a full military burial of the cremated remains of veterans whose bodies were not claimed by relatives.
It is a combined effort of the Missing in America Project, the Albuquerque office of the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services and the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
The ashes of all 10 were buried on the east side of the cemetery, said Cliff Shields, the director.
This was the second such mass burial service for him. Sixteen veterans who died in Bernalillo County and whose bodies went unclaimed were buried last year at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
There is a saying about those in military service and others who die for their country: "All gave some. Some gave all."
The 10 honored Tuesday were in another category — almost forgotten. But, at long last, the country they served made sure they were remembered.
Santa Fe Bureau Chief Milan Simonich can be reached at msimonich@tnmnp.com or 505-820-6898. His blog is at nmcapitolreport.com.
The 10 veterans who were buried Tuesday
--John Garnett Coughlin. Born in 1908 in Bisbee, Ariz. Died in 1987. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in the Korean War. He also served in World War II.
--Jackson Evert Shirley. Born in 1918 in Williams, Ariz. Died in 1983. Recipient of the Silver Star, third-highest medal for valor in combat. Served in World War II and the Korean War.
--Edward Grimm Lucius. Born in 1916 in Chicago. Died in 1979. Served in World War II.
--Donald Claire Smith. Born in 1901 in Roswell. Died in 1975. Served in World War II.
--Milton Vincin Burroughs, born in 1920 in Jeffersonville, Ind. Died in 1983. Served in World War II.
--Gerald Edwin Huber, born in 1921 in Los Alamos. Died in 2009. Served in World War II.
--Richard Landrum Thomas. Born in 1917 in Washington, D.C. Died in 2010. Served in World War II.
--John L. Craft. Born in 1901 in Bonne Terree, Mo. Died in 1983. Served in World War I.
--Charles Thomas Stewart. Born in 1936 in New Boston, Ohio. Died in 1990. Served in Korea.
--Henry D. Nichols. Born in 1918 in Pleasantville, N.Y. Died in 1981. Served in World War II.
SANTA FE — Ten solitary men who served their country, including a soldier from World War I, were buried Tuesday in a mass funeral.
"It's a privilege to claim these forgotten warriors as our own," said Gov. Susana Martinez, who gave the eulogy.
In some cases, the remains of these veterans went unclaimed for decades.
One of the 10 was a retired Army colonel whose military status approached that of legend.
His name was John Garnett Coughlin, and he received the Distinguished Service Cross for uncommon bravery in the Korean War. The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award for valor in combat, behind only the Medal of Honor.
Coughlin, who also served in World II, died in 1987. He was 79 years old, and his unclaimed body was cremated.
For years, his ashes sat in an urn at the Berardinelli Funeral Home in Santa Fe. Separate urns at Berardinelli held the remains of the other nine servicemen.
Another was Army Pvt. John L. Craft, who was born in 1901 and as a teenager served in World War I. Craft died in 1983.
But the most belated burial was for Donald Claire Smith, a sailor during World War II. He died in 1975, when Gov. Martinez was a sophomore in high school.
The 10 veterans' lives may have been painful and lonely at the end, but on this balmy autumn afternoon they received a stirring sendoff.
About 150 people attended their funeral. One was retired Maj. Gen. Frank J. Schober Jr.,
who lives in Santa Fe.
Schober said he was stunned that a soldier of Coughlin's accomplishments had somehow died without anyone seeming to notice.
"How does that happen?" Schober asked.
Even a hero such as Coughlin, it seems, can slip through the cracks for a generation. His burial came almost a quarter-century after his death.
Martinez said all 10 were brave men whose contributions were finally and fittingly recognized in a public service.
"Today, they receive the honor they deserve," she said.
The funeral was part of the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program. It provides for a full military burial of the cremated remains of veterans whose bodies were not claimed by relatives.
It is a combined effort of the Missing in America Project, the Albuquerque office of the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services and the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
The ashes of all 10 were buried on the east side of the cemetery, said Cliff Shields, the director.
This was the second such mass burial service for him. Sixteen veterans who died in Bernalillo County and whose bodies went unclaimed were buried last year at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
There is a saying about those in military service and others who die for their country: "All gave some. Some gave all."
The 10 honored Tuesday were in another category — almost forgotten. But, at long last, the country they served made sure they were remembered.
Santa Fe Bureau Chief Milan Simonich can be reached at msimonich@tnmnp.com or 505-820-6898. His blog is at nmcapitolreport.com.
The 10 veterans who were buried Tuesday
--John Garnett Coughlin. Born in 1908 in Bisbee, Ariz. Died in 1987. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in the Korean War. He also served in World War II.
--Jackson Evert Shirley. Born in 1918 in Williams, Ariz. Died in 1983. Recipient of the Silver Star, third-highest medal for valor in combat. Served in World War II and the Korean War.
--Edward Grimm Lucius. Born in 1916 in Chicago. Died in 1979. Served in World War II.
--Donald Claire Smith. Born in 1901 in Roswell. Died in 1975. Served in World War II.
--Milton Vincin Burroughs, born in 1920 in Jeffersonville, Ind. Died in 1983. Served in World War II.
--Gerald Edwin Huber, born in 1921 in Los Alamos. Died in 2009. Served in World War II.
--Richard Landrum Thomas. Born in 1917 in Washington, D.C. Died in 2010. Served in World War II.
--John L. Craft. Born in 1901 in Bonne Terree, Mo. Died in 1983. Served in World War I.
--Charles Thomas Stewart. Born in 1936 in New Boston, Ohio. Died in 1990. Served in Korea.
--Henry D. Nichols. Born in 1918 in Pleasantville, N.Y. Died in 1981. Served in World War II.
New memorial to Korean War veterans damaged in Kansas City
From The Republic: New memorial to Korean War veterans damaged in Kansas City
Kansas City, Mo. — Vandals have damaged Kansas City's new Korean War Veteran's Memorial.
KCTV reports that that the steel plating with the names of those killed in the war is damaged and that one of four stars inside the memorial has been stolen. Police also said that skateboard wax is all over a bench that borders the memorial.
The Korean War Memorial is the only statewide memorial honoring the more than 900 Missourians who died during the war.
A new security camera has been placed at the memorial, which was unveiled a month ago.
Kansas City, Mo. — Vandals have damaged Kansas City's new Korean War Veteran's Memorial.
KCTV reports that that the steel plating with the names of those killed in the war is damaged and that one of four stars inside the memorial has been stolen. Police also said that skateboard wax is all over a bench that borders the memorial.
The Korean War Memorial is the only statewide memorial honoring the more than 900 Missourians who died during the war.
A new security camera has been placed at the memorial, which was unveiled a month ago.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Honor flights to memorials will include Ohio veterans from Korea, Vietnam wars, not just WWII
From The Republic: Honor flights to memorials will include Ohio veterans from Korea, Vietnam wars, not just WWII
WASHINGTON — Melville Swanson is quiet as he looks down at his large, weathered hands. It is 6 a.m. on Saturday, and he had been awakened 2 1/2 hours earlier, not entirely sure what his day would bring.
His son and daughter crouch next to him at Port Columbus and explain to a caretaker which pills their 90-year-old dad would need to get the World War II Marine veteran to Washington and back over one long day.
They explain that his blood pressure drops dangerously when he stands up, that he sometimes gets confused. They don't seem confident that he'll be able to appreciate the day.
Of the 78 veterans on this recent Honor Flight, Swanson is one of the few that Columbus directors Bobbi and Bill Richards worry about.
He's considered one of the TLC veterans — "their last chance" to see the nation's capital and the World War II memorial built on their backs.
With around 1,000 World War II veterans dying every day, and a dwindling waiting list to get on such trips, Honor Flight Columbus will start accepting Korean and Vietnam war applicants next year. It's a bittersweet moment for Honor Flight, Bobbi Richards said. With 70,000 World War II veterans flown so far nationwide, the program is transitioning to a new generation of heroes.
