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.
Monday, October 31, 2011
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)