Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc.

Red Clay
Newsletter of the Veterans who served at Khe Sanh Combat Base,
Hill 950, Hill 881, Hill 861, Hill 861-A, Hill 558
Lang-Vei and Surrounding Area

Issue 54     Winter 2002

Notes From The Editor and Board

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In This Issue
Incoming     Web Briefs     Short Rounds     Memoirs
In Memoriam     A Sprinkling Of Your Poetry

Happy 227th Birthday Marines!

Time has written our history in the lines that now appear on our faces. Our dreams reflect days that have faded from conscious thought and are peopled with men who fell on "fields of glory" long ago and those who have since passed on. The pride, the dedication, the commitment to Corps and Country has not diminished by one ounce. If you celebrate at a gala Marine Corps Birthday ball, at a small, informal gathering with other Marines, or at home with a toast from a single glass -- you will be fulfilling that time-honored tradition of honoring the unbroken line of heroic soldiers of the sea, who have borne the legacy of the Corps in peacetime and in war for 227 years. God Bless each of you.

Long Live the United States, and Success to the Marines

Tom Eichler
VP KSV

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The entire staff of the KSV Newsletter wishes every member, and their families, a most Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Tom Eichler & Staff

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I wish the entire membership a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and hope to see everyone in Charleston, SC, in July.

David "Bulldog" Smith 
President KSV

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I just received a letter from the California Dept. of Veteran Affairs stating that the new Public Law 106117 allows veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart to receive inpatient and outpatient medical services at no cost. It also provides for prescription medicine at very low cost. In order to obtain the benefits, the Purple Heart recipient must enroll at a local US Dept of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) facility and provide proof of the Purple Heart award. More information is available at http://www.va.gov or at 800- 827-1000. Please pass on this information to anyone who might find it helpful. Thanks.

Charles Patterson

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Steve Marceau wrote:

Ernie, There are two great books out now. They are especially important for Vietnam vets whom actually saw combat. The first is "A Better War" by Lewis Sorley. It is an accurate chronology of what really happened after Creighton Abrams took over from Westmoreland. The second is "Stolen Valor" by B.G. Burkett. This book destroys the myths that exist about Vietnam and the veterans. You might want to mention these in Red Clay.

Steve Marceau
A 2/5, 1st Cavalry Division
Operation Pegasus, Apr 1,1968

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Chuck Patterson,

I picked up "The Petrified Hearts" again the other day, and had this chilling sense that I'd never written to thank you for it, and to tell you how highly I thought of it. Many of these poems have stayed with me, such as "Near Cua Viet" and "As Stark and True as They Come," "Both Like One of Stephen Crane's Small Jewels." Also, "The Ending of A Little Knowledge," "Starlight, .... Bootlaces," and "Caretaker." The one about the old man thatching his home, the one about killing the pig and, of course, the one about Manny Babbitt. All were also meaningful to me. These are fine poems, dark as heart's blood, which they are. Thank you for giving them to me, and thanks for writing them. I hope you've been pleased with your new gig in L.A. I have been directing the writing program here for the last couple of years and getting some, but not enough writing done. I'm taking a year's breather to finish a book and try my hand at being Italian; as we leave for Rome on Tuesday. My very best to you, and thanks again for these fine poems.

Yours as ever,
Tobias Wolff, 
Professor in the Humanities
Stanford University, Department of English

