Newsletter March Issue 031208 FINAL

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TTHHEE PPRROOUUDD WWAARRRRIIOORR

WORLD WAR II * VIETNAM * GULF WAR * SOMALIA * IRAQ * PEACE TIME National Newsletter of the 1/9 Network, Inc. March 2008 Richard Mandleur sent in the above picture. The words on the sign read:

THROUGH THIS GATE PASS THE WORLD’S FINEST FIGHTING MEN, THEY WEAR A GREEN UNIFORM AND CALL THEMSELVES MARINE’S

“THE PLACE OF ANGELS HELMETS+FLAK JACKETS MUST BE WORN

“I’m standing to the right of the sign at the South gate of Con Thien sometime in June 1968. I thought that any Marine who remembers the sign would surely like to see it again, as it would bring back memories, just as it has for me.”

Semper Fi! Richard Mandleur Delta 1/9 Weapons Platoon 1966

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This newsletter is published for the members of the First battalion Ninth Marines Network, Inc. Articles and comments do not necessarily represent the views of the officers and members, but are those of the author. The editor with the support of the President has the right to refuse any article that brings discredit to this organization or the United States Marine Corps.

First Battalion Ninth Marines Network, Inc. National Headquarters 66 Clinton Street, Meriden, CT 06450

OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.1stbattalion9thmarinesfirebase.net

Casy Piatt Web Master

NETWORK PHONE # 203-238-1999 This is a dedicated line for members to call. There is also an answering machine for members to leave messages.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Proud Warriors, Will spring ever come? I had a taste of it while attending 1/9’s Formal Mess night in Greenville, North Carolina on Friday Feb. 22nd. A few of us including, Dan Latham, Dave Zeller, Sam Beamon, Frank Healey, Bob Grubb, Bill Jones and I checked into the hotel the day before. We went to dinner to celebrate Frank Healey’s birthday (He was “50”again). The next evening we all dressed our best and walked to the Convention Center. I met LtCol. Brett Bourne before the event started. It was great to learn that the Battalion is in great hands, as well as having a CO that is admired by the troops. They seated us “old warriors” in the front row. When we were introduced, we received a long standing ovation from 1400 people. Boy, did we feel humbled. A presentation of our Honor Roll (KIA list of names in wooden case) was made to the Battalion. It will no longer reside at the Museum at Parris Island, but instead will sit in a place of reverence in the Battalion display case at Headquarters; they whole heartedly accepted guardianship. Guest of Honor was Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Wesley L. Fox, who gave a great speech. During a short ceremony, a War on Terrorism ribbon was added the Battalion Colors. Closing the festivities for the evening LtCol. Bourne said, “meet me in the bar.” You didn’t have to tell these marines twice; the party went on at the Bistro Bar until 2 AM, while the Marines listened to a great blues band. Jones and I agreed that it was still the same Marine Corps. Scholarships: Applications are available from National Headquarters for 2008 scholarship awards. Call me at 203-238-1999 or email me at [email protected] and I’ll get one to you. The applications are due back on or before June 30, 2008; the recipients will be announced at the reunion. Reunion: From all reports the reunion is going well; make sure you register at the hotel. Call them at (866) 293-1842, (888) 465-4329 or email them at [email protected]. Make sure you tell them your with 1/9 Network. You have received Reunion packets in the mail. On your reservation form you can

tailor your activities to suit your needs to make your reunion the best possible. You can also go to www.MilitaryReunionPlanners.com/Network and register online. We need raffle prizes to help raise funds. If you can help, please contact me. South East Mini Rally: The Mini Rally will be held again this year at the Melbourne Florida Viet Vets Reunion held on April 24-27th. Look for the red Marines tent on the field; we’ll use it as a rally point. See you there. Officers: It is now time to think about officers to lead us for the next 2 years. Elections will be held at the business meeting of the reunion. I will step down as National President but would like to remain involved with issues of the Network. See you in San Antonio! Semper Fi Warriors, Bill Hesse National President

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FROM THE EDITOR

Well, last time I wished every one a very nice Christmas and a Happy New Year, but I guess not everyone likes that comment! Seems like every newsletter it’s something; it can be a picture, or a story or even a report on a book. I don’t know what else to say Marines; I’ve been saying it for over 58 years. I wouldn’t know what to say to all my brothers who don’t celebrate Christmas! I guess the politically correct thing to say is “Seasons Greetings,” maybe I can try that next year. You know I try to take care of you Marines and the last thing I would do is try and offend you! Got a holiday coming up let me know and I’ll tell everyone about it! Till next times Marines! Semper Fi! Dano out

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UPDATE ON “DOC” ROD FINK

Here it is January 8, 2008 and Doc Fink has been home since Thanksgiving recuperating after a bone marrow transplant in Seattle last fall. Such a difficult procedure to go through, but it appears to have been successful against aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma…just a “small” side effect of Agent Orange! I’m unsure about attending the September 1/9 San Antonio Reunion. Would love to (since Branson was so good), but this first year of recovery will be a slow haul for Doc Fink as he builds up his immune system again.

Thanks! Rod M. Fink 951-675-8563 41418 Avenida De La Reina Temecula CA 92592

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ED SUCKIEL IN THE HOSPITAL 02/10/08: Ed Suckiel is in the Bayfront Medical Center in St. Pete, FL. This is his wife, Sharon Suckiel. Mike (his son) lives in NJ and was down to visit his father and found your email. Ed was riding home from the Marine Corp League on 1/26/08 just before 8pm. He was struck by a car failing to yield to the right of way. He has lost his left foot and has a rod in his thigh and 2 pins in his hip. He is ICU and he is on a ventilator. He has a long recovery ahead but he will recover; after all he is a Marine! Regards, Sharon Suckiel

Update 03/02/08: Ed has finally gotten the trach removed. He is doing well. He is talking and complaining like he should to me, but he is a dream of a patient to the nurses. I got him out of the bed and into a wheel chair and wheeled him out of the hospital for a cruise on campus. We went all the way thru the parking lot to watch a Little League game next to the Hospital. He has a little way to go to get physically better but going strong. We are trying to get him into the James Haley Hospital for acute rehab to get him back on his “feet”. He told the doctor that he was 5’ 8”, but I think he is a “Foot” shorter now. He will be back in contact with every one soon. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It really made a difference in my strength to get Ed back. Regards, Sharon Suckiel

Send Ed a Card: Ed Suckiel 2007 Chesapeake Drive Odessa FL 33556-3620

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LOOKING FOR INFO — LEON BELL

Dan, I was given you as a contact by woodstockweid. I was wondering if you would be able to post a note for anyone that may have known Leon. We were dear friends that lost touch during the war. We were friends and school mates graduating together. Leon hailed from Newark, New Jersey at the time and attended East Side High School. He always wanted to be a pro basketball player. Little did we know that all futures and dreams would be changed forever. I am just trying to fill a void in time. Leon will always be forever alive because of the memories I have in my heart. Leon was part of Operation Buffalo in which he lost his life and he did receive the Purple Heart. He is listed on the Walking Dead Site Honor Roll. Thanks for any help Madelyn Robertson [email protected]

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WILLIAM “STRETCH” NICHOLS

Dear 1/9 Brothers, The Marine Corps has given me the hardest job I've

ever had to do as a Marine wife, bury William "Stretch" Nichols Alpha 1/9. He died at home 12-27-2007 and his remains were buried at the Veterans Cemetery at his beloved Camp LeJeune. This is where he considered home to be. His wishes to be cremated in his boots, jeans and a tee shirt along with his MC belt and his much worn & loved 1/9 hat, were followed. Our Purple Heart Chapter took care of the service and of my family during those first few days. I wanted to let all of you know that we appreciated the cards and presence of 1/9 at the funeral. Of all the Units Bill served with 1/9 was the one that always held a special place in his heart and the one he ALWAYS mentioned 1st. One of his highlights recently was being at the reactivation ceremony. The children & I will go on, we're corps tough too, 1/9 will always be special to us. Keep us in your prayers and remember "Stretch" at the reunion, he'll be smiling down on you. Love, Pat Nichols, Nicky and Jennifer& Bill Harmon [email protected]

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LOOKING FOR INFO

Hello, I served in Vietnam from Aug 68 - Feb 70. I'm looking for the following members of H&S 1/9 (81's); Carter (from Baltimore) and Cosey (city unknown) and Quentin (The Fox - from California, I think). I have a photo taken on Hill 950 in March of 1969 which I can send if needed.