Twelve hours later, Swanson is at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, carefully sipping coffee given to him as a "thank you" by a barista.
Gone is the quiet old man from the morning. Now, he can't stop talking — about the trip, about his family, about the flight home.
He waves at a little girl in polka dot pajamas and fingers the red paper poppy given to him earlier by another young girl. He had given her a small piece of candy that he had in his pocket.
Not once did he need his blood pressure checked, and he registered no complaint as he was hoisted in and out of a wheelchair a half-dozen times. His eyes stayed wide open as the tour bus wound through the streets.
"When I woke up this morning," he said, "I didn't realize anything like this was going to happen."
___
In an airplane mostly filled with old men, Lee Bauermeister is a rarity.
She is a woman veteran, one of only three on this trip. She flirts shamelessly with the Naval Academy midshipmen greeting the other veterans at BWI, and warns one baby-face boy from Michigan that she'd be running around with him if she were a few decades younger.
She has a folder full of 65-year-old pictures to prove it.
She is one of those whom Honor Flight wants to reach, the ones who stood up to serve but were never deployed. Many of these servicemen and women don't think they deserve to go, that they didn't do enough.
You did, they are told. You stood up when asked.
She stood up and joined the Navy and was on her way to becoming a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) when the war ended. She spent the end of the war as a photographer at a base in Pensacola, Fla.
"I've always believed women should have a part of everything and anything," Bauermeister said, her old Navy cap pinned perfectly to her curled hair.
This flight isn't exclusive. You didn't have to climb the hill, you didn't have to storm Normandy. You just had to stand up when asked.
___
It is slow going through the World War II memorial. Not just because of the crush of people, but because of the veterans' celebrity status.
"Your memorial," everyone keeps saying.
Once inside her memorial, Bauermeister touches up her lipstick. A woman stops to tell her she looks beautiful, and "thank you." Bauermeister makes sure to lift her head for photos — a surgery has left her slightly hunched, and she wants to look her best today.
She smiles wide and waves at everyone, like royalty.
Across the memorial, Swanson is with his caretaker for the day, an Iraq War veteran and Army Reservist named Tom Englehart. It's Englehart's 11th such trip, so he's well versed in his duties as a nurse, tour guide, historian and photographer.
Someone thinks the two are family, watching as Englehart keeps his ear close to Swanson's lips so he can hear the old man's stories.
"We are today," Englehart replied, always keeping one hand on the wheelchair.
He said the veterans are living history books. As they roll through the memorial, Swanson's book opens, spilling out forgotten stories and long-tucked-away memories.
A 14-year-old boy from Wisconsin waits to talk to Swanson, then tells him people need veterans like him in order to understand the war.
"I hope you never have to understand it," Swanson said.
___
Coming down the escalator that night in Port Columbus, the crush of celebrants is shocking. Hundreds crowd around baggage claim holding signs and shouting.
As the veterans get closer, they look behind them, like this crowd has to be for someone else.
Swanson comes out of the elevator and grasps the tiny hands of scouts who reach out to thank him. Swanson's daughter finds him and envelops her dad in a hug.
"It's been an honor," Englehart kneels to tell Swanson.
Women kiss Bauermeister on the head, surprised and happy to see a woman among those coming home. She waves and smiles, with lips freshly painted.
By the escalator, Bobbi and Bill Richards share a kiss.
They brought 500 veterans to Washington this year, but there's so many more they'll never take. They'll never win this race against time.
Many of these smiling faces will be gone by next April's trip.
WASHINGTON — Melville Swanson is quiet as he looks down at his large, weathered hands. It is 6 a.m. on Saturday, and he had been awakened 2 1/2 hours earlier, not entirely sure what his day would bring.
His son and daughter crouch next to him at Port Columbus and explain to a caretaker which pills their 90-year-old dad would need to get the World War II Marine veteran to Washington and back over one long day.
They explain that his blood pressure drops dangerously when he stands up, that he sometimes gets confused. They don't seem confident that he'll be able to appreciate the day.
Of the 78 veterans on this recent Honor Flight, Swanson is one of the few that Columbus directors Bobbi and Bill Richards worry about.
He's considered one of the TLC veterans — "their last chance" to see the nation's capital and the World War II memorial built on their backs.
With around 1,000 World War II veterans dying every day, and a dwindling waiting list to get on such trips, Honor Flight Columbus will start accepting Korean and Vietnam war applicants next year. It's a bittersweet moment for Honor Flight, Bobbi Richards said. With 70,000 World War II veterans flown so far nationwide, the program is transitioning to a new generation of heroes.
Twelve hours later, Swanson is at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, carefully sipping coffee given to him as a "thank you" by a barista.
Gone is the quiet old man from the morning. Now, he can't stop talking — about the trip, about his family, about the flight home.
He waves at a little girl in polka dot pajamas and fingers the red paper poppy given to him earlier by another young girl. He had given her a small piece of candy that he had in his pocket.
Not once did he need his blood pressure checked, and he registered no complaint as he was hoisted in and out of a wheelchair a half-dozen times. His eyes stayed wide open as the tour bus wound through the streets.
"When I woke up this morning," he said, "I didn't realize anything like this was going to happen."
___
In an airplane mostly filled with old men, Lee Bauermeister is a rarity.
She is a woman veteran, one of only three on this trip. She flirts shamelessly with the Naval Academy midshipmen greeting the other veterans at BWI, and warns one baby-face boy from Michigan that she'd be running around with him if she were a few decades younger.
She has a folder full of 65-year-old pictures to prove it.
She is one of those whom Honor Flight wants to reach, the ones who stood up to serve but were never deployed. Many of these servicemen and women don't think they deserve to go, that they didn't do enough.
You did, they are told. You stood up when asked.
She stood up and joined the Navy and was on her way to becoming a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) when the war ended. She spent the end of the war as a photographer at a base in Pensacola, Fla.
"I've always believed women should have a part of everything and anything," Bauermeister said, her old Navy cap pinned perfectly to her curled hair.
This flight isn't exclusive. You didn't have to climb the hill, you didn't have to storm Normandy. You just had to stand up when asked.
___
It is slow going through the World War II memorial. Not just because of the crush of people, but because of the veterans' celebrity status.
"Your memorial," everyone keeps saying.
Once inside her memorial, Bauermeister touches up her lipstick. A woman stops to tell her she looks beautiful, and "thank you." Bauermeister makes sure to lift her head for photos — a surgery has left her slightly hunched, and she wants to look her best today.
She smiles wide and waves at everyone, like royalty.
Across the memorial, Swanson is with his caretaker for the day, an Iraq War veteran and Army Reservist named Tom Englehart. It's Englehart's 11th such trip, so he's well versed in his duties as a nurse, tour guide, historian and photographer.
Someone thinks the two are family, watching as Englehart keeps his ear close to Swanson's lips so he can hear the old man's stories.
"We are today," Englehart replied, always keeping one hand on the wheelchair.
He said the veterans are living history books. As they roll through the memorial, Swanson's book opens, spilling out forgotten stories and long-tucked-away memories.
A 14-year-old boy from Wisconsin waits to talk to Swanson, then tells him people need veterans like him in order to understand the war.
"I hope you never have to understand it," Swanson said.
___
Coming down the escalator that night in Port Columbus, the crush of celebrants is shocking. Hundreds crowd around baggage claim holding signs and shouting.
As the veterans get closer, they look behind them, like this crowd has to be for someone else.
Swanson comes out of the elevator and grasps the tiny hands of scouts who reach out to thank him. Swanson's daughter finds him and envelops her dad in a hug.
"It's been an honor," Englehart kneels to tell Swanson.
Women kiss Bauermeister on the head, surprised and happy to see a woman among those coming home. She waves and smiles, with lips freshly painted.