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Dear Jimbo,

I received my Medal and its citation. During a time like this, I am speechless. (If you knew me that is rare.) I'm very, very honored that you have included me on your list. I have always been ready for action since Khe Sanh, and have spent most of my military career training as many young Docs to be ready to be by their Marine Brothers side in the future. I have always worn my awards not for myself but for the Docs who did far more than me, and gave the greatest sacrifice. In my dreams I can still see, hear, and smell the battlefield, and have great pride that I was with you and was able to help save lives. I never had brothers until I joined the Hospital Corps and will always see the Marine Corps as my true brothers. My wife and I attended the 60th Anniversary of the 3rd Mar Div Reunion in San Diego, Ca. I met about 15 Docs and enjoyed it very much. However, when I realized the Khe Sanh Veterans dedicated a reunion to the Docs, I was really sad that I did not know sooner so I could attend. I hope, God willing, I will be able to attend your reunion maybe next year. My therapy is going well, and I am much better. Trying to make friends with my Viet Nam ghosts. I hope to see you in person someday, and I truly thank ALL of your Marine members for this honor you have given me and is my most valued award I have ever worn. I will always wear it with great pride. I will have it on when I enter my last muster in paradise.

Semper Fi!! Your co-van,
HMCS John"Doc"McBride USNR (RET)

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This was our first Khe Sanh reunion. My wife Pare and I drove from Pennsylvania to spend some time with her sister and brother-in-law. It had been twelve years since she had been to Texas and thirty years for me. Pam and I both feel we were the fortunate ones to visit at the same time the 2002 Khe Sanh reunion was taking place. We knew Jim was big into planning for the reunion but we had no idea what was to take place. Jim and I spent a couple of days running around doing things to get ready for the arrival of his friends and fellow Marines. I do a lot of that sort of thing back home but once the reunion started, I realized how trivial my events are. The first day of the reunion was a sight to behold. Every time someone came in it was like they were greeting a long, lost family member.

Every thing from Charlie and Jim seeing who could floor each other's shorts first to lots of tears and smiles. As the reunion progressed, it became apparent that this really was one big family. I spent most of my time at the table selling t-shirts and other Khe Sanh memorabilia, As far as I was concerned, I had the best seat in the house. I got to see everyone that came in and met a lot of great people. Tom Eichler. Frank and Virginia. Short Round and his family. Ray Addington. Charlie Fox and his family. Louie and his wife. Neil Kenney. Sharon Pelon. Bulldog and many more. When we were sitting around on the outdoor patio in the evening, the conversations were at the very least extremely interesting. When the group would retire to the hotel complementary rooms, the conversations were altogether different. I found myself laughing when they laughed and crying when they cried. The stories had been told a thousand times but by the looks on everyone's face, it was like the first time they had heard them. Whether someone had heard the story once or a hundred times, somebody could always remember a little something they had forgotten. The friendship, laughter, crying and hugging was all part of every story told. You did not need to be a Khe Sanh vet to feel the emotion of the reunion.

All the planned events came off with out a hitch. The ranch turned out to be a lot of fun for us. We enjoyed watching Jim and P.J. doing the boot scoot. Tommy's spurs added just. the right touch. The awards banquet was the highlight of the whole week. We feel we were very lucky to have been part of the reunion and are looking forward to South Carolina. To all the friends we made, have a good year and we will see you next year.

Mike &Pam

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Tom,

Just received my current issue of the Red Clay. You did a great job-thank you.

Don Allen
US Army, Special Forces  (Ret.)
CEO, Veterans Pride Inc.

Jewelry For All Military Veterans.
info@veteranspride.com
http://www. veteranspride.com

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Tom,

I just received my issue of Red Clay yesterday. I just wanted to write and thank you and the whole staff on what a remarkable job you all do. I took my Red Clay down to work and showed a group of vets that I work with. Man, were they impressed. None of their associations have publications as outstanding as ours. Again, I want to thank you for your time and effort. Semper Fi...

Earl Clark 
Alpha Co 1/26

P.S. I was born at Cook County Hospital and lived on the South Side, at 69th and Halsted, when I was a young boy. Today, they tell me it is like a war zone. Moved to Phoenix many, many years ago...Take care, Tom

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Dear Mr. Eichler,

You do so much work for the Khe Sanh Veterans! The latest issue of Rod Clay is so interesting. I do thank you for publishing my letter, including several of the snapshots I sent, and putting Neil's photo on the back cover. Such an honor this is.

