EX-POW BULLETINEx-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2009 5 National Commander Jim Clark news from hq Just what are “Heirs at Law” any-way? There has been discussion over the past 40-plus years

EX-POW BULLETINthe official voice of the

American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 66 Number 7/8www.axpow.org

July/August 2009

We exist to help those who cannot help themselves

Election Issue...Convention Information and forms...An Apology After 67 Years...legislation...

News, Events, Stories...Outreach, Success and more

Memorial Day 2009 ~ Washington, DC.Our National Judge-Advocate, VietnamEx-POW Dave Drummond and his wifeJill, represented AXPOW at the ceremo-nies at Arlington Cemetery.

The 2nd Annual Walk for the Wounded held Sunday, June 14, at Rose Tree Park inMedia, PA. The event raised more than $100,000 for Operation First Response (OFR).

OFR is charitable organization dedicated to helpingwounded soldiers and their families endure the finan-cial hardships associated with their physical and emo-tional recovery of wounds sustained in combat. State Rep-resentative Bryan R. Lentz (D-161), an Iraq War veteran,and his team contributed nearly $300 to the cause. DrexelHill residents Cameron and Matt Tirado of Team Lentzpose on either side of fellow Drexel Hill resident DomenicErwin (center) after participating in Walk for theWounded on Sunday, June 14. State Rep. Bryan Lentz andhis team contributed nearly $300to the cause. Over $100,000 wasraised at the 2nd Annual Walk for

the Wounded which benefits Operation First Response (OFR)OFR is an organization dedicated to helping wounded sol-diers and their families endure the financial hardships as-sociated with their physical and emotional recovery ofwounds sustained in combat.

EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published nine times annually (Jan. Feb. Mar./Apr. May June July/Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov/Dec.) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Arlington, TX 76010. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: sendaddress changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396. Founded April 14, 1942, inAlbuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State nonprofit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11,1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in thispublication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right todecline or discontinue any such advertisement.

© 2009 American Ex-Prisoners of War

PublisherPNC Maurice Sharp

9716 54th Street CT WestUniversity Place, WA 98467-1118

(253) [email protected]

EditorCheryl Cerbone

23 Cove View DriveSouth Yarmouth, MA 02664

(508) 394-5250(508) 760-2008 fax

[email protected]

Deadline for the Sept. 2009 issueis July 25, 2009.

Please send all materials to theeditor at the above address.

officers/directors 4commander/HQ 5on capitol hill 6outreach/Success 7nso 8medsearch 9andersonville 13namPOW 14pow-mia 15civilian 16events, info, looking for 17news 17volunteer funding 18convention, voting info 19contributions 26taps 27raffle/Ads 31new members 33quartermaster 34

July/August, 2009table of contents

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

3

The 2010 AXPOW Calendar, fea-turing the Angels of WWII, isready to be mailed. Look for itin your postbox! At left, themaking of the calendar – RobbieBearisto’s guest room bed is thelayout table for the calendareach year. Copy and picturescome together to make asought-after and treasuredmini-history of the prisoner of

war experience and AXPOW.

This is the annual convention/election issue. Please see pages 19-25 forhotel/registration information, resolutions, voting procedures andcandidates for office. Delegate forms have been sent to chapters anddepartments. If you are planning to vote as a member-at-large, please fillout and send in the Delegate Form printed in the Bulletin. We look forwardto seeing many of you in Boise!

Convention Program Ads! It’s time to get your ad in for the 2009

convention! Don’t miss out! The deadline is August 1, 2009.

DEAR CHERYL,Regarding the May 2009 issue of the Ex-POW Bulletin,page 6...once again, I ask the question:“Where is the recognition in accounting, by the Ameri-can Ex-Prisoner’s of War, for the USS PUEBLO AGER-2former POW’s?”

This information is always available at: http://www.usspueblo.org/83 Total1 killed in the attack and subsequent capture,82 Captured82 Surviving captivity60 alive as of Jan. 1, 2009 (per article date)59 as of Mar. 20, 2009

Dale Rigby185 W 400 NIvins, UT 84738Crewmember, USS PUEBLO AGER-2

axpow officers & directors 2008-2009National Headquarters - Clydie J. Morgan, Adjutant

3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy, #40, Arlington, TX 76010(817) 649-2979 (817) 649-0109 fax [email protected]

North East RegionFranklin R. Koehler243 Torrey Pines Dr.Toms River, NJ 08757(732) 244-4629; (732) 505-8702 [email protected]

Laura McIntyrePO Box 475Hardwick, MA 01037(413) 477-8260 (413) 477-0172 [email protected]

East Central RegionJudy LeePO Box 248Madisonville, TN 37354(423) 442-3223; (423) 442-4702 [email protected]

Paul E. Galanti21 Maxwell RoadRichmond, VA 23226(804)[email protected]

Southeast RegionWm “Bill” Jeffers3522 Millbrook way CrGreenacres, FL 33463(561) [email protected]

Sid Hecker7730 Laie PlaceDiamondhead, MS 39525(228) [email protected]

North Central RegionCarroll Bogard726 N. Carolina PlaceMason City, IA 50401(641) 424-4870

Larry Dwyer814 Woodlawn Ave.Muscatine, IA 52761(563) 263-5249

Senior Director, PNC Warren King, Jr.PNC Warren G King Sr1015 Mitchell RdNashville TN 37206-1113(615) 226-7811 – Voice(615) 262-3049 – Fax

National CommanderJim Clark214 OakdaleBastrop, LA 71220-2330(318) 281-5505 phone & [email protected]

National Senior Vice CommanderKenny H Hanson9401 Lyndale Ave S #228Bloomington MN 55420(952) 888-2703 – [email protected]

National TreasurerSonnie Bill Mottern279 Huckleberry RoadBluff City, Tenn. 37618(423) 542-1824; (423) 542-3469 [email protected]

National Judge AdvocateDave Drummond1 Crane CourtManalapan, NJ 07726(732) [email protected]

National ChaplainJames H. BeaverPO Box 2103Abingdon, VA 24212(276) [email protected]

Jr. Vice CommandersCharles Susino - Eastern Zone136 Jefferson StreetMetuchen, NJ 08840(732) 549-5775 phone & fax

Morris Barker - Central Zone710 Chapel ViewWaco, Tx [email protected](254) 732-5640

PNC James Cooper - Western ZonePO Box 65Douglas, AZ 85608(520) 364-8582; (520) 805-9401 [email protected]

Mid-Central RegionGrover L. Swearingen408 Fair Park AvenueWest Union, OH 45693(937) [email protected]

Deanie Schmidt1001 Parkview Blvd. #316Columbus, OH 43219(614) [email protected]

South Central RegionJames L. Lollar292 VZ CR 3727Wills Point, TX 75169(903) 560-1734; (903) 560-1705 [email protected]

Pam Warner EslingerPO Box 117Hammon, OK 73650(580) [email protected]

Northwest RegionBonnie Sharp9716 54th Street CT WestUniversity Place, WA 98467-1118(253) [email protected]

Southwest RegionMilton “Skip” Moore2965 Sierra BermejaSierra Vista, AZ 85650(520) 459-7295; (520) 533-3757 [email protected]

Lewis “Lew” Sleeper6636 E VillaDoradoTucson, AZ 85715(520) 751-9628 Voice(520) 490-1082 [email protected]

DirectorsOfficers

Committee addresses appearwith their columns

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

5

National CommanderJim Clark

newsfromhq

Just what are “Heirs at Law” any-way?

There has been discussion over thepast 40-plus years about exactlywhat an “heir at law” is.

The simple definition is: A personwho is entitled to inherit the estateof someone who fails to make avalid Last Will and Testament. Whois considered a deceased person’s“Heir at Law” is determined by theintestacy laws of the state wherethe person lives at the time ofdeath.

Because heirs are usually definedby state law to be related to youonly through blood or adoption,your spouse is usually not your heiraccording to this definition.

So who is?

The AXPOW Bylaws list thosepeople eligible for membership inthe organization. On that list is“Heirs at Law”. It has long been thepractice of the organization to usethat catch-all phrase to mean thespouses of others on that list.

Only recently have there been ques-tions raised about that practice.

The American Ex-Prisoners of Waris a family organization. We spentmany years working for a Federal

Charter because, in part, we wouldnot form an auxiliary. Our argu-ment was that as POWs, we sur-vived because of the love and sup-port of our families. As our childrengrew up and married, their hus-bands and wives became part of ourfamilies as well. I for one would notwish to attend meetings that barredmy wife from attending.

Should we ask our children to cometo meetings and work to keep ourlegacy, but tell them their spousesare not welcome? What about step-children, who ARE eligible for mem-bership? Should their parents notbe eligible? Would you expect yoursons and daughters to work forsomething that excluded theirspouses?

Just imagine a chapter event like apicnic. You and your wife are there.Your daughter is there with yourgrandchildren. Your son—in-lawjust dropped you all off at the parkgate and he’ll be back later to pickyou up.

Not likely to happen.

I am going to ask the Bylaws Com-mittee to formulate a resolution tobe presented at the 2010 conven-tion in Georgia to clarify eligibilityin the American Ex-Prisoners ofWar. Until that time, we will con-tinue the practice we have followedfor decades which allows thespouse of a child, grandchild, etc.to join. I am asking for your sup-port of this resolution.

Next month is my last column asyour National Commander. My wife,Jeri, and I have been blessed byyour good wishes and camaraderieas we’ve traveled around the coun-try these last months. We’ll be at-tending many more Dept. meetingsbefore we get to Boise in Sept. andwe look forward to seeing many ofyou.

Yours in fellowship,

Jim

We are ramping up for the conven-tion in Boise. It should be a goodone. Get your credentials in.

Please, when you move, send us achange of address. It costs us 50cents for each Bulletin returnedbecause of a bad address. Also,notify us when you head south inthe winter and then back north inthe spring. Give us 5 weeks so youdon’t miss a single issue.

Quartermaster Sally Morgan needsbezels and cords (both goldtone)but can’t find a supplier. Pleaseemail her at [email protected] any info that you have. If youhave any questions, call Sally.

See you in Boise!Clydie, Marsha, Sally & Donna

The Next-of-Kin reunion will be held atthe

National Conventionin Boise on

Friday, Sept. 11, 2009at 7PM.

Place to be determined at alater date.

We will meet and greateveryone and discuss whatand where we want to go inthe Organization. We wouldlike to see all NOKs there ifpossible. It is going to be a

lot of fun.Bring your parents too.

Les Jackson,

Executive Director, DC Office1722 Eye Street, NW #204

Washington, D.C. 20421

(202) 530-9220;

(202) 223-8818 fax

e-mail: [email protected]

Legislative CommitteeMary Rolen

7450 Spring Village Dr. CC510

Springfield, VA 22150

(703) 923-9444

Charles Stenger, Ph.D

NC Jim Clark

on capitol hill

Ex-POW BulletinJuly/Aug 2009

6

Yes, NOW we have a Senate Bill forour Diabetes Presumptive at last.On May 5, 2009, Senator PattyMurray (WA) introduced S977. Thiswas great news and we are againindeed grateful to our good friendwith ALL our Bills she has contin-ued to be there for us.

When the Legislative Committeebegan to discuss the idea of a listof Presumptives, several formerprisoners of war and some othersinsisted that it would be an impos-sibility to accomplish. Yes, it hasbeen one struggle after another. Ifwe obtain this last Presumptive, weowe the Congresses a MillionThanks!

Now, you the membership must getbusy and contact your senators toco-sponsor this Bill. Last month,June, Bulletin, several of our inter-ested bills were identified, so addthis one to the list. Also, I hopesoon we will have a senator to in-troduce our DIC Bill to the Senate.Am working hard on this and willlet your Board of Directors knowimmediately when I know this.

Yes, we have just had Memorial Dayhere and since the CommanderClark decided to go to Anderson-ville at that time, he appointedFrank Koehler, National Directorand Dave Drummond, NationalJudge-Advocate in his place. Unfor-tunately, Frank got sick and had tocancel, but Dave arrived on Sundayfor all the activities on Monday –Memorial Day. He placed the AX-POW wreath at the Tomb of the Un-knowns at Arlington Cemetery Am-

phitheater. Everything went off asusual and he enjoyed meeting otherveterans in attendance. Our Flagswere carried this year by Mr. KennySraon and Ms. Holly Niethammer ofthe office of Dept. of VeteransHealth Administration located inour building. Our ex-POWs are ag-ing and unable to carry the Flagsso we are having to turn to others.We do Thank Them for this serviceon their holiday!

There is another Bill, HR952, intro-duced by Rep. John Hall (NY), chair-man of the Subcommittee on Dis-ability Assistance & Memorial Af-fairs, House Veterans Affairs Com-mittee. He called Norman Bussel,National Service Officer, AXPOWwho lives in his constituency tocome to Washington and testify athis hearing on April 23, 2009. Asan ex-POW and a NSO, he could re-late to the Bill. Norman and Melaniedrove to Washington, answered hisCongressman’s request and spokeat the hearing. The Bill is designedto conclusively define “Compensa-tion Owed for Mental Health, Basedon Activities in Theatre Post Trau-matic Stress Disorder”.

I attended the Gold Star Wives re-ception at the House Veterans Af-fairs Building last week as they hon-ored several Members of Congressfor sponsoring their legislation.Yes, I am a Gold Star Life Member.

Since this is a July-August Bulletin,the September Bulletin may notreach you before some of you leavefor the National Convention inBoise. We will probably have somenews to the National Directors andthey can relay to their assignedstates. As I said, we are workinghard to get a senator to introducethe DIC Bill in the Senate. As soonas we do, will get word to you.

Plans are now being made for ourLegislative Program at the conven-tion. I hope some of you can makeit.

For you to contact your Represen-tatives & Senators, the followingmay help:

Senator Patty Murray 202-224-2621; fax 202-224-0239;Rep Gus Bilirakis 202-225-5755; fax 202-225-4085;Rep Tim Holden 202-225-5546;fax 202-226-0996;Rep. John Hall 202-225-5441;fax 202-225-3289.

We all have our work cut out forus, let’s do it!!

God Bless AllMary

PHOTO:Rep. Hall confers withNorm Bussel after hearing.

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

7

VA Outreach

S*O*O*N

Before it’s too late

NSO Fred Campbell, Chairman 3312 Chatterton Dr.San Angelo, TX 76904325-944-4002; [email protected]

Outreach Stuff

Still Reaching Out

Peripheral Community OutreachNovember 6, 1944, B-17 crashlandingwith only #4 engine going, on theIwema farm in North Holland. Noneof the crew injured, captured at once.

