NEVER Get Old!! Happy Holidays!

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Veterans Day 2023

Pam and I wish all of our fellow military veterans a pleasant and safe Veterans Day. Thanks for your service to our nation!!

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial at the Wall in D.C. Here’s the schedule and we hope all will be safe and respected on their special day:

Women of the Vietnam Era Celebrations
Upcoming events on November 10th & 11th

“The annual Observance at the Wall this year will be particularly special, dedicated to commemorating the Vietnam Women’s Memorial’s 30th anniversary. The ceremony will be presided over by Dr. Sharon R. Bannister, Major General, USAF (ret.), with keynote speaker Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Notable speakers also include Jim Knotts and Janis Nark.

“These anniversary events, open to all, will unfold on the sacred grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. They are not just ceremonies but are avenues to acknowledge and resonate with the experiences, courage, and contributions of women during a pivotal era.”

Roger & Pam Young – Northwestvets.com

 

Courtesy of VA.gov

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Where is the White House & Congress on Border Security?

December 15, 2022:

Like many Americans, Pam and I are very frustrated that neither the White House nor Congress are doing anything to limit the flow of illegal aliens and illegal drugs across our southern border.

Yes, there is constant talk and videos on some major news outlets, but in the glorious halls of Congress that’s all we get – talking points from the “leadership” of the Dems and the GOP, and nothing substantive to once and for all resolve these issues.  Crickets!

Meanwhile, thousands of our fellow citizens are being murdered by poisonous Fentanyl pouring across the southern border and reaching every corner of the U.S. We went to war after 9/11 and the attack on Pearl Harbor, but we seemingly allow an increasing flow of death to target our young with no retaliation nor any plan to stop it. In our opinion, these are violations of federal law and the oaths of office our elected officials swore to protect this nation!  In our opinion, this is a dereliction of duty!

Roger Young,
Northwest Veterans Newsletter co-editor,
Vietnam veteran

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Healing Wounds by Diane Carlson Evans

June 4, 2022:

Fellow military veterans, Pam and I read the following book this Memorial Day weekend and highly recommend it. It was written by Army Nurse Diane Carlson Evans who served at Vung Tao & Pleiku taking care of our Brothers. It documents her dealing with our war and coming back to the World, and her ten-year struggle to get a Vietnam Women’s Memorial near the Wall in D.C.

Parts will bring tears to your eyes, some laughs along the way, and the frustration she felt dealing with bureaucrats and even some fellow vets bringing the Women’s Memorial to the Wall. An excellent read!

Below in “Free Preview” you can read parts of the book, including the forward by the late Joe Galloway – Roger ‘Bear’ Young

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Increase U.S. Oil & Gas Production!!

Increasing our production would not only help the U.S., but would help our European allies from needing Russian oil & gas. 

But I’m convinced that the current administration is out to destroy our country. Out of control gas, heating oil and food prices, retirement accounts being rapidly depleted from the crash of the stock market, crime increasing across our cities, our southern border open to all, etc. Prove to this old war vet otherwise!!! – Roger Young, Vietnam veteran

 

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U.S. ‘Withdrawal’ From Afghanistan

Below is a active screenshot of our newsletter headlines on September 3, 2021. It shows how rapidly a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan turned into a hasty and deadly  evacuation that left fellow citizens and Afghan allies behind to fit a President’s timeline…

Over time the links will go dead as America once again forgets the sacrifice of our young military volunteers that served and sacrificed for us to keep our country safe for 20-years – all for a photo-op for the Biden administration so he could say he ended America’s longest war…

You served with HONOR and distinction, hold your heads high!

Northwest Veterans Newsletter

=========================

Retired military leaders demand mass resignation of Biden team: Milley, Austin, Blinken, SullivanFoxNews – 1 Sep 21

Search continues for five missing crewmembers after Navy helicopter crash; one rescuedMilitaryTimes – 1 Sep 21

Newsletter comment – 1 Sep 21: We saw today at the White House Press Conference that they don’t want to discuss those who were left behind in Afghanistan, only discuss those who were evacuated during this debacle. We guess they are ready to move on and put this fiasco behind them…

The White House may desire to move on but we military veterans have long memories.

