Bury Me With Soldiers.

I’ve played lot roles in life

I've met a lot of men. 

I've done some things I'd like to think

I would not do again

And though I'm young, I'm old enough

To know someday I'll die

And to think about what lies beyond.

Beside whom I would lie

Perhaps it doesn't matter much

Still, if I had my choice

I want grave ‘mongst soldiers when

At the last death quells my voice

I'm sick of the hypocrisy

The lectures of the wise

I’d take the man with all falls

Who goes though scared and dies

The troops I new were commonplace

They didn't want the war

They fought because their fathers and

Their Fathers Did before

They cursed and killed and wept

God knows

They’re are easy to deride… but bury me with men like these

They faced the guns and died

It's funny when you think of it

The way we got along

We'd come from different worlds

To live in one no one belongs

I didn't even like them all.

I'm sure they’d all agree

Yet I would give my life for them

I know some did for me

So bury me, with soldiers please,

Though much maligned they be

Yes, bury me with soldiers for…

I miss their company

We'll not see their likes again;

We've had our fill of war

So bury me with men like them

‘Til someone else does more

Unknown

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The Hour Is Go

One’s and it eyes close tight end families fade

when going to war, which even made.

Though anxious and frightened, we don't let it show.

For the day is approaching, when the Airborne must go.

Each day in our rolls past, we wait, just the same.

But D-Day is near, and for this we all came.

The hour grows near each man feels inside, and soon will be falling with nowhere to hide.

Our eyes are down in the chatter the same

each weapon now loaded no longer again

Eagles gather around in at your heads low

Europe awaits in the hours go.

Planes rumble past, as we wait for our turn.

To fly over waters.  We have yet to earn.

Check buckles and scraps, that nothing to chance.

The jumpmaster stands, calls “Welcome to France.”

Flak turns to fire in the blackest of night.

Too low, too fast, can't jump from this height.

There is no turning back the risk have been taken.

Freefall into Hell, paratroopers forsaken.

Eagles hold tight, scattered prayers to survive.

We’ll hit the ground soon, whether dead or alive.

As feet touch the ground, each soldier turns on.

Confusion and fear are beaten and gone.

The enemy is close, and sad they don't know, the Airborne is here it's time they must go.

The hour is now; Hitler's had his last chance. 

On St. Michael’s wings, we’re taking back France.

 Francis J. Turner

from his personal archives

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Jan Scruggs

 to address

Membership June 5

For those of us who have forgotten the name Jan Scruggs the man generally credited with the idea of the National Vietnam Memorial “The Wall” will address the Chapter at the June 5th membership meeting. Jan will be talking about the proposed Vietnam Museum to be built underground next to “The Wall.”

Please make plans to attend this is a members only event.

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For Immediate Release                                                                       Contact: Lisa Gough

May 7, 2008                                                                                  (202) 393-0090, ext. 109

                                                                                                            Cell: (703) 915-3072

Media Advisory

MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE TO BE HELD AT THE

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

Sunday, May 11 at 9 a.m.

Mothers whose children served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and other military conflicts will be honored with roses and Mother’s Day cards at the ninth annual Mother’s Day at The Wall ceremony. 

The Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital will present handmade cards and roses to members of the American Gold Star Mothers and American War Mothers, who will read the cards and leave them at the base of The Wall. The organizations are for women who lost their children in battle and women who have children in service, respectively. The Mother’s Day cards are hand made and sent by students from across the country.

Ann Sherman Wolcott of York, Pa., will be the featured speaker. A Gold Star Mother, she served as the group’s national president in 2003-04. Her son, Rex Sherman, was an Army Ranger who was killed in Vietnam on Nov. 19, 1969. He is remembered on Panel 16W, Row 96 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

James F. Combs (Chapter 172 member) of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) will also give brief remarks during the ceremony. Combs has a 30-year military career in the Naval Reserve with the SEABEES and was on active duty from 1965-1967. He did a tour of duty in Vietnam, serving in Phu Bi. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1993 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. His nephew, Paul Stephen Goggin, is remembered on Panel 35E, Row 70

Master of ceremonies will be Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan C. Scruggs.

WHO:                    American Gold Star Mothers

                                American War Mothers

                                Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital

                                Ann Sherman Wolcott, American Gold Star Mother

                                James F. Combs, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

                                Jan C. Scruggs, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

--more--

Mother’s Day at The Wall

Page 2

WHAT: Ninth Annual Mother’s Day at The Wall

WHEN: Sunday, May 11, at 9 a.m.