By the escalator, Bobbi and Bill Richards share a kiss.
They brought 500 veterans to Washington this year, but there's so many more they'll never take. They'll never win this race against time.
Many of these smiling faces will be gone by next April's trip.
Lynn, UK: Korean War sacrifices are commemorated
From Lynn News: Korean War sacrifices are commemorated
THOSE who died fighting in the Korean War were honoured with a tribute ceremony on Monday.
The British Korean Veterans’ Association (BKVA) invited widows, families and guests to the United Nations Day ceremony at Lynn’s Greyfriars Garden of Remembrance.
Kenneth Jones, from the national council for BKVA, gave a welcoming address.
This was followed with a reading by West Norfolk borough mayor, Colin Sampson.
Prayers were said for the fallen and Rev James Nash, rector of North and South Wootton, gave a blessing.
Brig Tony Kendall, a member of BKVA, laid a wreath at the foot of the war memorial in Tower Gardens in honour of the 1,078 servicemen killed in action.
Those who attended the service joined in with the National Anthem while flags from the Royal British Legion, Republic of Korea, BKVA and United Nations were marched around the gardens.
The service commemorated those who gave their lives on behalf of the United Nations in the war to protect South Korea against invasion from the communist North.
Britain deployed strong military and naval forces in 1950 which were in constant action for three years. During this time, 68,000 servicemen left Britain to fight against North Korea; 1,078 were killed in action and 2,500 were wounded.
THOSE who died fighting in the Korean War were honoured with a tribute ceremony on Monday.
The British Korean Veterans’ Association (BKVA) invited widows, families and guests to the United Nations Day ceremony at Lynn’s Greyfriars Garden of Remembrance.
Kenneth Jones, from the national council for BKVA, gave a welcoming address.
This was followed with a reading by West Norfolk borough mayor, Colin Sampson.
Prayers were said for the fallen and Rev James Nash, rector of North and South Wootton, gave a blessing.
Brig Tony Kendall, a member of BKVA, laid a wreath at the foot of the war memorial in Tower Gardens in honour of the 1,078 servicemen killed in action.
Those who attended the service joined in with the National Anthem while flags from the Royal British Legion, Republic of Korea, BKVA and United Nations were marched around the gardens.
The service commemorated those who gave their lives on behalf of the United Nations in the war to protect South Korea against invasion from the communist North.
Britain deployed strong military and naval forces in 1950 which were in constant action for three years. During this time, 68,000 servicemen left Britain to fight against North Korea; 1,078 were killed in action and 2,500 were wounded.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Korean War missile battalion members reunite in Tulsa after 50 years
From Tulsa World: Korean War missile battalion members reunite in Tulsa after 50 years
The last time the five of them were together was 50 years ago and a world away.
Leroy Schaeffer, Don Eilers, Gary Threw, Tom Proszek and David Barker, along with the other members of their missile battalion, were charged with keeping the peace in Korea after the war there. The 13 months there forged strong friendships conducive to Army service.
When they met this week in Tulsa, there was more gray hair and less agility, but little changed as they heartily laughed and swapped stories, of war and of life.
Barker, of Tulsa, had remained in contact only with Schaeffer, but he realized last year that time was against them to get the gang back together.
"When I started trying to contact people, I found that several of them had passed away, and I asked myself why they hadn't had a reunion yet," Barker said. "When you're younger, you're working and busy with your job and all that. Now we have time."
After training, they were assigned to the 6th Missile Battalion, 8th Artillery out of Fort Sill in southwest Oklahoma. They were activated in 1959 to serve the Korea defense after the armistice in 1953. Soon after, they shipped out.
As American kids in their early 20s, it was a shock of reality.
"I remember when we sailed underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, that was an eye-opener," Barker said. "That was kind of a choker - going underneath that bridge and going, 'Wow. This is real.' "
But the time in Korea was not entirely hell, aside from being away from home, they said.
They were in a remote outpost about 40 miles from the South Korea capital of Seoul, Eilers said. They didn't see much conflict and the tension was low, for the most part.
But one missile launch in particular was a little nerve-wracking.
"The missile was supposed to go up and out and down and arm itself," Proszek said. "This one went up and started coming back."
Luckily, the errant missile splashed down in the East China Sea, Proszek said.
Their time there included keeping themselves entertained, as 20-somethings tend to do.
However, their unit was eager to make its return to the states.
"Coming home, though, we got into San Francisco and everyone got off the boat and kissed the ground," Schaeffer said.
The unit split after that - and it wouldn't be until 2011 that the unit was back together.
"We had about enough of one another," Schaeffer joked. "It took about 50 years for the memories to fade."
When they entered the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel at 71st Street and Highway 169 Wednesday evening, it was time to play the guessing game.
"We were sitting right here yesterday and when they came in, we thought, 'Is that Gary? Is that Tom?'" Barker said.
"These guys got old," Proszek joked.
They spent the last two days sharing stories and experiences, at least the ones they could remember.
Their wives "probably heard some stories last night that we've never told them before," Eilers said.
Korean War
Conflict erupted on the Korean Peninsula in 1950 between South Korea, backed by the United Nations, and North Korea with Chinese support. An armistice was signed in 1953, re-establishing the boundary along the 38th Parallel and creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone. About 28,000 American troops remain in South Korea.
The last time the five of them were together was 50 years ago and a world away.
Leroy Schaeffer, Don Eilers, Gary Threw, Tom Proszek and David Barker, along with the other members of their missile battalion, were charged with keeping the peace in Korea after the war there. The 13 months there forged strong friendships conducive to Army service.
When they met this week in Tulsa, there was more gray hair and less agility, but little changed as they heartily laughed and swapped stories, of war and of life.
Barker, of Tulsa, had remained in contact only with Schaeffer, but he realized last year that time was against them to get the gang back together.
"When I started trying to contact people, I found that several of them had passed away, and I asked myself why they hadn't had a reunion yet," Barker said. "When you're younger, you're working and busy with your job and all that. Now we have time."
After training, they were assigned to the 6th Missile Battalion, 8th Artillery out of Fort Sill in southwest Oklahoma. They were activated in 1959 to serve the Korea defense after the armistice in 1953. Soon after, they shipped out.
As American kids in their early 20s, it was a shock of reality.
"I remember when we sailed underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, that was an eye-opener," Barker said. "That was kind of a choker - going underneath that bridge and going, 'Wow. This is real.' "
But the time in Korea was not entirely hell, aside from being away from home, they said.
They were in a remote outpost about 40 miles from the South Korea capital of Seoul, Eilers said. They didn't see much conflict and the tension was low, for the most part.
But one missile launch in particular was a little nerve-wracking.
"The missile was supposed to go up and out and down and arm itself," Proszek said. "This one went up and started coming back."
Luckily, the errant missile splashed down in the East China Sea, Proszek said.
Their time there included keeping themselves entertained, as 20-somethings tend to do.
However, their unit was eager to make its return to the states.
"Coming home, though, we got into San Francisco and everyone got off the boat and kissed the ground," Schaeffer said.
The unit split after that - and it wouldn't be until 2011 that the unit was back together.
"We had about enough of one another," Schaeffer joked. "It took about 50 years for the memories to fade."
When they entered the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel at 71st Street and Highway 169 Wednesday evening, it was time to play the guessing game.
"We were sitting right here yesterday and when they came in, we thought, 'Is that Gary? Is that Tom?'" Barker said.
"These guys got old," Proszek joked.
They spent the last two days sharing stories and experiences, at least the ones they could remember.
Their wives "probably heard some stories last night that we've never told them before," Eilers said.