Thanks for your help. Great Web Site!! Semper Fi, A. Hines [email protected]

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LOOKING FOR INFO

HI, I am looking for men who served with or knew my brother, SGT. Donald E. Harper Jr. Bravo Company 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment 3rd Marine Division. He was KIA March 16, 1967 vicinity of Thua Thien Vietnam. I am looking for any information on him and his last days. Thank you for your time. Semper Fi Keith Harper [email protected]

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LOOKING FOR INFO

My name is Betty Hill and my husband is Danny Hill. He was in Vietnam 67-69. He was a scout in 1/9 but does not talk about Nam. This is not much info, but if anyone remembers him could they please email me. I think it would be good for him. He was wounded in 1969 and has had problems with his hips ever since. Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated. He is from Maryland. Thank you Betty Hill Email: [email protected]

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it”

Abraham Lincoln

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ECHOLS GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE NAVY Sgt. Archie and Bea Echols, are proud to announce that our Granddaughter, Holli, who has attended a few of the reunions, was sworn in to the U.S. Navy on Saturday, December 15, 2007. Holli will leave for Great Lakes Naval Base on April 15, 2008, for her boot training. She will go in as an E2, and after finishing boot training, she will go to Pensacola, Florida for aviation training, from then on we don't know. Needless to say, we are very proud of her, and she looks forward to the new challenge. Holli grew up with the idea of joining the Marines and following in Grampa's footsteps, but decided that the Navy might be a bit easier, and we agreed. Please keep her in prayer when you can, Thanks. Love to all, Archie and Bea

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UPDATING ADDRESS INFORMATION

We have a significant number of members whom we have lost contact with and would like to be able to communicate with once more. As 1/9ers, they are all important to us and some new members are looking for friends of Vietnam era and not having the opportunity to find them. Please keep your communication information updated.

Semper Fi Marines/Corpsmen Tom (Doc) Stubbs, National Membership Chairman

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SCHOLARSHIP THANK YOU My dad (Bruce Collison) called me last week with great news that I was selected as the 2007 recipient of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Scholarship! Wow! This is truly an honor for myself, and my family, and the funds will help pay for my tuition and fees. The Marine Corps, particularly my dad's service with "The Walking Dead" and the 9th Marines, has been a big part of our family heritage. Last year I received a scholarship from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. But to receive a scholarship from my dad's unit is so much more meaningful! I want to thank you, the scholarship committee, and the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network officers and members for bestowing me with this honor! Respectfully, Neil A. Collison

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SCHOLARSHIP THANK YOU To all the members of First Battalion Ninth Marines Network, I would like to thank you all for your consideration and gift of a scholarship. I am humbled that men who have already given and sacrificed so much for their country have now honored me with such a generous gift. This certainly helps with the many expenses of college today and again I would like to say thank you. Sincerely Nolan Price

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VIDEOS OF 1/9 IN VIETNAM I want to bring up something that recently came to my attention. There is a Marine who served in Vietnam during the Tet offensive that has been putting together videos of photos of those who served with 1/9 in Vietnam. His name is Rick Mack and there has been some recent information posted in the 1/9 website about this project. It seems a worthy project. I have viewed one of his videos and sent him over some of my personal photos. Following is his information for those who might be interested in sending their photos to him for this project: Rick Mack aka Six Golf 2/5 Marines '67-'68 68 TET Hue City Survivor [email protected] Thanks! Phil Sutherland

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REQUEST FOR HELP: LOUIS ACETO JR. Dear Sirs, My name is Paul Poulin (I am 12 year Air Force veteran but I am not a wannabe, I would never want to go through what you guys did for us) I am writing on behalf of Louis Aceto Jr. who server in the One Nine on or about 1967-1969. To make a long story short, we need to know if there is anyone who served with Louis Aceto who is receiving veterans’ medical benefits for Agent Orange exposure, herbicide poisoning. We need your help. Louis has been fighting the VA for a few years and is suffering greatly with peripheral neuropathy, and will soon not be able to walk, along with the shrapnel through out his back and legs. Why just now? When I met Louis Aceto in April of 2000, I had no idea he was a vet until I started dating his daughter, went to his house and walked by a small room, and there was a familiar looking clam shell case that would hold a watch or something, when I opened it, I just about dropped to my knees, it was a PUPRPLE HEART. There is a story about Louis Aceto that not many people know. When Louis Aceto returned from Vietnam, he went to the VA to file a claim for his broken ankle and jungle rot. He was told that there were no records indicating such injuries and in fact there are no medical records at all, he was treated so bad that he never went back. This was back in 1971. He has never returned to the VA for over 30 years until I brought him kicking and screaming in 2002, yes “2002”. Louis suffered greatly over those 30 years, literally going into the basement one day and not coming out for over a year. His family support was nothing more than phenomenal. Louis, being a Purple Heart recipient, he was automatically rated and is still receiving treatment for a number of ailments that I am sure you men are familiar with. Unfortunately we have a sorry ass DAV office here that is not helping at all. The VA has refused to link his problems with his legs and other ailments as herbicide poisoning. We’ve enlisted the help of Congressman Thomas Allen and a simple letter from one of Louis’ comrades corroborating his exposure would pretty much establish the connection. Since the military has “lost” his medical and service records in the fire of St. Louis, any evidence we produce will be as factual as his actual records in accordance with the Agent Orange Act. Louis is going through some real tough times right now and is only in his fourth year of treatment for PTSD, yes PTSD; he hasn’t talked to anyone about his ordeal for over 30 years. He has a real hard time talking about it or to others who served and usually looses his exposure. His therapist was so taken by Louis’s ordeal with 1/9, he was awarded the SILVER STAR by the State of Maine and they will be presenting it to him on Jan 20th, 2008. If you can help and or just want to write him, you can write to him at:

Louis Aceto Jr. 80 Dibiase St Portland, ME 04103 Or [email protected] Paul J. Poulin 40 Tamarlane Portland, ME 04103 207-761-2079

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ON THE TERRENCE ROACH STORY

Dan, You can just add an editor's note in the next issue. Terry and I were in the same Officers Basic School Class (6-67) at Quantico from June to Nov. 1967. I was in 5th platoon and Terry was in 4th so I did not know him personally as in most Marine Corps schools we were grouped alphabetically. I certainly knew who he was and he had the makings of a legend way back then. What happened on "Hill 64" certainly generates a lot of strong feelings and my purpose of writing the tribute is to shed some light on what happened that tragic day. Terry was proud of his Marines, and especially fond of LCPL Jim Rizzo. Terry also personally helped PFC Ed Welchel to safety in another bunker after the start of the attack. Terry died trying to protect his Marines near one of the breaches in the wire that the NVA poured through. More people need to know the story of the gallant Marines and Corpsman of 1st Platoon, Alpha 1/9 on that day, so I am glad you were able to print it in "The Proud Warrior." Semper Fi! Jack PS: Received the extra copies in today’s mail.........thank you, I will share them with a 2/9 Marine and a 1st Tanks Marine that I know from church. Jack Wells authored the story on Terrance Raymond Roach that appeared in the December issue of The Proud Warrior..Editor.

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MINI REUNION AT SAN ONOFRE

I want to let you know about the Mini Reunion at San Onofre Area in Camp Pendleton, California. Gunny Burns informed me that he has booked a cabin at the Beach Club at San Onofre for the weekend of April 11th, 12th and 13th. He had to rent it for 3 days. He is hoping that the newsletter goes out in time to publicize this event. Thanks! Phil Sutherland

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2008 SAN ANTONIO REUNION UPDATE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD MESSAGE By: Phil Sutherland REUNION 2008 I wanted to do a follow up report on the plans for our National Reunion to be held in San Antonio Texas, August 20-24, 2008 at the El Tropicano Hotel. I am very excited about this Reunion. It is one of the best planned, and is being held at one of the nicest locations that we have ever had. August 20th is the arrival day for those attending, and we have terrific activities planned for every day after that for the rest of the Reunion including the breakfast on departure day, the 24th. We used feedback from Members to help determine the type of activities desired and this location of San Antonio was chosen by Members at the last National Reunion. This National Reunion is being organized by the Military Reunion Planners. By now, you should have gotten the Reunion Packets that were sent out by MRP. In the event that you did not receive your Packet in the mail, you can call Military Reunion Planners and request a packet at: 817-251-3551, or you can go online to the website they designed specifically for our Reunion at http://www.militaryreunionplanners.com/Network/ where you will be able to access all of the information contained in the packets, make Reunion Reservations for the activities with a credit card and check to see who has signed up to attend. Making your reservations with MRP for attending the National Reunion and paying for your attendance, must be done by July 18, 2008. Please do remember that there are two separate parts to attending the Reunion; making Hotel Reservations and making Reunion Reservations. The Hotel Reservations must be made directly with the El Tropicano Hotel. They can be made either on their website at www.eltropicanohotel.com/ or by calling the hotel directly at the following numbers 800-972-3480 or 210-223-9461 between 9am-4pm CST and ask for in-house reservations. Be sure to ask for the First Battalion, 9th Marines Reunion Rate, or the Group Code which is F9B, in order to obtain the very special Reunion room rate of $95 per night for up to four people per room. The Hotel has blocked off rooms until Monday, July 21, 2008. Reservations received after the cut-off date will be on a space available basis only, at the prevailing room rate, which is currently $140 per night. Therefore, we highly encourage you to make your reservations early before the cut off date. In addition to the fantastic group activities that are planned, we have a special treat in store for you for our Banquet on Saturday evening. We have two excellent speakers that will be making presentations. The first speaker is a special guest and is the boyhood friend of fellow 1/9er Danny Nicklow, who served with Bravo 1/9 in Vietnam, and lost his life in the Hill Wars at Khe Sanh in March 1967. Our speaker, Captain James Kyle, joined the Marine Corps in 1967, following the loss of his close friend, and served in Vietnam with 2/1, following

