Back to Newsletters:                                            Home:

VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL ** AMERICAN LEGION POST 639

 THE VETERANS VOICE

Bush acknowledges Iraq-Vietnam war comparison

Thu Oct 19,  WASHINGTON

President George W. Bush has for the first time acknowledged a possible parallel between the raging violence in Iraq and the Vietnam War. But the White House also affirmed that it has no plan to reassess its strategy in the war-ravaged country, despite a surge in US casualties there and unrelenting sectarian bloodshed. Bush was asked in an ABC News interview late Wednesday if he agreed with a New York Times columnist's comparison of the strife in Iraq with the Tet Offensive, which is considered a key turning point in the US war in Vietnam . "He could be right," Bush said. "There's certainly a stepped-up level of violence. "Bush said insurgents were trying "to inflict enough damage that we'd leave." "First of all, Al-Qaeda is still very active in Iraq . They are dangerous. They are lethal. They are trying to not only kill American troops, but they're trying to foment sectarian violence," he said. "They believe that if they can create enough chaos, the American people will grow sick and tired of the Iraqi effort and will cause (the) government to withdraw," Bush said. The Tet Offensive, a campaign launched by the North Vietnamese in early 1968, was considered a military defeat for them, but the scope of the assault shocked Americans and helped turn US public opinion against the war. Many Americans concluded that the war was unwinnable or victory too costly. The White House later sought to put the comparison in context. "The full context was that the comparison was about the propaganda waged in the Tet Offensive ... and the president was reiterating something he's said before -- that the enemy is trying to shake our will," Dana Perino, a Bush spokeswoman, said in a statement. "They know that we're a caring and compassionate people and that we're deeply affected by gross violence," she said. "The president also believes the American people understand the importance of beating our enemy who is determined to kill innocent freedom-loving people." The comments came amid a steep spike in US deaths in Iraq , including 10 killed in a single day, on Wednesday. The US military announced two more US soldier deaths early Thursday, bringing the total number of American fatalities in Iraq this month to 69. The US administration said the surge in US casualties would not lead to a reassessment of the US strategy there. "The strategy is to win," spokesman Tony Snow said in the southern state of North Carolina Wednesday. "As everybody says, correctly, we've got to win. And that comes at a cost." "The president understands not only the difficulty of it, but he grieves for the people who have served and served with valor," said Snow, who told reporters that US forces "do believe in the mission."  Also on Thursday, a suicide truck bomber slammed into an Iraqi police station in the northern city of Mosul , killing 10 and wounding 14, police said. Nine of the dead were civilians. The attacks came amid a spectacular surge in insurgent and sectarian violence around Iraq , which has claimed hundreds of lives since the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just over three weeks ago. In the television interview, the US leader expressed support for Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki but warned that his patience is not infinite. "In my judgment, Maliki has got what it takes to lead a unity government," Bush said. "I'm patient. I'm not patient forever. And I'm not patient with dawdling. But I recognize the degree of difficulty of the task, and therefore, say to the American people, we won't cut and run," he said. Bush ruled out a complete troop withdrawal as long as he is president, through January 2009. However, a high-powered panel named by the US Congress to assess policy options in Iraq is weighing recommendations that could deal a blow to Bush's "stay-the-course" policy in Iraq . A source associated with the Iraq Study Group confirmed media reports that options under consideration include a phased withdrawal of US soldiers from Iraq and an opening of diplomatic channels with Iran and Syria . Both steps would represent a major break with the president's policies. The 10-member panel of bipartisan heavyweights will deliver its report sometime after the November 7 mid-term elections, according to its leader, respected former secretary of state James Baker.

