Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 3/20/2000

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
On 8 February 2000 Alfred Rascon was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant and heroic actions on 16 March 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam while a medic with 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry of the 173d Airborne Bde (SEP). On behalf of the surviving members of the reconnaissance platoon we would like to thank you, Sgt. Shaft, and the Washington Times for your efforts assisting us in this matter. Once again, thank you for your very important assistance with this meaningful accomplishment. It was very much appreciated. Airborne!

MSG Larry Gibson
Washington State Army National Guard


Dear Larry,
It was a pleasure meeting you and other members of your heroic outfit at the moving White House Medal of Honor ceremony.

Over the past few years I have gotten to know Alfred Rascon, his lovely wife Carol, and their wonderful little ones, Amanda and Alan -- and what a special family they are.

I have asked Al's Congressman, Roscoe Bartlett, (R-MD) and Congresswoman Connie Morella, (R-MD) the Representative of war-hero, Everett Alvarez, to introduce legislation to name post-office facilities in their respective congressional districts after Al and Everett.

At a time when our children and grand children need legitimate heroes, it is only fitting that the U. S. Postal Service recognizes Medal of Honor recipient Alfred Rascon, and Everett Alvarez, a successful businessman and former government executive, who was the first American aviator shot down over Vietnam and held for 8 1/2 years until general release of prisoners in February 1973.

For your information, Larry, on November 18, 1997, the President signed Public Law 105-85 granting retroactivity of Medal of Honor special pension to Vernon J. Baker, Edward A. Carter, Jr., and Charles L. Thomas, who received the Medals of Honor in 1996 for heroism during World War II. It is only fair that Congress pass and the President sign legislation granting retroactive Medal of Honor pension to Alfred Rascon and to Robert R. Ingram, who was, in 1998, belatedly bestowed the Medal of Honor by the President for his heroic actions as a corpsman with Company C First Battalion, Seventh Marines in Quang Ngai Province Republic of Vietnam.


SHAFT KUDOS
The Sarge is looking forward to joining invited guests of the American Legion on Wednesday, March 29, in recognizing Miss America 2000, Heather Renee French, for elevating public awareness of the problems surrounding our nation's homeless veterans. National Commander Al Lance will present the American Legion's 2000 National Public Relations Award to Ms. French.

The results of the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients reported that veterans comprise 13 percent of the U.S. population; 24 percent of America's homeless people are veterans; 98 percent are men; 47 percent served during the Vietnam war, and 33 percent of homeless male veterans reported being stationed in a war zone.

The Sarge will also be on hand at the National Press Club at noon on April 28 when Ms. French will address members of the press and public on the plight of America's homeless veterans. Heather is devoting her reign as Miss America to raising funds, volunteers and public awareness to help homeless veterans put their lives back together. Heather hopes her efforts will help to break the cycle of homelessness for future veterans. Miss America will travel a quarter-million miles this year fighting for those who once fought for America. Those wishing to join Heather French at the Press Club luncheon should contact Pat Nelson at (202) 662-7500.

A few weeks ago, the Sarge had an opportunity to visit the VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, Emergency, Medical Intensive Care, and step-down units.

Heartfelt thanks to Medical Center Director, Sandy Garfunkel, Chief of Staff, Ross Fletcher, and the extraordinary, dedicated and talented docs and nurses in these units, the Sarge is mending well. At a recent event, Togo West, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, whispered to me that he called over to the MICU to verify if the Sarge really had a heart. Thanks for reading Sgt. Shaft, Togo. 

A pat on the back to the fifty Montgomery County World War II veterans who were presented the Normandy Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty by Congresswoman Connie Morella at a recent Capitol Hill Ceremony. This medal was minted at the direction of the Regional Council of Normandy and the governor of Normandy to be presented to D-Day veterans who were unable to return to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of the landing in 1994.

Congratulations to good buddy, Senator Max Cleland for recently receiving the Minute Man of the Year Award from the Reserve Officers' Association. 

"I am very excited about this prestigious honor," Senator Cleland said. "Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have made national security and a strong military force among my highest priorities. Through my committee assignments and legislative initiatives, I have worked to strengthen our Armed forces and I am proud that Georgia remains a strong presence in the Nation's successful military force."

Senator Cleland's role with the Armed Services stretches back almost 35 years. After returning severely wounded from Vietnam with the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army, Cleland became a state senator in Georgia and then headed the Veterans Administration. Max is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and is the Ranking Member of the Personnel Subcommittee.

National Reserve Officers Association President, John Hauschild, said, "Senator Cleland epitomizes the dedication to national security the ROA honors each year with this award. His distinguished military service, and his life in public service following his duty in Vietnam exemplify in word and deed the kind of commitment to our nation's defense that makes him fully qualified for this award." Past recipients include Presidents Bush, Reagan and Ford. 

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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