completion of 8 months of officer training at Quantico. He left active duty with the Marine Corps in 1972 and continued what would become a life long pursuit to find someone who was there when his friend was killed. He will present for us his extraordinary story of his pursuit and its culmination, along with a very moving tribute to honor his friend. Have Kleenex available for this story. The second speaker and our Keynote Speaker for the evening is Captain Jim Bearden. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 19 and demonstrated such excellent leadership capabilities, that he was selected to attend officer training. After completion of his training in 1967, he served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander with the 4th Marines in Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam as a 2nd Lieutenant, and after only 5 months as a Platoon Leader, was elevated to Company Commander while still a 2nd Lieutenant. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. Since leaving the Marine Corps as a Captain, he has worked as an Air Traffic Controller, VP of Sales for a radio group and VP of Strategic Development for an International Consulting Corporation. He is also a licensed pilot. For the past 20 years, after receiving the designation of a Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speaker’s Bureau, he has worked as a full time Professional Speaker. He is the Author of over 300 articles, various radio programs and a book, “The Relentless Search for Better ways, about achieving individual and organizational success”. He gives motivational lectures nationwide to professional groups. He volunteered to speak to us at our National Reunion without receiving his customary speaker’s fee due to his respect and high esteem for 1/9. Come prepared to hear a very dynamic speaker! Lastly, as you can see, we have a terrific Reunion planned. It would be a shame for anyone to miss out simply because they did not get the word. We have sent out information to multiple Organizations, including the VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Legion, as well as to publications of interest to Marines. A packet has been posted in the 1/9 website. But, we have learned that one of the most effective ways that people find out about events is word of mouth. That is why we need your help to get the “Word” out! Please help us to make this one of the best reunions ever attended by encouraging as many people as you can to attend the 2008 National Reunion in San Antonio. With your help, we will make the 2008 National Reunion, the best Reunion ever! See you there! Semper Fidelis! Phil Sutherland Chairman, Board of Directors 1/9 Network, Inc.

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NEW BOOK — “365 DAYS”

Dan, I talked to you the other day about putting my book in the Proud Warrior. My book is finished and the guys can now order the book by calling Trafford Publishing at 1-888-232-4444 and the can give the title of the book which is "395 DAYS" and the author which is "Gary Kasten". The book cost $ 32.00 plus shipping and handling. I will have the books with me down at the Battalion reunion in Texas in August. There they can buy the book from me for only $32.00 (no shipping and handling). I will be able to save them a lot of money. I will also be at the Melbourne Fla. reunion in late April and will be selling the book down there as well Thanks again and will be seeing you in August. Semper Fi Gary Kasten “The Hammer”

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NOTICES & REQUESTS

DURNGOOD SPICES Dave Hochstrasser owns Durn Good Seasonings in North Carolina. The website is www.durngood.com and there are summer specials with a coupon. Dave says he can ship anywhere in the continental USA for minimal costs.

Dave Hochstrasser 1/9 RVN 1966 Bn Comm. Hill 55

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AFVN & PSA CD’S FOR SALE

There are two CD's. One is 80 minutes of Arm Forces Vietnam Network intro's, PSA’s (Public Service Announcement) and various music from the mid 60's up through late 60's. One of the PSA's is of Pat Sajak, (Wheel of Fortune) talking about "The Stars and Strips". If anyone would like a copy they can email [email protected] or call me at 864-814-0494. I'm asking $5.50 per copy. Semper Fi! Art Lawing

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1/9 PINS, T-SHIRTS ETC.

Dave Demick has a whole catalog of 1/9 related items he is offering for sale. The catalog includes, 1/9 pins. T-shirts, hats, shadow boxes and a whole lot more. His catalog is posted on the 1/9 Website or you can contact Dave direct at: Dave Demick 35240 Perret Plantation Road, Callahan FL 32011, Phone (904) 879-3907 Email: [email protected]

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1/9 T-SHIRTS Frenchy Laverriere, has the “old style” 1/9 T-shirts with the original Grim Reaper look. The T-shirts are red or black, with the Grim Reaper inside a gold shield with a banner underneath that says “The Walking Dead”. Med, L, XL, $16.25 plus $3.25 shipping, XXL $18.25 plus $3.25 shipping XXXL $22.00 plus $3.25 shipping If you’re ordering more than one shirt, add $3.00 shipping for each additional shirt.

Thanks Billy “FRENCHY” Laverriere Order from: Billy Laverriere, 5 Celia Circle, Methuen, MA 08144 His phone number is (978) 687-1992.

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VIETNAM TRADING CARDS

Richard white has bought The Vietnam trading cards from Dart flip cards. Richard met the owner at a card show and found a mutual interest. Richard has collated #1 sets and sealed #2 sets numbered 0001 to 10,000! He also has a few promo binders. Richard also has singles if you have some of the cards and want to complete your set. The actual size of a card is 3.5” x 2.5”. You can contact Richard at: Richard White, 1946 Ritter Avenue, Bristol, PA 19007 or phone 215-788-5735 (H&S Comm 69-70)

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Got items for sale? Let the Editor know what you have.

VETERANS BENEFITS

GGII BBIILLLL BBEENNEEFFIITT EEXXPPIIRRAATTIIOONN DDAATTEE Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10-year period, your 10-year clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge. Visit the GI Bill FAQ page for more information: http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/gi-bill-faq.

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MMiilliittaarryy PPeennssiioonnss TTaaxx--FFrreeee iinn OOhhiioo Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has signed legislation that exempts military pensions from state income tax. Veterans who receive military pensions no longer will have state income taxes taken from their monthly retirement checks. The new law also prevents discrimination against veterans. http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_HB_372_I

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VA ADDS 20 NEW VET CENTERS

In February 2007, the VA announced it would open 23 new Vet Centers during the next two years. Fifteen of those centers are already operational, and five others are seeing patients in temporary facilities while finalizing their leases. The other three facilities will begin operations later this year. 2008 will see the number of Vet Centers reach a record 232. Vet Centers provide counseling on employment, plus services on family issues, education and outreach, to combat veterans and their families. Vet Centers are staffed by small teams of professional counselors, outreach specialists and other specialists, many of whom are combat veterans themselves. Visit the VA website to find the Vet Center near you. http://www1.va.gov/

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THINGS THEY CARRIED....

They carried P-38 can openers and heat tabs, watches and dog tags, insect repellent, gum, cigarettes, Zippo lighters, salt tablets, compress bandages, ponchos, Kool-Aid, two or three canteens of water, iodine tablets, sterno, LRRP- rations, and C-rations stuffed in socks. They carried standard fatigues, jungle boots, bush hats, flak jackets and steel pots. They carried the M-16 assault rifle. They carried trip flares and Claymore mines, M-60 machine guns, the M-70 grenade launcher, M-14's, CAR-15's, Stoners, Swedish K's, 66mm Laws, shotguns, .45 caliber pistols, silencers, the sound of bullets, rockets, and choppers, and sometimes the sound of silence. They carried C-4 plastic explosives, an assortment of hand grenades, PRC-25 radios, knives and machetes, not all at once. Some carried napalm, CBU's and large bombs. Some risked their lives to rescue others. Some escaped the fear, but dealt with the death and damage. Some made very hard decisions, and some just tried to survive. They carried malaria, dysentery, ringworms and leaches. They carried the land itself as it hardened on their boots. They carried stationery, pencils, and pictures of their loved ones - real and imagined. They carried love for people in the real world and love for one another. And sometimes they disguised that love with phrases like, "Don't mean nothin'!" They carried memories for the most part; they carried themselves with poise and a kind of dignity. Now and then, there were times when panic set in, and people squealed or wanted to, but couldn't; when they twitched and made moaning sounds and covered their heads and cried, "Dear God." And they hugged the earth and fired their weapons blindly and cringed and begged for the noise to stop and went wild and made stupid promises to themselves and God and their parents, hoping not to die.

They carried the traditions of the United States military, and memories and images of those who served before them. They carried grief, terror, longing and their reputations. They carried the soldier's greatest fear: the embarrassment of dishonor. They crawled into tunnels, walked point, and advanced under fire, so as not to die of embarrassment. They were afraid of dying, but too afraid to show it. They carried the emotional baggage of men and women who might die at any moment. They carried the weight of the world. THEY CARRIED EACH OTHER Author Unknown

READ A GREAT STORY For anyone who is interested in reading this great story about a friend of mine and fellow Marine who was shot down while riding in a helicopter as a crew chief in Vietnam in June of 1967, just click on the below captioned link. Upon their chopper crashing to the ground, he and his crew were rescued by members of Delta Company, 1st BN, 9th Marines (aka "The Walking Dead", and later my battalion when I was over there from '72-73), who were conducting infantry combat operations in that area. Last night my wife and I had the distinct honor and pleasure of having dinner with Mike Tripp and his wife, as well as 2 of the men from Delta 1/9 who had rescued Mike that fateful day in 1967. They are Frank "Irish" Healey of NJ, who is also portrayed in one of these pictures in the article (the 2 Marines sitting in front of the church altar with that "1000 yard stare" on their faces"; Irish is the one on the right), and Dan Latham of Beaufort, SC. This series of articles initially had Mike Tripp identified as another Marine, but then when the Washington Post learned that the picture of him in the church was actually him, they ran a follow-up piece. Irish is also a retired police Captain from the North Arlington, NJ PD, as well as a former SIU investigator like myself, and that's how I met him back in 2000 at an SIU conference in Orlando, FL. Dan was in the Marines from '62-75, and besides spending 2 tours in Vietnam, also spent some time as a DI at Parris Island. Mike, Dan and Irish were all awarded numerous medals and citations for their service in Vietnam, to include several purple hearts for being wounded. We are all proud members of the First Battalion Ninth Marines Network, Inc. aka "The Walking Dead", and I feel very much honored to be associated with these true American war heroes. Thanks Murrie Hubbard