Thanks. Sending good wishes.
Sharon Lynn Pelon

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 Ernie, Jimbo and gang:

Tom, Ernie, Jimbo and all you guys that work on our Khe Sanh Vets Newsletter. SEMPER FIDELIS and thank you much. I just got my copy of the Red Clay and was very moved and so very proud of the tribute to Golf Company that you guys wrote up. Not just because of the photo of me, Bob Shaeafers and Jimmy Everley holding the Golf Flag, but also because of the photos on the back page.

Anyway, thanks a lot, guys!

SF 
Eric

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This e-mail is in reference to a name listed on page 9 of the Fall 2002 magazine -- the section pertaining to those who died after service in Khe Sanh. You listed the name Charles Everest, deceased 1993. This is actually Joseph Wrobleski, formerly of Mike 3/26. Joe was also a mess sergeant for a while. He was born and raised in Chicago, IL. For professional purposes, later in life he changed his name to Charles Everest. When Joe passed, I thought he was buried under the name in which he served. The VA told me that as a matter of policy, all Vets are buried under the name used during the actual time they had served. During a 3/26 reunion in San Diego, I visited Joe's grave located in the Riverside National Cemetery. He has been laid to rest as Joseph Wrobleski. Please confirm that "Ski's" name is listed correctly in all future references. No one except myself knows of a Charles Everest. However, many will remember Joe Wrobleski, known as Ski to those of us who knew him. Thank you for your time and effort. Please make this correction.

Respectfully submitted, 
Michael J. Padula

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By the time you receive this newsletter, most (paid) members will have received their 2003 Membership Directory. Please check your personal information and let me know of any changes ASAP. It is a complex job keeping up with all 3,100 members. I need all the help I can get. You will also be receiving your dues notices with the newsletter, please remit them ASAP so that we may plan our 2003 budget. I have included separate forms for Life Members to make it convenient for them to make an added contribution, for a remembrance to the Memorial Section.

Tom Eichler 
VP KSV

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For those of you wondering what I have been doing since our last roundup in Texas...after that horse threw me into the barbed wire (smirk). Well, there are several items on our upcoming agenda: The election for half of the board members will be held at the reunion in South Carolina. Please send your nominations to "Bulldog," chairman of the nominations committee prior to May of 2003.

The offices of President, Vice President, Sergeant-at-Arms, Chaplain, and half of the Members-at-Large, are to be filled at the 2003 reunion.

Raffle tickets will be mailed out to members in February 2003.

Registration forms are included in this newsletter. Complete and return to me ASAP.

I am working with Brian Mahoney on the reunion. If you have any questions, contact me at 1-972-7272997 
email: Jim_pj_tx@mindspring.com

I mailed out 150 DOC Medals to members of our organization. Two more were left at the Vietnam Memorial during the KSV wreath laying ceremony on Veterans Day. Bruce Geiger, Tom Ford, Bill Jayne, Sid Patricio, Larry McCartney, Joe Elardo, Bill Gilkey, Jack McCormack, Ed Ronan, and Jack Corbett did a nice job representing the KSV. 

Bill Martin, Ray Addington and I attended the ceremony at the Texas Vietnam Memorial, where we left a DOC Medal and Citation. We thanked all the Docs whose names were on the memorial. I think they all heard us. Ray Addington was interviewed by Channel 8 news concerning the DOC Medal and Citation. We made the 5:00 News.
  I have received numerous thank you letters from our Corpsman, Medics, and Medical Personnel thanking us for the Medals and how proud they were that we so honored them. I sent them to Ray Stubbe to be placed in the KSV Archives.

You will find a brochure included in this issue displaying the KSV memorabilia we have for sale, Coins, bumper stickers, window decals, etc. These items may be purchased directly from me. If you hurry, these items will be available for Christmas. All profits go directly to our organization. We also have the new KSV store on the e-Bay network. Members can buy direct or bid on items we have for sale. You can also purchase memberships (Life included) and pay with a credit card using the Pay PAL system. Members will also be allowed to sell personal items through this website. For further detailed information, go direct to the website: Khe Sanh PX.