COMMANDERS MESSAGE 

Last month was a SUPER success for our Post. The ladies Auxiliary had their annual Chili dinner, silent auction and of course the infamous cake walks. That brought in a lot of people not to mention revenue. If you were here you know that the bidding got pretty intense. A lot of fun was had by all. Great job ladies. Our annual early bird party was a huge success. The hall was full of guests and all had a great time listening to Lance and The Rocking L’s. Lance you’re as great today as you were 40 years ago. It might seem as I’ve known Lance for a long time, and perhaps I have, Ok, ok, we’re both getting old! I just want to give a special thanks to Dia for all her long long hours and dedication to our post. The food of course, was spectacular, as usual. Dia you say the members are special to you, the truth be told, it is you that is very special to us. Don’t forget the E-Board meeting the 30^th, also don’t forget to turn your clocks back the last Sunday of the month^. November is just around the corner which means we have the ALR spaghetti dinner, $5.00 all you can eat 10^th November from 5 - 8 PM. November 11^th we have the dubious honor of having the Mt Vernon Veterans joining us at our Post.  A big day is planned for them. They will start of with a continental breakfast, provided by our First vice Mick Dunn, thanks Mick. They will then be joining us in the Veteran’s Day Parade. After returning to our Post to have some dinner provided in conjunction the S.A.L. along beside the Lady’s Auxiliary, along with some entertainment. Make sure you come out and join in the festivities, and besides your company would must more appreciated then you’ll ever know. They don’t get many visitors at the Veteran’s Home. They only visit us twice a year so come by and say hi. Special thanks goes out to some of our members for outstanding service to our post. Clark, (YEAH BABY) Pike and his crew for volunteering to provide us with Fish Fry on the 3 ^rd Friday of each month. Doyle, (GET ER FIXED) Gardner for doing our building maintenance. Sam (ROCKS TO ROSES) McGowan for doing our gardening. The rose garden is beautiful. JC (NO PAR) PONDER for his never ending hard work and dedication. Without JC keeping our paper work in order, we we  we would be out of order! Tom (TO THE PENNY) MARBY what a great job, as our bean counter. Finally least but not last, oh wait he is last, Don Wallis for his Thursday Night entertainment. What a blast to be here those nights. The Sons of the Legion will again provide Thanksgiving dinner at the post. This gives us all an opportunity to spend time together and give thanks with family and friends on this special day. In closing, I would like to thank the American legion Riders for their participation and contributions to our post. The ALR is a great asset to have.
For God and Country 
AL Powers

ADJUTANTS REPORT

New membership cards for 2007 are in . You can mail your due’s in or drop them off at the post . Special note:  State due’s for the American Legion Department of Missouri will … (BE GOING UP FROM $20.00 A YEAR TO $30.00 A YEAR ON DECEMBER 31^ST 2006)  . So you need to pay your membership due’s in December to save $10.00. You may want to look into paying up for life membership before then to save money. I would like to see the Post get 100% in membership in 2007. Lets show them we can ! November 11^th is the Veterans Day Parade starting at 11:00am so come out and support the parade that day. We will also have the Mount Vernon Veterans at the Post for dinner so come and visit with them and let them know we really do care.

J C Ponder

CHAPLAINS MESSAGE

Beverly Miller was in St. John’s this month, I saw her at bingo last Thursday night and she was looking good.  Doyle Gardner had surgery on his right shoulder.  Doyle was at the bar the other day and was having no problems raising his right arm and hand. David Ring  has gone to the Post Everlasting. David joined our post in 2004.  Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. As always please keep our military men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers and our POW’s and MIA’s.

Bob Carroll

LADIES AUXILIARY

Thank you ladies!! What a wonderful response we had to our annual “OCTOBERFEST” and silent auction. We had tasty homemade cakes and goodies, and all kinds of great tasting chili. We also had 99 of the best auction items that we have ever had. We made over $700 which allows us to donate 50% of the proceeds to children of soldiers serving our country in Iraq . I am very proud to belong to this Ladies Auxiliary. It was really wonderful for us to be working and having fun together. Let’s keep moving forward!! Just imagine what we can accomplish!! We have a big day coming up on Saturday, November 11^th with our favorite special guests. The Mt. Vernon Vets will be with us to celebrate Veteran Day. Ladies, come early (8AM to 10 AM) to help decorate the Post-prepare and serve food-and most important, visit with our Mt. Vernon Vets. They will be part of the Springfield parade as will our Post 639 veterans so let’s show Springfield a good representation of Post 639. Thank you to Lance and the S.A.L. for cooking and please join us for music at 1:00 PM with The Garbonzo’s. Thank you to all veterans and please join us for a day of celebrating our freedom and remembering. Ladies, join us on Wednesday evenings for ladies night where we can get together responsibly and have a good time. We had a $5.00 manicure last month and look forward to our having another “Malibu & Manicure” special this month on

15^th. REMEMBER, you are an important part of a great organization. We look forward to seeing you at the monthly meeting on November 7^th. Come out and share your ideas with us. We will be discussing Christmas for the Vets, The kids Christmas party, and the ladies Christmas party. Bring your favorite holiday desert for the meeting. Happy Thanksgiving and have a very safe holiday.

