Veterans Life A Sound Publishing Monthly Magazine
www.kitsapveteranslife.com
March 2014
VETERAN PROFILE: THE ANONYMOUS BATTLE, PART ONE By Jessica Ginet It happened 44 years ago this month. It was March 25, 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. The day was hot. Muggy. Overcast. It was the tail end of the dry season. Alpha Company, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (also referred to as Alpha Troop) rested in shallow holes dug out between the armored vehicles. Alpha Troop had just about finished a hellish day. A mortar round accidentally exploded in one of the vehicles, killing several men and Alpha Troop was mentally and physically drained after removing the burnt remains of their fellow soldiers from the wreckage. Later that evening, after the refueling, maintenance and rearming chores that had followed another tense day of jungle reconnaissance, nearly all was still in the diesel fume-permeated air at the night’s defensive position. One grunt was supposed to remain awake at each position during the night, but sleep usually proved irresistible to the infantrymen as long as the reassuring armor was nearby. Silence and sleep was yearned for. But there was an issue: Later that night Alpha Troop heard over the radio that another unit was in trouble. Charlie Company, from the 1st Calvary Division, was on
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The Anonymous Battle took place in War Zone C, which saw the heaviest bombing of any area in Vietnam during the war. a huge underground bunker full of North Vietnamese troops. Charlie Company was trapped, with just one hundred American soldiers facing at least 400 enemy fighters. Outnumbered and outgunned, Charlie Company was at risk of being overrun and the men were facing almost certain death or capture by enemy forces. Their casualties were increasing while their supplies were quickly dwindling. That’s when John Poindexter, Alpha Troop’s young, 25-year-old Captain, gave the order: “Saddle up and move out.” The rescue of Charlie Company, an airmobile unit of the 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division by Alpha Company’s 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry
Regiment on March 26, 1970, is now known as the Anonymous Battle. The soldiers who experienced this event never heard about or read details of their heroics in the papers back in the US. The battle didn’t have a name like the Tet Offensive
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sensory overload of warfare makes a complete, concise retelling of this event nearly impossible. But in piecing together the information and the stories of the men who were there, the Anonymous Battle epitomizes the most recent revision of the US Army’s Soldier’s Creed, re-written in 2003, which reads: I am an American Soldier. I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American soldier. Considered a miracle by those that were saved by the actions and sense of duty of Alpha Troop, the events of the Anonymous Battle aptly tells the story of what soldiers do, both for their country and for each other. Alpha Troop thrust themselves into the line of fire, using their armored vehicles and tanks to protect their fellow Americans in Charlie Company. The men of Charlie Company were determined warriors; they fought to maintain a steady supply of ammunition, they persevered running the guns, never stopping, and they quickly moved to replace those gunners that were injured or killed. The Anonymous Battle is about the soldiers who refused to leave a fallen comrade, dragging their wounded to safety. It’s about those who were injured yet never accepted defeat or quit after hours of fighting against horrible odds. It’s about the medics who worked to place the mission first, working fervently to save those injured. The Anonymous Battle is about how, as night was falling on March 26, 1970, the convoy made a daring escape back through the jungle. As a warrior and a member of a team, these soldiers remained alert, protecting the wounded who lay in their midst.
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Alpha Troop and Charlie Company troops fought for survival in Tay Ninh Province in South Vietnam.
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or the Battle of Khe Sanh. But like many battles then and now, known and unknown, it is a testament to the pride and determination of the American soldier. The Anonymous Battle is the amazing story of a group of men of all ages and all colors, from every part of the United States who stuck together, protected and fought for each other and defied the odds. Some of these soldiers were 18-yearold grunts, as Paul Evans of Olalla was at the time. Some were older and more experienced with a tough exterior shell brought on by the ugliness of warfare. Alpha Troop drove their tanks and armored vehicles through dense jungle that was part of War Zone C in South Vietnam. They skirted around bomb craters, risked ambush and land mines, trying to get to Charlie Company in time. The confusion and
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Paul Evans On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, over 39 years after the event, President Obama awarded veterans of the Alpha Troop the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest award for valor that a military unit can earn. In a clip obtained from www.whitehouse.gov, President Obama told the crowd, “Among the many casualties that day, some 20 members of Alpha Troop were wounded. And at least two made the ultimate sacrifice — their names now among the many etched in that black granite wall not far from here. But because of that service, that sacrifice, Alpha Troop completed its mission. It rescued Charlie Company. It saved those 100 American soldiers, some of who join us today. And those soldiers went on to have families —children and grandchildren who also owe their lives to Alpha Troop. Now, some may wonder: After all these years, why honor this heroism now? The answer is simple. Because we must. Because we have a sacred obligation. As a nation, we have an obligation to this troop. Their actions that day went largely unnoticed — for decades — until their old captain, John Poindexter, realized that their service had been overlooked. He felt that he had a wrong to right. And so he spent years tracking down his troopers and gathering their stories, filing reports, fighting for the Silver Stars and Bronze Stars they deserved and bringing us to this day.” Exactly one year after the Anonymous Battle, on March 26, 1971, the duties of the 1st Cavalry Division officially ended in Vietnam.
In the April 2014 Veterans Life: Part 2...The Anonymous Battle according to Paul Evans of Olalla.
On the inside
Veterans are just about as different as they are alike. They have common bonds — their service to our nation, their “brotherhood” of experiences, and their lives away from friends and family. But they are individuals, too. They have their own interests and pursuits. In this month’s issue of Veterans Life, we celebrate their common bonds and their individual pursuits. Former Navy SEAL and veteran Jack James shares with us his feelings about having been a Navy SEAL and about what being a SEAL means. He writes about the 2012 tragedy in Benghazi and the killing of former Navy SEALs Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. He tells that their deaths cause a lot of people to ask him many hard questions. James grew up in Santee Calif., and graduated from West High School in Bremerton. He retired from active duty in July 2007. One way veterans are bonded are their experiences at war and in combat. This month’s issue has an article about the Wounded Warriors Project which helps veterans with physical and emotional wounds. It’s been around for more than 10 years and there’s a group that’s working to make it more active on the Kitsap Peninsula. With a Wounded Warriors Project office in Seattle, veterans in Kitsap County have had access to help. But since last month, there’s a core group of people hoping to get more help for Wounded Warriors right here in Kitsap County. This month we also introduce readers to Chad Gillespie, a Kitsap County resident and firefighter who likes to fish. It’s a well-known fact that many veterans spend their spare time in outdoor pursuits including fishing. Gillespie shares what fishermen should be looking for as we head toward spring. In our Veteran Profile, we take a look at the Anonymous Battle through the eyes of the young GIs who were there. It happened 44 years ago this month. It was March 25, 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. Writer Jessica Ginet begins a three-part look at the battle and the honors that those young GIs recently received from President Obama. In our Bond Column this month, columnist Thom Stoddart shares his experience serving in Germany after the Vietnam War. He writes, “This is less a funny war story from a former no-rank infantryman than it is the observations of international politics by a 20 year old who had too many hormones, too much curiosity, and an attitude left over from Vietnam when I was sent to Berlin, Germany.” Go along with him as he recalls his work as a guard on a dirt road somewhere in Bavaria. Veterans also are bonded by the volunteer work they do to help others. One place where that happens is the Dogs on Deployment program. Writer Seraine Page introduces readers to the program that helps active duty service members keep their pets safe while deployed. Volunteers take on those pet duties while the soldiers, sailors and others are away. And veterans themselves are helping out by caring for these pets. Finally, veterans are bonded, like it or not, through the Veterans Administration and the programs that are made available to them through the VA. Experience a day in the life of a veteran representative at the Disable Veterans Administration.