Korean War
Conflict erupted on the Korean Peninsula in 1950 between South Korea, backed by the United Nations, and North Korea with Chinese support. An armistice was signed in 1953, re-establishing the boundary along the 38th Parallel and creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone. About 28,000 American troops remain in South Korea.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Korean War veterans honoured at Busan monument
From ABC Radio Australia: Korean War veterans honoured at Busan monument
A veteran of the Korean war says sixty years after the war's major battles, Australian servicemen and women are finally getting their recognition.
The 17 000 Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses have been honoured today at the dedication of a monument in Busan, South Korea.
There's also been a special commemorative ceremony for the 43 Australian servicemen listed as missing in action.
Australia fought with American-led UN forces defending the South against an invasion by the Chinese-backed communist North.
Korea is often described as the Forgotten War, coming as it did between the allied victories of the Second World War and the quagmire of Vietnam.
Ken Barnett is one of the seven veterans who's in South Korea to take part in the 60th anniversary commemorations.
A veteran of the Korean war says sixty years after the war's major battles, Australian servicemen and women are finally getting their recognition.
The 17 000 Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses have been honoured today at the dedication of a monument in Busan, South Korea.
There's also been a special commemorative ceremony for the 43 Australian servicemen listed as missing in action.
Australia fought with American-led UN forces defending the South against an invasion by the Chinese-backed communist North.
Korea is often described as the Forgotten War, coming as it did between the allied victories of the Second World War and the quagmire of Vietnam.
Ken Barnett is one of the seven veterans who's in South Korea to take part in the 60th anniversary commemorations.
Australian Federation Guard supports Korean War commemorations
From Defense.gov.au: Australian Federation Guard supports Korean War commemorations
A contingent from Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) is in Korea to support activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War battles of Kapyong and Maryang San.
During the six-day mission, the AFG will provide a catafalque party for memorial ceremonies at Australian, Commonwealth and United Nations memorials.
The AFG’s tri-service ceremonial capability promotes the standards, values, traditions and ethos of Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Australia’s Federation Guard was established in 2000 to provide the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force with a permanent ceremonial capability.
The Guard has its home in Canberra and has gained a reputation of being a professional ceremonial unit serving the ADF and Government in Australia and overseas.
The unit is manned by men and women of the Navy, Army and Air Force who have defence trades separate to their AFG ceremonial role, including tank drivers, chefs, air defence operators, marine technicians, fire fighters and ship’s bosuns.
The mission party includes eight representatives of Australia’s Korean War veteran community, accompanied by Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Warren Snowdon.
The commemorations honour the 17,000 Australians who served in Korea, and more than 340 who lost their lives in the war.
A contingent from Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) is in Korea to support activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War battles of Kapyong and Maryang San.
During the six-day mission, the AFG will provide a catafalque party for memorial ceremonies at Australian, Commonwealth and United Nations memorials.
The AFG’s tri-service ceremonial capability promotes the standards, values, traditions and ethos of Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Australia’s Federation Guard was established in 2000 to provide the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force with a permanent ceremonial capability.
The Guard has its home in Canberra and has gained a reputation of being a professional ceremonial unit serving the ADF and Government in Australia and overseas.
The unit is manned by men and women of the Navy, Army and Air Force who have defence trades separate to their AFG ceremonial role, including tank drivers, chefs, air defence operators, marine technicians, fire fighters and ship’s bosuns.
The mission party includes eight representatives of Australia’s Korean War veteran community, accompanied by Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Warren Snowdon.
The commemorations honour the 17,000 Australians who served in Korea, and more than 340 who lost their lives in the war.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
UK: Cenotaph revisions to correct names for Korean War dead
From Truro Daily News: Cenotaph revisions to correct names for Korean War dead
TRURO - Two Truro Korean War vets, who were killed in battle, should soon have a place of their own on the local centotaph.
"That would satisfy me," said fellow Korean War veteran Curtis Faulkner, who earlier this year raised concerns over the fact that two Truro soldiers who both perished in that "forgotten war," we're not properly represented on the town's cenotaph.
"Just to let people know, the Town of Truro, these people were living and they gave the supreme sacrifice," Faulkner said, regarding his boyhood friend, Leslie Thomas Fielding and another man, a Cpl. MacLean, who names appear with other Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War.
"He was not killed in the Battle of the Atlantic. He was killed in Korea (April 25, 1951 during the Battle of Kap'yong)," Faulkner said earlier this year, regarding Fielding. "It was a forgotten war and these men we're absolutely forgotten about."
Faulkner believes Korean vets, even if there are only two on the Cenotaph, should be properly listed on the stone, instead of just being lumped in with the names of the fallen from other battles.
After hearing his complaint, a meeting was held with Royal Canadian Legion members and Truro Mayor Bill Mills, during which the idea for the plaque was presented.
The cenotaph is actually owned by the town, and Mills said he will be taking the request to pay for a plaque to council for consideration.
"That would be quite satisfactory (if both names are included)," Faulkner said, adding that Fielding should also be credited on the plaque for having been awarded a Presidential Citation from the U.S. after his death.
"Which I think should be mentioned on that plaque," he said. "Other than that I'd be satisfied."
TRURO - Two Truro Korean War vets, who were killed in battle, should soon have a place of their own on the local centotaph.
"That would satisfy me," said fellow Korean War veteran Curtis Faulkner, who earlier this year raised concerns over the fact that two Truro soldiers who both perished in that "forgotten war," we're not properly represented on the town's cenotaph.
"Just to let people know, the Town of Truro, these people were living and they gave the supreme sacrifice," Faulkner said, regarding his boyhood friend, Leslie Thomas Fielding and another man, a Cpl. MacLean, who names appear with other Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War.
"He was not killed in the Battle of the Atlantic. He was killed in Korea (April 25, 1951 during the Battle of Kap'yong)," Faulkner said earlier this year, regarding Fielding. "It was a forgotten war and these men we're absolutely forgotten about."
Faulkner believes Korean vets, even if there are only two on the Cenotaph, should be properly listed on the stone, instead of just being lumped in with the names of the fallen from other battles.
After hearing his complaint, a meeting was held with Royal Canadian Legion members and Truro Mayor Bill Mills, during which the idea for the plaque was presented.
The cenotaph is actually owned by the town, and Mills said he will be taking the request to pay for a plaque to council for consideration.
"That would be quite satisfactory (if both names are included)," Faulkner said, adding that Fielding should also be credited on the plaque for having been awarded a Presidential Citation from the U.S. after his death.
"Which I think should be mentioned on that plaque," he said. "Other than that I'd be satisfied."
U.K. Plans Europe's 1st Korean War Museum
From the Chosunilbo: U.K. Plans Europe's 1st Korean War Museum
Plans are afoot to build Europe's first museum dedicated to the Korean War. An entrepreneur and veterans from the U.K.'s Gloucestershire Regiment, which fought in the war, has established a committee to set up the tentatively named "Great Britain's Korean War Museum" and started fundraising efforts.
The city of Gloucester is apparently interested in the project and agreed to provide administrative support.
Paul James, the leader of Gloucester City Council and City Councillor for Longlevens, told the Chosun Ilbo on Friday last week the City Council and the committee are in talks to secure land for the museum in the old town center that is being redeveloped as a historical and cultural tourist zone.
Britain sent 63,000 troops to the Korean War, second only to the U.S. in the Allied Forces. The Gloucestershire Regiment was one of the main forces in the British Army.
The committee plans to complete the museum by 2013, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and is working towards the goal of raising 2.5 million pounds (W4.5 billion) from the National Lottery and other sources. There are a number of museums in memory of the war in the U.S., Canada, and Australia but once completed, this will be Europe's first.
Plans are afoot to build Europe's first museum dedicated to the Korean War. An entrepreneur and veterans from the U.K.'s Gloucestershire Regiment, which fought in the war, has established a committee to set up the tentatively named "Great Britain's Korean War Museum" and started fundraising efforts.
The city of Gloucester is apparently interested in the project and agreed to provide administrative support.