April 1988, Iwema family and friendswelcome Peggy and me to theirhome. Son Harry presents me withgyro compass out of our B-17.

April 6-8, 2009, Harry Iwema, exportmanager for a seed potato companystops to visit Peggy and me in SanAngelo, Texas on his way home fromAustralia to Holland. Nice front pagestory in paper on Easter Sunday,April 12. That brings a note from anacquaintance serving time in stateprison for murder, “Fred, I didn’tknow you had served time too.” Butalso a good call from school teacher,“I read the story about your Dutchvisitor in the Sunday paper. Wouldyou come tell my 5th grade classabout your POW experience? Theyhave been studying the Netherlands.”A good visit on April 21, with manyquestions like “You say you ate wee-vils; what are they?” And teacher wasembarrassed when a little girl probedwith “How old are you?” “86, and willbe 87 in August. I hope.” The pointis 40 children and 11 adults, count-ing a man in prison, PLUS 100 attend-

ees at Fort Concho, DAR MemorialDay event where I gave key talk, knowthis: Some former prisoners of warare still around, older than dirt.

Next: April 30, 2009, Concho ValleyChapter of AXPOW monthly meetingat Henry’s Steakhouse in San Angelo,our meeting room is the bar sincenobody’s drinking at 11:30AM. Twomen waiting for take-out orders askabout our AXPOW flag. Tell them wemen were all prisoners of war. “Oh,really!” I point to 6’1" W.F. Matthewsand say he weighed 90# when liber-ated in 1945, part of the Lost Battal-ion, captured in Java, April 1942 byJapanese. “And Wally there, 32months in solitary in Beijing jail, pi-lot of B-29 crew, clandestine nightsingle-plane, no armament missionover North Korea; one interrogationhad Wally standing for 7 days andnights.” As we were eating, the cash-ier came in and give adjutant Stellaa $100 bill; “One of those men leftthis to help toward your bill.” A goodstart on our 2010 JROTC ScholarshipFund.

May 2009: Charles Webb presents$500 scholarship to outstandingJROTC grad Maria Renteria atLakeview High assembly, 200 attend-ing. Bill Murdock presents $500scholarship to outstanding JROTCgrad Robert Foate at Central Highawards dinner, 250 attending. SanAngelo, Texas, community knowsAmerican Ex-Prisoners of War stillserves Concho Valley.

Success Through NetworkingWhen you are down in the dumps youcall a friend. Former POW in Michi-gan, General Motors retiree, October2008, loses company health insur-ance, may lose pension now, calls oldPOW buddy in Delaware, who says“apply for VA Compensation; callPaul Dallas who helped me get 100%.”Answer, “Aw, I’ve never gone to theVA; I don’t know.” Paul calls this POWin Michigan who has very seriousheart problem plus other presump-tive conditions. Paul has trouble con-vincing him to file claim, and Paulcalls Robert Fletcher, VA POW Advi-sory Committee member in Ann Ar-bor who puts VARO POW Coordina-tor onto situation, to receive Paul

Dallas’ claim papers. Reluctant Michi-gan POW’s wife pushes/takes hus-band to examinations, almost againsthis will. A ray of hope comes withfull medical help, and $48,000 ret-roactive check to begin 100% plus Aid& Attendance. Networking gets itdone with teamwork of RobertFletcher/Paul Dallas making for aMost Happy Fella. GM may foreclose,but not this Michigan POW. And inTennessee, MW calls, has 80% disabil-ity rating, eligible for 100% due tounemployability, but not one hasever told him what to do. Refer toNSO Charles Heffron in Athens. Thisshould more than double MW’s VAcompensation monthly.

This is true: ChampVA covers every-thing after Medicare. That includesdoctors, hospitals AND prescriptionmedicine.

Amythropic Lateral Sclerosis…LouGehrig’s Disease. It was approved asa service-connected presumptiveSeptember 23, 2008 for any veteran,not just former POWs, who died ofALS.

Remember, as did Robby Robertson.He told Mrs. S about this new pre-sumptive, knowing that her husbandhad died of ALS. May 28, 2009, Mrs.S got her DIC and a nice first checkof over $9,000.

But SUCCESS Can come too late: Ten-nessee, Charles Heffron helps widowof ALS victim. Her DIC comes, on theday she died.

AXPOW NSO Don Lewis calls fromDresher, PA: “I just read in the JuneEX-POW Bulletin that ALS, LouGehrig’s Disease, is a new presump-tive for all veterans as well as formerPOWs. I know of two veterans whodied of ALS years ago. I will be pur-suing DIC claims for their widows.”

How ‘bout you? Do you know a vet-eran who died of ALS?

THINK! Let us help. THINK!

nso

Doris Jenks

National Service Director1120 Daleside Lane

New Port Richey, Fl. 34655

(727) 372-7238 - Home

(727) 319-5914 - Office

[email protected]


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I received a call from CharlieSusino, Jr. Vice Commander of theEastern Zone. He reported he hadbeen told that Former Prisoners ofWar were no longer eligible for in-ternment in Arlington NationalCemetery.

In checking the Eligibility for Intern-ment, I found the following:

Eligibility for Internment(Ground Burial)

The person specified below are eli-gible for ground burial in ArlingtonNational Cemetery.

The last period of active duty offormer members of the ArmedForces must have ended honorably,Internment may be casketed or cre-mated remains

a. Any active duty member of theArmed Forces (except those mem-bers on active duty for trainingonly).

b. Any veteran who is retired fromactive military service with theArmed Forces.

c. Any veteran who is retired from

the Reserves is eligible upon reach-ing age 60 and drawing retired pay;and who served a period of activeduty other than training).

d. Any former member of theArmed Forces separated honorablyprior to October 1, 1949 for medi-cal reasons and who was rated at30% or greater disabled effective onthe day of discharge.

e. Any former member of theArmed Forces who has beenawarded one of the following deco-rations:

1. Medal of Honor2. Distinguished Service Cross(Navy Cross or Air Force Cross)3. Distinguished Service Medal4. Silver Star5. Purple Heart

f. The President of the United Statesor any former President of theUnited States.

g. Any former member of theArmed Forces who servd on activeduty (other than training) and whoheld any the following positions:

1, An elective office of the U.S.government2. Office of the Chief Justice ofthe United States or of an Asso-ciate Justice of the Supreme

Court of the United States3, An office listed, at the timethe person held the position, in5 USC 5312 or 5313 (Levels I andII of theExecutive Schedule).4. The chief of a mission whowas at any time during his/hertenture classified in Class I un-der the provisions of Section411, Act of 13 August 1946, 60Stat, 1002, as amended (22 USC866) or as listed in State Depart-ment memorandum datedMarch 21, 1988.

h. ANY FORMER PRISONER OF WAR,WHO, WHILE A PRISONER OF WAR,SERVED HONORABLY IN THE AC-

TIVE MILITARY, NAVAL OR AIRSERVICE, WHOSE LAST PERIOD OFMILITARY, NAVAL OR AIR SERVICETERMINATED HONORABLY ANDWHO DIED ON OR AFTER NOVEM-BER 30, 1993.

i. The spouse, widow or widower,minor child, or permanently depen-dent child and certain unmarriedadult children of any of the aboveeligible veterans.

j. The widow or widower of:

1. a member of the ArmedForces who was lost or buried atsea or officially determined to bemissing in action.2. a member of the ArmedForces who is interred in a USMilitary cemetery overseas thatis maintained byby the American Battle Monu-ments Commission.3. a member of the ArmedForces who is interred in Arling-ton National Cemetery as part ofa group burial.

k. The surviving spouse, minorchild, or permanently dependentchild of any person already buriedin Arlington National Cemetery.

l. The parents of a minor child, orpermanently dependent childwhose remains, based on theeligibilty of a parent, are alreadyburied in ANC. A spouse divorcedfrom the primary eligible, or wid-owed and remarried, is not eligiblefor internment.

m. Provided certain conditions aremet, a former member of theArmed Forces may be buried in thesame grave with a close relative whois already buried and is the primaryeligible.

Doris

pow medsearchMarsha Coke, Chairman

e-mail: [email protected]

3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40

Arlington, TX 76010

(817) 649-2979


9

Packet #5 (What Every POW’s Wife Should Know Before She is Your Widow) has been updated again, with much time and effort onthe part of Marlene Agnes, to include the most recent laws and benefits published. The packet may be purchased from NationalHeadquarters. Cost of the updated packet is $15.00~includes S/H.

Sleep and AgingWe all look forward to a good night’ssleep. Sleep allows our body to restand to restore its energy levels. With-out enough restful sleep, not only canwe become grumpy and irritable, butalso inattentive and more prone toaccidents. Like food and water, ad-equate sleep is essential to goodhealth and quality of life.

There are two types of sleep: non-rapid eye movement — or NREMsleep — and rapid eye movement —or REM sleep. NREM sleep includesfour stages, ranging from light todeep sleep. We cycle through thesefour stages of sleep approximatelyevery 90 minutes. Then we go intoREM sleep, the most active stage ofsleep when dreaming often occurs.During REM sleep, the eyes moveback and forth beneath the eyelidsand muscles become immobile.

Researchers believe that two bodysystems — the sleep-wake processand our circadian biologic clock —regulate our sleep. They program ourbodies to feel sleepy at night andawake during the day.

The sleep-wake process works bybalancing the amount of sleep a per-son needs based on the time spentawake. Our circadian biologic clockis a 24-hour body rhythm affected bysunlight. It regulates hormones suchas melatonin, which is secreted dur-ing the night and promotes sleep,and other processes like body tem-perature. Sleeping at a time that isin sync with this rhythm is impor-tant for healthy sleep.

Sleep needs change over a person’slifetime. Children and adolescentsneed more sleep than adults. Inter-estingly, older adults need about the

same amount of sleep as youngeradults — seven to nine hours of sleepper night.

Unfortunately, many older adultsoften get less sleep than they need.One reason is that they often havemore trouble falling asleep. A studyof adults over 65 found that 13 per-cent of men and 36 percent ofwomen take more than 30 minutesto fall asleep.

Also, older people often sleep lessdeeply and wake up more oftenthroughout the night, which may bewhy they may nap more often dur-ing the daytime. Nighttime sleepschedules may change with age too.Many older adults tend to get sleepierearlier in the evening and awakenearlier in the morning.

There are many possible explana-tions for these changes. Older adultsmay produce and secrete less mela-tonin, the hormone that promotessleep. They may also be more sensi-tive to — and may awaken becauseof — changes in their environment,such as noise.Older adults may also have othermedical and psychiatric problemsthat can affect their nighttime sleep.Researchers have noted that peoplewithout major medical or psychiat-ric illnesses report better sleep.

Not sleeping well can lead to a num-ber of problems. Older adults whohave poor nighttime sleep are morelikely to have a depressed mood, at-tention and memory problems, ex-cessive daytime sleepiness, morenighttime falls, and use more over-the-counter or prescription sleepaids. Poor sleep is also associatedwith a poorer quality of life.

Many people believe that poor sleepis a normal part of aging, but it isnot. In fact, many healthy older

adults report few or no sleep prob-lems. Sleep patterns change as weage, but disturbed sleep and wakingup tired every day are not part ofnormal aging. If you are havingtrouble sleeping, see your doctor ora sleep specialist. There are treat-ments that can help.

Sleep DisordersIf you have a sleep disorder it can behard to get a good night’s sleep. Sleepdisorders can make it hard to fallasleep or stay asleep during the nightand can make you drowsy during theday. The most common sleep disor-ders among older adults are insom-nia, sleep-disordered breathing, suchas snoring and sleep apnea, andmovement disorders like restlesslegs syndrome.

Sleep Disorders - InsomniaInsomnia is the most common sleepcomplaint at any age. It affects al-most half of adults 60 and older.

Short-term insomnia, lasting lessthan one month, may result from amedical or psychiatric condition. Orit may occur after a change in per-sonal circumstances like losing aloved one, relocating, or being hos-pitalized. If insomnia lasts longerthan a month, it is consideredchronic, even if the original cause hasbeen resolved.

Many factors can cause insomnia.However, the most common reasonolder adults wake up at night is togo to the bathroom. Prostate enlarge-ment in men and continence prob-lems in women are often the cause.Unfortunately, waking up to go to thebathroom at night also places olderadults at greater risk for falling.


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medsearch continued...

Disorders that cause pain or discom-fort during the night such as heart-burn, arthritis, menopause, and can-cer also can cause you to lose sleep.Medical conditions such as heart fail-ure and lung disease may make itmore difficult to sleep through thenight, too.

Neurologic conditions such asParkinson’s disease and dementia areoften a source of sleep problems, asare psychiatric conditions, such asdepression. Although depression andinsomnia are often related, it is cur-rently unclear whether one causesthe other.

Many older people also have habitsthat make it more difficult to get agood night’s sleep. They may napmore frequently during the day ormay not exercise as much. Spendingless time outdoors can reduce theirexposure to sunlight and upset theircircadian biologic clock and theirsleep cycle. Drinking more alcohol orcaffeine can keep them from fallingasleep or staying asleep.

Also, as people age, their sleepingand waking patterns tend to change.Older adults usually become sleepierearlier in the evening and wake upearlier in the morning. If they don’tadjust their bedtimes to thesechanges, they may have difficultyfalling and staying asleep.

Lastly, many older adults take a va-riety of different medications thatmay negatively affect their sleep.Many medications have side effectsthat can cause sleepiness or affectdaytime functioning.

Sleep Disorders - Sleep-disorderedBreathing

Sleep apnea and snoring are two ex-amples of sleep-disordered breathing— conditions that make it more dif-ficult to breathe during sleep. When

severe, these disorders may causepeople to wake up often at night andbe drowsy during the day.

Snoring is a very common conditionaffecting nearly 40 percent of adults.It is more common among olderpeople and those who are over-weight. When severe, snoring notonly causes frequent awakenings atnight and daytime sleepiness, it canalso disrupt a bed partner’s sleep.

Snoring is caused by a partial block-age of the airway passage from thenose and mouth to the lungs. Theblockage causes the tissues in thesepassages to vibrate, leading to thenoise produced when someonesnores.

There are two kinds of sleep apnea:obstructive sleep apnea and centralsleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apneaoccurs when air entering from thenose or mouth is either partially orcompletely blocked, usually becauseof obesity or extra tissue in the backof the throat and mouth. If theseepisodes occur frequently or are se-vere, they may cause a person toawaken frequently throughout thenight. This may disrupt their sleepand make them sleepy during theday.