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/vietnam/epilogue.htm

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IN MEMORIAM The Network has been notified on the deaths of the following Marines and Family members Otis H. Glen passed away in December 2007. Otis served with Bravo Company 1st platoon in Vietnam in 1967-1968 Col. Kenneth S. Foley passed away June 27, 2007. Kenneth served with Charlie Company HQ from 1958–1959 William R. Nichols passed away on December 27, 2007. William served with Alpha Company, Weapons Platoon in Vietnam in 1965 to 1966. Condolences can be sent to Pat Nichols & Family at 412 Regalwood Dr, Jacksonville NC 28546 William D. (Bill) Sadler passed away February 9, 2008. Bill served with Company in Vietnam in 1968-1969 Our Condolences to the families of these Marines.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE CO 1/9

01 March, 2008

Deadwalkers,

This will be the battalion’s last input CONUS. We depart in just a few weeks for Ar Ramadi, Iraq. 1/9 returned from Christmas Leave, and spent Jan/Feb honing our skills in preparation for the deployment. We have spent a lot of time working in “Advisor Teams”, as our mission appears to be working by, with, and through the Iraqi Police. In fact, 40-plus Marines have just graduated from the Jacksonville Police Academy’s Basic Law Enforcement Training. All-in-all, we are ready, and just want to get overseas and plant the Battalion Colors on foreign soil. As you might have heard, there was robust participation by the 1/9 Network at our Spring Formal. There were over 2300 Marines/Sailors/Wives/Girlfriends at the convention center in Greenville. Col Fox spoke to the group, and there was a standing ovation for the 19 (I did not make up that number, no kidding, there were nineteen) alumni of 1/9 in attendance. For a bunch of old men, the network stayed up and at the bar for the duration of the night. We started the ceremony by attaching the Global War on Terror Service Streamer on the Battalion Colors. War stories were in abundance, as were the purple hearts. I can not overstate the pride the men of this battalion feel to walk in your footsteps. Mark your calendars, when we return from Iraq, we are going to have a fall formal, likely in the first week in December. (Location still TBD, but somewhere close to Camp Lejeune). It will start with an attachment of the Iraqi Freedom Battle Streamer onto the Battalion Colors, and end with more war stories; hopefully we will have a few worthy of adding to the battalion legacy. You can see the photos from our spring formal at the following link. (Click on 22Feb) http://orderpicture.com/index.php3?client=NEW_2523492441 The Network has given the battalion custodianship of the “Holy Grail”. In our main Command Post, we have prominently displayed the ammo box with the tracings of all 1/9 Marines and Sailors from the Vietnam Memorial. All the donations from the network have really added to our command post, and visibly contribute to the sense of pride and identity with all in the battalion. Thanks! Thanks again to the Network for all your participation with the Battalion, and please keep in touch. Our website is fully operational, and we are sending monthly newsletters to all who will receive them. Contact me, or my XO, or GySgt Hetrick to be added to the distribution lists. [email protected] [email protected] or [email protected] Office Phone Number: (910) 450 6371, E-mail address: [email protected] Warmest Regards,

Brett A. Bourne BRETT A. BOURNE Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps P.S. I will be departing with about 100 ADVON on 13Mar. The remainder of the battalion has requested flight dates from 22-26Mar.

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MEMORIAL PLANNED FOR FRANK DELONG Fellow Marines: My name is Barry DeLong (USMC, 3/1 RVN 1969-70), and my brother Franklin C. DeLong served with 1/9 from late 1967 into 1969. Frank served with 81MM Mortar section of H & S Company, and later as a Forward Observer. He was at Khe Sanh, and on various operations including Dewey Canyon. Frank passed away on April 4, 2006 and as a family we are finally in a position to have a suitable Memorial Service. We plan to hold this service in Syracuse New York on April 4, 2008 at 11:00 AM. We plan to have it at the Syracuse War Memorial and the Mayor of Syracuse has indicated his willingness to attend this service. The reason the Mayor is interested is because that back during 1968 at Khe Sanh, Frank had written then Mayor Walsh of Syracuse and requested that the mayor send him the official flag of Syracuse so he could fly it over his position at Khe Sanh. The correspondence that past back and forth between Frank and the Mayor was well publicized in the Syracuse newspapers and eventually when the official flag of Syracuse was obtained; it underwent several ceremonials that included the flag being flown over City hall before it was shipped to Khe Sanh. Today at the War Memorial in Syracuse, the actual flag along with a newspaper photograph and article showing the flag waving proudly over Frank’s position at Khe Sanh is on display. As you can see that at the time and even today it is somewhat of a big deal. My request is that you post this e-mail on your web site for all your members to see. Any member of 1/9 who was at Khe Sanh who would like to attend this service and perhaps say a few words on behalf of your unit and the action that took place there would be very much appreciated by Frank’s family and friends. As a Marine who served in Vietnam it would be a very proud moment for me and my family. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or by telephone (631) 848-3557. Thank you Barry DeLong USMC 3/1 (RVN 1969-70) The picture at right is from the Syracuse Herald Journal March 25, 1968

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WHO IN THE WORLD IS MARCO POLO SMIGLIANI? U.S. Marine, casino worker, pizza shop owner and honorary mayor: Egg Harbor Township man has done it all. “Where else but America could some foreigner ... become a member of the same organization as the founding father of the country?” By MARTIN DeANGELIS Staff Writer, 609-272-7237 Staff Photo by Ben Fogletto. Published: Wednesday, January 2, 2008 EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - One of his earliest childhood lessons was that life is fragile, and sometimes temporary - which may be why it has always seemed normal to him to try out completely new lives, and new adventures, when they come along. Then again, if your name is Marco Polo, maybe you're just destined for a life of adventure. Either way, this Marco Polo has more names - they stretch out to Marco Polo Antonio Giovanni Smigliani - and most of the time these days; he's quietly living his American dream in a nice house on a peaceful, suburban street in Egg Harbor Township. But so far, his life story has been "a saga," he warns a visitor with a notebook. "It gets too complicated." He's had some time on his hands lately, and he's been trying to turn his tale into an autobiography. He's up to 425 pages in a manuscript, and he often has a table in his family room jammed with pictures, documents and news stories that touch on his own story. But the plot lines and facts sprawl so much, now he's looking for a "ghost-writer and a publisher" to help him get through that story of a lifetime.

"My Adventures," the title page reads. "By Marco Polo Smigliani." Many of those adventures, he has sought out. But sometimes, it seems, it's the adventures that have chased him around the world. . This Marco Polo started life in 1948 in an Italian village called Poggiofiorito, just three years after the end of a war that devastated the tiny town, his family and its home for years to come. World War II had raged through that part of Italy's Abbruzzo region. In a single week around Christmas 1943, more than 4,500 Allied and German troops were killed in a brutal battle to control the area. In Marco's immediate family, the war killed five people - three uncles, an aunt and his grandfather (also named Marco Smigliani), who had been mayor of Poggiofiorito until 1940. But even if the shooting was over by the time Marco Polo came along, the war wounds didn't suddenly end when the guns went silent. For the first 10 years of his life, both his town and his home clearly displayed the scars that all those bullets and bombs had left behind. He and his friends would regularly find unexploded bombs around the village. Sometimes, as a game, they tossed the bombs around like balls. But most balls don't blow up and rip a child's leg off, as Marco Polo still remembers happening to a girl one day as his friends played that game. Plus two of those uncles also died in explosions of leftover landmines as they tried to get back to normal life after the war, back to the old, safe life of farming the family's land. Unlike generations of American children, Marco Polo couldn't grow up innocent and ignorant of history, and the bloody realities of a war fought right outside the door. * * * Poggiofiorito was so battered by battles that many of its residents left the village, and left Italy all together. By 1958, those getting out included Marco and his father, mother, sister and brother, who became part of another epic human adventure - leaving home and sailing off into a new world, a whole new life in the United States. Marco loved his new country right from the start, but life in Boston was such a culture shock to a young boy from his shattered Italian village that after a few years, he was in a gang and well on his way to becoming a