Paul James, the leader of Gloucester City Council and City Councillor for Longlevens, told the Chosun Ilbo on Friday last week the City Council and the committee are in talks to secure land for the museum in the old town center that is being redeveloped as a historical and cultural tourist zone.
Britain sent 63,000 troops to the Korean War, second only to the U.S. in the Allied Forces. The Gloucestershire Regiment was one of the main forces in the British Army.
The committee plans to complete the museum by 2013, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and is working towards the goal of raising 2.5 million pounds (W4.5 billion) from the National Lottery and other sources. There are a number of museums in memory of the war in the U.S., Canada, and Australia but once completed, this will be Europe's first.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
ECORSE, MI: War memorial restoration completed
From The News Herald, Ecorse, MI: ECORSE: War memorial restoration completed
ECORSE — The War Memorial at John Dingell Park has been restored via a donation from a Downriver cemetery group nearly three years after a thief stole the bronze plaques that originally adorned it.
The memorial honors those who served in World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars.
John Fenech, superintendent of Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township, and maintenance workers Scott Mayes and Mike Novak designed and sandblasted the new plaques and installed them Oct. 7 at the park, 4495 W. Jefferson Ave.
Fenech, Mayes and Dave Diehl, also of Michigan Memorial, did the final step in installation, caulking the plaques yesterday.
The War Memorial consists of one large central stone about 9 feet tall and 8 feet wide with nine bronze tiles with the names of soldiers from Michigan who died during World War II. Smaller stones, about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide, hold plaques on each side that pay homage to Vietnam and Korean war soldiers.
The plaques on the smaller stones that read “Korea” and “Vietnam” were stolen, along with the plaque beneath the Vietnam header.
Resident Lester Pegouske, a Vietnam War veteran, said he had been asking the City Council to fix the monument since the plaques were stolen, but nothing had been done.
“It’s not about me; it’s about somebody stealing the name of the soldiers who died,” said Pegouske, 70. “I was very aggravated by someone who did that. They probably stole it for scrap.”
Earlier this year, Pegouske said, he paid a company to do it after he had unsuccessfully tried to recruit volunteers and collect donations.
“I believe that someone should take care of these monuments, and nobody was doing it and it was making me mad,” he said.
When he went to the council to get approval, it refused to let him pay for it and Councilwoman Brenda Banks and Chuck Hunter, a former councilman and city clerk, went to Kelly Dwyer, president of Michigan Memorial, and asked for help. Pegouske had his money refunded.
Dwyer said she was more than happy to help, and Fenech, Mayes and Novak agreed to donate the time to do the work.
The new plaque is granite, which Pegouske said is more difficult to read, but Dwyer said it was chosen for a reason.
“We chose to go with granite so there wouldn’t be a chance of someone stealing bronze again to scrap it,” Dwyer said.
Fenech estimated the total cost of labor and granite to be $800 to $1,000. The granite, a certain type called Wausau, alone cost about $500, he said.
Dwyer said it took about three hours to design and sandblast the plaque and another four hours to drive to Ecorse and install it.
“We’re honored to be a part of helping the city of Ecorse with the plaque,” she said. “We think memorialization is very important.”
Fenech, Mayes and Novak had to sand down pieces of bolts left behind the header plaques and the adhesive from all three. The bolts, he said, would have proved difficult to cut when the thief stole them because of the small amount of room left behind the plaque.
Pegouske served one tour in Vietnam, building ammunition dumps as part of the Army’s 5th Special Forces, 101st Infantry, based at Fort Carlson, Colo. He returned home in January 1966 and moved to Ecorse in 1969, where he has lived since.
ECORSE — The War Memorial at John Dingell Park has been restored via a donation from a Downriver cemetery group nearly three years after a thief stole the bronze plaques that originally adorned it.
The memorial honors those who served in World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars.
John Fenech, superintendent of Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township, and maintenance workers Scott Mayes and Mike Novak designed and sandblasted the new plaques and installed them Oct. 7 at the park, 4495 W. Jefferson Ave.
Fenech, Mayes and Dave Diehl, also of Michigan Memorial, did the final step in installation, caulking the plaques yesterday.
The War Memorial consists of one large central stone about 9 feet tall and 8 feet wide with nine bronze tiles with the names of soldiers from Michigan who died during World War II. Smaller stones, about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide, hold plaques on each side that pay homage to Vietnam and Korean war soldiers.
The plaques on the smaller stones that read “Korea” and “Vietnam” were stolen, along with the plaque beneath the Vietnam header.
Resident Lester Pegouske, a Vietnam War veteran, said he had been asking the City Council to fix the monument since the plaques were stolen, but nothing had been done.
“It’s not about me; it’s about somebody stealing the name of the soldiers who died,” said Pegouske, 70. “I was very aggravated by someone who did that. They probably stole it for scrap.”
Earlier this year, Pegouske said, he paid a company to do it after he had unsuccessfully tried to recruit volunteers and collect donations.
“I believe that someone should take care of these monuments, and nobody was doing it and it was making me mad,” he said.
When he went to the council to get approval, it refused to let him pay for it and Councilwoman Brenda Banks and Chuck Hunter, a former councilman and city clerk, went to Kelly Dwyer, president of Michigan Memorial, and asked for help. Pegouske had his money refunded.
Dwyer said she was more than happy to help, and Fenech, Mayes and Novak agreed to donate the time to do the work.
The new plaque is granite, which Pegouske said is more difficult to read, but Dwyer said it was chosen for a reason.
“We chose to go with granite so there wouldn’t be a chance of someone stealing bronze again to scrap it,” Dwyer said.
Fenech estimated the total cost of labor and granite to be $800 to $1,000. The granite, a certain type called Wausau, alone cost about $500, he said.
Dwyer said it took about three hours to design and sandblast the plaque and another four hours to drive to Ecorse and install it.
“We’re honored to be a part of helping the city of Ecorse with the plaque,” she said. “We think memorialization is very important.”
Fenech, Mayes and Novak had to sand down pieces of bolts left behind the header plaques and the adhesive from all three. The bolts, he said, would have proved difficult to cut when the thief stole them because of the small amount of room left behind the plaque.
Pegouske served one tour in Vietnam, building ammunition dumps as part of the Army’s 5th Special Forces, 101st Infantry, based at Fort Carlson, Colo. He returned home in January 1966 and moved to Ecorse in 1969, where he has lived since.
Hopes rise for relatives of missing U.S. servicemen in Korean War
From All Headline News: Hopes rise for relatives of missing U.S. servicemen in Korean War
There was another flicker of hope lighted this week for the relatives of missing Americans in the Korean War as the U.S. Department of Defense restarted negotiations with North Koreans in Bangkok, the Pentagon officials confirmed to journalists.
Confirming that the meeting took place in Bangkok on Tuesday, the Pentagon in an email to the journalists expanded, “We are making arrangements for discussions with the North Korean government to address the many issues associated with how and when to resume remains recovery operations.”
In May 2005, Washington decided to suspend the recovery efforts after expressing concerns over the safety of its search teams and deteriorating relations as North Korea pursued nuclear ambitions.
Asked to comment on the reasons for resuming recovery efforts in North Korea now, the Pentagon said, “DPRK officials contacted the Department of Defense saying that they would look favorably on a request from the United States to discuss remains recovery operations. Because of their overture, we believe our personnel can safely perform these operations in North Korea.”
The United States would not pay the DPRK for any remains recovered, the Pentagon said, “As a longstanding matter of policy, we do not pay for remains.”
The Pentagon, however said that there would be, “associated expenses for which the U.S. is responsible,” listing those as for, “laborers, fuel, food, transportation, water, security.”
“Such expenses are predictable, though costs may vary depending on the locale,” the Pentagon said but did not have a figure to quote, saying, “Since the U.S. has not entered into negotiations with the DPRK, it would be premature to speculate on any numbers.”