ON THE COVER:
The recruiting poster “U.S. Marines - active service - land, sea, air” is part of the World War I Posters Collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The photomechanical offset, color print was made sometime between 1914 and 1918.
INSIDE
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WOUNDED WARRIORS It’s an organization that’s been around for 10 years, but is just taking shape in Kitsap County.
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DOGS ON DEPLOYMENT
Want to know what to do when you’re deployed and you don’t want to give up your pet — this organization’s got the answer.
THE BOND
A young Army guy in Berlin following the Vietnam War thinks he’s gotten the assignment of a lifetime.
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Wounded Warriors working in Kitsap County By Leslie Kelly The Wounded Warriors Project has been around for a decade. In that time, word has spread about the work that is being done by the project, to help Post 9/11 veterans with services from the Veterans Administration, counseling on re-adjusting to life after war and employment, giving wounded veterans a safe place to talk and offering veterans recreational opportunities. With a Wounded Warriors Project office in Seattle, veterans in Kitsap County have had access to help. But since last month, there’s a core group of people hoping to get more help for Wounded Warriors right here in Kitsap County. An informational meeting in Poulsbo last month drew more than 50 people who wanted to know more. Officials of the Wounded Warriors Project in Seattle came and shared what services are available from the Wounded Warriors Project,
said Dona Keating, a resident of Bainbridge Island who is active in a number of organizations in Kitsap County. “Our idea was to bring about an opportunity for the Wounded Warriors Project to share what they do with anyone in Kitsap County that has an interest in services for veterans,” said Keating. “We want post 9/11 veterans to know where to go to get the answers they need.” To reach out to veterans in Kitsap County, a Facebook page has been created under the name of Kitsap Wounded Warriors. Keating said veterans can go to the page and meet other veterans in Kitsap County and find out how to get services via Wounded Warriors. Among those who have taken a leadership role since the meeting is Jeremy Creed of Port Orchard. A veteran himself, he’s listed as an alumni, which is what those who work with Wounded Warriors and who have been in the service call themselves.
Creed, whose wife owns Amy’s on the Bay restaurant in Port Orchard, is front and center and has offered to help any Post 9/11 veterans find out more about Wounded Warriors and how the project can help. While Wounded Warriors aims at helping veterans who have served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, any veteran needing help, will be helped, said Michael Kiser, a senior benefits liaison with the Wounded Warriors Project office in Seattle. Kiser lives in Kingston and spoke at the Poulsbo meeting. He spends at least one day a week working in Bremerton to bring services to Kitsap veterans. His specific work is to help veterans get through the paperwork to get benefits from the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense and Social Security. In all, there are 19 different programs offered by the Wounded Warriors project. Besides getting services from
government offices, the project gives veterans counseling on post dramatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical health needs, helps them ready themselves for job interviews and gives them job leads. But it’s not all business. Many times, the Wounded Warriors is a place where veterans with like interests find others to do things with. “We’ve had activities like hiking and climbing and we’ve taken groups to the indoor sky-diving center in Issaquah,” said Kiser. “We’ve gone to ball games together and we’ve offers other ways that alumni can just share time and have fun together.” If there is enough interest, Kitsap Wounded Warriors may bring events such as athletic competitions to Kitsap County, Keating said. “Warrior Games,” as they are called, are held throughout the nation. Among the most common need is working through the worst of PTSD.
“PTSD is there almost always with veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “Alumni often help each other deal with the memories.” Keating said for many of the wounded, especially those who have lost limbs an those who suffer with PTSD, just having someone who has been in war and who understands what they’ve been through is all that is needed. “Just to have someone to talk to, for some, that’s all they need,” she said. Wounded Warriors also has programs to help homeless veterans get a place to stay, paying rent and utilities for vets and cash grants for food. Nationwide, in 2012, more than $114 million was spent helping veterans. While no numbers are available as to how manywounded warriors currently are living in Kitsap County, Kiser said there’s more than 38,954 alumni nationwide. According to VA data, there are 607,000 veterans in
Washington. While there has been some criticism of the Wounded Warriors Project in recent years, about the salaries paid to the program’s executives, both Keating and Kiser feel certain that the organization is well run. Keating said prior to getting involved with the project, she did her due-diligence and studied it. “According to many of the listings on various charity websites such as Charity Navigator, Wounded Warriors has high marks,” she said. “Every person who is considering this group should check that out and determine for themselves if they want to be a part of it.” Anyone wanting to reach out to Kitsap Wounded Warriors should go to its Facebook page. To reach Kiser, email mkiser@woundedwarriorsproject.org. The Seattle office is at 2223 Alaskan Way, Ste 220, Seattle, or call 206-441-7096.
(CJHF). Betsy Schultz founded CJHF in 2011 in memory of her son, Green Beret Captain Joseph Schultz, KIA Afghanistan, May 29, 2011. Recently Betsy Schultz, CJHF board members and a
team of volunteers that includes veterans, parents, siblings and supporters drawn from around the United States and from all walks of life launched the foundation’s campaign to sign up runners and attract supporters for
Team Run For Joe in the North Olympia Discovery Marathon in Port Angeles on June 1. CJHF was founded to care for the Gold Star Families of the Fallen, from all corners of the United States, and to provide
retreat and educational support to those who have lost a loved one during the global war on terror. Captain Joseph House is located in Port Angeles and this year’s event will be the second year of a partnership with
the popular North Olympic Discovery Marathon. Captain Joseph House Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization. The North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Half Marathon takes place on a unique pointto-point course that incorporates the beautiful Olympic Discovery Trail with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. This rails to trails course is a wide, mixed/hard surface trail. The race is organized by the Port Angeles Marathon Association. The marathon is a USATF certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifier. Members can sign up for the marathon, half marathon, marathon walk, OMC 5K and 10K, corporate, military and high school relay groups and kid’s “marathon.” Interested parties may register for Team Run For Joe online and a team package includes a t-shirt and “race survival pack.” Participants are expected to fundraise on behalf of CJHF. Team Run For Joe is aiming to raise $30,000 or more for the CJHF. Funds will go toward both the remodel of the House required to meet current building standards and accommodate guest family rooms, as well as activities and services planned for grieving Gold Star military families who will come from across the country.
Captain Joseph House team to run marathon The loneliness of the long distance runner has been well documented, but that feeling is no where to be found among the members of Team Run For Joe, the running team of Captain Joseph House Foundation
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What is a Navy SEAL?
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fter the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and the release of the movies Act of Valor, Zero Dark Thirty, Captain Phillips and especially Lone Survivor, it seems like “Navy SEAL” has become a household word. The 2012 tragedy in Benghazi, that included the killing of former Navy SEALs Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty causes many people to ask me many hard questions. This is my response: Did it matter that Tyrone and Glen were former Navy SEALs? The bottom line answer is yes.
By Jack B. James Both men were American citizens, emergency medical treatment personnel, former Navy sailors and former Navy SEALs. What does that mean — “former Navy SEAL?” To be honest and up-front, to some men, being a former Navy SEAL means absolutely nothing. However, I believe that is a minority. To the majority of my community, being a former Navy SEAL means almost everything. The key and essential bond is our basic training — Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL
Jack B. James (The Jackal) CDR, USN, (Retired) Jack grew up in Santee, Calif., and graduated from West High School in Bremerton. He was a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet with the Yorktown Division in Bremerton. He enlisted in the Navy in 1972 and graduated from the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 70 on Feb. 23, 1973. He also attended and graduated from the Navy Explosive Ordnance (EOD) School in Indian Head, MD with Class 1B-78, in July 1978.