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street thug. But something in him knew that was the wrong road, and when he ran into a friend who was a merchant marine, he listened hard to the sailor's adventure tales. The friend made good money for sailing around the world on cargo ships, so Marco Polo, who was just old enough - almost 18 - chose his own next adventure. He went and signed up to ship out himself. Now he, too, was sailing around the world, including a trip to Vietnam to deliver weapons to American forces there. When he was in port, he met some U.S. Marines who were guarding the ship. They invited him to go out on patrol with them in Da Nang. Ship rules said he had to refuse, but Marco Polo's sense of adventure told him to check out where he was. On their patrol, the Marines got in a firefight and had to hustle their young, unarmed buddy back to his ship. Some people might have reconsidered the company they were keeping and the choices they were making, but Marco decided almost on the spot that what he saw in Vietnam that night was what he should be doing, too. In retrospect, he figures that even though he was already an American citizen, there was part of him that couldn't feel like a true American until he had fought for his new country. So when he got back to the United States from that trip, he went right to a recruiter and signed up for the Marines, knowing what that meant for his immediate future. "Up until then, I had been taking what America had to offer," he says. "Now, I felt I was giving something back to my homeland." That sentiment may be noble, but he laughs as he admits it didn't win him any prizes for wisdom among his fellow Marines in the jungles. "I was making over $1,000 a month in 1968," during that military-protected, merchant-marine trip to the country, he says. "Six months later, I'm back in Vietnam - making $217 a month. Everybody used to bust my chops about that." But he wasn't back in Vietnam for long. Within 40 days after he hit the ground, as he was fighting in his first and only campaign, called Operation Dewey Canyon, he was wounded five times in 11 days. His left upper arm was shattered by a sniper's bullet and he was hit again and then again by grenade shrapnel that almost ripped off his arm and left "bone and flesh and blood all over my face ... and eyes," he says now, in the comfort of his rec room as he remembers the details of a "nightmare in hell" all these years later. The battle was so intense and the fog so thick that he had to wait two long days after those wounds for helicopters to find a way to get in and get him and dozens of other wounded Marines out of the battle zone. But as the chopper was finally coming in for him, the enemy attacked again. On his way to safety, Marco was wounded two more times, by two more grenades. He was sent home to heal in a naval hospital in Charleston, S.C. - it would take almost a year of treatment to get past the worst physical injuries of his six-week war in Vietnam. And when he was well enough to leave the hospital and make the family visit he was entitled to, he figured he would have a hard time explaining that where he wanted to go wasn't an everyday home for a U.S. Marine: After Marco enlisted, his parents had left Boston to go back to Italy. But he put in for the trip and a plane ticket to Rome came back. A little while later, he was home in Poggiofiorito, only this time wearing the scars of his own war, including his arm in a shoulder-length cast. That was his first trip back to the old village, but the adventurer has been back many times since because no matter how much he loves his life in the U.S., the tugs of history and family have always been strong. And he has returned to Poggiofiorito in many stations in life, because Marco Polo's career resume reads like the help-wanted ads in a boom economy. After he healed enough to leave the hospital, he went back to his old job, and back to sea. And one of his first trips, back to Vietnam, is so memorable, it shows up in U.S. history books: His ship, the Columbia Eagle, was hijacked out from under the captain and crew in a mutiny by two crewmembers who claimed to have

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rigged the Eagle to blow up - while it was carrying a load of napalm. History records it as the first armed mutiny on an American ship in 150 years. Marco Polo has told the story of the hijacking in this newspaper before and there are numerous historic accounts of the incident online. But this local guy experienced the adventure firsthand, and may even have had a hand in it. He knew one of the mutineers better than he wanted to because, based on Marco's Vietnam time, the guy kept calling him a "baby-killer. I must have told him four or five times to stop," Marco said, decades later. He wouldn't, so Marco punched the guy out to shut him up. A few days later, the ship was hijacked. The goal, as one mutineer was quoted in accounts at the time, was "to remove 10,000 tons of napalm from circulation." But Marco Polo and his fellow crewmembers knew none of that. They just heard an order to abandon ship because it was about to blow up. Two dozen of them jumped into the South China Sea to scramble into lifeboats, then watched their ship take off and leave them. After they drifted for most of a day, fearing they would all be prisoners soon, an American ship came by and rescued them. Only later, after the rescued sailors were taken to Thailand, would they find out that the mutineers had forced the captain to bring the ship to Cambodia, where the two rebels were first given political asylum - before they were arrested and imprisoned. Not long after that adventure, an old friend invited Marco Polo back to life on land - a move to Florida, to become a deputy sheriff in Palm Beach County. Marco took him up on that offer of a whole new life, but he also admits, not proudly, that it didn't take much time for him to start taking out some of his Vietnam demons and aggressions on people he dealt with on the job. He lasted a few years, but he realized he was on another bad road. So when he heard about the chance for new adventures in Las Vegas, he tried it and ended up staying six years, in and out of the casino business. Then a friend sold him on heading back this way for a different adventure, helping open a casino in Atlantic City, the then-brand-new casino capital of the East. But he had to wait 18 months for his license in those early, hectic days of the local gambling industry - which turned out to be a lucky break: As he worked in an Atlantic Avenue pizza shop, he met and married Donna Casciato, a Longport girl who was also working in the city. They have three children - Domenico, Marco and Rosa - and starting two years ago, two grandsons. (Domenico, by the way, is named for Marco Polo's uncle, who was killed in 1971, on his third tour of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army - by a landmine, the same way those two uncles died back in Italy.) With the casino license, Marco became a pit boss at Resorts Atlantic City, but also bought a jitney - and for five years, his main adventure was work. From there, he bought the Pleasantville pizza shop that still carries the Marco Polo name, even if the namesake sold the place five years ago, when head injuries from a massive car accident forced him to stop working. Now he concentrates his energies on his avocation, helping and advocating for other local military veterans. Always, he has gone back to Italy every chance he got to visit his mother, Laura, who's now 78, and his younger brother, Tommaso, who lives near Poggiofiorito. (His father died in 1974, and his sister, Bina, lives now in London.) And when the old village sent out word around the world earlier this year, inviting people who had left Poggiofiorito after World War II to return for ceremonies honoring both those who departed and those who were killed in the war, Marco Polo knew he was going back again. What he didn't know is that members of the local government would choose him - out of 150 or so visitors returning from as far away as Australia and Argentina - to be the honorary mayor for the three days of ceremonies and festivals. He gave several speeches, in his still-fluent Italian. He had a place of honor in parades and at a ceremony dedicating a new memorial sculpture in the town. And he was particularly moved that he was asked to lay a wreath at Poggiofiorito's memorial to the hundreds of civilians from the village who died during and

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immediately after the war - including his grandfather, the other Marco Smigliani who was mayor of the village. "To walk in their footsteps, and to have the privilege of laying that wreath where five of my family members (are remembered) - to me, that was the highlight," Marco says. Today's actual mayor - who happens to be Marco's old schoolmate - asked him to wear something with military connections to perform his duties as ceremonial mayor. Marco picked his most expensive piece of clothing - the jacket he wears as a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the purple coat that cost him all those wounds in Vietnam. But what makes that jacket one of Marco's proudest possessions is that the Purple Heart, which goes to Americans wounded in war, traces its roots back to the first president of the United States, then-Gen. George Washington. "Where else but America," this Italian-American adventurer asks, "could some foreigner come to a country, and become a member of the same organization as the founding father of the country?" And now Marco Polo is back home, back in America, living quietly again. But he knows - far better than most of us do - that life is a series of adventures. Sometimes we seek them out, and sometimes, when we don't even know it, it's the adventures that chase us down. To e-mail Martin DeAngelis at The Press: [email protected] Reprinted by permission of the Press of Atlantic City Marco Polo Smigliani served with Alpha Company Weapons Platoon in 1969 in Vietnam.

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A 1/9 MARINES GRANDDAUGHTER GRADUATES FROM OCS On February 4, 2008 Sgt. Dan Latham (D/1/9 Plt. Sgt) arrived at the home of Barbara and Frank (Irish) Healey. They were traveling to Newport, RI for the graduation of Alison Wagner, Dan’s Granddaughter. Alison had previously graduated from New York University majoring in languages. Alison speaks three different dialects of Chinese. When we arrived in Newport we went out to dinner with Sally and Murrie Hubbard (H&S Comm) and Ella and Mike Trip (Tripper) (HMM 363) attached (reluctantly) to D/1/9 May 1967. We had a great time at dinner and talked of old times. On the morning of Feb. 7 we went to the practice graduation ceremonies which lasted a couple of hours. At the end of the practice we were able to meet with Alison and Dan caught up on all that had happened. Of course we had spotted the Marine DI’s and immediately wanted to go over and yak. Alison kept telling us not to as they were firing breathing Dragons and she was afraid of the consequences. Of course neither of us paid her the slightest attention and wandered over to the DI’s. We had a great time talking to them especially when they found out we had served in 1/9. Dan also knew the senior DI Mgysgt. Robert Foshee from Parris Island. So it was like old homes week. Alison suffered no repercussions. That evening we went to family night for a buffet dinner and met with the Officer candidates and the instructor staff including the Marine Drill Instructors. The chow was terrific and they showed a slide show of the phases of training that class 05-08 went through set to some very funny music. We again had a good time with the DI’s and they kept wandering over to our table to ask questions about 1/9 and Nam. Needless to say we regaled them with stories of daring do (or something similar to that). The graduation was held in the auditorium on the morning of February 8, 2008 and the newly commissioned Ensign Alison Wagner USN was rendered a salute by her Grandfather SSgt. Dan Latham, who quickly put out his hand for the bright new silver dollar given by the new Ensign. Alison was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate for graduating top of the class of 46 candidates. Of course both Dan and Irish tried to impress Alison with their knowledge of Chinese with Moo Go Guy Pan and General Tso’s chicken. Alison wasn’t impressed and we did learn that BooCoo Dinky Dau isn’t Chinese. We knew that but tried to pass it off anyway. Oh well. Ensign Wagner will be reporting to Intelligence School in Dam Neck, VA. For further training prior to her assignment with Naval Intelligence. A great time was had by all and Dan got to see his family and as a proud Grandpa watch his Granddaughter become an Officer in the United States Navy. After the graduation we proceeded to the home of Pvt. Lou Robesch. We arrived on Feb. 8 and Lou had new Rags By Robesch shirts ready for our arrival. We had a great time visiting Lou and Virgie and took a trip to Vermont for the day. After breakfast with Lou and Virgie on Feb. 10 the snow started falling and we hit the road and got out of Dodge fast. Of course that was after our snow ball fight in the parking lot. When Lou talks about a dusting of snow it’s usually around 8 to 10 inches. Next time we’ll see Lou in July. On second thought it’ll probably snow up there then too. We traveled back to NJ and rested up for a few days we knew the 1/9 mess night was just around the corner. But that’s another story. Dan Latham