Roger Young, Northwest Veterans Newsletter co-editor

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III On the End of the American War in AfghanistanDoD – 30 Aug 21

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL VETERANS: WDVA Veteran VoicesWash. State Dept. of Veterans Affairs– 30 Aug 21

 

On a personal note as a Vietnam veteran, I cannot put into words exactly how I feel, but together we will get through yet another very difficult period in our history. And to our younger vet Brothers & Sisters, you have served with HONOR and kept us safe for 20-years!!

Salute,

Roger Young – Northwest Veterans Newsletter co-editor

It’s official: The US has no boots on the ground in AfghanistanMilitaryTimes – 30 Aug 21

Evacuee numbers dwindle as U.S. heads into final day of boots on the ground in AfghanistanMilitaryTimes – 30 Aug 21

Biden paying respects to 13 US troops killed in AfghanistanMilitaryTimes – 29 Aug 21

US drone strike takes out ISIS-K suicide vehicle in Kabul: CENTCOMMilitaryTimes – 29 Aug 21

Taps for our fallen: DOD Identifies Marine Corps, Navy and Army CasualtiesDoD – 28 Aug 21

Marine officer relieved of duty after calling out senior leaders about AfghanistanPolitico – 27 Aug 21

ISIS-K ‘planner’ killed in drone strike, CENTCOM saysMilitaryTimes – 27 Aug 21

Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on This Morning’s Attack on HKIADoD – 26 Aug 21

Opinion: Mike Pompeo: Biden’s weakness puts American lives at risk in Afghanistan. We can’t leave anyone behindFoxNews – 24 Aug 21

Biden won’t extend Afghanistan deadline as Taliban reiterates demand for US forces to leaveFoxNews – 24 Aug 21

Opinion: Amb. Nikki Haley: Biden’s Afghanistan fiasco will have huge impact on US security. Here’s the way forwardFoxNews – 20 Aug 21

Journalist Joe Galloway, who covered 1st Cav in Vietnam, dies at 79Killeen Daily Herald – 18 Aug 21

 

Talking About Afghanistan – We’re Here to HelpHealth.mil – Posted 18 Aug 21

Chaos at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport as Taliban take over country – FoxNews – 16 Aug 21

America’s warrior class contends with the abject failure of its Afghanistan projectSeattle Times – 14 Aug 21

Afghan president flees the country as Taliban move on KabulSeattle Times – 14 Aug 21

More Marines arrive in Kabul to aid urgent embassy airlift amid Taliban advanceMilitaryTimes – 14 Aug 21

About 8,000 US troops are deploying to secure evacuations from KabulMilitaryTimes – 12 Aug 21

US military to help evacuate Americans from embassy in Kabul: officialsFoxNews – 12 Aug 21

Newsletter comment: For those of us that served in Vietnam, I believe we’ve seen this movie before. Do we ever learn from past experiences? – Roger Young, Northwest Veterans Newsletter

Pentagon to require COVID vaccine for all troops by Sept. 15MilitaryTimes – 9 Aug 21

Secretary of Defense Message to the ForceDoD – 9 Aug 21

News from WDVAWash. State Dept. of Veterans Affairs – 6 Aug 21

Department Prioritizes Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority, Implementing 2020 StrategyDoD – 5 Aug 21

Op-Ed: Where is Seattle’s plan to address crime and prioritize public safety? by former SPD Chief Carmen Best – 5 Aug 21

VA to start processing disability claims for certain conditions related to particulate matterVA – 2 Aug 21

Airman Accounted For From Vietnam War (Avolese, P.)DPAA – Posted 2 Aug 21

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The Flags We Fly Tell A Story

12 July 2020:

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Honoring Silver Spur Chu Hoi Scout Dinh

Published on June 17, 2018 – Updated June 28, 2018

Fellow Spurs,

On 15 Feb 71 Dinh was KIA along with fellow Spur, Tagipo Tauala in an enemy bunker complex near Tan An.