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(BUD/S) training. The experience of attending and graduating from BUD/S is the bond that binds SEALs both young and old. Besides enduring the length of BUD/S training, the other bonding element is the portion of the training called, “Hell Week.” It is said that although Hell Week does not cleanse the soul, it certainly “tests” your very soul. Specifically, how bad do you really want to be a Navy SEAL? At some point in time during that week, every man makes that commitment to not
During his 35-year career, Jack served on the following Teams and Commands: SEAL Team One (twice); Underwater Demolition Team 21 (UDT-21); SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One; SEAL Team Three; Naval Special Warfare Unit One; Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-Essex; Fleet Intelligence Center Pacific; Commander Third Fleet; Commander Naval Special Warfare Command; Very Shallow Water Mine Countermeasures Detachment; and Commander Naval Warfare Development Command. Jack obtained his commission in 1981 at Officer Candidate School, Newport RI. His undergraduate
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quit — no matter what. Also, the other portion of the training that is driven into every man’s very soul is to never, ever, leave your swim buddy. Leaving your swim buddy had direct corporal and administrative punishment. The phrase - “leave no man behind,” does not even need to be discussed, it is engrained in every Navy SEALs very soul. So, what did it mean to be a ‚“former Navy SEAL” to Tyrone and Glen? I would venture to say, almost everything. Their training muscle memory kicked in and
they engaged their mind, body, and very soul. In summary, like a lot of organizations Navy SEALs have an ethos and I would contend that it follows a person into retirement or civilian life. Consider these tenets of the Navy SEAL Ethos: Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate, Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield, Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit, Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates, Excel as Warriors through Discipline and
Innovation, Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies, and Earn your Trident every day. For Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” — Edmund Burke “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13 “The only easy day was yesterday.” — Navy SEAL motto (Photos courtesy of Jack James.)
degree is from the George Washington University, with a concentration in Psychology and he has a master’s degree is in Strategic Intelligence, from the Defense Intelligence College — Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C. Jack retired from active duty in July 2007. He and his wife Stacey live in Poulsbo. They have four sons. Jack continues to serve the community as a “Legacy Recruiter,” he is a member of the Navy League; volunteers at the Naval Undersea Museum; also with the local Naval Sea Cadets; Boy Scouts of America; and at the local YMCA. He coordinates and leads teambuilding events called “Act of Valor” challenges.
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Evidence is everything or nothing with the VA By Thom Stoddert When making a claim with the Veterans Administration always keep in your mind: you must have evidence to support your request. Over and over I keep hearing from veterans “they denied my claim” and the vet is angry. When in reality the vet is at fault for not providing reasonable evidence to support the claim they are making. I spend 90 percent of my time with veterans, just working on this very essential issue. A veteran in this state submitted a claim to the VA for service connection of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder supposedly from having been assaulted by his fellow ship mates. His claim was denied for several reasons. There was no medical evidence of ever having been injured in the vet’s service medical records that the VA had obtained on his behalf. Further, the veteran did not provide any of his own evidence as instructed by letters from the VA Regional Office. A year or two later after being denied benefits, he submitted new evidence in the form of pages copied from his ship’s year book that had individual pictures high-lighted with fluorescent yellow. These pictures were accompanied by a statement from the vet saying these were his fellow service members who had assaulted him on that ship and now the VA has the evidence needed to give him the favorable decision that he demanded, and I mean demanded. Understand the weakness of his yearbook evidence? Anyone can send in pictures from anywhere and say those people beat me up. The evidence lacks specifics. Each vet is not cookie cut and molded. Thus evidence comes in many forms focused on the needs of each veteran. So what evidence does the VA need? The basic requirement for evidence that the Veteran’s Benefits Administration needs is
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Thom Stoddert fairly simple. Something must have happened on active duty and it is still shown to be present in some form. Further, there must be evidence linking what you have now to what happened on active duty. Evidence links both the present and the past. A simple example, issues like arthritis of the joints. You were inured in service and now there is traumatic arthritis. You have identified to the VA that you were injured playing unit sports or something. The VA then obtains your service medical records and finds that you had been injured playing in a game. Your present doctor gives a history of complaints and diagnosis. But what about when you get hurt and there are no records because you went to your good buddy the corpsman. I have seen many vets get favorable decisions when they submitted good lay statements from people who witnessed the injury, or treated the injury. Former commanders, NCOs, corpsmen, and/ or several folks who witnessed the same thing are excellent sources of evidence. People who stand to benefit financially from any favorable decision are not usually considered to be strong supporting evidence. How do you locate former members of your unit? There are many easy ways that do not trespass any privacy laws. My favorite is www. Military.com. Go to your
old unit and see if there is any one you remember and who remembers you. Establish contact and see if that person remembers the incident and will write a statement to support you. Do an internet search for your unit and repeat the above process. Most units do have some sort of reunion functions. “Old” letters to friends and family carry very valuable credible evidence. I have seen old newspapers do the trick for a deserving vet. The Navy has the best websites for each ship. Sometimes there is no clear linkage between what you have and what happened in the service. This is when a written opinion of an expert who explains why your disease is linked to something such as exposure to the Agent Orange that you had in Vietnam. This is just one example, an expert’s (not the family doctor) opinion with a credible explanation usually works for all issues. Frequently I have seen claims for PTSD denied for lack of a credible stressor event. This is when a lay statement from a former buddy comes in. Another example; a vet was in the artillery and as such would not receive a Combat Infantry Badge. Yet he was in frequent fire fights protecting his firebase. The VA denies his claim for lack of proof of a verifiable stressor such as a combat award. But the vet provided details as to the time he was in the unit that was attacked. He provided places, details and the name of key personnel he served with. All of his information was verified through the various third party resources that VA has and they were able to grant him a favorable decision. In almost all cases when a claim has been denied, it usually is the lack of good strong credible evidence. So that is where you start if you submit an appeal or a notice of disagreement. Plan your evidence carefully.
Vietnam veteran no longer suffers in silence By KEVAN MOORE After getting back home from two tours in Vietnam as a Marine, Joel Courreges spent the better part of 18 years barely saying a word to anyone. Criss-crossing the country as a long-haul truck driver, Courreges carried a small ring-bound notebook and a pencil in his breast pocket. “Whenever someday wanted to talk me, I handed them the book with the pencil,” he said. “On that page it said, ‘I’m a deaf mute,’ because I didn’t want to deal with anybody. It’s hard to explain.” Courreges said he simply couldn’t deal with the general public. “They scared me,” he said. “I figured I was gonna hurt somebody and I was gonna end up in an 8-by-8 cell somewhere in the United States. I had to raise a family and feed a family the best way I knew how, and that happened to be driving a truck.” After all those years, though, Courreges was finally able to get some help. Today, as a chapter service officer at Disabled American Veterans in Bremerton, he’s helping other veterans facing the struggles and uncertainties that he fought in near silence for 18 years. “My outlook is a lot brighter and I can understand what they’re going through because I’ve gone through it. At the same time, I was blessed with the ability to think and I thought my way out of a situation. I was prepared to go the rest of my life with nobody knowing I could talk expect my mom, my wife and my children. I
ies,” he said. was perfectly happy. It “When we took a psy- “I would never, saw more cars chologist to ever, in the work than horses bail me out I’m in today, I we wondered of it.” would never take if something Courreges their trust and was wrong.” talks about Courreges ruin it in any way. signed the conup for tract that I used to have a the Marine v e t e r a n s sign out there Corps fresh made when that says through out of high entering the these doors walk school in 1966 service and and got out in my heroes. And I the blank March of 1970 check that was serious. My after two tours is written to job is to take care in Vietnam. the govern- of them. That’s “I did that ment that what the DAV is. because in the includes the short amount p o s s i bi l it y of time I was of giving up one’s own life here, this country showed for the country. me what actual freedom “The reason I do what I was and what it meant do is I’m grateful for every to go from one place vet that walks through my to another, one state to doors because they did another, or one county to what they did out of the another without having to kindness of their heart and go through some border the actual belief that they crossing or some sort of were saving the world,” check,” he said of his deciCourreges said. “I would sion to enlist. Courreges also bought never, ever, in the work I’m in today, I would never in wholly to the idea of take their trust and ruin it fighting communism and in any way. I used to have protecting the United a sign out there that says States. Those idealistic through these doors walk notions were only heightmy heroes. And I was seri- ened while in Vietnam ous. My job is to take care where a pro-war newsof them. That’s what the paper or two every few months reinforced that DAV is.” Courreges was born in belief. “They were playing the France and moved to the United States at the age propaganda game as well of 10. When he arrived anybody else,” he said. in New York and began a “’What you’re dong is road trip to San Francisco great, utmost, saving the in a 1958 Buick, he and his world from communism’ sister, who was two years and so forth. Then you come back to the US and younger, were terrified. “We sat in the backseat find that nobody realof that Buick absolutely ly gives a shit. A lot of scared to death that the people come in here with Indians were going to the same memories. One come out and attack us minute you’re a hero and any minute. Any minute as soon as you land here, because that’s all we had you’re a bum. You should ever seen in the mov- get back on the airplane
“I have worn dentures for 27 years and have never had such attentive care. The dentures are wonderful!”