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WHY IS LARRY FOSTER DRESSED LIKE THAT!? Walking Dead, I was in 1/9 H&S co. STA platoon, scout/sniper 1979 - 1981. I was injured shortly after my discharge (lost right leg in accident). I play wheelchair basketball at the NVWG (National Veterans Wheelchair Games) and compete in many different adaptive sporting events. I work at the Los Angeles VA in the financial management department. I first got bit by the acting bug way back in 1987 when I did an episode of Unsolved Mysteries playing a body double of a Vietnam Vet who lost his leg from enemy artillery and fell in love with the nurse that took care of him. He spent the next 30 years trying to find her. He finally did and married her. I do get typecast a lot, but hey, it's Hollywood! I later had a few roles on the Emmy winning series China Beach playing a Vet who lost his leg in Vietnam and then got to play the body double of the life guard ‘Boonie’ when his jeep hit a mine close to the last episode. I was in another scene with Dana Delaney in another episode and she remembered me from a previous episode I was in. She was very personable, signed an autograph for me and just hung out. She was down with all the disabled folks on the set that day; there were a lot of us! I will always remember her for that! I’ve done a few other things since but when they had a casting call for ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman directed by Mike Nichols I knew I wanted to be part of it. I read the book and knew it would make a great movie. I went to the audition (Amputee Afghani Freedom Fighter who lost his leg fighting the Russians). I sent the appropriate emails and had an audition of sorts at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood. They put me in Afghan clothing and took pictures and said “Looks good, this is when we shoot”. Yea I got the part!!! The shoot location was close to my house so it wasn’t that bad getting up at 4am to be fed, clothed, make-up, shuttled to the set by a 9AM shoot. My role was to be in the triage area of the refugee camp Charlie and his aid went to visit before they returned to Washington. I play the part of an Afghan Freedom Fighter who lost his leg fighting the Soviets. So I spent many hours in make-up (they were all great make-up artists) getting all bloody and blown up! When we shot our scene Director Mike Nichols had all of us (amputees) get in different beds and had us all set up for the shot. First, he put me in a wheelchair rolling up and down the ward. Then he said, “No, let’s put him a bed”. So they put me in a bed in the middle of the room. Then there was a hush in the room and Tom Hanks came in. Talk about a rush! He said hello to all of us and got to work. He is a consummate professional and very polished. He slid right in and Nichols had him doing different things. Then he told him to sit down on the edge of “my bed!” He came over and said “do you mind if I sit down?” I was in shock and didn’t know what to say! I finally said “no, please – have a seat!” I shook his hand and introduced myself knowing I was in the presence of greatness. We shot the scene several times with different lines, lights, etc. By the end of a very long day I was worn out but thrilled at the same time getting to meet all these Hollywood heavyweights. The only bigger thrill I can imagine is meeting Chesty himself, but I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon. But the biggest thrill for me was going home for Christmas and watching the movie with my family. It was such a great feeling knowing my family was there with me watching my big screen debut together. And it is a great movie too boot! I will definitely go see it again and I recommend you do too. Charlie Wilson almost single handedly ended the cold war causing the end of the Soviet empire. It also, unfortunately, brought about the Taliban, Al Qaeda and Osama bin Ladin. The movie didn’t focus so much on that, but the message was clear. But I guess that’s another movie for another time – hopefully after we catch him! Semper Fi, Larry Foster

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WHY IS LARRY FOSTER DRESSED LIKE THAT!?

Above: pictures of 1/9 Marine Larry Foster dressed the part!!

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PICTURES OUT OF THE PAST

Vietnam Docs Left to right: Bell, Salisbury (sp), Senior Corpsman Dennis Barnes, Barnes, Myself, unsure of blond Doc's name, Don Thompson and Bill Eue. I have also included a picture of APA 220 - USS Okanogan (below), the very ship that carried 1/9 to the Vietnam Invasion on June 14, 1965. Hope you enjoy the photos, I am sure they will be a "trip down Memory Lane". Semper Fi Doc Scott Thompson, Conway SC A/1/9 1965-1966

APA 220 - USS Okanogan

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MORE PICTURES OUT OF THE PAST Fire Support Base Shiloh, Operation Dewey Canyon Feb-Mar 1969 (Courtesy Bill Benne)

H&S 1/9 Snipers 1979 (courtesy of Larry Foster)

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1/9 WANNABE’S WILL BE TRACKED DOWN!

1/9 Wannabe’s will be tracked down!

The Case of: Kenneth J. Nelson, Sacramento, California

On 1/13/2008 – I received an e-mail from Bob Fowles entitled “POSER?” Bob asked if I had access to the full 1/9 roster. If so, could you check for a Ken Nelson? Claims service with 1/9 in 60 mortars. Nelson is a member of Sacramento Marine Corps League (MCL) and displays Silver Star, Bronze Star, 4 PH's plus other decorations. Claims to be an E-7 with active duty from 67-70, which is impossible. Also claims he is a veteran of Khe Sanh. I immediately sent out a message to Dan Beckham, Doc Stubbs & Casey Piatt requesting they check the 1/9 rosters for a man by that name. The response on 1/14/2008 was predictable – “Guys, I looked at all the rosters for January thru April 1968 (Khe Sanh period) and did not find him.” On 1/14/2008 I contacted Mary Schantag at pownetwork.org and discussed Ken J. Nelson, to which she stated she had already been receiving a lot of inquiries on this guy from both the U.S. and overseas stations. That same day I asked Bob Fowles if he had contacted the MCL Sacramento Detachment Commander. I also asked if he could be engaged to divulge specific information, like when he came in country, what he did, .was he a gunner or humper, how many mortars did he carry or did he hump the base plate? How many were in his mortar group? Copies of his DD-214, citations for decorations etc., all would be useful. On Tuesday, January 15, 2008, I sent out a message “Trap has been set in motion. MCL National HQ has been notified. MCL Sacramento has been notified. POW network has been notified. Another GUGLE Clone scummy will go down in flames.” Then, Dan Beckham’s memory was sparked; he recalled the name of Kenneth J. Nelson from an earlier inquiry and sent to me the following photo and link: http://www.americasveterans.org/fvet/0802.html

Read the list of decorations on this individual:

U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam, 1967-70 1st Battalion 9th Marines 3rd Marine Division The Walking Dead 3 Purple Hearts Bronze Star with V for Valor Silver Star Civic Action Ribbon Code of Conduct w/Bronze Star Navy Cross Presidential Unit Citation w/Bronze Star USMC Heroics Medal USMC Special Service Award USMC Commendation w/V for Valor Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Oak Leaf Cluster

This idiot went so far as to claim the Navy Cross and then made up his own decorations, which do not even exist in Marine Corps Inventory, i.e., “Code of Conduct” medal – what a jerk. Kenneth J. Nelson had previously claimed he served at Khe Sanh (not found on any rosters). He also claims Marine Corps service from 1967 – 1971. The most outlandish claim was rank as GySgt. E-7 (within a 3 year enlistment).

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Because this link is still active, I did not contact the American Legion for one simple reason. I did not want them to get a tip to remove this post before the FBI could verify it was active after the signing of the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Post 500 in Sacramento, California was most gracious in cooperating with my search for photos and information on Ken Nelson. Mary Lou McNeill responded to me on 01/17/2008 with information additional photographs of Nelson, all of which was forwarded to the State Commandant of the Marine Corps League. By now I had the FBI in the loop of correspondence as did Mary Schantag of the pownetwork.org. His claims remained posted well after the Stolen Valor Act went into effect, so Sacramento’s resident wannabe, Kenneth J. Nelson, is subject to full prosecution. Kenneth J. Nelson’s date of birth was claimed to be 1949, while Mary Schantag found his true date of birth to be in October 21, 1957 and had his SS # in hand. The FOAI request was now firmly in the hands of the NPRC.