 

Spur 25, Lt. John Kelly writes of that day to Spur 38, Mike Billow:

Hey 38, what a sad trip down memory lane. Dinh was with me and Kippo and Johny Morrison as the 4th man in my point team. He was as nervous as the rest of us, walking into that NVA base camp. The Scout pilot had already told me that the place was warm. We had spent two hours bushwacking through the forest when DeCelle took over as Scout. We had already used frags and concussion grenades as we cleared bunkers coming into the center of the camp. My last move had been to send 2nd squad with Tennessee and his M-60 to my right. When we  approached the large bunker in the center, the NVA opened up from the entrance , killing Dinh instantly, and gravely wounding Kippo. My RTO, Curly James knocked me down as grenades and AK’s and Tennessee’s M-60 all went off, and I was face down above the hole with the NVA, and I had a grenade in his lap quickly! Tennessee saved us as the NVA were pouring out of the bunker to my right, which I had only imagined to be there!  He sawed them down! From then on as you know, it was a struggle to get Kippo and the wounded out of there, and your rockets and timely directional advice are really the only reason we weren’t over run as we withdrew to that PZ you guided me too! The next day, I went back there with 3 ARP’s and 100 ARVN and recovered Dinh’s body and the extraordinary letter that the NVA wrote to Dinh, wondering how and why he was with us. From Quan Loi, I took Dinh to his Lady along with the other Chu Hoi’s to An Loc for his burial. Ironically I have just finished “A Bright Shining Lie” about John Paul Vann and his frustrations with the ARVN’s and their fake sit reps and patrols! Let’s remember that the ARVN’s across the runway had told Major Russell that they had cleared that area. When in fact, they had marched a “battalion” down the woodcutters road 5 clicks away. Yup! WTF!!

After our initial post here, we learn more of that tragic day from SGT. Jon S. Morrison who served in our Aero-Rifle Platoon: 

I was walking point Dinh was behind me, Kippo behind him, Lt and his RTO behind Kippo. Gooks fired out of the big bunker and spider holes. I used the rest of my frags, I was pinned down up by the rice cache. I looked around and Dinh had a bullet hole in the forehead about between is eyes. Kippo was shot a few times but continued to stand there with his M60 and returned fire. One tough SOB! What went on down the line past Kelly, I don’t know. Kippo finally went down. There was a lull in the fire when I yelled to Kelly, “let’s get the hell out of here.” I got up and to my surprise Kippo staggered up so I helped him move on down the trail. If it hadn’t been for Kippo I know I wouldn’t have made it out. Kelly tried to put some people in for citations but MAJ Russell said they were just doing their job.  The difference in being a grunt unit and an Air Cav Commander. This all from the grunts view. I have no idea what happened in the air.

Jon S. Morrison, SGT
ARRP
3/17th AirCav
Former sniper 25th Infantry Division

My personal thanks to Lt. Kelly & Sgt. Morrison for sharing their personal memories of this tragic day. As you all are aware, Dinh does not appear on any Vietnam Memorial until now. Our local Vietnamese community in the Seattle area worked for years with the city of Auburn and Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs to build a Memorial where all Vietnam veterans from all our allies in our war could be honored. With that in mind, Pam and I purchased a Honor Tile in Dinh’s name to be placed at their new Memorial located in Auburn, WA. so that he can be properly remembered for his personal sacrifice. Their American-Vietnamese Memorial was dedicated on 16 June 2018. Below is the video Pam took of the dedication ceremony and more specifics. Please feel free to add your comments at the bottom of this post. The comment section remains open for approximately two weeks.

Roger “Bear” Young, Spur Scout Crew Chief

 

Dinh’s Honor Tile:

DINH
CHU HOI SCOUT
A TROOP 3/17 AIR CAVALRY
KIA 15 FEB 1971 TAN AN
Picture and Story  

Photo courtesy of Sandi Price Parsons!

 

Silver Spur plaque at the Memorial:

A Troop Unit Plaque

 

 

Memorial Dedication Ceremony Video:

 

Auburn dedicates hub for healing the wounds of warAuburn Reporter – June 21, 2018

American-Vietnamese War Memorial Alliance

 

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F-105 Thuds in Vietnam: Going Downtown

Important history brought to my attention by my fellow Silver Spur, John ‘Waldo’ Pepper:

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The Sky Was No Limit: The WASP Women Pilots of WWII

Excellent article brought to our attention by Gary S:

The Sky Was No Limit: The WASP Women Pilots of WWII

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Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Event at The Museum of Flight

Courtesy of the Museum of Flight

 

Project Welcome Home
Museum of Flight, Tukwila, WA.

“One of The Museum of Flight’s largest and most iconic aircraft, the Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express, has been lost in plain sight for the past 26 years. This veteran warbird is being restored to its former glory and will have a new home in a place of honor on the Museum’s campus at Boeing Field

“The restored Midnight Express will reside on the west side of the Museum’s Aviation Pavilion in a serene park-like setting where visitors can reflect upon the B-52 and the nearly 8,000 other U.S. military aircraft lost during Vietnam.

