Thank you! for the hard work and dedication of the Leadership … · 2018. 12. 23. · the deadly 1968 “Tet Offensive.” The enemy defied an agreement for a holiday ceasefire,

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Thank you! for the hard work and dedication of the Leadership Team: Merl Barrett – President, Bill Burfeind – Vice President, Steve Vallely – Secretary, Ed Fuller – Treasurer, Gary Everson – Sergeant at Arms

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE #

Military Honors Dinner Dance ................................................... 1-2 High School Military Tribute ......................................................... 3 Military Veterans Memorial Proposed .......................................... 4 Monthly Meeting Reports ......................................................... 5-6 Future Happenings ....................................................................... 7

Photo Links ................................................................................... 8

NOVEMBER 11 REMEMBERED WITH DIGNITY ~ AND STYLE!

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The CdS Military Veterans Club and wives outdid themselves this year, hosting over 90 guests to a delicious, delightful dinner dance in honor of Veterans Day. President Merl Barrett introduced our special guests for the evening, all supportive members of our community, including Gregg Hammork and Valerie Hanich.

Merl expressed sincere gratitude also to members of the Mission Viejo High School Military Tribute team, including coordinators Kathryn Mattison (retired), Laura O’Brien (below) and coach Bob Johnson (left). He described what a meaningful experience it has been over the last five years for 30 of our members to be honored at the annual “Military Tribute” football game. Merl recalled that he has never forgotten his first and very touching encounter with Coach Johnson.

Other honored guests in absentia were those recognized at the “Empty Table,” set for individuals who sacrificed their lives in battle, and are no longer with us on earth. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and dinner were catered by Jolanda’s, while diners were serenaded by Robert Field and Company orchestra’s “Salute to Patriotism.” The traditional cake-cutting ceremony, led by George Locke, was performed by Sol Schwartz (oldest at 99), Wes Bickel (youngest,) Earl Gentry, and Steve Vallely. Beautiful drawing prizes were gathered by Keith La Rue, and photographs are courtesy of Randall Smith.

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MISSION VIEJO HIGH SCHOOL LEARNS VALUE OF MENTORING AND REMEMBERING Six CdS Veterans had the honor of being paired with MVHS football players for the September 29 game. Mentor and student met and talked during the pre-game festivities that included a Chick fil-a dinner and cupcakes. All ages and branches of service were honored, from WWII to active duty, many attending from Camp Pendleton.

Randy and Myrna Smith enjoy chicken dinner with Bob and Diane Massey

Member Randall Smith was interviewed on a published video, as was coordinator Laura O’Brien. Randy stated that “our accomplishments are finally being acknowledged.” Laura was proud that 75 veterans were being honored at this fifth annual event. Coach Bob Johnson, who is retiring in June 2018, felt especially privileged to participate in this event, stating “our players grow a lot from it.”

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It was interesting to see football players line up to enter the field, with serious looks on their faces, concerned about whether they would win or lose the game. At the same location were World War Two veterans Gerry Hebert, Earl Gentry, Sol Schwartz and Howard Bender. Earl recalled that when he was a high school senior, he did not have the privilege of worrying about winning games, because he was on Guam, worrying about winning or losing his life. Things were so dire in 1944 that high school seniors were promised a diploma if they would enlist before graduation, and many from his school were sent to Guam together. Fortunately, they all returned safely. Students, faculty and parents were extremely grateful to all who served, and demonstrated it with enthusiasm and honor. A winning game, meaningful half-time performances, as well as the traditional jersey transfer at the evening’s end, enriched the celebration.

Bruce Hunt visits with Earl Gentry, Betty,

Howard Bender and daughter Karen

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CASTA VETERANS HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED IN MEMORIAL PLAQUE The September potluck meeting included an excellent presentation by Bill Burfeind with illustrations by Steve Vallely on the creation of a CdS Veterans Memorial. Three basic styles were presented, accompanied by price estimates. First, a round memorial, with bronze military seals encircling it, would cost approximately $3,000.

Second, a plaque attached to a rock was suggested. It would have room for a bronze plaque with all 6 branches and a U.S. seal, and the estimated cost would be $1,500. Suggested sites were near the fountain, or the entrance to Rec 1, near the flagpole. A final suggestion was to purchase an oval bronze plaque to attach to a pedestal. The estimated cost, with stacked stone for the pedestal, is $2,000. A stucco pedestal alternative would reduce the cost to $1,700.

This is a long-range plan which will need further study and decisions regarding which medium is best. The Board will need to approve the Plan, and fundraising will then begin. A majority agreed that it was a timely and noble endeavor, to honor not only Military Veterans Club members, but also all veterans in Casta del Sol who served their country.