I have been contacted by our Editor concerning the KSV website and what type of information is being posted. There have been complaints that the original intent of the message board (exchanging information and helping other members with pertinent information concerning Khe Sanh) has been negated. The board seems to have been turned into a place for jokes and personal exchanges between members, not related to the KSV organization. A lot of members agree with the criticism, others site our right to say what we want. There have been abuses of the website, but messages are only posted for 3 weeks, they are removed. The Webmaster, Dave Doerman, does edit messages. It is a full-time job and he has been doing his best to remove offensive messages without infringing on anyone's right to express his feelings. I did a study on the Constitution of the website and this is what I came up with. The Khe Sanh Veterans shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, write, or publish their sentiments. The freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable. Every Khe Sanh Vet has a right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public; to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the message center. But if he publishes improper, mischievous, or illegal matter, he shall have consequences of his own temerity. Please email me with your thoughts on limiting the use of the website. I will post the results of the survey.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
In response, following are postings of several responses to the above issue raised by the Editor and other comments concerning the KSV website.

I believe the content and general nature of too many of the last year's postings on this message board are demeaning, petty, and lacking in good taste and general civility. I am not talking about remembrances, sharing/seeking information issues regarding VA benefits, PTSD claims, general military information etc. As in all public message boards, the messages are received as authored; what is sent is posted. With that in mind, I urge all legitimate Khe Sanh Veterans to stop using "coded-type" cursing, demeaning comments AKA "putdowns," and to raise the bar to a higher quality, more intelligible substance of communication in our future postings. Remember...the world can read our words. So let's represent ourselves as the honorable warriors that we ALL are -- respected, conscionable members of Khe Sanh Veterans.

Bruce "T-Bone" Jones

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T-Bone,

What you said was well said! And I think it was much needed at this time. I mean the dialectic can get stifled and boring, when there is no disagreement, especially between us Marines! But then there is a lot more to what you are saying, and I think I understand. Still, if I am one of those people you were talking about let me say this is my defense...I just say what I say, and no matter what I say, (for better or worse) I don't have any premeditated plans for "testing the envelope." Anyway, Bro, I will try to "elevate" my postings or at least I'll try to pay more attention to what I am saying before I post.

Eric

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T-Bone,

While I generally agree with your sentiments and acknowledge that it is important to maintain civility as we are, on this forum, representatives of our organization to the rest of the world, I also think it's important to recognize that we are a very diverse group of brothers and sisters who were, by the "fortunes of war," bonded together for eternity. Just as we all may have family members who act in a manner we disapprove of, we must endure the idiosyncrasies of those who err with tolerance and in a spirit of good humor. Has anyone really said anything we didn't hear at KSCB? Your heart is in the right place, and what you said perhaps bears repeating from time to time. But until we have to walk in the other fellow's shoes, who can really say what's in the other brother's heart? Thanks for your thoughts.

Jim Dawdy

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T-Bone,

I am a relatively new poster to this board, but I have been around the block once or twice. I was in the Marine Corps, not a seminary. I was taught how to go lock and load and shoot someone when I saw them. The whole idea of learning how to watch what I say at this stage of my life, with my life's experiences to date, is foreign to my nature. If your posting is about religion and you found it there, good on you. If it is about your sensitivities as to how a grunt Marine behaves with other grunt Marines, I suggest you quite possibly may be in the wrong place or I am. I do not wish to offend you or anyone else. But having earned that Globe and Anchor (and many, many people will tell you I did it the hard way), I speak my mind, and mind what I speak, but it doesn't get censored easily. By anyone! If my fellow Marines want me to leave because of that, I most certainly will. I have honor, integrity and wish no flame wars in this Brotherhood.

Semper Fi Patrick

Top Side

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