and go back to Vietnam.” These days, Courreges works with other veterans from all branches, including other Vietnam veterans to help turn their lives around. “Some are old Vietnam veterans who just can’t let go of what their problems are, have realized the booze bottle isn’t the answer and want to turn their lives around and we start from scratch,” he said. Others, though, are younger vets. “Some of them are downtrodden or homeless,” Courreges said. “Most of them have severe PTSD and by the time they get to me, they’ve already been into the drugs, the alcohol and everything else. They’re in a place in their life where they just can’t handle it anymore.” In some of those cases, Courreges helps veterans get into Domiciliary
Care Program at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Seattle or American Lake as part of a 28-day in-patient program. Veterans in the program have access to all kinds of medical specialists and 24-hour-a-day psychiatric care. Courreges says he works with about 25 veterans a day on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the Bremerton branch, located at 2315 Burwell St., is open. Often times, those interactions are fairly routine queries about ongoing VA claims or other routine issues. “Our main goal is basically to take care of the veteran for whatever their needs are,” Courreges said. “We help people as much, and in as many ways, as we possibly can. They can come in here for anything. Our job is to take one case at a time and figure out what is needed for that
person.” That includes, of course, PTSD. “A lot of the guys have it,” Courreges said. “But, you don’t just get it from watching your buddy blow up or the guy next to you take a hole in the head and drop in the fox hole. There’s a lot of other ways to get it.” Disabled American Veterans was founded in 1920 and is the oldest veterans assistance group in the country. The Bremerton branch was formed in 1920. Veterans can reach Courreges by calling 373-2397 or sending him an email at davwa05@hotmail.com.
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Sen. Murray dedicates new veterans clinic By Rob Ollikainen
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — U.S. Sen. Patty Murray drew a pair of oversized scissors and proudly cut a ceremonial ribbon to dedicate a new veterans clinic in Port Angeles on Wednesday. “This is really a great day,” Murray said before highfiving World War II veteran Tom McKeown of Port Angeles. Murray was instrumental in securing funds to expand the North Olympic Peninsula Clinic, Veterans Affairs officials said during a half-hour ceremony in a crowded lobby of the new facility at 1114 Georgiana St. The new VA clinic will triple the primary care and mental health services available to the Peninsula’s 14,000 veterans, officials said. “This clinic is going to serve as a reminder to everyone here that veterans on the peninsula are not forgotten,” Murray said.
Photo by Keith Thorpe/ Penninsula Daily News
Veteran Tom McKeown jokes with Sen. Patty Murray at the opening of the North Olympic Peninsula Clinic.
Murray, the fourthranking Senate Democrat, also attended private meetings with officials from Peninsula College and Olympic Medical Center while she was in town. The fourth-term senator from Whidbey Island told a crowd of about 80 at the VA clinic that caring for veterans is “a commitment that lasts a lifetime.” “As many of you know, I’m the daughter of a World War II veteran, and I know firsthand what kind of challenges servicemen and -women face when they come home,” Murray said. “And I remember how difficult it was sometimes for my dad and how that impacted my entire family. Wounds of war are just as often mental as they are physical.” The 7,800-square-foot new clinic replaces the 1,400-square-foot space that the VA had rented from OMC for $1 per year since it opened in August 2007. OMC Commissioner Jim Leskinovitch, who introduced Murray, recalled a nonpartisan grass-roots campaign in 2005 to open a clinic for an underserved population. “I remember it like it was yesterday, Jim,” Murray said.
“People, one after another, stood up and told me how difficult it was for veterans here on the Peninsula, men and women who sometimes felt like they had been forgotten out here to get the care that they needed.” Murray continued: “The fact of the matter was that facilities just like this one did not exist here, and it wasn’t easy for veterans to travel to Seattle or to Bremerton to get the care they needed, and we shouldn’t be asking them to do that.” The community coalesced and “made a lot of noise” to open the smaller facility at 1005 Georgiana St., Murray said. “And, of course, here we are today, able to cut the ribbon on the finest facility that our veterans deserve,” she added. “Look around you. This is the kind of commitment that we make to veterans when we tell you we’ll be there when you come home.” VA spokesman Chad Hutson has said the new clinic will house 20 staff members, including two doctors, two nurse practitioners, three nurses, three health technicians and a mental health provider. The VA is renting the
two-story space for about $157,000 per year. The old clinic, which closed Friday, had one doctor and 13 on staff. Hutson said the expansion will enable the VA to serve about 2,500 veterans from Clallam and Jefferson counties, up from about 1,600 now. Murray, 63, was first elected to the Senate in 1992 by campaigning as a “mom in tennis shoes.” She is a former chairwoman of the Senate veterans affairs committee and now serves as conference secretary and budget committee chairwoman. She recently announced plans to seek a fifth six-year term in 2016. Murray thanked the VA officials, local community leaders, tribal leaders, veterans advocates, OMC and others who made the expansion possible. She also recognized former U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks for “fighting for folks out here on the Peninsula, and veterans in particular.” “As a community, we are not going to forget the men and women who served this country and made our freedom possible,” Murray said.