Calling the negotiations a DoD issue, Mark Toner, the State Department spokesman told journalists, “There is a State Department official who’s part of that delegation, as is per usual, I don’t have any more to add on that.”
In addition to the State Department official, the negotiation team included representatives from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA (Missing in Action) Accounting Command, the U.S. Pacific Command and the United Nations Command-Korea.
“The Department is actively trying to locate, recover and identify our missing personnel from all past wars from World War II forward,” said the Pentagon, adding, “There are 7,988 U.S. servicemen are still unaccounted for from the Korean War; of which, we estimate 5,500 are missing in North Korea. We had always intended to resume these operations.”
There was another flicker of hope lighted this week for the relatives of missing Americans in the Korean War as the U.S. Department of Defense restarted negotiations with North Koreans in Bangkok, the Pentagon officials confirmed to journalists.
Confirming that the meeting took place in Bangkok on Tuesday, the Pentagon in an email to the journalists expanded, “We are making arrangements for discussions with the North Korean government to address the many issues associated with how and when to resume remains recovery operations.”
In May 2005, Washington decided to suspend the recovery efforts after expressing concerns over the safety of its search teams and deteriorating relations as North Korea pursued nuclear ambitions.
Asked to comment on the reasons for resuming recovery efforts in North Korea now, the Pentagon said, “DPRK officials contacted the Department of Defense saying that they would look favorably on a request from the United States to discuss remains recovery operations. Because of their overture, we believe our personnel can safely perform these operations in North Korea.”
The United States would not pay the DPRK for any remains recovered, the Pentagon said, “As a longstanding matter of policy, we do not pay for remains.”
The Pentagon, however said that there would be, “associated expenses for which the U.S. is responsible,” listing those as for, “laborers, fuel, food, transportation, water, security.”
“Such expenses are predictable, though costs may vary depending on the locale,” the Pentagon said but did not have a figure to quote, saying, “Since the U.S. has not entered into negotiations with the DPRK, it would be premature to speculate on any numbers.”
Calling the negotiations a DoD issue, Mark Toner, the State Department spokesman told journalists, “There is a State Department official who’s part of that delegation, as is per usual, I don’t have any more to add on that.”
In addition to the State Department official, the negotiation team included representatives from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA (Missing in Action) Accounting Command, the U.S. Pacific Command and the United Nations Command-Korea.
“The Department is actively trying to locate, recover and identify our missing personnel from all past wars from World War II forward,” said the Pentagon, adding, “There are 7,988 U.S. servicemen are still unaccounted for from the Korean War; of which, we estimate 5,500 are missing in North Korea. We had always intended to resume these operations.”
Monday, October 17, 2011
Local veteran selected for war-memorial tour
From the Gleaner: Local veteran selected for war-memorial tour
Henderson County’s first Honor Flight veteran will wing off to Washington, D.C., on Saturday [Oct 13] to view some of the country’s most moving monuments.
Donald Keach, 85, was selected to visit the World War II Memorial by the Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter in Louisville because he’s a veteran of World War II. He’ll also get to see the famous monument depicting the U.S. Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima. But it’s the monument to the Korean War that he’s most looking forward to seeing.
He has combat stars from both Germany and Korea. But it was latter conflict that was the hardest on him.
“We was up north, and they ordered us to set up tents to live in, when the Chinese came across the Yalu River and pushed us back. I had one buddy in my platoon who got killed in Korea,” he said, his voice taking on a somber timbre as he spoke of it. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.
“The last thing he said was, ‘Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me.’ A sniper got him. We shot and killed him, but not before he shot my buddy.
“He was from North Carolina and always talking about moonshine running in souped-up cars.”
Keach was born and raised in Baskett and lives there still, but the U.S. Army showed him the world. He enlisted Sept. 22, 1944, and arrived in Germany a little too late to participate in the Battle of the Bulge, in which the Germans made a last-ditch effort to break out of the encircling Allied armies.
“I got there when they crossed the Rhine River” and was part of the occupying troops in Germany. “They had the Germans on the run, really. I came back in ’46. Then I stayed out 16 months and went in again.”
After his Korean War experience, he became a drill sergeant and trained probably tens of thousands of troops at Camp Breckinridge and other stateside forts all over the country.
And, yes, he barked at a lot of green recruits. “You’re supposed to do that,” he said. “That’s instinct, I think.”
In the early 1960s he was stationed in Panama, where his wife and children joined him. “That was good duty,” he said with a chuckle. “The kids could go to swim in the Atlantic in the morning and in the Pacific in the afternoon.”
He left the military in 1966. The Vietnam War was heating up and he had his 20 years in, which let him retire with a full pension. “The reason I got out was the Vietnam thing,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Vietnam. I decided I’d check in my chips and go home.”
His daughter, Jane Baxter, explained that his niece Sonnie Nolan nominated him for Honor Flight. “She put in his name at least a year ago.”
Since it was founded in 2005, Honor Flight’s chapters have provided numerous aging World War II veterans a chance to see the monuments enshrining the freedoms for which they fought.
“To the best of my knowledge, he is the first from Henderson County,” said Brian Duffy, who founded the Bluegrass Chapter in 2008.
About 30 vets are expected to travel on Saturday’s flight out of Louisville. Their day will start before 5:30 a.m. and won’t end until they return to Louisville about 9 p.m.
“It’s a long day for some of these gentlemen,” noted Sharron Hilbrecht, one of the guardians on the flight.
But Keach said he’s up for it. It’s like he owes it to someone. “I’m anxious to see that monument for the Korean War.”
Henderson County’s first Honor Flight veteran will wing off to Washington, D.C., on Saturday [Oct 13] to view some of the country’s most moving monuments.
Donald Keach, 85, was selected to visit the World War II Memorial by the Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter in Louisville because he’s a veteran of World War II. He’ll also get to see the famous monument depicting the U.S. Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima. But it’s the monument to the Korean War that he’s most looking forward to seeing.
He has combat stars from both Germany and Korea. But it was latter conflict that was the hardest on him.
“We was up north, and they ordered us to set up tents to live in, when the Chinese came across the Yalu River and pushed us back. I had one buddy in my platoon who got killed in Korea,” he said, his voice taking on a somber timbre as he spoke of it. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.
“The last thing he said was, ‘Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me.’ A sniper got him. We shot and killed him, but not before he shot my buddy.
“He was from North Carolina and always talking about moonshine running in souped-up cars.”
Keach was born and raised in Baskett and lives there still, but the U.S. Army showed him the world. He enlisted Sept. 22, 1944, and arrived in Germany a little too late to participate in the Battle of the Bulge, in which the Germans made a last-ditch effort to break out of the encircling Allied armies.
“I got there when they crossed the Rhine River” and was part of the occupying troops in Germany. “They had the Germans on the run, really. I came back in ’46. Then I stayed out 16 months and went in again.”
After his Korean War experience, he became a drill sergeant and trained probably tens of thousands of troops at Camp Breckinridge and other stateside forts all over the country.
And, yes, he barked at a lot of green recruits. “You’re supposed to do that,” he said. “That’s instinct, I think.”
In the early 1960s he was stationed in Panama, where his wife and children joined him. “That was good duty,” he said with a chuckle. “The kids could go to swim in the Atlantic in the morning and in the Pacific in the afternoon.”
He left the military in 1966. The Vietnam War was heating up and he had his 20 years in, which let him retire with a full pension. “The reason I got out was the Vietnam thing,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Vietnam. I decided I’d check in my chips and go home.”
His daughter, Jane Baxter, explained that his niece Sonnie Nolan nominated him for Honor Flight. “She put in his name at least a year ago.”
Since it was founded in 2005, Honor Flight’s chapters have provided numerous aging World War II veterans a chance to see the monuments enshrining the freedoms for which they fought.