Central sleep apnea is less common.It occurs when the brain doesn’t sendthe right signals to start the breath-ing process. Often, both types ofsleep apnea occur in the same per-son.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more com-mon among older adults and amongpeople who are significantly over-weight. Obstructive sleep apnea canincrease a person’s risk for highblood pressure, strokes, heart dis-ease, and cognitive problems. How-ever, more research is needed to un-derstand the long-term conse-quences of obstructive sleep apneain older adults.

Sleep Disorders - MovementDisorders

Two movement disorders that canmake it harder to sleep include rest-less legs syndrome, or RLS, and peri-odic limb movement disorder, or

PLMD. Both of these conditions causepeople to move their limbs when theysleep, leading to poor sleep and day-time drowsiness. Often, both condi-tions occur in the same person.

Restless legs syndrome is a commoncondition in older adults and affectsmore than 15 percent of people 80years and older. People with RLS ex-perience uncomfortable feelings intheir legs such as tingling, crawling,

or pins and needles. This oftenmakes it hard for them to fall asleepor stay asleep, and causes them tobe sleepy during the day.

Although scientists do not fully un-derstand what causes restless legssyndrome, it has been linked to avariety of conditions. Some of theseconditions include iron deficiency,kidney failure and dialysis, preg-nancy, and nerve abnormalities.Periodic limb movement disorder, orPLMD, is a condition that causespeople to jerk and kick their legsevery 20 to 40 seconds during sleep.As with RLS, PLMD often disruptssleep — not only for the patient butthe bed partner as well. One studyfound that roughly 40 percent ofolder adults have at least a mild formof PLMD.

Another condition that may make itharder to get a good night’s sleep israpid eye movement sleep behaviordisorder, also known as REM sleepbehavior disorder. It is somewhatmore common in men over the ageof 50.

REM sleep, or rapid eye movementsleep, is the most active stage ofsleep where dreaming often occurs.During normal REM sleep, the eyesmove back and forth beneath theeyelids, and muscles cannot move.In more severe forms of REM sleepbehavior disorder, the muscles be-come quite mobile and sufferers of-ten act out their dreams.

Diagnosis and TreatmentIf you are often tired during the dayand don’t feel that you sleep well, youshould discuss this with your doctoror healthcare provider. Many primarycare providers can diagnose sleepdisorders and offer suggestions and

medsearch cont’d...


11

treatments that can improve yoursleep.

Before you visit the doctor, it maybe very helpful for you to ask for andkeep a sleep diary for a week or more.A sleep diary will give you and yourdoctor a picture of your sleep habitsand schedules and help determinewhether they may be affecting yoursleep.

During your appointment your doc-tor will ask you about your symp-toms and may have you fill out ques-tionnaires that measure the severityof your sleep problem. It is also help-ful to have your bed partner comewith you to your appointment sincehe or she may be able to report symp-toms unknown to you like loud snor-ing, breathing pauses, or movementsduring sleep.

Since older people are more likely totake medications and to have medi-cal problems that may affect sleep,it is important for your doctor to beaware of any health condition ormedication you are taking. Don’t for-get to mention over-the-countermedications, coffee or caffeine use,and alcohol since these also mayhave an impact on your sleep.

The doctor will then perform a physi-cal examination. During the exam thedoctor will look for signs of otherdiseases that may affect sleep, suchas Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heartdisease, or obesity. If your doctorfeels more information is needed, heor she may refer you to a sleep cen-ter for more testing.

Sleep centers employ physicians andothers who are experts in problemsthat affect sleep. If the sleep special-ist needs more information, he or shemay ask you to undergo an overnightsleep study, also called apolysomnogram, and/or a daytimesleepiness, or a nap test. Apolysomnogram is a test that mea-sures brain waves, heart rate, breath-ing patterns and body movements.

A common sleepiness test is themultiple sleep latency test. Duringthis test, the person has an opportu-nity to nap every two hours duringthe daytime. If the person falls asleeptoo quickly it may mean that he orshe has too much daytime sleepi-ness.

Based on your sleep evaluation, yourdoctor or sleep specialist may recom-mend individual treatment options.It is important to remember thatthere are effective treatments formost sleep disorders.

If you are diagnosed with a sleep dis-order, your doctor may suggest spe-cific treatments. You should ask forinformation to find out more aboutyour condition and ways to improveyour sleep.

There are a number of therapiesavailable to help you fall asleep andstay asleep. You may want to try lim-iting excessive noise and/or light inyour sleep environment. Or, youcould limit the time spent in bedwhile not sleeping, and use brightlights to help with circadian rhythmproblems. Circadian rhythm is our24-hour internal body clock that isaffected by sunlight.

Relaxation techniques also may behelpful in reducing physical andemotional tensions that can interferewith sleep. There are also cognitivetherapies aimed at changing atti-tudes and concerns people may haveabout insomnia and not being ableto sleep well.

Some specialists believe medicationsalso can be useful early in your treat-ment, and if necessary, you can usethem from time to time if you havetrouble falling asleep.

People who are diagnosed with sleepapnea should try to lose weight ifpossible, but often they may needother treatments as well. Adjustingyour body position during the nightmay benefit you if you experiencesleep apnea more often when you lieon your back.

The most effective and popular treat-ment for sleep apnea is nasal con-

tinuous positive airway pressure, orCPAP. This device keeps your air pas-sages open by supplying a steadystream of air pressure through yournose while you sleep.

To use the CPAP, the patient puts ona small mask that fits around thenose. Air pressure is delivered to themask from a small, quiet air pumpthat sits at the bedside. The patientnot only wears the mask at night butalso during naps, since obstructionscan occur during these times as well.If you have a mild case of sleep ap-nea, sometimes a dental device or ap-pliance can be helpful. If your condi-tion is more severe and you don’t tol-erate other treatments, your doctormay suggest surgery to increase theairway size in the mouth and throat.One common surgical method re-moves excess tissue from the back ofthe throat.

Very often, people who suffer frommovement disorders during sleepsuch as restless legs syndrome or pe-riodic limb movement disorder aresuccessfully treated with the samemedications used for Parkinson’s dis-ease. People with restless legs syn-drome often have low levels of ironin their blood. In such cases doctorsoften prescribe supplements.

Medications can also treat people withREM behavior disorder. If there are re-ports of dangerous activities such ashitting or running during these epi-sodes, it may be necessary to makechanges to the person’s sleeping areato protect sufferers and their bedpartners from injury.

A good night’s sleep can make a bigdifference in how you feel.

Information supplied:National Institutes of HealthNational Institute on AgingBuilding 31, Room 5C2731 Center Drive, MSC 2292Bethesda, MD 20892

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

12

POW MEDSEARCH PACKETS

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andersonville

Andersonville NHS496 Cemetery RoadAndersonville, GA 31711(229) 924-0343

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

13

Andersonville

Keeping with the tradition of re-membering those who gave theirlives in service to the nation, Ander-sonville volunteers and staff helda series of events throughout theweekend to mark the holiday.

It could be said that Memorial Dayactivities at Andersonville began aweek before. On May 16th in coop-eration with the Town of Anderson-ville, the park held its annual EchoTaps event. Organized by accom-plished bugler, Park Ranger JohnGray, the tribute began at the con-clusion of a ceremony to mark the100th anniver-sary of theWirz Monu-ment. Thir-teen buglersplayed in se-quence fromthe Town intothe CampSumter PrisonSite throughthe park intothe NationalCemetery.

On Saturday,May 23rd,

over 500 Girl Scouts, Boy Scoutsand Junior ROTC cadets came de-spite the rain to place 18,657 flagsin the National Cemetery. Placedone foot in front of each headstone,each volunteer youth paused ateach grave to salute and read thename of the veteran buried at thatlocation. It was an inspiring sightto see young people performingthis service and learning in the pro-cess. After all the flags wereplaced, park staff and volunteerstreated the kids to a hot dog lunch.

On Sunday morning, May 24th theday began with a small ceremonyto pay tribute to the 56 Union Sol-diers of Norwegian descent thatdied at Camp Sumter prisoner ofwar camp. The ceremony was heldin the prison site adjacent to theWisconsin Monument since manyof those soldiers served in Wiscon-sin Regiments. The story of theNorway Andersonville connectioncame from a book about Norwe-gians who were held in Civil Warprison camps by TorbjornGreipsland. He was assisted bylong time park volunteer Kevin Fryewho arranged for the recognition.Both Mr. Greipsland and ColonelOle Martin Hojem, Military Attachéfrom the Royal Norwegian Embassyin Washington, spoke at the eventthat was attended by a number ofdescendants of those NorwegianPOWs that had been held at CampSumter.

At 2:00 PM that same day, thepark’s traditional Memorial Day cer-emony was held in the NationalCemetery. The National Com-mander of the American Ex-Prison-ers of War, Jim Clark, recognizedveterans and former POWs in theaudience. Melanie Grace, Presidentof the Friends of Andersonville, pre-sented a check for $24,000 to thepark for Phase II – Design of theTraveling Exhibit project. Theprogram’s principal speaker wasLieutenant Colonel Robert J. Sweet,Deputy Commander of the 23rdFighter Group at Moody Air ForceBase. Lt Col Sweet had been a POWin the first Gulf War after his A-10Wart Hog was shot down over Iraq.He told the audience of 600+ peopleabout his experience and how theloss of his wing man at the time ofhis shoot down will always be withhim. Also as a part of the program,Norwegian Military Attaché ColonelMartin Hojem spoke about thoseNorwegians who were held atAndersonville. The program endedwith the traditional placing ofwreaths by patriotic and veteran’sservice organizations. Perhaps thegreatest highlight of the event wasthat the threatening skies did notyield any rain until well after the lastpatriotic song was sung.

On Monday, May 25th a CatholicMass was held at the National Cem-etery. The weekend’s observanceended with the National Day of Re-membrance at 3:00 PM.

Remembers

Memorial Day

PHOTO: A ceremony was held tohonor those Union Soldiers whowere recent emigrants fromNoraway who were held at Ander-sonville prison during the Civil War.Picutred here are those who weredescendants of those Norwegiansheld at Camp Sumter along withColonel Hojem, Military Attache ofthe Royal Norwegian Embassy.

namPOW news

Paul E. GalantiNational Director, East Central804.389.1668 (cell)[email protected]

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

14

Vietnam POWs and the

Medal of Honor~Part I

Summary: Eight Vietnam POWswere awarded the Medal of Honor.They were VADM Jim Stockdale,USN; Col. Bud Day, USAF; Col. DonCook, USMC (Posthumously); Capt.Lance Sijan, USAF (Posthumously);Capt. Rocky Versace (Posthu-mously) for action above and be-yond the call of duty as POWs andCol. Leo Thorsness, USAF, SGM JonCavaiani, USA and SGT William Port,USA, for action prior to their beingcaptured. Here are their citations:

SGM Jon Cavaiani, USA: S/Sgt.Cavaiani distinguished himself byconspicuous gallantry and intrepid-ity at the risk of life above and be-yond the call of duty in action inThe Republic of Vietnam on 4 and5 June 1971 while serving as a pla-toon leader to a security platoonproviding security for an isolatedradio relay site located within en-emy-held territory. On the morningof 4 June 1971 the entire campcame under an intense barrage ofenemy small arms, automatic weap-ons, rocket-propelled grenade andmortar fire from a superior sizeenemy force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani actedwith complete disregard for hispersonal safety as he repeatedly

exposed himself to heavy enemyfire in order to move about thecamp’s perimeter directing theplatoon’s fire and rallying the pla-toon in a desperate fight for sur-vival. S/Sgt. Cavaiani also returnedheavy suppressive fire upon the as-saulting enemy force during thisperiod with a variety of weapons.When the entire platoon was to beevacuated, S/Sgt. Cavaianiunhesitatingly volunteered to re-main on the ground and direct thehelicopters into the landing Zone.S/Sgt. Cavaiani was able to directthe first 3 helicopters in evacuat-ing a major portion of the platoon.Due to an intense increase in en-emy fire, S/Sgt Cavaiani was forcedto remain at the camp overnightwhere he calmly directed the re-maining platoon members instrengthening their defenses. Onthe morning of 5 June, a heavyground fog restricted visibility. Thesuperior size enemy launched amajor ground attack in an attemptto completely annihilate the re-maining small force. The enemyforce advanced in 2 ranks launch-ing a heavy volume of small arms,automatic weapons and rocket pro-pelled grenade fire while the sec-ond rank continuously threw asteady barrage of hand grenades atthe beleaguered force. S/Sgt.Cavaiani returned a heavy barrageof small arms and hand grenadefire on the assaulting enemy forcesbut was unable to slow them down.He ordered the remaining platoonmembers to attempt to escapewhile he provided them with coverfire. With one last courageous ex-ertion, S/Sgt. Cavaiani recovered amachine gun, stood up, completelyexposing himself to the heavy en-emy fire directed at him, and be-gan firing the machine gun in asweeping motion along the 2 ranksof advancing enemy soldiers.Through S/Sgt Cavaiani’s valiant ef-forts, with complete disregard forhis safety, the majority of the re-maining platoon members wereable to escape. While inflicting se-vere losses on the advancing enemyforce, S/Sgt Cavaiani was wounded

numerous times. S/Sgt Cavaiani’sconspicuous Gallantry, extraordi-nary heroism at the risk of his life,above and beyond the call of duty,were in keeping with the highesttraditions of the military serviceand reflect great credit upon him-self and the U.S. Army.

Col. Bud Day, USAF: On 26 August1967, Col. Day was forced to ejectfrom his aircraft over North Viet-nam when it was hit by ground fire.His right arm was broken in 3places,and his left knee was badlysprained. He was immediately cap-tured by hostile forces and takento a prison camp where he was in-terrogated and severely tortured.After causing the guards to relaxtheir vigilance, Col. Day escapedinto the jungle and began the trektoward South Vietnam. Despite in-juries inflicted by fragments of abomb or rocket, he continuedsouthward surviving only on a fewberries and uncooked frogs. He suc-cessfully evaded enemy patrols andreached the Ben Hai River, where heencountered U.S. artillery barrages.With the aid of a bamboo log float,Col. Day swam across the river andentered the demilitarized zone. Dueto delirium, he lost his sense of di-rection and wandered aimlessly forseveral days. After several unsuc-cessful attempts to signal U.S. air-craft, he was ambushed and recap-tured by the Viet Cong, sustaininggunshot wounds to his left handand thigh. He was returned to theprison from which he had escapedand later was moved to Hanoi aftergiving his captors false informationto questions put before him. Physi-cally, Col. Day was totally debili-tated and unable perform even thesimplest task for himself. Despitehis many injuries, he continued tooffer maximum resistance. His per-sonal bravery in the face of deadlyenemy pressure was significant insaving the lives of fellow aviatorswho were still flying against theenemy. Col. Day’s conspicuous gal-lantry and intrepidity at the risk ofhis life above and beyond the callof duty are in keeping with the high-

pow-mia

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR:There are now 1,740 US personnellisted by the Defense POW/MIAOffice (DPMO) as missing and un-accounted for from the VietnamWar. The remains of Major HarmonPolster, USAF, listed as MIA in Laoson July 15, 1969, were jointly re-covered April 21, 2007 and identi-fied March 30, 2009. The remainsof Major Wilbur R. Brown, USAF,previously missing in South Viet-nam, were recovered May 19, 2003and part of a recent group identifi-cation. The number of US person-nel accounted for since the end ofthe Vietnam War in 1975 is now842. 90% of the 1,740 still missingwere lost in Vietnam or areas ofLaos and Cambodia underVietnam’s wartime control.