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American Legion Post 245 Service Office, Open every Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 19068 Jensen Way, Suite 3A, Poulsbo, meeting every third Thursday at 7 p.m., www.alpost245.org, 360-779-5456. WorkSource Kitsap County, Veterans Representatives, 1300 Sylvan Way, Floor 2, Bremerton, 360-337-4767, jmckenna@esd.wa.gov, or Michael Robinson, Disables Veterans Outreach, 360-337-4727, mrobinson@esd.wa.gov. American Legion Post 149, 4922 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, 360-373-8983, www. legion149wa.org. VWF Post 239 Bremerton Post, 190 Dora Ave, Bremerton, 360-377-6739, meets at 7 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Silverdale American Legion Post 109, 10710 Silverdale Way, Silverdale, meets on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at All Star Lanes & Casino, Alpost109cmdr@gmail.com, Facebook: American Legion Post 109 Silverdale. More resources online at www.kitsapveteranslife.com
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By Seraine Page When Phil and TJ Winterholler lost their german shepherd, Truman, in 2011, the military couple felt shattered over their loss. The couple struggled over the thought of getting another dog. But it didn’t take long before the Winterhollers discovered a way to fill their house “made for dogs” that sits on almost an acre and a half with a large fenced-in area. TJ found a post on her Facebook page from Dogs on Deployment, a national non-profit organization that provides an online resource for military members to seek out volunteers who are willing to board their pets while they’re deployed. Both TJ and her husband are Army veterans, and felt that it was a worthwhile organization to volunteer their time to as a way to give back. “We support many veteran activities in Kitsap County and helping a service member during their deployment was right up our alley,” said TJ Winterholler. “We had the perfect place and big hearts and could make a difference. I believe we did, and our lives are richer for it.” The first dog she found was a shepherd, but by the time the paperwork was filled out, the dog had found a home. It wasn’t long before a pit bull owner contacted TJ to request support: the husband was deployed to Afghanistan, and the wife went back to California to spend time with her family after having a baby. Ranger, the pit bull, did not get along with another family dog and needed his own space. He was spending a lot of time in the garage, which was less than suitable for an active pit bull. “She knew that she needed to do something better and found Dogs on Deployment and us,” said TJ Winterholler. “Although I am a shepherd person, my husband loves pit bulls and Ranger was a great representative of the breed.” To let the family know
that Ranger was doing okay, the couple created a Facebook page, “RangerDog on Deployment in Washington” for the family to see a daily feed of Ranger’s activities. “We feel that it was a win-win-win all around,” she said. “Ranger had a great space to run and play.
He came back in August, and he also was around for Christmas in Kitsap County. The Winterhollers generally prepare a nice meal and sit down with Ranger’s family when they drop him off and pick him up. It’s the Dogs on Deployment policy that the families arrange drop off and pick up loca-
Deployment has assisted in the boarding of nearly 400 pets. Owners post everything from dogs and cats to snakes and birds for volunteers to take on in their own homes. “We do get emails from many veteran and active duty boarders that let us know they have signed up
pet or who cannot immediately find a DoD boarder may be eligible for a Pet Chit Financial Assistance Program, which can provide up to $500 in financial aid for pet care. “With care and patience, a veteran can be given the special opportunity to not only receive needed treat-
Contributed photo
Shannon and John Harris pose with their dogs, including a Dogs on Deployment foster, Leona. The pair plans to foster another dog soon. Above right: Phil Winterholler plays with a pit bull named Ranger. We had a blast watching him, and his parents knew that he was safe.” Nik and Nicolette, Ranger’s owners, looked forward to seeing what their pit bull was up to in his new surroundings. Nik would return from patrol, excited to see his dog’s newest adventure, Winterholler noted. “I think he gained ten pounds of muscle here, chasing the squirrels,” she joked. Additionally, the Dogs on Deployment program allowed the two couples to build their relationship so well that they frequently converse, even when Ranger is not in the Winterhollers care. Last year, Ranger spent March through June with the Winterholllers for the duration of a deployment.
tions and times. The pet owner also must provide all pet supplies. Last October, Phil was in a motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his leg. He stayed at the Veteran’s Home in Retsil recovering until Thanksgiving. Part of the decision to take in Ranger again was a way to help Phil in his recovery, TJ Winterholler said. “Having Ranger here in December brightened up his day and helped in his recovery,” she said. “Don’t they say there is something to having a dog to pet?” After the accident, the pair finally tied the knot last November after 12 years of being together. Their Dogs on Deployment family even came to watch them say, “I do.” Since 2011, Dogs on
and are excited to help,” said Emily Hanke, a Dogs on Deployment public relations representative. “Many of the service members that use Dogs on Deployment will also register once they come back so that they can help others the way they were helped.” In addition to helping active duty members, the organization also provides veteran support to homeless veterans who may have animals they need to give up temporarily as they find life stability. For homeless vets, Dogs on Deployment can help them find a way to rehome or provide long-term care for any pets that could prevent them from enrolling in the VA Department’s homeless domicile and job rehab programs. Veterans who cannot care for their
ment or assistance, but also be able to keep their beloved pets,” states the website. “Pets can be essential to helping a person heal physically, mentally and emotionally. Some of these veterans lose everything, and with a little help we can give them the chance to keep something very precious.” For military couple Shannon and John Harris, it only made sense to help out another military couple while they deployed and moved. Navy wife Shannon Harris found out about the organization while on Facebook one day. Once the couple moved to Washington, one of their first plans was to foster a dog through the program. “We came out here and she was the first one to pop
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up,” Harris said of Leona, a rhodesian ridgeback puppy. In June 2013, Leona’s owners were going through a major transition. One was deployed, while the other was moving the couple’s items across country. The Harris’ met with the couple and Leona three weekends prior to the drop off. “If they wouldn’t of picked her up, I would’ve kept her,” said Shannon Harris, who also owns three labs and a cat. “She was a big time cuddler.” Harris, who is also the daughter of a Navy veteran, said she understands how important it is to military families to know someone can care for their pets while they are away. Going through deployments or any military transition is difficult, Harris said. From June to November, the pair watched as Leona blended in with their other dogs. If the couple went camping, so did all four dogs. When Leona’s family came to retrieve her just before Thanksgiving, Harris said it was difficult to watch her go. While tearing up, Harris recorded the reunion between Leona and her owner — a mix of barking, tail wagging and lots of jumping. Even though saying goodbye was painful, Harris said she and her husband would do it all over again. It would likely be for a much shorter time period since they don’t want to get so attached, she said. She looks online every day to see which military service member or veteran she might be able to help out. Harris is also awaiting response from Dogs on Deployment to possibly become a spokeswoman for the Kitsap County area to spread the word, she said. Any way she can help out with pets, she’s willing, she said. “We know how hard it is to be on deployment,” she said. “Having someone take care of your pet so you don’t have to worry about it (is nice). That’s why we do it.”
