Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 07/12/99

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
We need no analysts to let us know that veterans are just a blip on the media screen and, therefore, a blind spot in the public eye. We are so invisible not even our tears are seen, and our cries are not heard. Take us as we are, a short, clear statement telling the general truth.

Veterans may have problems expressing their feelings, the way this country treats its veterans--as debris of war that needs to be swept out of the way. A nation that forgets it veterans will forget itself.

Please share the following sentiment in your column:

"Duty, Honor, Country"

"Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be."

"The unbelievers will say they are but words, but a slogan, but a flamboyant phrase. Every ... demagogue, every cynic, every hypocrite, every troublemaker will try to downgrade them, even to the extent of ridicule and mockery. But ... They build your basic character. They mold you for your future roles as the custodians of the Nation's defense."

"The long grey line has never failed us. Were you to do so, a million ghosts in olive drab, in brown khaki, in blue and gray, would rise from their white crosses, thundering ... Duty, Honor, Country."

These are excerpts from General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's farewell to the Corps of Cadets at West Point, May 12, 1962. Ten years earlier, he was invited to address a joint session of Congress, ending his 52 years of distinguished military service. He spoke of the courage and sacrifice of so many Americans who did not fail us, including those who gave their lives defending our values and our way of life.

John H. K.
USSAH
Washington, D.C.

Dear John:
This is most evident by the way the president, the media, and yes, our citizens, recently turned their collective backs on the two flag-draped coffins returning from the Baltics. The Sarge is talking about Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Gibbs and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Reichert, both members of the 11th Aviation Regiment's C Troops, 6th Squadron, 6th U.S. Cavalry, who were killed in the crash of their Apache attack helicopter in Albania. And of course, the reason for this apathy is simple: their mission was simply to fly rehearsals instead of combat missions. But, Old Soldier, take heart:

This past Memorial Day weekend, a new rose--the Veterans' Honor (TM) Rose--was planted at VA medical centers and vet centers across the country as a living and lasting tribute to the men and women of the armed forces who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

Shaft Kudos

Congratulations to Jim Fischl, former veterans services officer at the VA's Washington, D.C., Regional Office, on his election as president of the VA Alumni Association. A well-known veterans advocate, Jim will serve the Association well. Those persons wishing to personally congratulate Jim can join him at the VA Alumni Association luncheon on Thursday, July 22, at the Pier 7 restaurant in Washington. The principal speaker will be Jesse Brown, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs. For more information about the luncheon, contact Leon Sanchez at (703) 451-7529.

And a resounding ovation to the U.S. Army Brass Quintet who recently lent its considerable talent to the Blinded American Veterans Foundation's 14th Annual Congressional Awards Capitol Hill reception. Formed in 1972, the U.S. Army Brass Quintet is unique among today's professional brass quintets in that it has had the same personnel since 1978 (trumpet, Master Sgt. Woodrow English and Sgt. Maj. Dennis Edelbrock; tuba, Sgt. Maj. Jack Tillbury; french horn, Sgt. Maj. Lynden Mitchell; and trombone, Sgt. Maj. Scott Shelsta). The group has performed for practically every major national and international music convention in the United States, as well as at concerts in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

A respectful salute to warrior and gentleman General James L. Jones. And hearty congratulations on his recent assignment as the 32nd Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. His long and storied career includes distinguished service in the United States and overseas. Following service as a Platoon and Company Commander in Vietnam, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton, CA, as a Company Commander. He then became Company Commander at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. Following a one-year study program at Quantico, VA, he served the 3d Marine Division on Okinawa as Company Commander of Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines. He later served in the Officer Assignments Section at Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington D.C., and as Marine Corps Liaison Officer of the U.S. Senate. Following graduation from the National War College in June 1985, he commanded the 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. Other assignments include Senior Aide to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Commanding Officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, at Camp Lejeune. He subsequently became Deputy Director, J-3, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany, and was reassigned as Chief of Staff, Joint Task Force Provide Promise, for operations in Bosnia-Herzegovenia and Macedonia. He returned to the U.S. as Commanding General 2d Marine Division, Marine Forces Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, and later became Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. His personal decorations include the Silver Star Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with three gold stars, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", and the Combat Action Ribbon. Semper Fi, General Jones. I'm proud of you and our Corps.

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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