WHERE:              The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 21^st Street and Constitution Ave., NW

WHY:                    The Mother’s Day at The Wall ceremony is an opportunity to honor these women whose lives are forever changed due to war. It also pays tribute to their children—those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and those who are in harm’s way today. 

Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Since then, the Memorial Fund has evolved into an international nongovernmental organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall, promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War. Its initiatives include educational programs for students and educators, a traveling Wall replica that honors our nation’s veterans and a humanitarian and mine-action program in Vietnam. The Memorial Fund is also building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground educational facility, near The Wall.

# # #

From an Australian whose son is in Iraq

I am an and Australian and my son is an Australian.  As far as we are concerned there is no better place on gods earth  then Australia, and there are no better people than Australians.

My son is in the Australian Army, and he is currently  on deployment in Iraq.  I cannot go into his duties in great depth, but shall we say that he and his buddies are one glorified guard duty looking after the Australian Embassy.  They don't go out looking for action, though it is a different story in Afghanistan, where the Aussie troops chase the baddies over the hill and into the valleys.

My son and I just ended a long phone conversation, and here are some of his comments, believe me.  This is what he said.  We have all seen the bullshit in e-mails written by some clown on in the lounge room pretending to be at the coal face, but this is what was said.

Before I came over here.  I thought we the Australian Army were pretty hot shit… was I ever wrong!... The Yanks (I hope you don't mind me using that word) are so professional from the top to the bottom that it is almost  embarrassing to be in their company, and to call yourself a soldier… don't get me wrong, we are good at what we do, but the Yanks are so much better… they are complete at what they do, how they do it, and their attitude is awesome… they don't complain.  They just get one with the job, and they do it right… I carry a Minimi (SAW).  So I am not  worried about a confrontation, but I tell you I feel safer.  Just knowing that the U.S. Army is close by… if we get into trouble I know that our boys would come running.  And we could deal with it, but they would probably be passed by a load of Hummers.  No questions asked, no glory sought, the Americas, would just fight with us and for us, because that is their nature, to protect those in need of protection...We use the American mess.  So you could say we are fed by the Americans also… they have every right to be pissed at that, but they don't bitch about that.  They just make us feel as welcome as possible… what gets to me is that the Yanks don't walk around with a” we’re better than you attitude” and they could because they are, they treat us as equals and as brothers in arms.  If nothing else, coming here has taught me that the Americans are truly a great nation and a truly great bunch of people… let's face it they don't have to be here, they could stay in America and beat the shit out of anyone who threatened them .  But they are here, because they believe they should be here, and the Iraqis would be screwed if they weren't here.  When I come home, you and I we are going to the US, we will rent some bikes and we are going riding… the reason I am sharing this with you is because I realize that we (as a nation), must get pretty pissed by all the criticism we received from the so-called know it alls who were sitting at home, safe.  The reality is that they are safe, just as I am because of America.  If the world went arse up tomorrow there is little that we (Australia) could do about it, but I know that the Americans would be there putting themselves on the line for others.  That to me is the sign of greatness.”

The most precious thing in my life is my son, I look at him and I thank God that I am fortunate enough to be able to spend time in his company.  We laugh, we discussed, we argue, we dummy spit, we have the same blood.  I am not happy that he is where he is, but that is his duty.  He joined the Army to protect and defend, not to play games.  I might not like it but I accept it.  My reasons for not liking it are selfish and self-centered.  I felt assured that he would be safe because he is in a well-trained army with an excellent record.  BUT NOW, I feel a lot better knowing that he is with your son's and daughters, brothers and sisters.

Whilst he was growing up I was always there to look after him, and I would always put myself before him to protect him.  I can't do that now.  When it comes to looking after him now he and his mates will do the job, but also, thank God for America. 

Gentlemen, I have rambled on for too long, but as I finish I say to you as a foreigner and outsider, a nation is only a collection of its people and its attitude is the attitude of the people collectively and as individuals.  I am really glad that you are here on this earth, and I respect you as a nation and as a people.

Stand up and feel proud because you deserve it, there is no one else who will do what America does without question.  The next time someone howls you down, take some comfort in the fact that America is defending his right to act like an idiot.

Finally, thank you for looking after my son.