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

15

namPOW continued...

est traditions of the U.S. Air Forceand reflect great credit upon him-self and the U.S.Armed Forces.

VADM Jim Stockdale, USN: For con-spicuous gallantry and intrepidityat the risk of his life above and be-yond the call of duty while seniornaval officer in the Prisoner of Warcamps of North Vietnam. Recog-nized by his captors as the leaderin the Prisoners’ of War resistanceto interrogation and in their refusalto participate in propaganda exploi-tation, Rear Adm. Stockdale wassingled out for interrogation and at-tendant torture after he was de-tected in a covert communicationsattempt. Sensing the start of an-other purge, and aware that his ear-lier efforts at self disfiguration todissuade his captors from exploit-ing him for propaganda purposeshad resulted in cruel and agoniz-ing punishment, Rear Adm. Stock-dale resolved to make himself asymbol of resistance regardless ofpersonal sacrifice. He deliberatelyinflicted a near-mortal wound to hisperson in order to convince his cap-tors of his willingness to give uphis life rather than capitulate. Hewas subsequently discovered andrevived by the North Vietnamesewho, convinced of his indomitablespirit, abated in their employmentof excessive harassment and tor-ture toward all of the Prisoners ofWar. By his heroic action, at greatperil to himself, he earned the ev-erlasting gratitude of his fellowprisoners and of his country. RearAdm. Stockdale’s valiant leadershipand extraordinary courage in a hos-tile environment sustain and en-hance the finest traditions of theU.S. Naval Service.

Col. Leo Thorsness, USAF: For con-spicuous gallantry and intrepidityin action at the risk of his life aboveand beyond the call of duty. As pi-lot of an F-105 aircraft, Lt. Col.Thorsness was on a surface-to-airmissile suppression mission overNorth Vietnam. Lt. Col. Thorsnessand his wingman attacked and si-

lenced a surface-to-air missile sitewith air-to-ground missiles, andthen destroyed a second surface-to-air missile site with bombs. Inthe attack on the second missilesite, Lt. Col. Thorsness’ wingmanwas shot down by intensive antiair-craft fire, and the 2 crewmembersabandoned their aircraft. Lt. Col.Thorsness circled the descendingparachutes to keep thecrewmembers in sight and relaytheir position to the Search andRescue Center. During this maneu-ver, a MIG-17 was sighted in thearea. Lt. Col. Thorsness immedi-ately initiated an attack and de-stroyed the MIG. Because his air-craft was low on fuel, he was forcedto depart the area in search of atanker. Upon being advised that 2helicopters were orbiting over thedowned crew’s position and thatthere were hostile MlGs in the areaposing a serious threat to the heli-copters, Lt. Col. Thorsness, despitehis low fuel condition, decided toreturn alone through a hostile en-vironment of surface-to-air missileand antiaircraft defenses to thedowned crew’s position. As he ap-proached the area, he spotted 4MIG-17 aircraft and immediatelyinitiated an attack on the MlGs,damaging 1 and driving the othersaway from the rescue scene. Whenit became apparent that an aircraftin the area was critically low on fueland the crew would have to aban-don the aircraft unless they couldreach a tanker, Lt. Col. Thorsness,although critically short on fuelhimself, helped to avert furtherpossible loss of life and a friendlyaircraft by recovering at a forwardoperating base, thus allowing theaircraft in emergency fuel conditionto refuel safely. Lt. Col. Thorsness’extraordinary heroism, self-sacri-fice, and personal bravery involv-ing conspicuous risk of life were inthe highest traditions of the mili-tary service, and have reflectedgreat credit upon himself and theU.S. Air Force.

(Part II Posthumous - Sept. 2009)

PNC John Edwards

Chairman889 Randall Road

Niskayuna, NY 12309-4815

(518) 393-3907 phone & fax

POW/MIA car-window decals areavailable at a cost of $20 per 100 bysending a check to the League officeat 1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170,Arlington, VA 22201. POW/MIAlapel pins are also available at $3each or 2/$5. For added informationplease contact the League’s web siteat www.pow-miafamilies.org or callthe national office at 703-465-7432.If no one is available to take yourcall, please leave a message.


16

civilians

Walter H. Riley, Chairman

14521 Cyprus Point Drive

Dallas, TX 75234

(972)247-6069

[email protected]

The Siege of Santo Tomas

part 3

(Part IV in September issue)

At length noon came and we askedto be excused to get our lunch. Hesaid no, for though he trusted us, stillif we were untrustworthy, it wouldbe most unfortunate. So we stayedon in his room a bit and then sug-gested that as he was tired anddoubtless needed rest we might goto another room and wait. This wedid.

There we had some talk with mem-bers of the Japanese staff who werefriendly to us throughout. Ohashihad been a candy firm man for fif-teen years and spoke English well.Kinoshita had been a vice-principalof a middle school in Kyoto and headof the English department. Hirosewas sick but had been very good tous in many ways. He had been in for-eign office work either in the consu-lar service or embassy in some SouthAmerican country and talked Englishfairly well, but Spanish very freely.Those three and one other, Honda,an interpreter who spoke Tagalog,having spent most of his life in thePhilippines, had always been helpfulto us.

It was suggested that if they couldstay on in the interim between Japa-nese and American control, theycould go out of camp for us, for they

would have no difficulty with theJapanese Military Police. We chattedaway waiting and waiting. At lengththe commandant woke out of his stu-por and I put to him the request ofthe committee. He turned it downflat. I promised that we would guardthe four men with our lives. He saidthat no Japanese could surrender andif they stayed on surrender was im-plied. His assumption that these menwould not wish to surrender was con-trary to fact, for three of them indi-cated that the plan suited them.

At length at four o’clock the com-mandant swore us to secrecy. Wewere not to let the internees knowwhat had been talked over in the con-ference, and we were allowed to goback. Of course folks were very anx-ious to know what had gone on, andit was very difficult to keep it secret.The Japanese expected our task force(which layoff the mouth of ManilaBay) to receive aid from the air andwith the guns at Corregidor com-manded from the air our fleet couldsail right past the forts and landforces on the water front of Manila.It was two days later that the land-ings came, but in another spot,Lingayan Gulf.

February 3 was the day, or rather theevening, the troops came in. Most ofthe Japanese soldiers had been with-drawn, and the soldiers wereFormosans in the main. They hadreceived considerable training, butwere not a very martial lot.

For office staff we had:Commandant Lt. Col. Hayashi.Department Heads:Onozaki (civilian granted courtesyrank of major).Ohashi (civilian granted courtesyrank of?).First Lieutenant Shiraji, of the Com-missariat.2nd Lt. Yamamoto of the Commis-sariat.First Lt. Abiko, of the Infantry.(Dr. Yoshimura, 1st Lt. in Army Medi-cal, and his whole department hadbeen withdrawn a few days before.)Takeda (who had been a private inthe China campaign, but with us acivilian attached to the military withcourtesy captain? rank).

Department personnel includedseven to ten civilian clerks.Cooks, kozukai, [janitor, watchman]etc., perhaps a half dozen.

Soldiers enough with a few folksfrom headquarters to make up a to-tal of nearly seventy, say fifty sol-diers. These had rifles, one machinegun, and some hand grenades.

The Education Building (school ofpedagogy on a university campus)was a three-storied affair. The firstfloor was entirely in the hands of theJapanese except for East end stair-cases; the central staircases were inJapanese hands. The second floorwas divided two thirds to the Japa-nese, one-third to the internees. Imessed up the staircase situation.The East end staircase was in in-ternee hands. The other three werein Japanese. The third (top) floor wasentirely internee. When troublestarted the Japanese took over all thestaircases and the internees all wentto the top floor.

Orders were for curfew to come atthe close of roll call on Feb. 3. Forseveral nights we had heard whatsounded like artillery. Probably it wasan opening up of the guns in re-sponse to some sniping by guerril-las, for the active combat lines werestill twenty-five miles and moreaway.

On that night I was only a few daysout of the hospital. I had been dis-charged Monday with orders to keepoff my feet. This was Saturday.) Thesun was about going down and Mr.Lloyd, the Britisher on the InterneeCommittee had come over to see howI was. As we were talking we heardtanks and trucks rolling along ourback wall. Bob Crytzer had let me goto live in his shack near the back wall,to save my having to climb up to thethird floor of the lofty Main Build-ing. A few shots were fired and somemachine gun bursts. We heard Fili-pino voices, “They’re here!” “They’vecome!” Whether it could be Ameri-cans we couldn’t tell. It might be J.tanks out to quell a guerrilla upris-ing.


17

events

August 13-16, 2009 The Depart-ment of Ohio Annual State Con-vention will be held at the DruryInn and Suites,Columbus, OH (614-875-7000. For additional Informa-tion, call “Doc” Unger (216) 521-1889 Anyone and everyhone is in-vited.

Aug. 18-23, 2009. The 8th Air ForceHistorical Society will hold its 35th

Annual Reunion at the MillenniumHotel, Cincinnati, OH. They will behosting an “Air Corps POWRoundtable as part of the reunion.For more information, contact Gre-gory Hatton, 350-65th St., Apt. 22C,Brooklyn, NY 11220; 718-836-5951; [email protected].

August 25-30, 2009. The ThirdMarine Division Association willhold its annual family reunion inSan Antonio, TX at the El TropicanoRiverwalk Hotel. Anyone whoserved in, was attached to or servedin support of the Third Marine Div.at any time is eligible and cordiallyinvited to attend. Contact: JeffreyDement, 23830 W Ottawa St.,Plainfield, IL 60544; 815-436-3783;j e f f d e m e n d @ a o l . c o m ;www.caltrap.com.

August 26-29, 2009. The 80th In-fantry Blue Ridge Division Veter-ans Association will hold its 90th

Annual Reunion at the Pittsburgh,PA Airport Marriott Hotel. Call forreservations: 412-788-8800. Formore information, contact: DonaldStewart, 412-442-6758;[email protected]

September 8-13, 2009. The AX-POW National Convention will beheld in Boise, ID. Please see conven-tion pages in the Bulletin for moreinformation.

Sept. 23-28, 2009. The 4th AnnualKorean War Veterans Associationreunion will be held at the EdenResort, Lancaster, PA. All KoreanWar Veterans welcome! Great sidetrips to the Korean Memorial, Val-ley Forge and Lancaster County.Contact: Charles & Judy Egresitz,717-652-4088, 717-497-6971;[email protected].

Sept. 23-27, 2009. The 35th Infan-try Division Association will holdits Annual Reunion at the RamadaHotel & Convention Center, Topeka,KS. Delegations from cities in Eu-rope the 35th Division liberated inWWII will attend. For details, callCol. Robert Dalton, 785-267-3295;or www.35thInfDivAssoc.com.

lookingforMy name is Jackie Hooper and I amfrom Portland, Oregon. Ihave created a project that I amhoping you could help me with. Itis called “The Things You WouldHave Said” and I am collecting let-ters from people of all ages, askingthem to write a letter to someonesaying something they have alwayswanted to say but never took theopportunity to do so. It can be tosomeone alive or deceased, and theletters can either be lighthearted ordeeply emotional. I have receivedletters from elementary schools,high schools, retirement homes, theLane County jail, and other variouspeople around the area. It would beamazing to hear the stories of ex-prisoner war survivors and havethem contribute letters to this col-lection. My goal is to collect enoughletters to publish the collection asa book. I have release forms forwriters to sign if their submissiongets chosen for the collection. Isthere a way I can contact themabout this? Thank you for yourtime. I sincerely appreciate it! JackieHooper, 14109 NW Bronson CreekDrive, Portland, Oregon 97229.

News

Apology 67 years later…

Japan’s Ambassador to the UnitedStates, Ichiro Fujisaki, flew fromWashington to San Antonio, Texasto deliver that country’s apology tothe POWs of Japan. Hi last-minuteappearance was on May 30, 2008and given to the 64th and final con-vention of the American Defendersof Bataan and Corregidor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I thank youvery much. I am very grateful, forthe very kind invitation I have re-ceived. It is a great honor to partici-pate in your final convention.

Today, I would like to convey to youthe position of the government ofJapan on this issue. As former PrimeMinisters of Japan have repeatedlystated, the Japanese people shouldbear in mind that we must look intothe past and to learn from the les-sons of history. We extend a heart-felt apology for our country havingcaused tremendous damage andsuffering to many people, includingprisoners of wars, those who haveundergone tragic experiences in theBataan Peninsula, Corregidor Is-land, in the Philippines, and otherplaces.

Ladies and gentlemen, taking thisopportunity, I would like to expressmy deepest condolences to all thosewho have lost their lives in the war,and after the war, and their familymembers. As for the Peace Program,as such Dr. Tenney referred, I havetold him that I cannot make a defi-nite statement at this junction, if wecan expand this program. However,I can convey to you that relevantbureau in the government of Japan

Briefs


18

news, continued...

AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR

VOLUNTEER FUNDING PROGRAMThe AXPOW Volunteer Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, wherebythe entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to

contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability andwillingness to contribute.

All contributions are to be sent directly to the National Treasurer to be used for the operation of theorganization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each month.

I am enclosing my contribution to support the operation of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.

$20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other

Please circle one category:

Individual Chapter State Department(If chapter or department, please give name)

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone #

Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary FundingMail contributions to: Sonnie Bill Mottern

National Treasurer, American Ex-Prisoners of War279 Huckleberry Road, Bluff City, TN 37618; 423-341-4213

Donations are not tax-deductible at this time

is working seriously and sincerelyon this matter.