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Spring brings fishing opportunities in Kitsap area By Chad Gillespie Spring time is upon us and the fishing opportunities it brings to the Kitsap angler are plentiful. The opportunistic angler can chase spring Chinook Salmon on the Columbia River to Halibut throughout Puget Sound and everything in between. Spring Chinook, otherwise known as a springer, on the Columbia River will started trickling into the Big C in February. The first sport caught springer usually hits the internet chat rooms and newspapers like a Seahawks Superbowl win. Best techniques to catch these silver bullets is trolling green label herring behind a fish flash flasher downriver, and anchor fishing. Hiring one of the many guides who
works the area would be my recommendation if you are a first timer. It will cut the learning curve significantly. The season runs March 1 through April 7 and the prediction is for 308,000 springers to head upriver this year. The fourth Saturday in April marks the kick off of the lowland lake fishing season. Lowland lake fishing is one my families favorite traditions. The trout are generally not too picky, the weather is mild and it is easy for kids to land a fish and bait a hook. Traditionally, this is the most attended fishery in all of Washington. Locally, Kitsap and Island lakes are open year and offer an opportunity to get out in all seasons and try for a feisty
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A searun cutthroat was one of many catches for Gillespie in Hood Canal last October. rainbow trout. Both Kitsap and Island lakes have public access areas. Kitsap has a very nice dock to fish off of at Kitsap Lake County Park. Other stocked lakes include Mission, Panther, Wildcat, Horseshoe, Buck, Koeneman and Wye lakes. Anglers looking to maximize their success can look on the Washington Department of Fish and Game’s website (www.wdfw.wa.gov) and go to the freshwater fishing section. There, you can find upto-date lake stocking data. It will show you what lakes have been stocked, when they were stocked and with the number of trout put in. Jefferson County also offers some fine trout destinations. These are great options for those living in the central and north end of the county and include Anderson, Gibbs, Horseshoe, Leland, Ludlow, Sandy Shore, Silent, Tarboo and Teal lakes. Special regulations requiring single barbless hook and no bait are the norm on Gibbs and Teal lakes for all or part of the year. Fly and spinner anglers plying these waters can experience a tranquil setting. Both lakes are ideal for float tubes or small
carry in boats, as there is no boat launch to back a trailer into the water. Bill Drewry of Peninsula outfitters in Poulsbo is an excellent resource for up to date fishing reports on Jefferson County lakes. Bill can be reached at 360-3941599 or www.peninsulaoutfitters.com. Sea-run cutthroat, a wild sea going trout that live in our waters surrounding the Kitsap Peninsula are an exciting option for the adventurous soul wishing to brave our spring weather. Hard fighting, aggressive and acrobatic are how I would describe a sea-run cutthroat. There are no hatcheries for sea-runs, they propagate naturally in streams ranging from a trickle to full size rivers. This is strictly a catch and release fishery, so careful attention to releasing them without touching them is preferable. Sea-runs live along all Kitsap shorelines migrating in and out with the tides and currents. They feed opportunistically and will readily put the smack down on a small sculpin, herring, sand lance or migrating salmon smolt. Sea-runs travel along
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beaches and can be found foraging in water as shallow as 6 inches to over 12 feet deep on average. Anglers casting from beaches can have great success in certain areas. Cutthroat fishing is unique because it is all catch and release – a regulation put in place in the late 90s to protect this dwindling species. Without sport or commercial harvest they have rebounded. Spring marks the migration of the chum salmon fry out of the rivers and into the saltwater. Cutthroat feed voraciously on these small defenseless fry that travel in shallow waters along Hood Canal and Puget Sound beaches. A small fly that imitates one of these can be highly effective for the fly angler pursuing sea-runs. Bill Drewry of Peninsula outfitters, can be called for his expertise. Bill guides saltwater salmon and sea-run cutthroat fly fishing trips out of his boat and has first hand knowledge for these species. Spring blackmouth fishing is also happening now in different areas. Area 9, which stretches from Appletree Point in Kingston to Port Townsend is currently fish-
ing well. The Washington Department of Fish and Game recently restricted the fishing down to one legal sized blackmouth per day, per person. This is a change from two per day, per person. Point No Point proved its worthiness for us when it opened Jan. 16. Cut plug herring mooched through the outgoing low tide was very effective for the numerous 5-10 pound blackmouth that were inhabiting the area. Area 9 will be open through mid-April, unless WDFW shuts it down early due to exceeding the quota. Spring steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula are starting to run strong in the rivers now. On the tail end of each heavy rain event, and as the river levels drop steelhead migrate into the Quilllayute River system which includes the Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah and Dickey rivers. These magnificent fish are primarily all native steelhead at this point in the year and compose the last of what were once a numerous fish throughout Western Washington. An acrobatic steelhead is nothing short of a spectacular battle once hooked – the challenge just lies in hooking them. Steelhead aren’t called the fish of a thousand casts for nothing! Anglers can expect native steelhead to trickle into the Olympic Peninsula rivers through the closure in midApril. For updates, fishing techniques and other worthy information check out www. piscatorialpursuits.com. Opportunities abound for anglers looking to experience some new type of fishing on or close to the Kitsap Peninsula. Fishing for one species or another, one should never get bored as there is always fishing to be had close by. Spring is almost here. Get out and enjoy our endless fishing options.
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Chatter...Chatter...Chatter Local man joins SAR
Ned Cook of Brownsville has joined the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Capt. John Paul Jones Chapter. Cook had heard the family stories passed down from generation to generation that a family member had participated in the American Revolution. He performed the research to document his family’s linage with the help of the SAR. Cook is a descendant of Garrett Irons who assisted in establishing American Independence while acting in the capacity of a Private from New Jersey. Private Garret Irons applied for a Revolutionary War pension on 31 July 1832. His enson application states that while residing in Dover Township Garret Irons volunteered at Toms River in the spring of 1776 and served as a private at various times in monthly tours in the N.J. Militia under Captains John Cook; Jenkins; Bigelow, and Tilton in Col. Samuel Forman’s Regiment. He was in several scouting parties, Monmouth Co. being infested with the British; was in a skirmish at Homerstown, and in a skirmish at Pennsylvania Salt Works while on guard there. He served until the end of the war. The SAR is an educational, historical, patriotic, and genealogical non-profit society. The purposes of the Society are to maintain and extend: the institutions of American freedom; an appreciation for true patriotism; a respect for our national symbols; the value of American citizenship; the unifying force of
Briefly Nationwide • Four of the nation’s leading veterans organizations proposed a budget plan that calls for increased spending on veterans programs in 2015 and beyond. The policy statement, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, calls for $72.9 billion in funding for Department of Veterans Affairs health care and benefits. Its release on Feb. 4 came exactly a month before President Obama plans to release his 2015 budget wish list.
e pluribus unum that has created from the people of many nations, one nation and one people. Membership in the SAR is open to all men who can establish lineal descent from an ancestor who supported the War for American Independence. For more information, contact David Lasser, Capt. John Paul Jones Chapter Genealogist at dwlasser@ gmail.com. Visit our state website www.wassar.net.
Public invited to escort veteran remains March 8 The public is invited to a special honor ride to Tahoma National Cemetery on March 8. Bob Patrick, the Washington state coordinator for the Missing in America Project, invites the public to honor 15 recovered veterans by escorting their remains to the cemetery. The ride will start at Lawless Harley-Davidson in Renton, The ceremony begins at noon. The address of the start is 3715 E. Valley Road, Renton.
County Military Appreciation Day set for March 29 A Military Appreciation Day and informational fair has been set for March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. There will be entertainment, children’s activities, a mini boot camp session for kids, door prizes for military personnel and local business information. The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Veteran Charles May on March 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the Washington Veteran’s Home at Retsil. RSVP at garye@dva.wa.gov or call 360-895-4676. There will also be bingo and socializing at Retsil Veterans Home on March 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Dancing set for VFW Post 4760 The Sequim VFW Post 4760 hopes that once a month you’ll put on your dancing shoes and join in a new tradition. On the third Saturday of each month, a local band will play from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the gathering hall, 169 E. Washington St. The post has more than 530 members who have served overseas in a war zone during war time.
More news from VFW Post 2669 The Fred Needham VFW Post 2669 in Port Orchard hosts dinner on Thursdays and Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. They are located at 736 Bay Street in Port Orchard. The post also is looking for volunteers. They need cooks, cook assistants, dishwashers, bartenders, custodians and more. Call 360-876-2669 for more information. Hours to volunteer are: Monday and Tuesday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m: and Sundays for special occasions.