“To the best of my knowledge, he is the first from Henderson County,” said Brian Duffy, who founded the Bluegrass Chapter in 2008.
About 30 vets are expected to travel on Saturday’s flight out of Louisville. Their day will start before 5:30 a.m. and won’t end until they return to Louisville about 9 p.m.
“It’s a long day for some of these gentlemen,” noted Sharron Hilbrecht, one of the guardians on the flight.
But Keach said he’s up for it. It’s like he owes it to someone. “I’m anxious to see that monument for the Korean War.”
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Woman gets $4 compensation for Korean War killing
From Reuters: Woman gets $4 compensation for Korean War killing
Reuters) - A South Korean woman has been offered a little over $4 in government compensation for the death of her brother during the 1950-53 Korean War, embarrassing officials who say they were bound by an out-dated law.
The woman was two years old when her brother was killed in combat in 1950, but never knew of his existence until told of his death by a neighbor, local media reported, adding the children's mother has suffered from dementia.
The family had not received any compensation until April when the soldier's sister was awarded 5,000 won ($4.33) under a law in effect during the war.
The presidential Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has called the decision "incomprehensible" and urged the government to review it.
"We hope that this case will lead to forming a system of adequately compensating the families of Korean War veterans who continue to live with deep pain," the commission said.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Defense Ministry said a new law was needed to pay more or adjust the sum to incorporate inflation and interest.
Nearly 140,000 South Korean soldiers were killed in combat and as many as 130,000 are missing in action according to the Defense Ministry. ($1 = 1156.100 Korean won)
Reuters) - A South Korean woman has been offered a little over $4 in government compensation for the death of her brother during the 1950-53 Korean War, embarrassing officials who say they were bound by an out-dated law.
The woman was two years old when her brother was killed in combat in 1950, but never knew of his existence until told of his death by a neighbor, local media reported, adding the children's mother has suffered from dementia.
The family had not received any compensation until April when the soldier's sister was awarded 5,000 won ($4.33) under a law in effect during the war.
The presidential Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has called the decision "incomprehensible" and urged the government to review it.
"We hope that this case will lead to forming a system of adequately compensating the families of Korean War veterans who continue to live with deep pain," the commission said.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Defense Ministry said a new law was needed to pay more or adjust the sum to incorporate inflation and interest.
Nearly 140,000 South Korean soldiers were killed in combat and as many as 130,000 are missing in action according to the Defense Ministry. ($1 = 1156.100 Korean won)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Medfield’s Veterans’ Plaque Committee Looks to Honor Korean War Veterans
From Medfield Patch: Medfield’s Veterans’ Plaque Committee Looks to Honor Korean War Veterans
ob Maguire, a Medfield Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and Superintendent of Public Schools, had a vision to honor and recognize Medfield’s war veterans with plaques displayed at each of the town’s five schools.
The committee’s first project of restoring and rededicating the World War II veterans’ plaque outside of Dale Street School on May 27, was an overwhelming success met with plenty of support throughout town. As a result, the committee moved forward with Maguire’s vision and set its sights on the next project: A Korean War veterans’ plaque.
“It turned out our fundraising was pretty successful last year and we had some funding left from the original plaque that we did,” Maguire said. “The committee established a goal in the spring after we had got together following the festivities from the World War II one and had a conversation about trying to do a similar plaque for Korea.”
The committee members from the World War II veterans’ plaque project have remained the same and came together again to work on the Korean War plaque to mirror the World War II plaque on the other side of the doorway at Dale Street School. The committee members are Maguire, Nancy Kelly-Lavin, Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffin, veterans Tony Centore and Lee Tredway and town historian Richard DeSorgher.
“We are well on our way to trying to achieve a mirroring plaque on the Dale Street School, on the opposite side of the doorway for Korea,” Maguire said. “A lot of work has already been done by Richard [DeSorgher] and some other members and the Veterans’ Agent to research the names of the people that should go on the plaque.”
The committee has researched the names that should be on the plaque and is obtaining a proposal from a plaque manufacturer. The replacement plaque will be in bronze, 30 x 48 inches and located outside the Dale Street entrance, mirroring the plaque that was erected to honor World War II veterans.
Similar to students’ involvement during the World War II veterans’ plaque unveiling just before Memorial Day, Maguire said holding the ceremony the Thursday before Veterans’ Day will enable students to engage in historical lessons of sacrifice and community in addition to the importance of veterans.
“It will have a nice tie-in to something that is historical,” Maguire said. “It will be something done at [Dale Street School] and probably involve the kids at some level. …The timeframe for when the Korean conflict was going on would’ve [involved] people that were attending Dale then.”
Medfield Legion Beckwith Post 110 Makes Contribution to Korean War Plaque
Medfield American Legion Post Commander Frank Iafolla presented a $500 donation to the Veterans’ Plaque Committee at its September meeting.
“The Post has expressed positive support for this effort and this donation along with many others will enable the planned Korean War Veterans’ plaque to be unveiled on Nov. 10 at the Dale Street School,” Iafolla said. “Legion members took part in the earlier ceremony honoring World War II veterans this past Memorial Day. It was a great day for Medfield veterans.”
Accepting the Legion’s contribution was Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and town Veterans’ Agent, Ron Griffin.
Donations being Accepted for the Korean War Plaque and Future Veterans’ War Plaques
Tax-deductible donations for this project and future projects can be made out to the Medfield Foundation, 459 Main St., Medfield, MA. Please note on the check or enclosure “Veterans Plaque Fund.” Donations can also be dropped off at Lord’s. In addition, the committee hopes all Medfield military veterans will contribute to this important town project.
“We established a vision of moving forward and creating something that would be a similar type of memorial [World War II plaque at Dale Street School] at each one of the schools,” Maguire said.
ob Maguire, a Medfield Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and Superintendent of Public Schools, had a vision to honor and recognize Medfield’s war veterans with plaques displayed at each of the town’s five schools.
The committee’s first project of restoring and rededicating the World War II veterans’ plaque outside of Dale Street School on May 27, was an overwhelming success met with plenty of support throughout town. As a result, the committee moved forward with Maguire’s vision and set its sights on the next project: A Korean War veterans’ plaque.
“It turned out our fundraising was pretty successful last year and we had some funding left from the original plaque that we did,” Maguire said. “The committee established a goal in the spring after we had got together following the festivities from the World War II one and had a conversation about trying to do a similar plaque for Korea.”
The committee members from the World War II veterans’ plaque project have remained the same and came together again to work on the Korean War plaque to mirror the World War II plaque on the other side of the doorway at Dale Street School. The committee members are Maguire, Nancy Kelly-Lavin, Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffin, veterans Tony Centore and Lee Tredway and town historian Richard DeSorgher.
“We are well on our way to trying to achieve a mirroring plaque on the Dale Street School, on the opposite side of the doorway for Korea,” Maguire said. “A lot of work has already been done by Richard [DeSorgher] and some other members and the Veterans’ Agent to research the names of the people that should go on the plaque.”
The committee has researched the names that should be on the plaque and is obtaining a proposal from a plaque manufacturer. The replacement plaque will be in bronze, 30 x 48 inches and located outside the Dale Street entrance, mirroring the plaque that was erected to honor World War II veterans.
Similar to students’ involvement during the World War II veterans’ plaque unveiling just before Memorial Day, Maguire said holding the ceremony the Thursday before Veterans’ Day will enable students to engage in historical lessons of sacrifice and community in addition to the importance of veterans.
“It will have a nice tie-in to something that is historical,” Maguire said. “It will be something done at [Dale Street School] and probably involve the kids at some level. …The timeframe for when the Korean conflict was going on would’ve [involved] people that were attending Dale then.”
Medfield Legion Beckwith Post 110 Makes Contribution to Korean War Plaque
Medfield American Legion Post Commander Frank Iafolla presented a $500 donation to the Veterans’ Plaque Committee at its September meeting.