Today, Japan and United States arethe closest friends, best allies. But,we should always keep in our mindthat this good relations is based onour past experiences and efforts.Ladies and gentlemen, we are com-mitted to carry on the torch of ourfuture gen-to our future generationsof this excellent and irreplaceablefriendship and relations. I thank youvery much for this occasion.”

Notch Fairness

Act of2009HR 1067 Introduced 2/13/2009 –Sponsor Rep. John Hall (NY); 69 cosponsorsCompanion Senate Bill – S81.

Notch Fairness Act of 2009 -

Amends title II (Old Age, Survi-vors and Disability Insurance)(OASDI) of the Social Security Actto revise the formula for thecomputation of minimum Old AgeInsurance benefits for individualswho reached age 65 in or after1979, and to whom applies the15-year transition period for thechanges in benefit computationrules enacted in the Social Secu-rity Amendments of 1977.

Sets forth a schedule of additionalbenefit increases for such benefi-ciaries (and related beneficiaries),with percentages declining from55% to 5% and keyed to the year anindividual became eligible for suchbenefits between 1979 and 1988.

Allows such beneficiaries, in the al-ternative, to receive lump sum pay-

ments over four years totaling$5,000.

Surviving Spouses’

Benefit Improvement

Act of 2009H.R.2243To amend title 38, United StatesCode, to provide for an increase inthe amount of monthly dependencyand indemnity compensation pay-able to surviving spouses by theSecretary of Veterans Affairs.

Introduced by Rep. Steve Buyer (IN);52 cosponsors.Companion Senate Bill S1118.

Increases the monthly rates of vet-erans’ dependency and indemnitycompensation payable to survivingspouses through the Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA).

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

19

Sept 8-13, 2009

~~ Boise Idaho ~~To be held at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Boise. Room rates are $92 per night, plus

tax. Parking at the hotel and airport transportation are free. Registration will be $77 per personand include the following:

~ Welcoming Package with name button, itinerary, list of attendees, & local information~ Hospitality Room stocked with snacks & beverages all 5 days

~ All associated taxes and gratuities

(Ladies Luncheon will be $17.00 per person.)Call the Doubletree at 208-343-1871 no later than August 7, 2009

to make your hotel reservations.Doubletree Riverside Hotel2903 Chinden Boulevard

Boise, Idaho 83717

REGISTRATION FORMYES SIGN ME UP FOR AMERICAN EX POW’S ANNUAL CONVENTION!!!

NAME ______________________________________________________________________________

POW CAMP___________________________BRANCH OF SERVICE________________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________________

PHONE___________________________________EMAIL____________________________________

NAME OF YOUR GUESTS____________________________________________________________BANQUET MEAL SELECTION: BEEF_______ CHICKEN________ VEGETARIAN_______PLEASE LIST ANY SPECIAL NEEDS:__________________________________________________IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTIFY___________________________________________________IS THIS YOUR FIRST CONVENTION? YES:______ NO:______

REGISTRATION FEES

NUMBER OF PERSONS ATTENDING _______ x $77 = ______LADIES LUNCHEON NUMBER ATTENDING ______ x $17 = ______CITY/WARHAWK TOUR NUMBER ATTENDING _______ x $33 = ______SHAKESPEARE THEATER NUMBER ATTENDING_______ x $43 = ______

TOTAL ENCLOSED = ______PAYMENT IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 8, 2009

PLEASE SEND PAYMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS AND MADE PAYABLE TO:THE REUNION BRAT 50721 State Hwy 410 E Greenwater, WA 98022; (360)663-2521

Confirmation of Registration and Itinerary will be sent out by August 15, 2009. A $20 per person cancellationfee will apply to all cancellations received within 30 days of the event. Cancellations received within 10 daysof the event will be non-refundable. Call the DoubleTree Hotel at 208-343-1871 no later than August 7, 2009to make your hotel reservations. Be sure to mention you are with the American EX-POW Convention to receiveyour group rate of $92 a night, plus tax. These prices are available 3 days prior to and after your event shouldyou choose to extend your stay.

We’ll see you soon in beautiful Boise Idaho!!


20

American Ex-Prisoners of WarCandidate for National Office

2009

Candidate for office of:Name:Address: Telephone:

Member Chapter:Military Service Organization (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or civilian):

Date and Place of Capture:Places of Internment:Date and Place of Liberation:

Biography (Please attach, including picture):

To be eligible to run for a national office, a candidate must have been a member for the 3 previous years.Submit to: Grover Swearingen, Chairman, 408 Fair Park Avenue, West Union, OH 45693 ~ (937) 544-2459;[email protected]

AD Order FormPage size is 8 ½ x 11

Ad PricingBlack & White ColorFull Page …..$250 $500Half Page… .$175 $300Quarter Page…$125BusinessCard..$50

Name: __________________________

Organization: ____________________

Address:_________________________

City: ____________ _______________

State & Zip: ______________________

Telephone: _______________________

Ad Size: _________________________

Amount Enclosed $________________

Checks Payable to:2009 Convention FundMail Form with Ad materials andcheck to:Marsha Coke, NationalHeadquarters, 3101 E. Pioneer Pkway,Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010

National Convention

Tentative Agenda

Sept. 8-13, 2008

Tuesday Sept. 8:National Service Officer TrainingRegistration Desk Open in PM

Wednesday Sept. 9:National Board of DirectorsMeeting

Registration Desk OpenHospitality Room OpenHospitality RoomEvening Entertainment

Thursday Sept. 10:Opening CeremoniesRegistration Desk OpenHospitality Room OpenCredentials Room OpenLadies LuncheonLegislative & MedSearch SeminarsCommanders Receptionwith Entertainment

Friday Sept. 11:Past National CommandersBreakfastGeneral Business SessionCamp Reunions

Hospitality RoomEvening Entertainment

Saturday Sept. 12:General Business Session &BallotingBanquet and Installation ofOfficers

Sunday Sept. 13:DevotionalNational Board of DirectorsMeeting

Note: If you are staying for thebanquet, you will be checking outon Sunday, Sept. 13. If you areplanning to attend the new Boardof Directors meeting, please makeplans to depart later in the day onSunday.

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

21

Decision 2009

AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR 2009 NATIONAL CONVENTION

DELEGATE VALIDATION FORM

SEPTEMBER 8-13, 2009 BOISE, IDAHO

Please validate the following members as delegates to the 2009 National Convention in Boise, ID

Chapter/Department Name (Please print)

Head Delegate: (Please print name and address.)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other Delegates and Alternates: (Please print names and addresses.)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Validated lists will be returned to the Head Delegates.

If you are a chapter voting with your state department, do not return this form.

MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR, CREDENTIALS 3201 EAST PIONEER PARKWAY #40 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76010-5396

Guidelines for

Credentials & Voting

Credentials Room will openThursday, Sept. 10, 2009 from 1PM-5PM for head delegates to startchecking in with their validatedcredential letter.

1. There is no proxy voting in thisorganization.

2. There are three ways to castvotes: State Department, Chapter orMember-at-Large.

3. The State Department or ChapterAdjutants must submit theCredentials letter to the NationalAdjutant with the list of delegate(s)attending the convention. Per theBylaws, this will be sent to NationalHeadquarters no later than 30 days

prior to the first business meetingof convention.

4. The National Adjutant willvalidate the membership list fromeach State Department, Chapter or

Member-at-Large. Once validated, acopy will be mailed to the HeadDelegate and the original will begiven to the chair of the CredentialsCommittee. Bring your copy toconvention.

5. Per Bylaws, the State Departmentmay represent a member of thatstate who is not represented by achapter.

6. Voting chapters, per Bylaws, shalllist by name, alphabetically, eachmember they are representing atthe convention. This way, ourNational Adjutant knows how manypeople to subtract from the StateDepartment count.

7. Each validated credential lettermust be presented to theCredentials Committee no laterthan three (3) hours prior to thefirst call to order GeneralMembership meeting of the

national convention.

8. No show, no vote. Please makesure if your head delegate cannotattend the convention afterreceiving their copy of the validatedcredential letter in the mail thatthey give it to an alternate on thedelegate list.

Debby Lindhurst, ChairCredentials Committee3620 W. Ruth AvePhoenix, AZ 85051

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

22

Decision 2009

RESOLUTION 2009-01To amend the National Bylaws,Article IX – Officers, Paragraph I –Governance, sub-paragraph 3.

WHEREAS: The National Bylaws canbe misinterpreted as written:“Actions of the Board of Directorsmay be repealed, amended ormodified by a simple majority voteof the delegates, present andvoting, at the national convention.”;andWHEREAS: The word “delegates”in the above quote is oftenmisinterpreted to mean onlymembers present who arecredentialed to cast paper ballotsduring the annual election ofmembers of the Board of Directors;therefore be itRESOLVED: That the Article IX,Paragraph 1, sub-paragraph 3 bechanged to read:3. Actions of the Board of Directorsmay be repealed, amended ormodified by a simple majority voteof the members, present andvoting, at the national convention.

Submitted by James Lollar, Texas

RESOLUTION 2009-2To amend the National Bylaws, Ar-ticle XIII, Paragraph E

WHEREAS: The past practice in ref-erence to the AXPOW By-Laws, Ar-ticle XIII. National Convention,paragraph E, sub-paragraph 4 hasallowed chapter votes to be addedback to the State Department totalswhen the chapter’s designatedHead or Alternate Delegate did notpresent their letters of validationto the Credentials Committee; andWHEREAS: This practice violatesthe “intent” of the above referencedsub-paragraph 4 because the votes

associated with the Head or Alter-nate Delegate’s failure to presenttheir letters of validation to theCredentials Committee continue tobe and are still represented by adelegate who did not follow theguidelines set forth in the AXPOWBy-Laws; therefore, be itRESOLVED: That a second sentenceshould be added to the existingAXPOW By-Laws, Article XIII. Na-tional Convention, paragraph E,sub-paragraph 4 as follows: “Thevotes associated with any delega-tion will not be counted if the Heador Alternate Delegate does notproperly present their previouslyvalidated letters to the CredentialsCommittee.”

Submitted by James Lollar, Texas

RESOLUTION 2009-3To amend the National Bylaws,Article IX, Paragraph F

WHEREAS: The organization isevolving each year, andWHEREAS: Knowledge of thecurrent actions of the organizationis paramount to serving themembers, therefore, be itRESOLVED: That Article IX,Paragraph F, sub-paragraph 2 bechanged to read:2. To be eligible for election tooffice of National Junior ViceCommander a member shall haveserved the previous term asNational Jr. Vice Commander orNational Director.

Submitted by the Bylaws andResolutions Committee

RESOLUTION 2009-4To amend the Bylaws Article IX –Officers, Paragraph I –Governance, sub-paragraph 3.

WHEREAS: The National Bylawsprovide that “Actions of the Boardof Directors may be repealed,

amended or modified by a simplemajority vote of the delegates,present and voting, at the nationalconvention.”; andWHEREAS: The word “delegates”in the above quote is evidentlyintended to mean only memberspresent who are properlycredentialed to cast paper ballotsduring the annual election ofmembers of the Board of Directors;and in voting on properly processedresolutions; andWHEREAS: At an open meetingduring an annual convention, it isvirtually impossible to verify theeligibility of each delegate presentand the number of votes eachdelegate is authorized to cast,without an extensive andunacceptable delay in theproceedings; andWHEREAS: The inclusion of sucha provision empowers thosemembers who so choose, to vote toveto the actions of the electedofficers and board members, whoshould be expected to be moreknowledgeable about the issuesand more concerned with thewelfare and future viability of theorganization than members whonormally are not required to takean oath of office to properlydischarge their responsibilities; andWHEREAS: In a report on herreview in 2000 of the organization’sgovernance documents, Dr. Lakey,a professional authority on thesubject, commented that such aprovision was inappropriate for anynon-profit. Also, in my 26-yearcareer as a CPA and a ManagementAuditor, such a provision in thebylaws of any corporation isunknown; therefore be itRESOLVED: That Article IX,Paragraph I, sub-paragraph 3 berepealed and deleted from thebylaws, for the good of the order.

Submitted by Sid Hecker, Mississippi

Resolutions


23

Decision 2009

C

KENNY HANSONNational Commander

Serving with the Army, 14th

Inf. Reg., 25th Inf. Div. Co. “I”,Kenny was captured on theeast slope of HeartbreakRidge, Korea on March 1,1952. He spent the next yearand a half at Camp #2 Annexbefore liberation atPanmunjom on Aug. 25, 1953.

Kenny has been a life member of AXPOW since 1988. Heserved as Dept. JVC, SVC and State Commander; and hasserved as State Treasurer for 8 years. He is an AXPOWVAVS Representative at the Minneapolis, MN VAMC andhas been an active National Director, North Central Re-gion for eight years; JVC for one year.

He also serves as National Convention Chairman and hasbeen a member of the Budget & Finance Committee inhis role as Jr. Vice Commander.

Kenny and Jan live in Bloomington, Minnesota.

MORRIS BARKERSr. Vice Commander

While serving with the 15th. AirForce, 451 BG, 726 Sqdn, Mor-ris was shot down nearBudapest Hungary and washeld in Stalag Luft IV. He wasalso on the 86 day marchthrough Germany.

After discharge from the military, he graduated fromTexas A&M University, and later earned a MA from theUniversity of Texas. He has been an active member ofAXPOW, serving as Chapter Commander, Texas State De-partment Commander, National Director as well as Jr.Vice Commander. Morris developed an AXPOW Volun-tary Funding Program that has proven very successfulin providing operating funds for the American Ex-Pris-oners of War organization during the past year. WithMorris’ help, we are financially solvent and should re-main so as he continues to come up with ways to maxi-mize our potential.

Morris and his wife, Mary live in Waco, Texas.

CHARLES SUSINO

Jr. Vice

Commander –

East

Current National Jr. ViceCommander 2008-2009.National Director

Budget and Finance Committee

Grievance & Investigation CommitteeCommander, Dept. of New Jersey (12+ years).NSO-10 years.

AAC Veteran, flew B-24 European theatre – hit the silkover Nord, France, March 5, 1944 after being hit by flakand fighters. Pilot gave the order “bail out” and he wascaptured by two squads of German soldiers. After beingshipped to Dulag Luft on the Rhine for 7 days of inter-rogation, he was sent by boxcar to East Prussia, Luft 6.In Jan. 1945, he was forced marched to Memel, then sentto Luft 4. After being forced onto the 2 1/2 month-long“Black Hunger March”, he escaped with five other pris-oners and located a field hospital in the American Zone.