Then I located additional links on Nelson which I pasted in the letter that I sent out the following letter/e-mail to the Marine Corps League, both the local Chapter Commander and the National President, Sr. Vice President, Jr. Vice President MCL and to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Sacramento: Marine Corps League Detachment 23 Sacramento, CA Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Chapter 500 P.O. Box 255484 Sacramento, CA 95865 RE: NELSON, Kenneth J. Fellow Marines, Above addressees include the District Commander Marine Corps League, Sacramento, National Commandant, Sr. Vice Commandant, Jr. Vice Commandant. It is also being directed to the Vietnam Veteran's Of America Chapter 500. Other commands, federal offices are being blind-copied this correspondence. Your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated. (1) This man's name does not appear on any 1/9 unit rosters for the period 1967-1969. (2) The list of Medals/Decorations is not consistent with the Marine Corps awards & decorations available. (3) This man's name does not appear on any listing of Marine recipients of the Silver Star. That being said, I have serious doubts about the authenticity of any service he professes. I have previously written to the Marine Corps League and have yet to receive any response. I would hope a response will be forthcoming. I challenge the authenticity of any documentation he may have presented in gaining membership in both the Marine Corps League and the Vietnam Veterans of America organizations. It is requested that you review the below items and photos, compare with the individual at your Sacramento Chapters, and begin an immediate investigation as to why and how he became a member of your organizations. If he insists all is correct and legitimate, I challenge him to contact the 1/9 Network and submit application for membership. A copy of his DD-214 will be required. If you will provide his mailing address and service number, I will be more than happy to provide him a membership application form. I request you all review closely the below information and photos. Again, your cooperation in this matter and the courtesy of a reply would be greatly appreciated.

//s// John J. Freeman

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Here, in Marine Corps modified blues, with unauthorized shoulder patch of the MCL and wearing an unauthorized piss cutter of the MCL with that Marine uniform is Ken J. Nelson actually receiving an AWARD at a VVA function. The MCL State Commandant informed me in a telephone conversation that this dress violates even the MCL uniform policy. But that’s not all guys. Look at a frontal close up below:

Here we see Kenneth J. Nelson wearing unauthorized ribbons and decorations. Not only are they out of order in terms of precedence, they are more than what he posted wearing his American Legion Post 61 Sacramento piss cutter. Although he is not wearing the Navy Cross he had already claimed in the preceding website post, he is wearing: Silver Star; Navy/Marine Corps Medal (Heroism) w/1 Gold Star; Bronze Star w/”V; Purple Heart w/3 Gold Stars; Navy Commendation w/”V”; Navy Achievement w/2 Gold stars; Combat Action ribbon; PUC w/1 bronze star; MUC w/1 bronze star; National Defense Service Medal (out of order); Good Conduct Medal w/1 star; Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation w/Palm (out of order); Vietnam Service Medal w/3 bronze stars (out of order); Vietnam Campaign Medal. Note that Nelson has also taken the liberty of placing an olive drab nametape over his right breast pocket. This is something totally out of fairytale land. He has made his own uniform code.

Kenneth J. Nelson, like most wannabe’s, has this thing about public recognition. Very similar to our resident POS Larry E. Gugle, Ken Nelson made himself seen in public dressed in military regalia on a regular basis. He managed to get himself in newsletters, newspapers,

and even a clip on television, all proclaiming his personal dedication to his “brothers”.

Above: VVA Chapter 500 photo – Nelson (far right) wearing our

1/9 Walking Dead patch. This one was taken at the State Fair in 2004 or 2005 at our Chapter Table. Nelson is at the right end.

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On 01/18/2008 I sent the following message to VVA Chapter 500 in response to an inquiry as to who I was. I replied as follows:

Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 6:06 AM Subject: Re: Kenneth J. Nelson - Inquiry # 2 I am John J. Freeman SSgt. USMC 1964-1971 1/9 Veteran - Vietnam Past National Membership Chairman Membership Committee Member Special Investigation Team for military frauds I am working on behalf of the 1/9 Network, Inc., a U.S. Chartered National Veterans Organization comprised of all former members of the 1st Bn. 9th Marines. I also work closely with the Naval Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, and with the FBI in the pursuit of those who violate federal laws, specifically the Stolen Valor Act enacted by Congress and signed by the President of the United States. Falsely claiming or wearing decorations for valor is punishable by imprisonment and fine. The Marines of 1/9 do not take kindly to others who fraudulently present themselves as having served with 1/9 - "The Walking Dead", nor those who make false claims to awards for valor of which they are not entitled. Kenneth J. Nelson is NOT listed as a recipient of the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War. Authorized February 4, 1919, the Navy Cross was the Navy's 3rd highest award for combat heroism and other distinguished services. On August 7, 1942 Congress made the Navy Cross a COMBAT ONLY decoration with precedence over the Distinguished Service Medal, making it the Navy's 2nd highest award ranking below only the Medal of Honor. It shares this position with the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross. http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/0_NC/ncross_rvn_list.html Kenneth J. Nelson is NOT listed as a recipient of the Silver Star during the Vietnam War. The Silver Star Medal is the United States' THIRD HIGHEST award exclusively for combat valor, and ranks fifth in the precedence of military awards behind the Medal of Honor, the Crosses (DSC/NC/AFC), the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (awarded by DOD), and the Distinguished Service Medals of the various branches of service. It is the highest award for combat valor that is NOT unique to any specific branch; http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor2/SS/5_RVN/indexes/index_USMC_l.html Kenneth J. Nelson does not appear on any unit rosters of 1/9 during the Vietnam War. Kenneth J. Nelson does not appear on any lists of Marines who served at Khe Sanh. Kenneth J. Nelson has claimed the rank of GySgt. E-7 for a 3 year enlistment - IMPOSSIBLE. It goes without saying that we very seriously doubt this man rates 3 Purple Hearts also. There are serious doubts that this man served in the Marine Corps at all especially when reading his listing of awards, some of which don't even exist!! We would appreciate your cooperation in providing whatever documents you have on file, in the case of Kenneth J. Nelson. If Kenneth J. Nelson has presented documents that support any of the above listed claims, citations, DD-214, etc., we would appreciate receiving copies of same. Awaiting your reply. SEMPER FIDELIS, John J. Freeman John Freeman is the 1/9 “Detective.” If you are a wannabe, better say you’re from some other unit than 1/9; else you will be in for a surprise. Editor

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On that same day I received the following reply: From: [email protected] To: [email protected] “Thank you for letting me know who you are. We do appreciate the work you are doing. Now, in regard to Ken Nelson, I assume your inquiry has come from the article that was recently in the Sacramento Bee. In one respect the article was true as to the self-imposed duty of guarding the Memorial for several years. At one time Nelson indicated he wanted to be a member of our Chapter. He told us he had been a member of a Chapter in Virginia. He submitted an application form without a DD214. We requested his DD214 but assuming he was or had been a member of another Chapter, and considering his devotion as a Guard at the Memorial; we were not concerned at the time and waited to receive the DD214. But then, we began to have some trouble with him, which is a long story and not really essential to the issue. But it did accelerate the issue of the lack of a DD214. He kept saying he had sent it several times, but if he had, we certainly would have received it. Finally, he indicated that he didn't want to be a member of our chapter any longer and wanted to transfer to being a Member at Large and we were able to get him to sign a transfer form. At that time, I put the issue into my National Organization's hands and informed them that we did not have a DD214 for him and would expect them to follow up. As to what follow-up with him they did, I do not know, although they did say they had no record of him in Virginia. The Membership Number is: 1-800-882-1316 should you wish to contact them. The membership number I had for him was: 295125. It is an interesting situation with Nelson. Many Veteran Organizations and even legislators and other government entities have honored him consistently at events and by letter, for being the Memorial Guard... including our Chapter in the beginning of the relationship. We had determined at a point in time, that he very possibly just had some mental problems and to just let the issues die so we could have some peace from him. We also assumed that since he belonged to all of these other Veteran Organizations, that someone must have a DD214 for him. The reporter Silva called me several times preparing for his article. And several times, I explained to him that while we were grateful to him for guarding the Memorial, but that we could not vouch for his claims of service due to the fact that we had no documentation as in the DD214. Supposedly Nelson has a VA card which would probably indicate that he is a Veteran. I think the probability is that he is a Veteran, but is just not all he says he is. I do firmly believe that he does have mental problems and who knows where those stem from. If he was actually anywhere in combat in Vietnam, it could be possibly PTSD or just his own problems. I hope this helps. While it will be embarrassing for several organizations and individuals who have supported him during the years, it probably is time to find out the truth one way or another. Thank you for the work that you do, and "Welcome Home" Mary Lou McNeill

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From the pictures below you can see that Kenneth J. Nelson now sees himself in articles and photos written about others. In the bottom picture he is leading a patrol in Khe Sanh (from an article by Al Hemingway)?

