Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 11/03/2003

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
Enjoy and read you most informative column devotedly. In your column of Sept. 1, 2003, I feel that your answer to Thomas N. of W. Pains is incomplete. In my humble opinion, the most helpful, dedicated organization is the National League of Families of American POWs and MIAs. The organization is located at 1005 N. Glebe Rd.l, Suite 170, Arlington, VA 22201, Phone: (703) 465-7432.

If it had not been for this group we’d be seeing a different outcome regarding the POW-MIAs during the first Gulf War and this year in Iraq. Because of the League, families of these personnel did not go through what may of us have and still are enduring—you see, my husband, along with nearly 2000 others is still unaccounted for (Laos 1969 in our case). We still have Capt. Speicher, of course, unaccounted for from 1991 Gulf War.

It is because of the League that there is now the beautiful POW-MIA flag that flies at all Federal Buildings on National Holidays. There also has been an annual POW-MIA Remembrance Day.

We are getting remains from even the Korean War thanks to the efforts of the League keeping the issue alive. Please recognize the National League of Families of American POWs-MIAs in your column.

Thank you and God Bless You,

Mrs. Bahar H
Arlington, VA

Dear Mrs. H
Thanks for bringing this Shaft oversight to my attention. I have had a long affiliation with this fine organization and I admire their dedication to American POW’s, MIA’s and their families

The League is a non-profit, non-partisan organization financed by contributions from the families, veterans and concerned citizens. The League's sole purpose is to obtain the release of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing and repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died serving our nation during the Vietnam War.

The League originated on the west coast in the late 1960's. The wife of a ranking POW, believing that the U.S. Government policy of keeping a low profile on the POW/MIA issue and encouraging the families to refrain from publicly discussing the problem was unjustified, initiated a loosely organized movement, which evolved into the National League of Families.

In October 1968, the first POW/MIA story was published. As a result of that publicity, the families began communicating with each other, and the group grew in strength from 50 to 100, to 300, and kept growing. Small POW/MIA family groups flooded the North Vietnamese delegation in Paris with telegraphic inquiries regarding the prisoners and missing, the first major activity in which hundreds of families participated.

Eventually, the necessity for formal incorporation was recognized. In May 1970, a special ADHOC meeting of the families met at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., at which time the League's charter and by-laws were adopted.

Voting membership is comprised solely of the wives, children, parents and other close relatives of Americans who were or are listed as prisoners of war, missing in action, killed in action/body not recovered and returned Vietnam War U.S. POWs. Associate membership is comprised of extended relations of POW/MIAs who do not meet voting membership requirements and other concerned citizens.

For additional information contact their web site: http://www.pow-miafamilies.org

SHAFT KUDOS
The Sarge is looking forward to joining the “Gang of 30” plus at the Marine Corps Birthday Bash on November 7. This special yearly event will take place at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. Band Hall beginning at 11:00 a.m. Featured guest speaker will be the new Commandant, General Hagee. Also in attendance will be the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, “Spider” Nyland.

For more information, contact Marine Mike McKinney at (703) 250-3229.

One of the most requested reprints of the Sarge's columns is the following Marine invocation, which has anonymously evolved throughout the years. So bow your heads while standing tall and share this with your fellow Marines:

O Lord, we have long known that prayer should include confession. Therefore, on behalf of the Marines and their guests here gathered, I confess their sins: Lord, they're just not in step with today's society. They are unreasonable in clinging to old-fashioned ideas like patriotism, duty, honor, and country. They hold radical ideas like believing that they are their brother's keeper and responsible for the Marine on their flank. They have been standing when colors pass, singing the National Anthem at ball games, and drinking toasts to fallen comrades. Not only that, they have been observed standing tall, taking charge, and wearing their hair unfashionably short. They have taken John Kennedy's words too seriously and are overly concerned with what they can do for their country instead of what this country can do for them.

They take the Pledge of Allegiance to heart and believe that the oath is to be honored. Forgive them, Lord, for being stubborn men and women who hold fast to such old-fashioned values. After all, what can you expect? They're Marines!

O Lord our God, bless our misguided ideals, continue to raise up in this nation strong leaders and deliver us from "me first" managers and "don't ask me" followers.

Be our honored guest this day. Let it be a day of laughter, good food, good drink, and the telling of tall tales and legends that far exceed the truth.

Watch over and keep safe those who wear this nation's uniform with special attention to their families everywhere.

Now through this day and all the days ahead, God bless this great Nation and God bless the Corps.

Semper Fi and Happy Birthday to my Marine Corps family!

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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