Charlie and his wife, Lillian live in Metuchen,New Jersey

CARROLL BOGARD

Jr. Vice Commander - Central

Carroll enlisted in the Air Force in1942, serving with the 8th AF, 466th

BG, 785th BS. He was captured in Au-gust, 1944, then held in Stalag LuftVI and Luft IV. He participated in the87 day march across northern Europe before being lib-erated by the British 7th Army at Lauenburg, Germanyon the Elbe River.

He joined AXPOW in 1986 and quickly became an activemember. He has been NE Iowa Chapter Adjutant, ViceCommander and Commander; at the Dept. level, heworked the chairs, culminating with a three-year stintas Commander when the Dept. hosted the 1995 NationalConvention in Des Moines.

He has been a National Director, serving the North Cen-tral Region, for the past five years.

Carroll and his wife, Barbara, life in Mason City, IA.


24

Decision 2009Candidates

LAURA McINTYRE

National

Director, NorthEast

Laura is a lifemember of AX-POW and cur-rent NationalDirector —since 1999. Sheserved twoterms as Chap-ter Com-mander of theWestern MAChapter, and ispast State Dept. Commander forMassachusetts, past Adjutant andTreasurer.

Laura is also a life member of DAVAand VFW Auxiliary. She has spent 28years VAVS Northampton VAMC. Onthe AXPOW National level, sheserved as Chairman, Awards andmember, Bylaws committees.

Laura and her adorable husband

Philip live in Hardwick, MA.

SID HECKER

National

Director, SouthEast

Sid joinedAXPOW in1990; servedas SVC inM a g n o l i a(MS) Chapterfrom 1991to present;National Di-r e c t o r ,SouthEast

since March 2008.

He was instrumental in obtaining theservices of Dr. Berit Lakey, who didthe Strategic Planning Report for theorganization back in 2000. He

currently serves as Chair of theStrategic Planning Committee.

Served with I Co, 110th Inf, 28th ID.At age 19, he was one of the survi-vors of an outpost unit which wasover-run the first day of the Bulge.and captured the next day. He was inStalag IX-B, liberated on 2 April 1945.After discharge he returned to collegeand got his BS degree in May 1947.He became a CPA in 1955, and spent27 years as an auditor/investigator.

Sid lives in Diamonhead, MS with hiswife, Belle.

JOHN CLARK

National

Director, NorthCentral

John wasborn andgrew up inC o l u m b i a ,Missouri. Hewent throughAir ForceROTC at theUniversity ofMissouri andin 1962, his

senior year, he was Cadet Wing Com-mander. He graduated a Distin-guished Military Graduate and re-ceived a regular commission in theUS Air Force.

John was shot down over NorthVietnam and captured on March 12,1967. He was held in Hoa Lo (HanoiHilton), Power Plant, Son Tay, andCamp Faith. He was liberated in Hanoion February 18, 1973. He had spentsix years as a POW.

John is a member of the Central Mis-souri Chapter. He is currently serv-ing as Commander for the Dept. ofMissouri, AXPOW. He and his teamwere responsible for the terrific Kan-sas City Convention in 2008.

John and his wife, Anne, live in Co-lumbia, MO.

DEANIE SCHMIDT

National

Director, MidCentral

Deanie hasbeen activelyinvolved inex-POW con-cerns formany years.As she trav-eled with herh u s b a n d ,Bill, when hewas servingas Director, Jr. Vice and NationalCommander, she became an advo-cate for “Those who can’t help them-selves”. She has served in her ownchapter as Adjutant and Editor oftheir newsletter for over ten yearsand planned seminars for wives andwidows. Deanie has been a NationalDirector since March, 2008. She ischairman of the Awards Committee.She realizes that the organizationneeds dramatic changes to plan forthe future and would like to see ournext-of-kin become involved. Just asthe DAR is still with us, she wouldlike to see the American Ex-Prison-ers of War live on.

Deanie and Bill live in Columbus,Ohio.

JAMES L. LOLLAR

National Director,

SouthCentral

Jim, a B-52T a i l - G u n -ner, becamea memberof the 4th Al-lied POWWing at thei n f a m o u sHoa LoPrison (theHanoi Hil-ton) after

his aircraft was shot down overNorth Vietnam during OperationLinebacker II.


25

Decision 2009

Jim has served 3 terms as AXPOW’sNational Sergeant at Arms & was amember of the AXPOW By-Laws &Resolutions Committee for 1 year. Heis currently serving his 2nd year asCommander of the AXPOW-DallasMetroplex Chapter, is currently serv-ing as Adjutant & Treasurer for theAXPOW-Department of Texas, & isnow completing his 2nd year as Na-tional Director for the AXPOW-SouthCentral Region.

He is currently serving the NationalAXPOW Organization as Chair ofboth the Grievance & InvestigationCommittee & the Ways & Means Com-mittee.

Life Memberships: American Ex-Pris-oners of War (AXPOW), 4th AlliedPOW Wing, Red River Valley FighterPilots Association (River Rats), B-52Strata-Fortress Association, Son TayRaiders Association, USAF GunnersAssociation, NCO Association, VFW-Post #2559, AMVETS-Post #36, NRA,Viet-NOW, DFC Society, MOPH As-sociation, & Weber Boosters Club

Jim is now retired & lives with his 2pups on the shore-line of beautifulLake Tawakoni a few miles North ofWills Point, TX, where the fishing is

always outstanding.

BONNIE SHARP

National Director,

NorthWest

I am seek-ing re-e l e c t i o nfor the po-sition ofNationalDi rec torof theW e s t e r nZone. Iam a life

member of the AXPOW organizationand an active member of the Tacoma,Washington chapter. I have servedas Chapter Commander for 3 years

and for the past five years I have beenthe Chapter Adjutant.

I have held the position of North-west National Director for sevenyears and was appointed as the West-ern Division National Jr. Vice Com-mander for one year. I have servedon the Outreach, Membership andWays and Means Committees.

I look forward in continuing to as-sist our Ex-POW’s and their widowshowever I can. If I am elected, I will,to the very best of my ability, respectand honor the office of NorthwestNational Director, and will continueto support and serve our organiza-tion well.

I appreciate your confidence in mein the past and with your support atthe Idaho National Convention, I feelconfident you will not be disap-pointed in re-electing me to the po-sitions of NW National Director,2009-2011. Your vote would be verymuch appreciated.

I live in University Place, WA. withmy husband PNC Maurice Sharp, nearour four children and their spouses,eleven grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren.

LEW SLEEPER

National Director,

SouthWest

Lew is aWWII vet-eran of theArmy AirCorps. Heflew mis-sions out ofE n g l a n dwith the 8th

AF, then outof Italy withthe 15th AF. On his 8th mission, hewas shot down over the Ploesti OilFields and was a POW for 4 months.

After retirement, Lew has spent histime volunteering. His adventureshave led him to the United StatesPeace Corps, International ExecutiveService Corps, the Red Cross, Habi-tat for Humanity and the AmericanEx-Prisoners of War.

He was elected to the AXPOW Boardof Directors at the Kansas City con-vention. He currently serves as thevoice of the Strategic Planning Com-mittee and the plans for the futureof AXPOW.

Lew and his wife, Janice, live in Tuc-

son, AZ.

To be eligible to run for a na-

tional office, a candidate must

have been a member for the 3

previous years.

Grover Swearingen, Chairman,

408 Fair Park Avenue, WestUnion, OH 45693 ~ (937) 544-

2459; [email protected]

Candidates

Please send donations to:National Headquarters, 3201 EastPioneer Parkway, Suite 40,Arlington, TX 76010. You can alsomake a donation with a credit card(MasterCard or Visa). Just call 817-6492979. Thank you!

Contributions are nottax deductible at this time

contributions


26

GENERAL FUND

Alexander Kreizer, Fairfield CTJavier Serda, Pharr TXM Arthur Weinstein, Mashpee MARay Servatius, Clarkston WAIn memory of Betty Wells, by PNCMaurice & Bonnie SharpIn memory of Bill Fornes, byGerald SmithIn memory of Ivan Hunter, byAdeline RobinsonIn memory of Ivan Hunter, by theMid-Iowa ChapterIn memory of James Logsdon, byGerald SmithIn memory of Jesse Daniel, byWm EastmanIn memory of Jesse Gerald Daniel,by Billy & Mary ClarkIn memory of Jessie GeraldDaniel, by Alice GroganIn memory of Jessie GeraldDaniel, by Richard SenfIn memory of John Kinsler, byWendy GannonFrank & Lora RagoSalvatore Lavante & SusanPalumboIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byAnn & Jimm AragonaIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byBeatrice CoxIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byCliffside Park Education Associa-tion

In memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byColumbia Bank, Fair LawnIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byColumbia Bank, Wayne HillsIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byDavid & Cindy ludwigIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byDonna MontesanoIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byFrancis Spampinato JrIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byJames LakeIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byJanet SonnemaIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byJeanne Warnock & Family Inter-vention ServicesIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byJoseph MakowskiIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byJoseph VentimigliaIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byKathleen HooverIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byLinda LuveraIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byLorraine & Sandy MoranoIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byMarie JungermanIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byMartha & William MarinielloIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byNorman PolanskyIn memory of Joseph Venti Sr, byThomas BrennanIn memory of Lee Nestle, by DickNestleIn memory of Maxine Parks, byMelvin Parks, husbandIn memory of Naomi Lindsay, byDavid & Mildred RothIn memory of Philip Pankaskie, byShelby ChubbIn memory of Philip Pankaskie, byLynn & Marlene Funk

LEGISLATIVE FUND

In memory of David Earle Baker,by the Department of MarylandIn memory of John S Templin, bythe Department of Maryland

MEDSEARCH FUND

In memory of Helen Mae Templin,by the Department of MarylandIn memory of Roberta Bollard, bythe Department of Maryland

NSO

In memory of Guy Carter, by theDepartment of GeorgiaIn memory of Harold Campbell,by the Department of Georgia

VOLUNTARY FUNDING

Suncoast Chapter, FloridaJames MikusiAnn KrupinskiRugy Giannoni in appreciation ofCheryl CerboneLL TellerMr/Mrs Arthur HewittHarry CraneRT & MS KaufmanJohn GatensKachadour AvedisianAlice RyanDonald StraightGerold TuckerMuriel & EE GramsDaniel & Rita AtwellPeter KaloustiaiCharlie Susino Commander NJChapterDonald & Sallie DurantVictor & Avis BreiteHorace HosbachRuth & Arthur RubensteinHenry SkubikSalvatore & Camille CrivelliDean & Dorothy ChristensenFrederic & Patricia MillerRuth H WannLewis A Sleeper JrFelice & Doris GabrieliGerald HanusBenjamin & Lila NienartEdward WallnerJ Donald GriffinRuth Dorman in M/O DonaldDormanRobert William BuntinEugene & Irene OstrowskiSarah Cooper in M/O CL CooperJohn CrummeyGordon HoffmanWilliam & Dharlys Fleharty TrustRobert & Doris BrighamJames McGaheeDept. of Missouri, AXPOWClintonRubert Bruton JrAldo & Ann M FredaJohn & Martha ShimshockKenneth HansonVernon Meyer Revocable TrustBenjamin Dunn

taps

Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664


27

ALBURY, Charles Donald, co-pilot ofthe plane that dropped the atomicbomb on Nagasaki, Japan, died May23, 2009 in Orlando, FL. Alburyhelped fly the B-29 Superfortress,nicknamed “Bockscar,” that droppedthe weapon on Aug. 9, 1945. He alsowitnessed the first atomic blast overHiroshima, as a pilot on a supportplane that measured the magnitudeof the blast and levels of radioactiv-ity. The Hiroshima mission was ledby Col. Paul Tibbets Jr. aboard thebetter-known “Enola Gay.”

AVERY, Harriet “Hat”, 86, ofLansdale, PA passed away March 18,2009. She was predeceased by herhusband of 61 years, Baldwin C Avery(Ex-POW). Hat was a consummatesportswoman – golf, sailing, volley-ball and racquetball. She is survivedby two daughters and three grand-daughters.

BALDWIN, Robert W., 85, ofRichland, WA passed away March 24,2009. He served during WWII with theAAF, 737th BS. Shot down over Ger-many, he was a POW in Stalag LuftIII. He leaves his beloved wife of 52years, Catherine, 2 sons, 1 daughterand 7 grandchildren.

BARNES, Elsie M., 85, of Hialeah, FLdied April 18, 2005. She was thewidow of Ex-POW Karl F Barnes, whodied in 1995. Both were life memberof the Gold Coast Chapter, AXPOW.Elsie is survived by her daughter,Karla.

BECKINGTON, Arthur R. fromFallbrook, CA died May 5, 2009. Hewas 86. He flew the P-51 Mustang,as a 2nd Lt. in the South Pacific’s 7th

Fighter Command, 21st BG, 531st BS.On a mission to Tokyo he was shotdown by “friendly fire” on April 19th,1945 and sent to the Kempei Tai POWPrison. He later spent time in theOmori Prison Camp in Tokyo. He wasa member of the Vista group of theSan Diego POW Chapter. He is sur-vived by wife Hazel, 2 sons and 1daughter.

BIGLEY, Roland P, of Victoria, TXdied Feb. 15, 2009. During WWII, heserved with the 15th AF. He and hiscrew were shot down; they werePOWs of the Germans for 15 months.He was a life member of AXPOW.Survivors include his wife, Georgia,2 grandchildren and 4 great-grand-children.

BROWN, Pauline of Tampa, FL, long-time adjutant/treasurer of AXPOW,passed away May 13, 2009. She waspredeceased by her husband, Ex-POWEdwin Leon Brown. During the 1970sand 1980s, Pauline was very activeat the national level; she played animportant role in the organization’ssuccesses over the years. She leaves3 daughters, 1 son, 7 grandchildren,3 great-grandchildren, numerousnieces and nephews, 1 brother andmany, many friends.

BRYAN, Kenneth, member and pastcommander of the Okaw Chapter,passed away recently. During WWII,he was captured in the Battle of theBulge and survived the cold wintermarch through Germany. Survivorsinclude his wife, Margery.

BUTLER, John E, Sr., of Mansfield,Ohio, died June 9, 2009. He enteredthe U.S. Army Air Force, joining the398th BG, 603rd BS. He was smallenough to fit into a B-17 ball-turretas the gunner. On his 16th missionover Germany, Butler’s plane was setafire, and the crew bailed nearLeipzig, Germany. Taken as a pris-oner of war, he was shuttled fromthe POW camp at Stettin on the Bal-tic Sea to Nuremberg to Munich. Amember of the North Central OhioChapter, He is survived by his wife,Pauline.