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On 1/22/2008, Mary Schantag sent me the following message (in part): Mary, this just in from our friend at HQ USMC: “We have NO casualty cards for a Ken J. Nelson; you'd think we'd have at least ONE if he was wounded four times.” At 05:48 PM 2/2/2008 I discovered by telephone communication with the California State Commandant, Marine Corps League, that Kenneth J. Nelson was a member of the Riverside Detachment of the MCL. The State Commandant informed me that he had spoken with those concerned and issued a directive that Nelson come forth with a legitimate DD-214 by the 28th of the month. Ongoing telephone calls with Gene Rivers resulted in passing on information that “Nelson was confronted and stated he didn’t have any more DD-214’s – that he gave the last one away a month or so previously”. (Well, at least he didn’t say it got burned up in the fire in St. Louis”.) Needless to say, the 28th came and went without any DD-214. I was also informed that after the deadline, Nelson who was an almost daily fixture for perhaps the last 15 years suddenly disappeared for the last 3 or 4 days and nobody knew where he was. Well golly gee guys, I’m not the least bit surprised about that, are you? Mary Schantag sent me the FOAI Report on Kenneth J. NELSON as provided by the NPRC, St. Louis. It confirmed all suspicions that NELSON was a wannabe. In my e-mail to those concerned the following was written: Subject: NELSON, Kenneth J. - FOIA REPORT Date: 2/7/2008 FOIA filed under Kenneth J Nelson, DOB: 10/21/1957, xxx-xx-3689 Gene, Attached is the FOIA Report received from the NPRC re: NELSON, Kenneth J. as received by the efforts of Mary Schantag at the pownetwork.org - [email protected] NELSON was a washout from boot camp and did not earn the EGA. Nelson was discharged from 3rd RCT BN, MCRD on July 6, 1977. Nelson did NOT earn the title Marine. Nelson was entitled to NO awards. Nelson never served in Vietnam. Nelson did NOT receive the NAVY CROSS as claimed. Nelson did NOT receive the SILVER STAR as claimed. Nelson did NOT receive the BRONZE STAR w/V as claimed. Nelson did NOT receive any PURPLE HEARTS whatsoever. Nelson was never a member of 1/9 "The Walking Dead" ***************************************************************** Kenneth J. NELSON is a fraud and has violated the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. His internet posting are currently active. He should be turned over for prosecution in the State Of California (Preferably not Berkeley for sure!). Gene, to contact the FBI call (- - - - - - - ) and ask for ( - - - - - -) or e-mail him at (- - - - - -) (He has been copied on previous communications in regards to NELSON) I would recommend you contact your District Commandant and Mary Lou to request they collect all known photographs of Kenneth J. NELSON, especially any showing him in uniform or wearing ANY ribbons, medals or pins. This can be valuable evidence for the prosecution. Please distribute this message to those you feel appropriately have a need to know. Please keep me informed on your progress. SEMPER FI, John J. Freeman That about wraps up this case as far I am concerned. It is now up to the JAG and the MCL to prosecute Kenneth J. NELSON for violation of the STOLEN VALOR ACT.

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A LITTLE LAUGHTER

THE C.O.'S MORNING BRIEFING The Commanding Officer of a Regiment in the U. S. Marine Corps was about to start the morning briefing to his Staff and Battalion and Company Commanders. While waiting for the coffee machine to finish its brewing, he decided to pose a question to all assembled. He explained that his wife had been a bit frisky the night before and he failed to get his usual amount of sound sleep. He posed the question of just how much of sex was 'work' and how much of it was 'pleasure?' The X.O. chimed in with 75-25% in favor of work. A Captain said it was 50-50%. The Colonel's Aide, a Lt., responded with 25-75% in favor of pleasure, depending on his state of inebriation at the time. There being no consensus, the Colonel turned to the PFC who was in charge of making the coffee. What was HIS opinion? With no hesitation the young PFC responded, "Sir, it has to be 100% pleasure." The Colonel was surprised and, as you might guess, asked why? "Well Sir, began the PFC, "if there was any work involved, the officers would have me doing it for them." The room fell silent.

From the firebase thanks Derl Horn

REDNECK FISHING A redneck was stopped by a game warden in Central Mississippi recently with two ice chests full of fish. He was leaving a cove well-known for its fishing. The game warden asked the man, 'Do you have a license to catch those fish?' 'Naw, sir', replied the redneck. 'I ain't got none of them there licenses. You must understand, these here are my pet fish.' 'Pet fish?' 'Yeah. Every night, I take these here fish down to the lake and let 'em swim 'round for awhile. Then, when I whistle, they jump right back into these here ice chests and I take 'em home.' 'That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that.'

The redneck looked at the warden for a moment and then said, 'It's the truth Mr. Government Man. I'll show ya. It really works.' 'O. K.', said the warden. 'I've got to see this!' The redneck poured the fish into the lake and stood and waited. After several minutes, the warden says, 'Well?' 'Well, what?', says the redneck. The warden says, 'When are you going to call them back?' 'Call who back?' 'The FISH', replied the warden! ”What fish?,” replied the redneck. ... Moral of the story: We may not be as smart as some city slickers, but we ain't as dumb as some government employees.

SHOPPING A man walked into a supermarket with his zipper down. A lady cashier walked up to him and said, "Your barracks door is open." Not a phrase that men normally use, he went on his way looking a bit puzzled. When he was about done shopping, a man came up and said, "Your fly is open." He zipped up and finished his shopping. At the checkout, he intentionally got in the line where the lady was that told him about his "barracks door." He was planning to have a little fun with her, so when he reached the counter he said, "When you saw my barracks door open, did you see a Marine standing in there at attention?" The lady (naturally smarter than the man) thought for a moment and said "No, no I didn't. All I saw was a disabled veteran sitting on a couple of old duffel bags."

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

If you would like to apply for membership in the 1/9 Network, please return this form to:

FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES NETWORK, INC. National Membership Committee Chairman

Tom (Doc) Stubbs 1155885522 NN 5500tthh SSttrreeeett Scottsdale, AZ 85254

602-795-5405 [email protected]

Please attach documentation confirming service with 1st Battalion 9th Marines unless verified by an active member of the 1/9 Network, Inc. organization. In the absence of documentation list the names of members of your fire team, squad or platoon, however, be advised this may delay processing of your application while verifying your service with 1/9 with our active membership rolls. Providing documentation allows much faster processing toward membership approval. Full Legal Name: __ ____________________________________________________ *note: If you have legally changed your name since serving in the Marine Corps you must provide your Military Service name, and a document of proof that your name has since been legally changed in a court of law. Service # : ____________________________ Nam “Nickname” (if any)___________________ Mandatory Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ City/State: __________________________ Zip Code: _____________ Company: _______________ Platoon: __________ Squad: _______or Section__________ Dates assigned to 1/9: FROM:___ _________________ TO:____________________ Phone #: (_____)-________________________ List in Directory? Yes____ No____ Active ( ) Yes at Rank:_____ Retired ( ) Yes at Rank:______ Medically Retired ( ) Yes at Rank:_____ Email Address:_______________________________________________________________________ Signature_______________________ Date: _________________ • Don't forget to attach documentation to this application *A copy of any official document such as

Orders, SRB entry, Citation, Promotion Warrant, Letterhead paperwork, or orders that indicate you served with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines.

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NEW MEMBERS

The names submitted to the Network should not be reproduced and given to other sources for commercial use. Please respect the privacy of our Brothers and their families.

Julio M. Flores H&S Comm 1979-1980 Robstown TX Robert Hayes Alpha Unk 1966-1967 Enfield NH Gregory M. Hayward Charlie 1st 1969-1970 Plymouth MA Kenneth L. Jansen Delta 2nd 1964-1966 Mayville MI Leonard C. Long Bravo Weapons 1965 Scott AR James H. Matthews Alpha 3rd 1967-1968 Gastonia NC Richard R. Richey Charlie Weapons 1967-1968 Clovis CA Chris J. Roitzsch Alpha 3rd 2007- Camp Lejeune NC Earnest E. Shirey Alpha 1st 1967 Houston TX Russell M. Stine Alpha 3rd 2007- Camp Lejeune NC Richard L. Williams H&S S-4 1970-1971 Orange Park FL

Send address changes to: Tom Stubbs 15852 N 50th St., Scottsdale AZ 85254 Remember, that yellow sticker (forwarding) means we have not received your new address!!

NETWORK OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Phil R. Sutherland; [email protected] Col. Henry J. M. (Mac) Radcliff, Ret. [email protected] Louis W. Robesch, Jr. [email protected] SSgt. Dan. Latham, Ret. [email protected] LtCol. Al Christy, Ret. [email protected] Roger W. Liggon, Sr. [email protected] Robert J. (Doc) Gaspard: [email protected] Woody Postle: [email protected] Ric Neumann; [email protected] Marco Polo Smigliani; [email protected] David Murray; [email protected] Dan Beckham; [email protected] EXECUTIVE OFFICERS NATIONAL PRESIDENT: Bill Hesse CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Phil Sutherland. VICE PRESIDENT: William T. Bennett SECRETARY: Bill Jones CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: David M. Murray, C.P.A. MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: Tom (Doc) Stubbs. Ret. REGIONAL COORDINATORS, as of October 2006 Stubbs, (Doc) Tom, Regional Coordinator - South/West (602) 795-5405, [email protected] Heckwine, Donald, Regional Coordinator - Central/West (708) 895-9396, [email protected] Bennett, William (Bill), Regional Coordinator North/West (503) 361-2260, [email protected] Dickson, Patrick, Regional Coordinator Central/East (856) 299-3063, [email protected] Ron Walker, Regional Coordinator North/East (802) 263-9472, [email protected] Piatt, Casey, Regional Coordinator South/East (919) 556-7593, [email protected] Robert Syler, Regional Coordinator-Central/South (254) 947-5701, [email protected] Stone, Clif E., Co-Regional Coordinator-Central/South (405)-329-1746, [email protected] Reno, Floyd, Regional Coordinator Central/North (920) 533-3099, [email protected] NATIONAL NEWSLETTER EDITOR, Dan Beckham, (330) 832-3047, [email protected] WEBMASTER, Casey Piatt, (919)-556-7593, [email protected]

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