Celebrations set at Retsil Vets Home
• Veterans still face significant delays on their disability claims that sometimes total hundreds of days at the Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency that long has struggled to upgrade for the 21st century. High expenditures and hard work certainly have helped the VA evolve meaningfully as it begins to digitize its once-archaic process for receiving and processing millions of benefits applications. But the next few months are critical if the VA hopes to ever meet its goal of hacking the historic backlog by 2015. • A bill that would require schools to ease in-state tuition rules for veterans
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Air Force Reserves nurses offer compassion By Jake Chappelle
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Years before Dana Fisk was old enough to join the military, she instinctively connected with her family’s military heritage, through the distinct scent and texture of the uniform her grandfather wore fighting in World War II, and from gazing at the blemished photo of her great grandmother — who served as a nurse during World War I. “I knew as a child, I wanted to continue this tradition,” said Fisk, now an eight-year Air Force Reserve nurse with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here. “My grandfather suggested the Reserve after I graduated from nursing school as an opportunity to see the world and serve my country.” Alongside the 446th ASTS, the two other 446th Airlift Wing medical units here — the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron — have a collection of nurses who share a common passion—helping people. “I always had an interest in serving, so this was the perfect fit for me,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth “Rhino” Winslow, 446th AES flight nurse and director of operations. “The care we’re able to give to those who put their lives at risk is one of, if not the most, humbling and rewarding experiences I’ve had.” Winslow, currently an occupational nurse practitioner in Issaquah, joined the Reserve out of persuasion from coworkers who were with 446th AES, when he was an emergency department and helicopter nurse at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma nearly 27 years ago. Maj. Ann Selimos, 446th
AMDS chief nurse also joined the Reserve out of family inspiration. “I’ve always loved helping people,” said the registered nurse and adult-pediatric educator. “I decided to go into the military after my little brother enlisted. My brother picked my branch of service and (flight nurse career) and what a great job he did.” Reserve nurses might have the patient-care piece under wraps, but they also have operational and training responsibilities. Fisk, a major who spends her days at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center as a burn trauma and pediatric nurse, said nurses train to treat every aspect of the patient using a blend of skills, which include science and technology. They also assist with training the unit’s medical technicians. In AES, the nurses primarily focus on maintaining patient-care standards, and fulfilling training requirements, Winslow said. This lets them deploy anywhere, at any time, to provide care to injured and ill patients who need transport. Nurses also coordinate patient care and implement care plans. With ASTS acting as a mobile hospital, treating patients in the aeromedical evacuation system, nursing duties can include general care, and ground transportation coordination, Fisk said. “In nursing, we have to be able to do and know almost everything,” Winslow said. “I have to know if a (doctor) has written a correct order. I have to know if the respiratory technician needs help, and be able to troubleshoot the equipment. We have to know every piece of equipment and how it affects the patient, and how the stresses of flight impact each of
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Capt. Trudy Frantz, left, and Staff Sgt. Krista Greenwell, fasten safety belts around Soldiers on a C-17 Globemaster III as part of a mass casualty exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. those.” Nurses also have additional duties that require administering training programs, qualifications, planning, operations, and nursing services, he said. Nurses in AMDS have similar operational and administrative duties as AE, said Selimos. They deal with clinical oversight, infection control, immunizations, physical exams and process, audit charts, and provide training instruction. Fisk, who spent six years as an AES flight nurse before moving to ASTS, said nurses have opportu-
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nities to specialize in other areas. “I love to work in unique environments. I’ve worked in an intensive care unit, emergency department, a post-anesthesia care unit, outpatient clinics, and education and research.” Along with the practical facets and wide-range opportunities Reserve nurses share, there are additional benefits — like making a difference. “Nursing is a very rewarding profession with the ability to make an enormous difference in people’s lives, especially
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the lives of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military,” Winslow said. One of Selimos’ pleasures stems from watching her Airmen grow. “My favorite aspect about the nursing field is watching our enlisted (Airmen) give excellent care, and further their education,” she said. “Three of our enlisted members are registered nurses in the civilian world, and are in the process of (applying for commissions).” Fisk makes a final, but critical element about
what it takes to be an Air Force Reserve nurse. “Those with an engaged and enthusiastic attitude, coupled with the willingness to do hard work, it’s an exciting and rewarding job,” Fisk said. “The art of kindness, compassion and empathy are important aspects of nursing. Anyone can learn a skill or procedure, but not everyone can be a kind caring nurse.” For those interested in learning more about the Air Force Reserve nursing field, contact Master Sgt. Yvette Larson at 253-3307489 or yvette.larson@ us.af.mil.
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Port Orchard VFW is looking for a new home Current location has several challenges for veterans By CHRIS CHANCELLOR It is a Bay Street fixture. But if officials at Fred Needham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2669 have their way, the organization will move out of downtown Port Orchard for the first time since it was established in 1932. The impetus behind that, Commander John Weatherill said, is simple. Imagine elders navigating stairs in a tri-level house. Weatherill said veterans face a similar scenario when they have dinners at the Port Orchard facility. The regulars, who are as old as 94, have to take their meals downstairs to the dining area. But that is not the only consideration behind a move. Weatherill said post leaders are looking at two spaces near downtown on Mile Hill Drive and Bethel Avenue that are one story and feature about 5,000 square feet. That would place a dining area with offices on the same level. At the current location, the offices are on the third level. Post 2669 has a service officer on location once a week to work with veterans suffering from myriad issues, such as a variety of cancers, which purportedly
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have been linked through numerous studies to the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The U.S. military sprayed millions of gallons of herbicides on trees and vegetation during that time. Jesse Carillo, who served in the Navy from 1985-‘95, is one of those officers with a computer set up at the VFW to assist veterans with getting the claims process started to receive treatment. He said that often takes one year or longer, but frequently sees veterans walk through the door with skin blotches and other ongoing issues. “Sometimes people just procrastinate,” he said. Other times, Carillo said they want to active old claims or simply do not know what to do. That is why he and others set up at VFWs to answer questions and assist with paperwork. Carillo said the paperwork then is sent to the Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle. Weatherill said a new facility would enable the VFW to have a service officer on location five days per week. “Everybody thinks the Veterans of Foreign Wars is a bunch of drunks,” Weatherill said. “We do a lot. People just don’t realize that.” That work creates crowds. On Valentine’s Day, Weatherill said Post 2669 served 75 dinners.
Dannis Oliveaux /staff photo
The VFW in Port Orchard may need to find a new home.
1956 is sold. Weatherill said the property, which was listed for sale in 2012, has generated some interest but no offers. If the property can sell for $300,000, Weatherill said that would be used as a down payment on a new facility, which he estimates will cost $800,000 and require another $200,000 in renovations. Post 2669 officials also are working on a federal grant that would help fund a kitchen and dining area and an emergency feeding station. “If we had a disaster they can come to the VFW and we have meals for three days,” he said. Weatherill said another component of that grant would fund emergency cots for the homeless during cold-weather season. He estimates that could provide shelter for 60 people a night. The thought of constructing a new VFW might seem absurd in some areas. But George
Based on feedback, he thinks those numbers could increase in a new location. “Our biggest issue is we have no parking when we have a function down here,” he said. “It hurts me to walk any more than a block.” While Weatherill would like to move soon, he said that won’t happen until the building that has housed Post 2669 since
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“Corky” Berthiaume, who is the VFW office manager for Washington state’s daily activities and is a member of the national council of administration for our state, Idaho and Montana, said local posts have fared better than most. The VFW, which has 29,000 members in the state, has seen about a 15 percent decline from 2002 to 2012. That is much better than the national picture, where many states have seen 40 to 50 percent declines in membership during that time period. Weatherill said membership at Post 2669 also has been much more stable than others nationally. “We’ve been hanging right at 400 for the last 10 years,” he said, adding that about one-quarter of those are regulars. “We’re trying to get the newer members to come in. A lot of them are trying to work to feed their families on the outside.”