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MEETING NOTES July “Off Campus” dinner at Peppino’s – this was a delicious chance to share good times with and roast fellow members August – Robert Casillas Recalls Time in Vietnam – 1967-1968

In addition to relaying his personal experiences as an Army E5 combat medic and “community advisory team” member, Robert expanded his talk to give a general overall

review of the Vietnam War. This was helpful, as much of this country’s history tends to be “forgotten” under the biased versions written on this era. Casillas reminded us how difficult fighting a guerrilla army could be. Bob first served with the 25th Infantry “Team 100” at Cu Chi northwest of Bien Hoa Air Force base. He showed a video explaining the underground “Parallel City,” a 75 - mile tunnel complex that hid the movement of Ho Chi Minh’s troops and supplies from the Cambodian border into South Vietnam. Hidden traps in the tunnels were set with toxic punji sticks, which proved fatal to many U.S. soldiers who fell onto them.

Land mines had to be cleared daily from the roads, and his advisory team often found it challenging to befriend villagers who feared they had to cooperate with both sides - or be killed if they didn’t. Much of his team’s efforts to provide medical treatment to them were complicated by the military’s application of Agent Orange and napalm to clear the jungle camouflage used by Viet Cong.

His most tragic recollection was regarding the deadly 1968 “Tet Offensive.” The enemy defied an agreement for a holiday ceasefire, and attacked 100 sites simultaneously. Cu Chi was hit every night with mortars, and Bob remembers hastily scrambling to the safety of fortified bunkers for protection. In 1982 Bob attended the opening of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., on which the names of all 58,000+ Americans who died are inscribed. Bob located the names of several fallen soldiers who were friends in Vietnam. Casillas’ recollections were serious yet important to understand the history of the war in Vietnam and the sacrifices made by those who served.

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September Potluck Meeting Features Memorial Presentation In addition to good food and wives’ company, many future plans were discussed. Bruce Hunt summarized plans for the Sept. 29 MVHS game, which included six members having their names on jerseys. He also introduced Don Snicker, who will take his place as the president of Palmia Veterans. Chuck Soltes reminded folks about his October 9 Golf Tournament, which is a fundraiser for Blinded Veterans, and organization founded in 2004 after his son Robert’s death in Iraq. The meeting was then turned over to Bill Burfeind, who presented photos and prices in a proposal to a monument inside Casta to

all military veterans.

October Meeting Elects New Board and Hosts OC Vet Cemetery Presentation Guest speaker Bill Cook, aka “Tet Vet”, served in the Marines in Vietnam from 1964 to 68. His group has been striving for 18 years to create a Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. He announced proudly that a flag-raising ceremony would be held Oct. 27, to celebrate a near-completion of state

Cal-Vet approval of a 125-acre strawberry field in Irvine. (This event occurred with 300 attending.) The battle began when El Toro Marine base closed, and many believed as Bill, who stated that “Many flew out to Vietnam and thousands didn’t return – it is our Gettysburg in Orange County.” However, local developers fought back and forth over locations, and many did not want a graveyard close to their homes or schools. California legislators and Irvine developers, including Five Point, generally support the strawberry fields inside the Irvine Great Park. Cook adamantly supported this location when he stated, “It’s as if it was preserved by divine providence for its destiny as Orange County’s hallowed ground.”

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After this talk, George Locke held an election for new Board members. It was conducted in record-breaking time, as nominees were willing and well-received.

Marine Veteran Bill Cook explains 18-year effort to establish Veteran Cemetery in OC

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Congratulations to newly-elected officers for 2018! President – Wes Bickel; Vice President - Robert Casillas; Secretary - Steve Vallely;

Treasurer - Bill Burfeind; Sergeant at Arms - Randall Smith

FUTURE HAPPENINGS Meetings - Always the fourth Monday of the month – 2018 dates to be determined

Membership Nametags – Jim Wallace is taking orders for elegant permanent nametags, made in metallic black with gold lettering, for $10.00 Marine Adoption Committee Toy Drive Bill Moynihan is spearheading this wonderful gift to 1st Marine Battalion Headquarters families.

Please see Bill to obtain a mail-in donation envelope. Or, you can mail a check directly to: Mission Viejo Marine Adoption Committee – 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 – Attn: Marine Holiday Drive. They would like all funds by December first, to have time to shop and store toys in his garage until the delivery can be made to Camp Pendleton. The Christmas Party and toy delivery by Santa’s Elves is December 20. “I always like to support this cause in honor of the two Marines who cooked for me in Camp 17 when I was too weak to do so.” Sol Schwartz, Japanese POW 1942-45. Thank you for your generosity and support!

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2017 PHOTOS BY KAARON CARVER

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2017 PHOTOS BY RANDALL SMITH

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