BUTLER, Ralph Eugene, of WoodRiver, IL passed away May 9, 2009.He was 81. Ralph was captured whileserving with the 24th Inf. Div. in Ko-rea. He was released more than twoyears later. Survivors include his lov-ing wife, Lorene, 2 daughters, 2 sons,5 grandchildren and 1 sister.

CARPER, Lena, of Winchester VA,died December 25, 2006. She was thewife of Loring Carper, Commanderof Bob Frakes Shenandoah ValleyChapter, and was a life member AX-POW. She is survived by her husband,Loring, one son and one daughter.

CHAGNON, Jack R., 78, ofColchester, CT passed away April 12,2009. He was captured in Korea whileserving with the 2nd Inf., 15th FA Bnand held for 32 months near thesouth bank of the Yalu River inCamps 5, 4, Bean Camp. Jack was alife member of the Connecticut Chap-ter, AXPOW. Survivors include hiswife, Lorraine, 2 daughters, 2 sons,3 grandchildren and 1 sister.

CLARK, Arthur B “Buddy”, 87, diedMarch 24, 2009 in Abilene, TX. Hewas serving with the 2nd Battalion,131st Field Artillery on Java when hewas captured by the Japanese onMarch 9, 1942. He spent the next 3½ years as a POW working on theBurma railroad. Buddy was a mem-ber of the Lost Battalion and the USSHouston Associations; life memberof AXPOW. He leaves a loving wife of62 years and 4 children, 5 grandchil-dren, 7 great-grandchildren and lotsof friends.

CLARKE, Leonard O., of Eureka, CApassed away May 16, 2009 at the ageof 90. During WWII, he flew with the449th BG, 718th BS. He also flew withthe 93rd BG, 8th AF. Leonard was shotdown over Germany and held in Luft1, Barth. Survivors include 1 sister, 1brother and 17 nieces and nephews.

CURTIS, Jack C., of Battle Creek,Michigan, died May 25, 2009. Jackserved with the 15th AF, 376th BG,514th BS, and was held in Marburg,Austria and Bad Oestien.

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

28

taps continued...

D’AMORE, Adanto, of Fort WaltonBeach, Florida, died April 28, 2009,just 20 days shy of his 96th birth-day. He was stationed at Clark Fieldin the Philippines as the surgeon tothe 19th BG where on Dec. 8, 1942,he was bombed and strafed by Japa-nese warplanes. He served more than39 months as a POW in camps in both

the Philippines and mainland Japan. Dr. D (as he is known to friends andfamily) is survived by Helen, his wifeof 62 years.

DAY, Jr., Irving M., 86, of Deep CreekLake, MD, died April 7, 2009 follow-ing a period of failing health. Heserved as bombardier and front tur-ret gunner on B-24s with the 8th AF,446th BG, 705th BS and was shotdown over Germany on April 11,1944. He was subsequently impris-oned at Stalag Luft 1 for 13 monthsuntil liberation. He was a life mem-ber of AXPOW, serving in the MD andFL chapters and enthusiastically sup-ported the renovation and nation-wide tours of the CollingsFoundation’s B-24. Survivors in-clude his wife of 65 years, 2 sons, 1daughter, 5 grandchildren and 2great-grandchildren.

DELLER, Chester G., 90, of Ft. Lau-derdale, FL passed away April 21,2009. During WWII, Chester was withthe Army Engineer’s 803rd Company.He was a survivor of the Bataan DeathMarch and nearly 3 ½ years of im-prisonment. Chester was a memberof the Oakland Park Chapter, AXPOWand has served as Commander, Jr.and Sr. Commander and on the Boardof Directors. He was predeceased byhis beloved wife, Francis. He leavesseveral nieces, his best friend and fel-low ex-POW Lou Barwick and manyother loving friends.

DICKERMAN, Clark, 87, passed awayNovember 13, 2008. A pilot with the100th BG, 8th AF, he was shot downon his 33rd mission, captured andsent to Stalag Luft III. He was in themarches from Sagan to Nurnburg to

Moosburg. Clark is survived by hiswife of 63 years, Lillian, 4 sons and8 grandchildren.

DUGMORE, Donald H. of Braintree,MA died March 29, 2009. He was cap-tured while serving with the 8th AF,458th BG. He spent 15 months in Sta-lag Luft 1. Donald was a life memberof AXPOW and member of MA Chap-ter #1. Survivors include his wife of58 years, Audrey, 1 daughter, 1 sonand 4 grandsons.

EPPERSON, Robert B., of Cotton-wood, California, died January 23,2009. He was a member of the ShastaChapter. Bob’s ship, the USS Penguin,was sunk by the Japanese off thecoast of Guam. He spent three years,nine months in POW camps, mostlyin Hirohata. He leaves his loving wifeof 61 years, Dorothy.

ESCHEDOR, Lucile, of Weston, OHpassed away May 22, 2009. She was84. Lucile was the widow of Carl HEschedor, who served with the 168th

Inf. Reg. captured in Africa and heldfor 27 months. The Eschedor’s weremembers of the Maumee ValleyChapter, AXPOW. She is survived by3 daughters and grandchildren.

FOISY, Aime J., of Auburn, ME diedApril 12, 2009. During WWII, heserved with the 24th Armored Engi-neers Bn., 4th Armored Div. He wascaptured in Germany and held inStalags XIIA, VIIA and IVB. Aime waspast commander of the Edgar L PossChapter and life member of AXPOW.He leaves his wife of 65 years,Aurore, 1 daughter and 2 grandchil-dren.

GLICK, Janice, beloved wife of Irv-ing, died May 23, 2009. She was 86years old. Both Janice and Irving weremembers of the Milwaukee Barb WireChapter, AXPOW. She is survived byher husband of 63 years, 2 sons, 1daughter, several grandchildren and1 great-grandchild. She also leavesmany dear friends and extended fam-ily.

GUTHRIE, Bernard “Bernie” passedaway Feb. 7, 2009. He was capturedwhile serving with the 106th Inf. Div.,423rd Reg., Co. I and sent to Stalag

3B. He was a member of the VistaBranch of the San Diego Chapter,AXPOW. Bernie, age 89, leaves hiswife Luella, 2 sons, 1 daughter, 9grandchildren and 9 great-grandchil-dren.

HICKS, James Grant, 85, of W. PalmBeach, FL passed away June 3, 2009.His wife of 62 years, Dorothy MaeHicks, preceded him in death on May31, 2009. She as the love of his life.During WWII, he served with the 8th

AF, flying out of England. He wasshot down over Germany and heldin Stalag 17B and the long marchacross Germany. He and his wife willbe greatly missed by their son,daughter, grandsons and great-grandchildren.

HOROWITZ, Florence Betty “Betsy”,of Southlake, Texas, died May 4,2009. A member of the Fort WorthChapter, she was the wife of LeonHorowitz, a POW in Germany. Betsywas born in Brooklyn, moved to Tulsaafter her marriage and became a civicactivist and passionate supporter ofTulsa’s historic neighborhoods whileraising her family there. She andLeon moved to Texas to be closer totheir children. In addition to her hus-band of 57 years, she leaves threedaughters, two sons and sevengrandchildren.

HUNTER, Ivan F., of Gowrie, IApassed away April 26, 2009. He wascaptured while serving with the AAF;he was held 5 months in Germany.Ivan was a life member of AXPOWand had been Dept. Commander andChapter Commander of the Mid-IowaChapter. He was predeceased by hiswife, Deloris; he is survived by 1 sis-ter and nieces and nephews.

KERR, Leslie T, of Canton,Ohio, died June 9, 2009. He was aPOW in Germany. A member of theNorth Central Ohio Chapter, he issurvived by his wife, Theresa, of 60years.

LAMBDIN, Troy, age 83, of Knoxville,TN passed away Nov. 3, 2008. He wasa member of the Smoky Mt. Chapter,AXPOW. Survivors include his wife of58 years, Gladys, 1 daughter, sistersand many friends.


29

LAVOIE, Ralph E., of Hampton, NHdied May 9, 2009. He was 88 yearsold. During WWII, he served with the8th AF, flying out of England. He wasshot down over Germany and takento Stalag 17B. Ralph was seriouslywounded in an escape attempt in1943 and repatriated back to the USfor treatment. His campmates as-sumed he had died in the attempt;they were surprised and very glad tosee him at AXPOW conventions.Ralph was a member of the NewHampshire Chapter. He leaves 4 sons,10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchil-dren, many extended family mem-bers and a host of good friends.

LODATO, Philip J., 87, of Stamford,CT passed away Feb. 6, 2009. He wascaptured in Biche, France while serv-ing with the 100th Div., Co. F., Ma-

chine Gun Div. and held in NewBrandenberg. He leaves four daugh-ters and five grandchildren.

McALESTER, Shelby Lee of Pittsburgpassed away Feb. 2, 1995. He wasposted on Corregidor with the 60th

Anti-Air Regiment under GeneralDouglas MacArthur. After capture, hewas held in a number of camps in-cluding Camp O’Donnell, Bilibid, andCabanatuan camps 1 and 2 thentaken to Honshu where he workedas slave labor. He is survived by hiswife, Lois and two sons.

McELROY, Jess R., of San Diego, CAdied March 9, 2009. He was 84. Hewas captured while serving with theNavy in Korea. His plane was shotdown on Dec. 13, 1951 and he washeld 21 months – surviving the 364-mile march, interrogations and slavelabor. Jess is survived by his wife andfriend, Carol, 1 daughter, 1 son, 1 sis-ter and two beloved grandchildren.

MERCER, Raymond Earl, 84, passedaway April 23, 2009. He was work-ing on Wake Island at the age of 16.When Wake surrendered, Earl wascaptured and he spent the next 44months as a POW in camps in Chinaand Japan. He leaves his wife, Connie,1 son, 1 daughter, 6 grandchildrenand 14 great-grandchildren.

MOULTON, Guy Curtis, of SunsetBeach, NC, died in May, 2009. Heserved in the AAC during WWII as aradio operator on a B-17, and wasshot down over Poland on February4, 1944. A POW in Germany, he wasliberated April 11, 1945. He is sur-vived by his wife of 63 years, Heni.

MYERS, Clyde, member of OhioChapter #1, died June 10, 2009. Heserved in the 8th Division and was ina number of German POW camps. Heis survived by 2 sons, a granddaugh-ter and 3 great-grandchildren.

NESTERBY, Melvin Henry died May16, 2009 in Tacoma, WA, at the ageof 88. During WWII, he was assignedto the 31st Inf. Reg. stationed at Ma-nila and captured when Bataan fell.He is survived by his devoted wife of34 years, Katherine, 2 daughters, 1son, 1 step-son, 6 grandchildren and15 great-grandchildren. Melvin wasa long time much appreciated mem-ber of the Tacoma Chapter, AXPOW.

OSWEILER, Anna Mae, member ofthe 49ers Chapter, AXPOW, passedaway Feb. 9, 2009. She was 92 yearsold and the wife of ex-POW MarkOsweiler. During WWII, Anna Maewas a riveter on B-17s, including theMemphis Belle. In addition to herhusband of 62 years, she leaves 2daughters and 2 sons.

PAYNE, Herman Eugene of Advance,MO died April 20, 2009 at the age of86. He was captured on Wake Islandin Dec. 1941 and held POW for 45months and 24 days. He is survivedby his loving wife of 63 years, Versa,1 daughter, 5 grandchildren and 11great-grandchildren.

PELLEGRINO, Domenic “Nick”, ofLongmeadow, MA passed away April23, 2009. After graduation, he joinedthe Civilian Conservation Corps inNH. He and others then joined theAAC and were sent to Manila, NicholsField. He was on Bataan when it sur-rendered to Japan. He survived theBataan Death March and 3 ½ yearsimprisonment. Nick was an activemember of AXPOW, serving as SVCof the Western MA Chapter. He is sur-vived by his beloved wife of 60 years,

Rosemarie, many extended familymembers and many, many friends.

PETERS, Elnora H., 88, of Temecula,CA died April 14, 2009. She was alife member of Centex Chapter, AX-POW for many years. She and herhusband, ex-POW Garvin, had livedin Temecula since 1997. In additionto her husband, survivors include 1son, 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

PIZZELLO, R. John, died April 26,2009. He served in the AAC on a B-24 and was shot down over Austriawhile filling in with another crewwhen their tail-gunner became ill. Hespent 15 months as a POW in Ger-many. John leaves his dear wife of63 years, Ann, 1 daughter, 2 sons, 1brother, 3 sisters, 4 grandchildrenand 3 great-grandchildren. He will bemissed by all who loved him.

RIDER, Neil O., 88, of Decatur, GApassed away Feb. 4, 2009. He servedin the Marine Corps during WWII andwas captured in the Philippines andheld for more than 3 ½ years. He issurvived by 2 sons, 3 grandchildren,2 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters and3 brothers.

SATTERLY, Everett F., of ZephyrHills, FL died May 8, 2009. DuringWWII, he served in the Army AirCorps. He was captured and helduntil liberation. His wife Irilla sur-vives him; he also leaves loving fam-ily and friends.

SAWYER, Edward C. Jr., of Tampa,FL died May 9, 2009. He enlisted inthe AAC in 1943, trained on B-24s,was shot down in June, 1944 andheld as a POW until liberation. Ed issurvived by his loving wife of 61years, Betty, 1 daughter, 4 grandchil-dren and many other loving, caringfamily and friends.

SHELL, Wilma, 89, of Seymour, TNpassed away March 27, 2009. She issurvived by her husband of 65 years,John C. Shell veteran of WWII, MOS

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taps continued...761 scout & sniper, who was impris-oned in Germany for 7 months dur-ing WWII. John & Wilma were lifemembers of AXPOW.

SKIDMORE, Charley James, ofShallowater, Texas died May 18,2009. A member of the Hub of thePlains Chapter, Charley served in the2nd Inf. Div. and was a POW in Ger-many. He was predeceased by hiswife, Nettie.

SKIFFINGTON, Sidney “Skiff”passed away in Olympia, WA on May7, 2009. He was 86. Skiff was in the83rd Div. and was a POW in Germany,traveling by boxcar to Stalag IIIC. Heleaves his wife of 64 years, Patt (liv-ing in Florida), 2 sons, grandchildrenand one great-grandchild.