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THE BOND/ LAST LOOK By Thom Stoddert This is less a funny war story from a former no-rank infantryman than it is the observations of international politics by a 20 year old who had too many hormones, too much curiosity, and an attitude left over from Vietnam when I was sent to Berlin, Germany. The Vietnam War was simple for the average gun-bunny, aka soldier — you screwed up, you got shot. There were lots of bad “commies” (soldier of a communist nation) in the mountains, the villages, the jungles of Vietnam and we would shoot at each other, pretty serious stuff. Every place smelled bad, was either drenched in rain, or too hot to touch with your fingers. After I left Vietnam I was offered a chance to be assigned to Berlin. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize, while looking at a map that the city of Berlin was an isolated metropolis 110 miles behind the “Iron Curtin.” Translated into infantry thinking: no field duty, no living outdoors in the rain; just simple, routine “Wall Duty” for the next year in a beautiful modern city. Oh yeah, send me! However, Berlin also had lots of “commies” from several
communist nations and it was not a simple affair. It was a modern major European city; however, they shot civilians, not soldiers. Two weeks after I landed in beautiful downtown Berlin at Templehof Air Force Base, I was instead on duty guarding some dirt road in Bavaria and up to my knees in snow for a month of field training. The closest habitation was a village a mile away that I could see only when the snow fall lightened up — so much for duty in Berlin. Before any of that I had to drive from Berlin to Bavaria with a very good understanding what was really happening behind the scenes. Germany was divided into eastern and western zones after World War II when it fell to the Allies and Adolf Hitler with his Nazi regime were destroyed. Thus two separate nations arose, one free, one carefully controlled. Berlin, the capital was split into four sectors and until 1989 an occupied city, essentially run by the Russians, French, British, and American armies in each sectors. This proved to have many interesting issues for a soldier. Added to this was a massive wall with tank traps and mines all around us in the western sec-
tors. The French, British, and Americans occupied the western (free) sectors which were prosperous and had a great quality and quantity of life. The museums were some the best in the world, the stores were cheap, and the beer was awesome. Public transportation for a soldier was free. For the most part everyone got along, except once, a training exercise between American and French units. On the eastern side of the city, the sector controlled by the communist Russians, it still had unrepaired neighborhoods destroyed during the war. The best stores were only for tourists and special people. Everyone wore some kind of uniform, no one smiled, and no one looked around. There were lots of things to see and do in the eastern side, but it could be dangerous, so we went in groups. So when it came time to drive to the large training bases in Bavaria, it was through the East German checkpoints controlled by Russians. Prior to the trip to West (free) Germany, we had to sit through extensive daily briefings which amounted to “don’t start World War-III by breaking a rule that the
French, British, Russian, and American politicians had made. In other words we were to be life-size GI Joe dolls sitting perfectly still in polished gunjeeps and trucks. We were not allowed to have radios, cameras, or Playboy magazines visible through the windows. On the other hand, the members of the convoy were not to allow any communist soldier to remove any thing from a vehicle, to enter a vehicle, or physically touch an American. A few weeks later I found out why. The communist soldiers were all drafted and just like us — hated the army and politicians; loved Playboy magazines and wanted to know all about us. Friendliness was not politically correct. The first phase of the trip was to pull into a large open area on the side of the checkpoint that entered into the Russian controlled autobahn. From there the Russians would perform their political games of doing “safety checks” on our vehicles, while taking their time about it. It was all a silly political game the East and the West played with each other. So, while I sat there behind the steering wheel of my gun jeep, I could see an old
WWII-style tank up on a large pedestal. I knew from initial orientation that it was the first Russian battle tank to enter Berlin in April 1945. I also knew it was probably the only tank that survived all the friendly fire the Russian inflicted on themselves while trying to kill Hitler. Sitting in the jeep I could see Russian officers and NCOs walking around and in between the trucks, and then I heard a familiar clicking sound. I looked over to my team leader who had his Instamatic camera up and was taking pictures of the Soviet officer who was leaning against the canvass door of the jeep. My boss was discretely getting souvenirs of the Russian’s butt. The team leader knew the drill. But I was seriously questioning his sanity when he suggested for me to take a picture of the tank on the pedestal deliberately displayed there for us. I looked at him believing he was about to start an international incident between the Warsaw Pact and NATO armies over a picture of a Russian’s pocket. Communists are well known not to like photographs of anything other than their glorious leaders. Thinking to my
self - he really wants me to pull out my large 35-mm camera and maybe get seen, he has got to be nuts. Standing in front of some general, the battalion commander, the company commander and the platoon leader all waiting to murder me, was not an attractive thought. I was not into causing international incidents, but, still, this was fun. After more prompting I finally pulled the camera out and got a picture of the tank and the jeep’s steering wheel from the level of my belly-button while the Russian was still leaning against our gun jeep. During the driving to Bavaria, I though about real people, not soldiers, in real cities all across eastern Europe who wished they had the freedom of self-determination without socialism, fascism and/or communism standing on their shoulders, without the politicians who used those schemes for personal power. I then understood what Vietnam was supposed to have been about. Three east Germans were shot to death in Berlin that year within my hearing for trying to escape to the West — to freedom, while the armies played games with each other.
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Appliances
MATCHING Washer and Dryer set, $355. Guaranteed! 360-405-1925 Firewood, Fuel & Stoves
NOTICE Washington State law requires wood sellers to provide an invoice (receipt) that shows the s e l l e r ’s a n d b u y e r ’s name and address and the date delivered. The invoice should also state the price, the quantity delivered and the quantity upon which the price is based. There should be a statement on the type and quality of the wood. When you buy firewood write the seller’s phone number and the license plate number of the delivery vehicle. The legal measure for firewood in Washington is the cord or a fraction of a cord. Estimate a c o r d by v i s u a l i z i n g a four-foot by eight-foot space filled with wood to a height of four feet. Most long bed pickup trucks have beds that are close to the four-foot by 8-foot dimension. To m a k e a f i r e w o o d complaint, call 360-9021857. agr.wa.gov/inspection/ WeightsMeasures/Fire woodinformation.aspx
WHIDBEY BIRDS Largest selection of hand fed baby birds on Whidbey. Specializing in: Linnies, B o u r ke s , Pa r r o t l e t t s , Lovebirds, Canaries & Finches. Complete bird supplies. Call Meg 360929-2869 www.whidbeybirds.com or www.facebook.com/ WhidbeyBirds www.facebook.com/WhidbeyBirds
garage sales - WA Garage/Moving Sales Kitsap County BREMERTON
agr.wa.gov/inspection/WeightsMeasures/Firewoodinformation.aspx
flea market
BROWNSVILLE Elementar y PTSA Annual Rummage Sale. Saturday, March 15th, 8am 4pm, 8795 Illahee Road NW, 98311. Collecting Donations in Gym March 13th, 4 - 7pm and March 14th, 10am - 7pm.
Rent It homes apartments houseboats vacation homes
Toll Free 800-388-2527
Fax 360-598-6800
email: classified@soundpublishing.com
MARCH, 2014
web: www.nw-ads.com
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ABOUT ME.
KEEP ME
SAFE .
HELP ME
HE AL .
From left: George Berni, MD; Saurabh Rastogi, MD; William Reed, MD; R. Christopher King, MD; Teri Scott, ARNP; John Banzer, MD
Exceptional Quality, Close to Home Recognized as the region’s leader in cardiovascular care.
Designated as a
The Heart & Vascular Center at Harrison has been recognized both regionally and nationally for outstanding quality and patient satisfaction.
The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® 2012
Working collaboratively, our experts have proven success helping people with heart and vascular disease live their lives to the fullest, as well as help prevent heart attacks before they happen.
• • • •
for Cardiac Care
Heart Attack Heart Failure Pneumonia Surgical Care
We invite you to learn more about Harrison’s quality achievements, our comprehensive services, and the doctors and nurses behind our exceptional, local healthcare at harrisonmedical.org/heart. Empathy. Innovation. Accountability. — Your needs come first in all we do.
Bremerton | Silverdale | Port Orchard | Belfair | Bainbridge Island harrisonmedical.org | Referral & Information 866-844-WELL
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