Peter Turner

submitted by Marty Kolb

CHAPTER OFFICE NEWS

FROM BARB AND SUSAN

Well it’s that time of the year mowing lawns, planting flower, hanging out laundry and yes it is about the end of the school year.  Here at the chapter we are looking forward to summer.  We have been opening our doors on beautiful days and if any of you have stopped in lately you have seen our new Garden Flags.  We have all branches of the service, POW/MIA, Chapter flags, patriotic flags and yes for all you motorcycle guys a motorcycle flag.  We also are carrying the poles for the flags.  The flags are $10.00 and the poles are $8.50, you can save $2.50 by buying the set.  We will be opening for some of the Friday After Fives like June 13^th and June 27^th till 7:00.  Heritage Days is coming up fast June 14^th & 15^th, if you would like to volunteer some time to help at the tent outside stop by the office and sign up.  With the beautiful weather here we are looking forward to seeing you all, so stop by the office and say HI!

+++++++

On The Road Again

As I write this several members of the Chapter are on the road going to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to the Region III Conference. Hopefully they will receive some good information and training as to how a Chapter should be run and how they should handle their jobs. I didn’t go because I think I know it all already. In July another bunch will be going to Greenville, S.C for the National Leadership Conference. I will be attending this conference just to see if I missed anything in Tennessee. I mention this just to inform you that we are always trying to learn something new and keep improving our Chapter. As I have said before we do not  

take the job of running Chapter 172 lightly.

++++++++++

Conspiracy Theory

Editorial Opinion

Okay, it took me awhile to figure out this whole price of gas thing.  I have been listening to all love conservative radio people, and the talks show pundits and the economist and a lot of other people who just generally piss me off.  None of them seem to know what is behind this dramatic rise in gas prices.  The demand is no greater than it is ever been.  And there is plenty of gas to go around so what going on?

I am told that we in America have more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia.  If that's true, why are we not using them.  Why doesn't the president release the strategic oil reserves and help everybody out, and probably drive down the price of oil?  Some people say that the war in Iraq is being fought over oil.  If that's true, then I would say oil is winning.

But I digress, back to what I was originally talking about this sky high price of gas.  Other than just plain greed, nobody seems to be able to figure it out, but I have.  So get ready, here it is remember in the May 2008 newsletter.  I told you so.  I think that the reason gas is so expensive is that the gas companies know that somebody out there, has invented a car that can run without gas, or with very little gas.  I think that the highest politicians in this country also know this and are just waiting for this new invention to hit the market and knock the price of gas and oil back into the 1950s.

Now here's where the conspiracy comes in.  I think that this invention, what ever it is will not hit the market until after the presidential election.  That is, if a Republican wins the presidency.  It will be sprung on the world and the Republicans will look like the saviors of the common man.  However, if a Democrat wins the election and you know who they are.  We will have four more years of high gas prices and if that same Democrat gets reelected.  We will have eight more years of high gas prices, but by then, we wall have gotten used to walking and riding our bikes down to the chapter.

Now I know that some of you are saying Christ.  He's into the weed again, and is getting paranoid.  However, I have researched this carefully and cannot disprove my theory.  So as I was saying is wait and see what happens in the election.  If the Republicans get in, our biggest problem will be parking places.  If the Democrats get in will all lose weight and get in shape.

And remember you heard it here first.  In May 2009.

Steve Parsons.

May 2009

++++++++++++++++++++++

Memorial Day

I hope that you have enjoyed my collection of veterans’ tribute poetry in this edition of "The Point."  Remember on Memorial Day take time to bow your head and think about those who wore the uniform and paid the price for freedom.

At 1400 on Memorial Day stop for a minute and bow your head and thank the good Lord that there were and are people like these. And sometime during the day raise a glass and proudly proclaim “Here’s to us and those like us, there’s damm few left.”

God bless America.

++++++++++++

Bunker Watch

There were four of us on bunker watch

We did it every night

Ten hours to of our hometown

And watch a distant fight

We’d been doing it for months it seemed

Since we came back to the rear

We came down through the Hi Vahn Pass

In six by’s with our gear.

I was sitting on the sandbags

Just firing up a smoke

An RPG came from the tree line

And the sounds of silence broke

The gooks were in the wire

In the shadows they looked like ants

I opened up with my M-16

And Johnson shit his pants

We called for illumination

And Danny threw a grenade

We blew off two of the claymores

We thought we had it made

But Charlie hadn’t got the word

He was playing in the wire

Johnson smelled like you know what

And the O.D. said don’t fire

Until you get the word from us

And we’re sure you’re getting hit

I said Johnson ain’t no coward man

Someone made him shit

So the O.D. came to see for himself

Running through the light of a flare

He yelled “are you sure it’s Charlie”

And a tracer combed his hair.

When he got back up he was born again

With an attitude you’d admire

He said you’re right it’s Charlie boys

Permission to open fire.  

Steve Parsons 1998