SLOVAK, Louis A. of Ennis, TX diedMarch 31, 2009 at the age of 91. Hewas captured in the Battle of theBulge while serving with the 32nd

Cavalry Troop A Reconnaissance

Squadron. After capture he was sentto Stalag 8, then marched across Ger-

many ahead of advancing troops.Louis is survived by his loving wifeof 65 years, Lillian, 6 children, 1 step-child, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who miss him verymuch.

SWANSON, Harold A., of MichiganCity, IN passed away May 5, 2009. Hewas 90. A member of the 168th Inf.Reg., 34th Div., he was captured nearFaid Pass in Tunisia, held for 5months in Capua, Italy, then trans-ferred to Stalag 2B Zweck Farm, Ger-many. Harold was a member of theIndiana Dunes Chapter, AXPOW. Heleaves his wife of 58 years, Gladys, 2daughters, 1 son and their families.

TRUEBLOOD, Faye, 104 years old,died May 21, 2009 in Columbus, SC.She was the mother of an ex-POW,the late John A Northrup. She is sur-vived by her daughter-in-law Mariean,7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchil-dren and 2 great-great-grandchil-dren.

VENTI, Joseph, of Manchester NJ,died May 3, 2009. He served in theArmy Air Corps during World War IIas a flight engineer aboard a B-17

Bomber. He was shot down in 1944,remaining a POW until his escape in1945. He is survived by his wife of63 years, Margaret.

VILLAGRACIA, Lauro (Larry)Sr.passed away May 9, 2009 at the ageof 90. He was born in Lubang,Mindoro Philippines and later servedas a soldier with the PhilippineScouts, and was a prisoner of war atCamp O’Donnell. He was an activemember of the Tacoma Chapter andwas chapter photographer for manyyears. Larry is also a member of theNational AXPOW organization. He issurvived by his beloved wife of 68years, Luz, 6 children, 15 grandchil-dren and 5 great-grandchildren.

ZOLTOWSKI, Eugene, ofMukwonago, WI died April 20, 2009.He was 85. He was on patrol whileserving with the Army during WWIIwhen his patrol was ambushed. Hewas wounded and captured in Bel-gium, then held in a POW camp inGermany. He leaves 2 sons, 3 grand-children, 2 great-grandchildren, 3

brothers and 2 sisters.

Living by Faith

(Habakkuk 2: 1-4)

1) I will stand upon my watch, andset me upon the tower, and willwatch to see what he will say untome, and what I shall answer when Iam reproved.

2) And the Lord answered me, andsaid, Write the vision, and make itplain upon tables, that he may runthat readeth it.

3) For the vision is yet for an ap-pointed time, but at the end it shallspeak, and not lie; though it tarry,wait for it; because it will surelycome, it will not tarry.

4) Behold, his soul which is liftedup is not upright in him; but thejust shall live by faith.

Habakkuk was a spiritual watch-man for Judah in the midst of anational crisis. He was confusedthat God was not judging the wick-edness of Judah. But then, God re-vealed that the Babylonians wouldpunish Judah. This too, troubled

Habakkuk. But he chose to trustGod in spite of what he did notunderstand. He was living by faith.

We too are living in perplexingtimes, but we must trust in God tohandle these days and times oftrouble. So let us have faith in God,and live by faith.

Please read Hebrews, the 11 th

Chapter.

national chaplain

James H. Beaver

22644 Montego Bay Road

Abingdon, VA 24211

(276) 623-0875

50/50 drawingMarch 6, 2009

Arlington, Texas

1st Place Alice Gilligan $676.40New York, NY

2nd Place Robert Boebel $507.30Fox Lake, WI

3rd Place Victor Breite $338.20St. Louis, MO

4th Place John DeVere $169.10South Charleston, WV

These drawings help raise money needed for our operating ex-penses. They allow our members to participate in a very worth-while project, while giving them a chance to win. 50% of thedonations will be given to the General Fund and the other 50%are awarded as prizes. The amounts are determined after alldonations are received. You do not have to be present to win.Please make copies of the tickets on the other side and offerthem to your Chapter members, family and friends. We are ask-ing $5.00 for 6 tickets. These donations are not tax deductible.Fill out the tickets and send them and your donations to:National Headquarters ~ 50/50 Drawing3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, #40Arlington, TX 76010-5396

Ex-POW Bulletin

July/Aug 2009

31

They Experienced Living Hell as POWs.

Stan Tokarz’s brother John

survived Japanese prison labor

camps after enduring the

horrors of the infamous Bataan

Death March. It was after the fall

of the Philippines to the

Japanese invaders. Those

horrors and torture were never

discussed by John, who died in

1991. He just refused to talk

about World War II when it

came up, indicating that he and

the other POWs. had suffered a great deal.

Stan Tokarz researched the ordeals of capture, torture,

starvation, murder, brutality and confinement of the

many prisoners of Bataan because he feels our younger

generations must have a record of the hell on earth at

the hands of the Japanese that our survivors of Bataan

and life in the PO camps endured in WWII.

send check or money order:

$25.00Stanley R. Tokarz

70 Briarwood Circle

Worcester, MA 01606

On Monday morning, 8 Decem-ber 1941, we Brent School kidswildly cheered to a formation ofair planes flying directly to To-kyo,, “Go to there and bomb itto smithereens!”Several hours later we heardbig BOOM-BOOM and sawthick black smoke rising fromCamp John Hay... the AmericanArmy base in Baguio, Philip-pines. The sun played a trick on us so we couldn’t seethe big, round red “rotten fried egg” under the wings.Suddenly it dawned on us that those planes were Japa-nese. Twenty days later we were captured, ordered tomeet at Brent School for a 3 hour or 3 day meetingthat actually lasted for over three yreas of starvation,depravation, humiliation.Lacking utenslils in the Prison Camp, and for the fewbirthday parties, we had to tell our guests to bring CUP,PLATE AND SPOON.

BRING CUP, PLATE AND SPOON available from au-thor: Betsy Herold Heimke13820 Metcalf Ave. Apt 11320Overland Park, KS [email protected] $20.00 plus $4.00 S/H

The 106th InfantryDivision Association

Organized atCamp Lucky Strike 1945 active since

1946

If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, wereattached to the 106th,a relative of a 106th veteran, you

are eligible for membership in the Association.Annual Dues $10.00

The CUB Magazine is published three timesper year. Published since 1946.

Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947.

Contact: Lyle Beeth, Membership Chairman2004 Golf Manor RoadValico, FL 33594-7288

(813) 689-9621; fax: (813) 655-8952Toll Free (888) 644-8952

[email protected]

American Ex-Prisoners of War50/50 Drawing

PLEASE PRINTName:_______________________Telephone: ( )_______

Address:_________________________________________

City/State/Zip:____________________________________

Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.

Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing

3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010-5396

You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (09/09)



Address:_________________________________________

City/State/Zip:____________________________________







Address:_________________________________________

City/State/Zip:____________________________________Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.

Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing


You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.

Thank you for your support.



Address:_________________________________________

City/State/Zip:____________________________________







Address:_________________________________________

City/State/Zip:____________________________________







Address:_________________________________________

City/State/Zip:____________________________________Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing.

Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated.Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of Warand entry to: 50/50 Drawing


You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct-ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter.Thank you for your support. (09/09)Ex-POW Bulletin (09/09)

July/Aug 2009

32


33

National Headquarters3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, TX 76010; (817) [email protected]

new members

request for membership application

American Ex-Prisoners of War

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________

Membership is open to US Military and Civilians capturedbecause of their US citizenship and their families.

Do NOT send dues with this request for an application

Life Membership RatesUnder 35 $36036-50 $30051-60 $18061 & over $120Spouse of life member $ 40Annual Membership Rates Single Membership $ 40Husband & wife $ 50

Mail to:

American Ex-Prisoners of War3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40

Arlington, TX 76010-5936

(817) 649-2979 voice(817)649-0109 fax

e-mail:[email protected]

Annual MembersWelcome Home

James Estill WallCharlotte NC14AF 530FTR 311GRPPekin Kempetai Jail, PekinPOW Camp12/44-liberation

Mervyn LevinDelray Beach, FL8 AF 467BG(H) 790BSDulag Luft, Nurnburg2/16/45-4/28/45

Catherine E WelchN Redington Beach, FLDaughter of WilliamEastman, ETO

William G Eastman JrDu Quoin, ILSon of William Eastman,ETO

Ryan HonanTinley Park, ILGrandson of John JHonan, ETO

Jeana EastmanWildwood, MODaughter of WilliamEastman, ETO

Pamela Batia GeiserBiloxi, MSDaughter of WilliamBatia, ETO

Julia T EastmanOklahoma City, OKDaughter of WilliamEastman, ETO

Mary H EastmanOklahoma City, OKDaughter of WilliamEastman, ETO

Joseph W EastmanStillwater, OK

Son of William Eastman,ETO

Patricia M ShreveDel City, OKDaughter of WilliamEastman, ETO

Rose Marie Friend 39603La Vale, MDWidow of Chauncey MFriendLuft 4

Life MembersWelcome Home*new member to AXPOW

Manuel Leal 39590Brownsville TX28 Inf Div, 112 Inf Reg, CoGStalags 7A, 9B

Bernard A Kahn *39597Brandon MS

8AF 492BGGermany6/20/44-12/1/44

Karla Barnes *39598Hialeah FLDaughter of Karl Barnes,ETO

Charles F Bass *39599Abilene TX5th Great-Grandson ofSamuel Bass, Rev War POW

John T Pettee III *39600Burlington MASon of John T Pettee Jr,ETO

Guy A ProieDolores *39601 39602Pittsburgh PA15AF 454BG 738BS ItalyFrankfurt, Eunbert,Mooseburg

AXPOW Vest Order Form(For members only)Name________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________

Size (Men/coat, Women/chest measurement) __________________________

Long, Regular or Short_________________________________________

Name on front of vest __________________________________________

Chapter Name (back of vest) _______________________________

Price: $55.00, includes shipping/handlingPlease allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

Mail orders to:AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396

Official AXPOW Cap (specify size) 40.00Vinyl Cap Bag 3.00Maroon AXPOW Sport Cap 8.00Black Eagle Sport Cap 9.00Canvas Sport Cap (offwhite or tan) 10.00Necktie w/logo woven in fabric 25.00 (specify regular or pre-tied)AXPOW Logo Bolo Tie 15.00U.S. Flag Bolo Tie 19.00Mini POW Medal Bolo Tie 20.00Goldtone Bolo Bezel with cord 9.00Barbed Wire pin 3.00Life Member pin 5.00Crossed Flags Lapel pin 5.00Brooch pin 5.00EX-POW pin (goldtone) 5.00Logo pin 5.00POW Stamp pin 3.00Past Chapter Commander pin 5.00Past Department Commander pin 5.00Eagle pin w/Barbed Wire 8.00 (specify gold, silver or antique gold)

Jeweled Flag Pin 30.00USA Jeweled Pin 15.00Logo Necklace 5.00 Logo Earrings (pierced or clip) 5.002” Medallion (for plaque) 5.00Vest Chainguard w/eagles 8.003” Blazer Patch 4.004” Blazer Patch 4.008” Blazer Patch 10.00

CLOTH STRIPES (specify which title) 3.00Life Member · Chapter CommanderPast Chapter Commander · Chapter Adj/Treas ChapterAdjutant · Chapter TreasurerState Department CommanderPast State Dept. Commander · Department AdjutantDepartment Treasurer · Sr. Vice CommanderJr. Vice Commander · Chaplain · HistorianService Officer · Legislative OfficerPast Chapter Officer · Past Department Officer

QUANTITY ITEM SIZE / COLOR PRICE

For orders up to 4.00, add $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders 8.00 to 25.00,add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00For orders over 100.00, add $20.00 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted.

For credit card orders: Card # _________________________________ Expiration: _________

(Check one) Master Card ___________Visa____________

Name _______________________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________City, State, Zip ________________________________________________Phone _____________________________

Shipping/Handling/Insurance:

Total: $

MAIL TO:AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR

3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396

[email protected]

We accept Master Card/Visa

Name Badge Order Form(for members only)Actual size of badge issize of a credit card

PLEASE PRINT:Name __________________________________________Line 1 __________________________________________Line 2 __________________________________________

Name Badge with name & chapter and city: $6.00(includes shipping and handling)Ship to:Street ____________________________________________

City/State/Zip ______________________________________

Mail orders to:AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40Arlington, Texas 76010-5396

12x18 AXPOW Graveside Flag 10.003x5 ft. AXPOW Flag w/3-color logo with fringe, indoor use 60.00 with grommets, outdoor use 60.003x5ft. blackPOW/MIA flag, outdoor use 25.00AXPOW Metal License Plate Frame 7.00Aluminum License Plate 5.003” Vinyl Decal 1.003” Inside Decal 1.008” Vinyl Decal 6.0012” Vinyl Decal 10.00Bumper Sticker “Freedom – Ask us” 2.00AXPOW Wall Clock (includes battery) 20.00AXPOW Notecards (pkg of 25) 6.00Special Prayer Cards (pkg of 25) 6.00AXPOW Prayer Book 2.00Ladies Prayer Book 1.00AXPOW By-Laws 5.00POW Videotape – ETO or Pacific 11.00“Speak Out” Education Packet 6.00Canvas Totebag w/4” logo 15.00

Texas State Convention ~ Irving, TX

New York State Convention ~ The Villa Roma Resort

Please print:

Name_____________________________________

Address___________________________________

City/State/Zip______________________________

Phone ( )_________________________________Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections.

Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway,Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396Or fax: (817) 649-0109e-mail: [email protected]

All orders for products sold byAXPOW National Organization,

including dues/subscriptionsshould be mailed to:

American Ex-Prisoners of WarNational Headquarters


(817) 649-2979/ (817) 649-0109 faxe-mail: [email protected] collect calls, please

Subscription Rates -- non members$40.00 per year

Foreign subscriptions$50.00 per year

Now accepting MasterCard/Visa

Thank you for supporting the American Ex-POWS with your purchases of National Merchandise.

change of address formInclude your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies,

please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided.

Bronze Grave Medallion

with AXPOW LOGO

The Medallion is 4", Bronze/Brown withLacquer, weighs approximate 1lb 4oz,containing 84% copper, balance in othermetals. The hardware for mounting isincluded in each packet.

check with your local cemetery beforeordering to see if medallions are permitted.

$75.00plus $15.00 shipping/handling/insurance.Shipping costs on two or more is $20.00.

Documents

EX-POW BULLETINEx-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2009 5 National Commander Jim Clark news from hq Just what are “Heirs at Law” any-way? There has been discussion over the past 40-plus years