President  Terri Chandler

EDITORS REPORT

If you have a report or article you would like printed in the newsletter, (space available)  please get it to me or at least contact me by the 15th of the month for the next month. 417-865-5579 is the only number to contact me. The cell phones had to go. The Veterans Day Parade will be Saturday, November 11th in which the Mt. Vernon and Post 639 Vets will be representing our Post. Call the Post for more details. Thanksgiving dinner will be at the Post at 2:00 PM so if you love deep fried turkey (skillfully prepared by Tennessee ) you need to be here. Would you like to tell the story of your service to our country and get some kids on the right track at the same time? Contact Gary Bockman to set up a time to volunteer  your time and let our kids know why they are free. I will be showing a presentation on Veterans Day of a short  film and song that was created by 3 soldiers in Iraq that almost brought me to tears. It is titled-’ If I Die Before You Wake’. This is a very touching film and needs to be seen by all. If this newsletter is late getting to your mailbox, it’s because I have had a problem with articles not getting to me on time.

Gene Beattie - Copy Boy

ALR REPORT

On October 14, about 17-18 riders and passengers made the run down beautiful Hwy. 7, from Harrison Ark. to Hot Springs , Ark. for an overnight trip. The day riding down was as beautiful as you could ask for, and the trees were just about at their fall color peak. Ride coordinator Dave Smith, was made to stop for the less hardy among us and for the "Leaf Peepers" to check out the colors and vistas. Dave, take it easy and smell the roses [or road kill] .Sunday's ride back was another matter entirely. The promised rain had arrived and made it's way to earth in great amounts. Lousy riding weather. Riding from Hot Springs to Little Rock was the driest part of the trip home. The rain came down on us from Little Rock to Harrison . Several people mentioned their boots were still wet on Tuesday nights dinner ride. Come ride with us on this and every Tuesday, at 18:30 for our weekly dinner rides.  Also, don’t forget to come out to our ALR Spaghetti Dinner on NOV. 10^th,  from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Our food is Good eat’n !!! Be Here!!!
Ron Jackson.   

Something cool that Xerox is doing   If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com , you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.  How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!  This is a great site.  Please send a card.  It is FREE and it only takes a second.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them.

Just a line to say I’m living, that I’m not among the dead. Though I’m getting more forgetful, and mixed up in my head. I got used to my arthritis; to my dentures I’m resigned. I can manage my bi-focals, but God I miss my mind. For sometimes I can’t remember when I stand at the foot of the stairs. If I must go up for something, or have I just come down from there? And in front of the fridge so often, my poor mind is filled with doubt. Have I just put food away, or have I come to take some out? And there is time when it is dark, with my nightcap on my head. I don’t know if I’m retiring, or just getting out of bed. So if it’s my turn to write to you, there’s no need for getting sore, I may think that I have written and don’t want to be a bore. So remember that I love you, and wish that you were near, but now it’s nearly mail time so I must say goodbye dear. There I stand beside the mailbox, with a face so very red, instead of mailing you my letter, I OPENED IT INSTEAD!

Charlie Daniels still tours for our troops
Charlie Daniels has done two tours of Iraq . Last year, he was in Afghanistan , Kyrgyzstan and Kuwait . He's done Bosnia , Kosovo , Korea . Make no mistake, Daniels always goes armed and ready — with a fiddle. "I feel very beholden to our troops," the country music legend told The Associated Press at his hotel in this southern Japan city, where he was preparing to headline an annual country music festival. "If you can get me there, I'll go." That's generally easier said than done. The helicopter flying Daniels took on fire in Kirkuk , Iraq in April. And when a sand storm diverted him from reaching the Baghram Air Base just outside of Kabul , Kyrgyzstan , he played an impromptu show at another nearby base. "Our drummer was pounding on a garbage can," Daniels said. "But that's kind of the beauty of these things. You just get a bunch of guys together and do it. In some of these places, they haven't had any kind of entertainment for 11 months. We had about 200 people come out." "They are starved for anything American," Daniels added of the troops. "They are a great audience." Daniels, who lives on a ranch just outside Nashville, Tennessee, continues to play about nine months out of the year, much of that on the road. After Japan , he was to travel on to South Korea to entertain the U.S. troops there. He'll turn 70 on Oct. 28 while he's in China . In his four-decade career, he has sold somewhere around 20 million records, including the quadruple platinum Fire in the Mountain album. Daniels won the best country singer Grammy in 1979 for the No. 1 hit single, "Devil Went Down to Georgia ."

Bev’s Quotes

It's been said if you have something to say about someone

say it to their face so they can defend themselves.

NOVEMBER 11th, 2006 11:00 AM

A video will be shown after the

dinner hour. Come out and see

“If I Die Before You Wake”.

The Two Pots

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.  For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."  The old woman smiled,  "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.  Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."
Moral of the story: Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. So, to all of my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!