Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 05/28/2001

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to some very special people ... you, of course, being one of them.

I want to thank Charles Printz for putting me in touch with Mike Benge, a thank you to Mike for putting me in touch with you, and a thank you to you for putting me in touch with Jim Fischl (American Legion) and Debi Bevins (Department of Veterans Affairs). I have struggled for 28 years to find and take care of brother's Vietnamese wife and child. Without all of you my struggle would not have ended.

You are truly miracle workers. At least it seems so to me and my family. You have gone way beyond the call of duty. You don't even know me yet you were all so willing to reach out and help.

You provided security for my deceased brother's family. He will be forever grateful as I am. His family will never forget your kindness and generosity.

As if that isn't enough, you went one step further and got approval for a second burial service at Arlington National Cemetery so my brother's Vietnamese wife and son and the rest of his family can attend and say our final good-bye. We now have peace and closure. I only wish that you could have known Mickey Wilson; he was a wonderful big brother, helicopter pilot, husband and father.

My family and I will be at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29 at 10:00 a.m. for a family graveside service for Mickey. We would be honored to have all of you with us.

Thank you just does not seem sufficient but I don't know what else to say. If I can ever be of assistance to you please don't hesitate to ask.

 Forever Grateful,
 Linda Moreau
 Medford, OR

Dear Linda:
Throughout the years your love for your brother Mickey and his Vietnamese wife, Mary, motivated you to find the necessary documentation which established their lawful bond. The devastation of recognizing that your beloved brother, a U. S. Army helicopter pilot, was declared missing in action, and later declared dead by the Department of Defense, and your successful search for his South Vietnamese wife and her children is an inspiring, heartwarming story. Without this evidence I could have done nothing. A special kudos should also go to the Oakland VA Regional Office for their empathy and expertise, thereby positively adjudicating the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation VA claim for Mary. As we celebrate this special Memorial Day and your special family remembrance day for Mickey on Tuesday, May 29, let us all reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that your brother, and all other vets, have made for this country. Let us all share these very special words by fellow Vietnam combat vet, George Skypeck, in his following poem, "Soldier."

I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness ... should I fail.
I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love.
I have cried, pained, and hoped ... but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was ... a soldier.

Shaft Kudos
The Sarge is looking forward to joining the Blinded American Veterans Foundation, Rep. Joe Moakley (D-MA), and guests at the 16th annual congressional awards reception on June 14, 2001, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in 334 Cannon House Office Building. The annual event, held in conjunction with the Foundation's Flag Week observance, honors members of Congress, the media and volunteers.

Recipients of the 2001 George "Buck" Gillispie Congressional Award for Meritorious Service are Rep. Cliff Stearns ((R-FL) and Albert Wynn (D-MD). The award is named in honor of the late George Gillispie, a blinded World War II veteran who devoted more than 40 years toward efforts to aid rehabilitation of visually impaired veterans.

The Carlton Sherwood Media Award, named in honor of the Pulitzer and Peabody Award-winning journalist and highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, will be presented to The National Press Club and the American Legion Magazine. 

This year's recipients of the George Alexander Memorial Award for volunteer Service are the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Johnnie Collins (salesman and veteran advocate), and John Karr, Esq.

A joint Color Guard will set the stage for the awards ceremony and the Marine Corps Brass Quintet will entertain guests with a medley of patriotic music.

The congressional reception precedes the BAVF Flag Week picnic on Saturday, June 16. At this year's event the BAVF will be honoring U.S. Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-MD) and her husband, Tony, for their long-time support of the BAVF. Flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol will be presented to many guests. The gregarious Chef Lakis, who can usually be found at his cart at the corner of 18th and K Streets, N.W., will be preparing his famous hot dogs. The Hula Monsters will serenade picnickers to Hawaiian and Italian music, plus the sounds of "oldies but goodies."

A special kudos to the Right Rev. Imagene B. Stewart, who has served as National Chaplain and is presently National Vice President (Eastern Division) of the Million Women American Legion Auxiliary. Rev. Stewart will be honored by Washington, D.C. veterans and supporters of the American Legion Auxiliary on July 7. 

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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