Chapter One

"The Sitrep"

Presidents Message…

May 2007:  The month of Memorial Day. Many events will be going on this month to pay tribute to our fallen comrades who “GAVE IT ALL”.  I am extremely thankful for our current members who would have given all, but by the grace of God our time was not called.

I am sure that many of you have a special friend, soldier, or family member in which to remember this month.  I pray that God would comfort you during your time of remembrance.

I would like to commit this month’s message to all our current membership for your sacrifices, locality, and support you have given me through this past year.  I am deeply honored that you chose to re-elect me for an additional year.  To you, I give my many thanks and gratitude.

”HAIL THE PATRIOT“
Your President

Jim Baskin

“Pop Smoke”
Vice Presidents Message…

If you look around you will see trees blooming, flowers every where and the grass is turning greener (when we get rain). That’s a good sign that Chapter One will also become more active.

You will want to attend this months meeting to find out about all of our up coming activities. Memorial Day activities and the Peachtree Dekalb Air Show are just the beginning. Our summer picnic is also coming up soon and you definitely wont want to miss out on some fine cooking.

Thanks to Kevin Miller, Judy and I had the opportunity to attend the “Best Ranger Competition 2007” a few weeks ago down at Ft Benning. We had a great time. It was a little sad because the Huey has been replaced by the Blackhawk, but still fun to be close to. I always enjoyed the taxi rides to new adventures.

Lou Costello again is doing a good job with the news letter. He spends a lot of personal  time doing so. You might try to find time to help him print the news letter on the second Saturday of the month.  Talk to Lou to see what you can do.The Chapter Store is doing just fine with John Bevich at the controls. He always seems to have some new items that you might be interested in.

Strange

Remember our troops where ever they may be around  the world!!

Bob Humphries
The Big Red One
Co d 2nd Bn 16th Infantry
“Rangers”

Remember: When politically correct stupidity overcomes common sense, all is lost.

General Meeting

Thursday, May 17, 2007
6 pm Social, 7 pm Meeting Place

May 19 Armed Forces Day
May 28 Memorial Day
June 14 Flag Day
June 14 Board Meeting
June 21 General Meeting

LOVE OF OUR SOLDERS

The price you paid, you paid for me, and the rest of this country so that we might remain free. The love you shared, was great indeed; it was only by grace, that you returned to us with God speed. The freedom we own, is because of men like you, who did self-sacrifice in many war times old and new. The face, mind, and body of a boy soon was shaped into a man. Although some made a greater sacrifice than others; a life, an eye, an arm, leg, or hand. No matter what your age, height, or name, you sacrificed for me and many others; just a face without shame, not even a sister or a brother. Though conditions were hard, and your job was seldom done, mine and my children will never forget, the job and sacrifice you devotedly did, despite all costs, for all of us, every one. As a soldier, sailor, trooper, or grunt, you became the epitome of manhood and honor. As a patron of this country, from which we all took, you personally became a donor. You selflessly set your own life aside, to assure safety and freedom for all; you didn’t think to hide away, when you heard the voice of duty give a call. Though many others would have turn and run, and many fathers and mothers lost physically or mentally, a daughter or a son, you stayed steady and strong, and did your job, without faltering, stifling your own sorrows and sobs, not altering. Yes, others might have turned away, or ran, but you stood fast and steady, tall and ready, to protect and fight, and die if necessary. You see otherwise you wouldn’t now be one of our most beloved, a veteran, war’s retiree, in the land of the free. God bless you now and always, if you’re old, handicapped, young, or frail; the results are done to some of you, those of which we can’t repay. But you will get a great reward some day, if not here on earth, in a much greater way

From http://footprintsinthesandsofiraq.blogspot.com

Jim McGiffert manager (standing)

Representatives

Terrence Stevens- left back position 1                     Charles “Derek” Adams right back position 5

John Helps Left position 2                                        Al Williams Right position 2

Don Dillon left position 3                                                 Eleanor Sanders right position 3

Charley Peak left position 4                                          James “Ed” Banes right position 4

Ms Eleanor Sanders was not present at the time this photo was taken, she had a family emergency.

The next time you are at or near headquarters go back there and give these people a pat on the back for performing a great job.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial:
The Legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

LEGACY
It is a beautiful spring weekend in Washington D.C. The National Mall is crowded with thousands of people visiting the nation's capital to explore and discover the sights of the city. Many wander toward a long black wall, sunk down in the earth, tucked away in a corner of the Mall. At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, some people pause and look; all possess different reasons for why they have come. A man from Brazil stands stunned by the number of names listed on the wall. A young woman, soon to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, has come with some of her classmates to remember those who served before her. A teenage boy, part of a school group, takes some time to look at the Three Servicemen, then pulls his teacher aside to ask about the Vietnam War. Down along the wall, a veteran kneels, places his hand on a name, and weeps quietly. A woman places a flower and a note at the Women's Memorial; this is her first chance to remember the aunt she never knew.

The 1982 memorial dedication heralded a homecoming for many veterans. Although they had returned years before, often the homecoming was bittersweet. With a memorial in place, it was an obvious sign of recognition and honor. Many people hopefully touted the memorial as a place where veterans could find closure, nicknaming it, "the wall that heals." Having a memorial built, in many cases, allowed veterans to reflect, remember lost friends, and heal wounds.

Many felt that the memorial originally was intended for those who served. Over the last two decades, however, the memorial has impacted even those with no connection to the Vietnam War. Few visitors to the memorial are left untouched by the symbolism of the memorial. The thousands of international visitors may know little about the Vietnam War and United States involvement, but often are awestruck by the memorial.
Young people, too, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The connection for them varies, much as it does for adults. Many young people come to see the name of a father, mother, or grandparent. These children have grown up recognizing the relevance of the memorial because the Vietnam War impacted some member of their family. For these children the role of the memorial is apparent. However, most children who visit do not possess such a personal connection. In the minds of many young people, the Vietnam War is ancient history.
It has always involved a message of making people aware of the impact of war. Jan Scruggs, the man who started the movement for a memorial, stated, "I think it will make people feel the price of war...it will make them understand that the price has to be paid in human lives." This message can be understood by all - veterans, families of veterans, international visitors, young people, and those who will visit the memorial decades from now.

Taps
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune, borrowed from the French, called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought "Lights Out" was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, "...showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, (he) asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac."

This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874 It was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.

from an article by Master Sergeant Jari A Villanueva, USAF.

Military Funeral Honors
"Honoring Those Who Served"

The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. "Honoring Those Who Served” is the title of the DOD program for providing dignified military funeral honors to veterans who have defended our nation. The Department of Defense began the implementation plan for providing military funeral honors for eligible veterans as enacted in Section 578 of Public Law 106-65 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2000 on Jan. 1, 2000. Questions or comments concerning the DOD military funeral honors program may be sent to the address listed below. The military funeral honors Web site is located at www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.                      
Department of Defense
Directorate for Public Inquiry and Analysis
Room 3A750, The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1400