“The plane will be joined by a statue depicting a returning aviator honoring veterans who served in all military branches between 1964 and 1975. The park will also feature an exhibit about the dozens of types of planes and helicopters flown during the war.”

Dedication Program

 

 

 

More Pictures & Video From the Ceremony by this Newsletter

Additional Photos by the Northwest Veterans Newsletter:

[Click on upper left photo to begin slideshow]

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park

B-52 Restoration ProgressMuseum Of Flight

In blue Seattle, a B-52 used in Vietnam is dedicated as new memorial park opensSeattle Times – 25 May 19

 

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My Beautiful America – The Charlie Daniels Band

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Angels In Uniform

Courtesy of VVMF:

 

Recommended read: Healing Wounds: A Vietnam War Combat Nurse’s 10-Year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C. by Diane Carlson Evans, Bob Welch

Both Pam and I read Diane’s book over the Memorial Day Weekend, an excellent read regarding her struggle both in Vietnam and upon her return to the World, and her dedication to have a Vietnam Women’s Memorial placed near the Wall to honor all the women involved in our war!

Thank you, Diane, for writing your book; for sharing yourself with us; for your courage and commitment; and your perseverance and devotion throughout your journey. Welcome Home, Dear Sister Veteran. – Roger & Pam Young, Northwest Veterans Newsletter – 30 May 22

 

Here’s a video tribute my wife, Pam Young (Navy vet), made in 2011 in honor of ALL the women – including the Donut Dollies, who served during the Vietnam War – Roger “Bear” Young, Scout Crew Chief:

Learn more about the Donut Dollies at: http://www.donutdollies.com/

 

 

 

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Aboard the C-17 Flying Hospital

Watch the C-17 perform its aeromedical mission in this “Aboard the Flying Hospital” video produced by the San Francisco Chronicle:

 

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Battle Of Midway – WWII in Color

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Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle Restoration: Markings & More

This video includes an interview with Jeff Duford-Curator National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Historic footage and current day restoration at the museum are also included in this video.

BACKGROUND: The B-17F Memphis Belle, the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to return to the United States after completing 25 missions over Europe – will be placed on public display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on May 17, 2018 exactly 75 years after its crew finished their last mission in the war against Nazi Germany on May 17, 1943.

Pilot Robert Morgan named the aircraft after his wartime girlfriend,  Margaret Polk, of Memphis, Tenn. Morgan chose the now famous artwork from a 1941 George Petty illustration in Esquire magazine.

After returning to the United States in June 1943, its crew flew the aircraft across the country on a three-month war bond and morale boosting tour. With the bond tour and the 1944 William Wyler documentary color film titled “The Memphis Belle” – which contained actual combat footage – the aircraft and its crew became widely known and celebrated. In 1990 a major motion picture of the same name added to their fame.

Following decades of display in Memphis, the historic aircraft came to the museum in October 2005, when work began on a careful, multi-year conservation and restoration effort including corrosion treatment and the full outfitting of missing equipment, which continues today.

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The Oberg Color Film Footage of Pearl Harbor – December 7, 1941

This short documentary tells the story of Harold & Eda Oberg, & the film footage they recorded of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The couple captured shots during & after the attack on Hickam Army Airfield.

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Our 1998 Trip to Gettysburg & D.C. Memorials

Video tour of the Gettysburg battlefield, Manassas, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mount Vernon – home of George Washington, Arlington National Cemetery & the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Marine Corps Memorial, JFK Memorial at Arlington, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It is a long video but worth the trip if you’ve never seen these historic places! – Pam & Roger Young

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Tribute to DStormMom – Jackie Olsen

September 1, 2018:

We just learned today that a great military veteran advocate and personal friend of ours passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. 

To Jackie Olsen, known as DStormMom to many of us across the nation, may you Rest In Peace and a personal slow-hand Salute for all you did for U.S. Veterans of all eras across our entire nation. You were a true Patriot and military veteran advocate that we will always remember and we cherish your many years of friendship! And our thoughts and prayers are with her daughter, Carolyn, may our Lord comfort you during this time of sorrow.

Roger & Pam Young

Jackie & Roger in 1998 in D.C. for Veterans Day Ceremonies

 

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Iwo Jima Documentary

Brought to my attention by our Silver Spur President, John ‘Waldo’ Pepper:

 

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