"Systemic failures in airspace design, safety oversight, and risk management by the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army contributed to a midair collision a year ago over the Potomac River that killed 67, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday in its final board meeting on the disaster, the nation's deadliest aviation accident since November 2001..."
Update 28 Nov 25: Sadly we learned on Thanksgiving Day that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia has died from her wounds. SSGT Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still fighting for his life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Celebrate Our U.S. Birthday! Opinion by Pam Young - Northwest Veterans Newsletter
I've read, heard and watched the incessant complaints, rants, rage and violence from all sides of the societal and political spectrums. Most want to silence those of us who don't quite align with their opinions. Enough of your distain and evil hatred!
If you can't muster any measure of patriotism; if you can't love this country for all that she has accomplished in 249 years of sacrifice, commitment, devotion to her ideals in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; if you have never stepped up to defend her with moral courage and even with your very life, then perhaps you don't deserve to live in this blessed country. To borrow a phrase from my generation: "Love it or Leave it", and don't let freedom's door hit you on your backside when you leave! There are plenty of people who want what you have been given, so clear out and make room for them! Our country was founded on opportunity and hard work, not the philosophy of giving you everything you want. You must earn that right!
I'm sick and tired of those so-called "Americans" who detest what this country stands for! Those hateful anti-American, anti-Semitic, anti-democratic "Americans" who constantly want this nation to be overthrown and reduced to a throw-back nation of communist/socialist/fascist governmental philosophies: that history has proven time and again have failed and ultimately in the demise of their peoples. Careful what you wish for, you'll regret it for generations to come. For those of us who have studied, and even lived, the histories from our past can attest, our very special and fragile democracy and the freedoms we cherish will be gone. Forever.
I am an American citizen, born and raised, also a Vietnam-era military veteran. What I see across this nation is the ultimate betrayal and contempt by a great many people towards all those Americans who served, and died, during our nation's 249 years of existence, and their diligence and integrity to work to make us a more perfect union. It's not perfect, it's a work in progress; however, our nation is phenomenal in comparison to many other nations. Stop trying to erase our history; restore those monuments, memorials and historical literature! They tell an historical story: good and bad, and they provide a very important historical record from which each generation must learn in order to continue to improve our nation towards that "more perfect union."
So, on this Independence Day, prayers for peace across our nation, that calmer heads and kinder hearts will prevail, that our nation's communities will endeavor amicably to work hard together to rebuild a society that sets aside its divisions, animosities and disrespect, and return to loving and respecting this nation and one another just a little bit more. Tribalism does not work, it only destroys. United we can stand but divided we will surely fall. Too many Americans have shed blood so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Truly: Freedom is not free. And our freedoms are but one generation away from being lost forever.
May God bless our Nation and ALL her people no matter their faith, our military, law enforcement and first responders; and may God preserve and protect our Nation with His Guidance, Grace and Mercy.
Coalition to Salute America's Heroes - "The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes was created to provide a way for individuals, corporations and others to help our severely wounded and disabled Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families rebuild their lives."
Foster parents needed! Dogs On Deployment - We believe in providing vital assistance to military pet owners while they serve our country with honor, courage and commitment. - Posted 14 Feb 22
Donut Dollies, The - The untold story of the American women who volunteered to go to Vietnam on an impossible mission: help the troops forget about the war.
Fallen Patriot Fund - Helping families and those seriously wounded and discharged from the military.
Final Salute, Inc. - For Women vets by Women vets. Provides support for women veterans who are homeless or facing homelessness.
Fisher House -- Helping Military Families - OUTSTANDING program! These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
"...Veterans are allowed to apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related diseases, and the resources at Asbestos.com can assist veterans in applying for benefits..."
"The Hanoi Taxi (tail #66-0177) was retired from active service in May 2006. She was the last of the 285 C-141s built by Lockheed to leave active service. She flew 100 POWs out of Hanoi on 12 February 1973, some of them tasting freedom for the first time in six years. Each POW put their shot-down date on the face of the oxygen panel during their flight to Clark AB in the Philippines. For her retirement ceremony, the POWs she brought home were brought back for the ceremony and one last flight by this gracious lady. Most of them are old men now but their enthusiasm, emotions, and excitement were evident during this flight and retirement ceremony. She was then flown to Dayton, OH where she will spend her final days in the Air Force Museum..."
Vietnam POW Homecoming 1973
Montagnard Sites: Keeping track of Human Rights abuses in Vietnam
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
Once I Was A Soldier...
Song "Once I Was" by Tim Buckley, photos courtesy of Troopers who served with the Silver Spurs in Vietnam, 1967-1972. The Silver Spurs received two Valorous Unit Awards during their time in hell... one for the defense of Long Binh during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the second for our involvement in the 1970 Cambodia Incursion. In memory of those Spur who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation with honor...
God's Own Lunatics by Joe Galloway
God's Own Lunatics by Joe Galloway which I put to pictures by the Silver Spurs, A Troop, 3/17th Air Cavalry, Vietnam '67-'72.
We had the honor of having Joe Galloway as our keynote speaker for our 2008 Silver Spur reunion. He will return to be our speaker once again in April 2010. Joe is a true friend of all military veterans and those who serve our beloved nation today...
If additional Spurs find us via this video, please join us at our website.
Roger "Bear" Young Spur scout platoon crew chief, '69-'70
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
Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs Award Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Roger & Pam Young Outstanding Veteran Volunteer 2001 "You are commended for your selfless service to veterans and family members"
Glen A. Williams "Bronze Boonie" Memorial Award The Glen Williams Award for 2000 is presented to Roger "Bear" Young and Pam Young For many years Pam and Bear have unselfishly given of their time and personal finances to publish their newsletter as a service to the Veteran community. The Northwest Veterans Newsletter has entertained, educated and edified veterans and their families and strongly supported veterans causes.
Personal commitment, dedication, and sacrifice are virtues embodied in the American Veteran. Pam and Bear Young certainly reflect those virtues. We honor you, congratulations.
M.R. Rogers - Trustee - 15 June 2000
The West wing of the Wall at Sunset Hills Vietnam Wall Experience 2001
To all of you that never had your parade,
Never felt your service time in hell was appreciated,
Who suffer health problems today,
WELCOME HOME!
Unknown family honors veterans at Auburn, WA. Veterans Day Parade 9 Nov 02
Moving Wall Washington Memorial Cemetery
Note reads:
"Uncle:
"I was only a boy when you left us and I really didn't know you, but now that I am a man, I promise to teach my boys of you and to honor your sacrifice. You are missed.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this site, except where otherwise noted, are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Northwest Veterans Newsletter.
The Northwest Veterans Newsletter provides external links for its readers as a convenience and for informational purposes only. The links do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by this newsletter. The Northwest Veterans Newsletter bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites or for that of subsequent links.