“The Post has expressed positive support for this effort and this donation along with many others will enable the planned Korean War Veterans’ plaque to be unveiled on Nov. 10 at the Dale Street School,” Iafolla said. “Legion members took part in the earlier ceremony honoring World War II veterans this past Memorial Day. It was a great day for Medfield veterans.”
Accepting the Legion’s contribution was Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and town Veterans’ Agent, Ron Griffin.
Donations being Accepted for the Korean War Plaque and Future Veterans’ War Plaques
Tax-deductible donations for this project and future projects can be made out to the Medfield Foundation, 459 Main St., Medfield, MA. Please note on the check or enclosure “Veterans Plaque Fund.” Donations can also be dropped off at Lord’s. In addition, the committee hopes all Medfield military veterans will contribute to this important town project.
“We established a vision of moving forward and creating something that would be a similar type of memorial [World War II plaque at Dale Street School] at each one of the schools,” Maguire said.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Korean War Veteran Gets Purple Heart After Six-Decade Wai
From Fox News: Korean War Veteran Gets Purple Heart After Six-Decade Wait
For 58 years, no medal or ribbon adorned the chest of Korean War veteran Eugene Bradford.
For 58 years, few knew of the Palo Alto native's heroic actions on July 27, 1953, when he carried a fallen Marine to safety despite being wounded and immediately returned to the front line only to be injured again.
For 58 years, the 77-year-old was simply content to know he had saved a man's life that fateful day on Hill 126.
On Tuesday, however, Bradford found himself in the middle of a Purple Heart ceremony at the VA Menlo Park Community Living Center. It took nearly six decades and a campaign by his equally tenacious sister, Cindy Baxter, but Bradford finally received his first formal accolade.
"We don't do these things for Purple Hearts," Bradford said of his actions on the battlefield. "We do these things because we want to save the man down there. It could've been me. It could've been you."
A love of country, not the possibility of commendations, led Bradford to enlist in the Marines as a Palo Alto High School student. Family members had served in every conflict as far back as the Spanish-American War, his sister said.
"I wanted to get in there and do my part," Bradford said. "I felt it was my turn to get into the war because I am a very patriotic person."
Bradford's job in the war was to keep lines of communication up and running for Howe Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. He was doing just that on July 27, 1953, when his company found itself locked in fierce combat with enemy forces outside Ponbudong.
Bradford heard someone jump into his trench on Hill 126 and found himself face to face with a knife-wielding enemy soldier. After a brief and bloody fight that left his assailant dead, a slightly wounded Bradford lobbed several grenades down the slope and sprinted to the end of the line.
There Bradford spotted, lying in a rice paddy, an unconscious Marine who had been trying to escape his overrun position on neighboring Hill 111. Bradford didn't think twice about charging to the rescue, an action he says probably wasn't wise in hindsight, though not because of the heavy enemy gunfire.
"Never run down a hill," he said matter-of-factly. "If I had tripped, I would've broken every bone in my body."
Bradford was hit in the groin by three pieces of shrapnel as he carried his fellow Marine to safety.
"After that, I took about a half-hour break," joked Bradford, who declined first aid because he wanted to reestablish the communication lines that had been disrupted by the fighting.
For another five hours, Bradford took command of a platoon that had lost its lieutenant in the pitched battle and worked on the communication lines as enemy mortars rained down around him.
"Then the inevitable happened," he recalled. "One of the rounds got too close to me and knocked me out."
Just days later, the war was declared over as Bradford recovered. He stayed in the service, retiring at age 65 with the rank of sergeant.
It wasn't until Baxter was helping Bradford move from Fresno to Menlo Park roughly two years ago that it came to light his combat actions had gone unheralded. Baxter said she was shocked to find no medals among his possessions, just two witness statements from that day along the 38th Parallel.
"He said, 'I didn't get any,' " Baxter said. "I thought that was weird. So, I wanted to find out why."
Baxter contacted Veterans Affairs officials in Fresno, who helped her file the necessary paperwork. About a year later, she said, a box containing about a dozen medals and ribbons arrived on her doorstep. She presented them to her older brother at Tuesday's Purple Heart ceremony, which was arranged with help from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
While he never expected to receive the Purple Heart, let alone any official recognition, Bradford said it is a reminder of why he fought to keep communism from consuming the entire Korean peninsula. The medal is only awarded to members of the armed forces injured by an enemy in combat.
"This is a good example of how freedom is not free," he said. "Any sane person hates war, but at times to be free you've got to fight for it."
For 58 years, no medal or ribbon adorned the chest of Korean War veteran Eugene Bradford.
For 58 years, few knew of the Palo Alto native's heroic actions on July 27, 1953, when he carried a fallen Marine to safety despite being wounded and immediately returned to the front line only to be injured again.
For 58 years, the 77-year-old was simply content to know he had saved a man's life that fateful day on Hill 126.
On Tuesday, however, Bradford found himself in the middle of a Purple Heart ceremony at the VA Menlo Park Community Living Center. It took nearly six decades and a campaign by his equally tenacious sister, Cindy Baxter, but Bradford finally received his first formal accolade.
"We don't do these things for Purple Hearts," Bradford said of his actions on the battlefield. "We do these things because we want to save the man down there. It could've been me. It could've been you."
A love of country, not the possibility of commendations, led Bradford to enlist in the Marines as a Palo Alto High School student. Family members had served in every conflict as far back as the Spanish-American War, his sister said.
"I wanted to get in there and do my part," Bradford said. "I felt it was my turn to get into the war because I am a very patriotic person."
Bradford's job in the war was to keep lines of communication up and running for Howe Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. He was doing just that on July 27, 1953, when his company found itself locked in fierce combat with enemy forces outside Ponbudong.
Bradford heard someone jump into his trench on Hill 126 and found himself face to face with a knife-wielding enemy soldier. After a brief and bloody fight that left his assailant dead, a slightly wounded Bradford lobbed several grenades down the slope and sprinted to the end of the line.
There Bradford spotted, lying in a rice paddy, an unconscious Marine who had been trying to escape his overrun position on neighboring Hill 111. Bradford didn't think twice about charging to the rescue, an action he says probably wasn't wise in hindsight, though not because of the heavy enemy gunfire.
"Never run down a hill," he said matter-of-factly. "If I had tripped, I would've broken every bone in my body."
Bradford was hit in the groin by three pieces of shrapnel as he carried his fellow Marine to safety.
"After that, I took about a half-hour break," joked Bradford, who declined first aid because he wanted to reestablish the communication lines that had been disrupted by the fighting.
For another five hours, Bradford took command of a platoon that had lost its lieutenant in the pitched battle and worked on the communication lines as enemy mortars rained down around him.
"Then the inevitable happened," he recalled. "One of the rounds got too close to me and knocked me out."
Just days later, the war was declared over as Bradford recovered. He stayed in the service, retiring at age 65 with the rank of sergeant.
It wasn't until Baxter was helping Bradford move from Fresno to Menlo Park roughly two years ago that it came to light his combat actions had gone unheralded. Baxter said she was shocked to find no medals among his possessions, just two witness statements from that day along the 38th Parallel.
"He said, 'I didn't get any,' " Baxter said. "I thought that was weird. So, I wanted to find out why."
Baxter contacted Veterans Affairs officials in Fresno, who helped her file the necessary paperwork. About a year later, she said, a box containing about a dozen medals and ribbons arrived on her doorstep. She presented them to her older brother at Tuesday's Purple Heart ceremony, which was arranged with help from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
While he never expected to receive the Purple Heart, let alone any official recognition, Bradford said it is a reminder of why he fought to keep communism from consuming the entire Korean peninsula. The medal is only awarded to members of the armed forces injured by an enemy in combat.
"This is a good example of how freedom is not free," he said. "Any sane person hates war, but at times to be free you've got to fight for it."
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