SIXTH INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION

AND AUXILIARY NEWSLETTER

August 1, 2011

Re-Enlistments:   James Nutter, Duane Oakley
Donations:        James Nutter, Duane Oakley

New Members:    
Richard W. Waters 6646 Mitchell Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63139-3547
Served in Berlin 1947-June, 1952 with the 3rd Bn/16th Infantry and later the 6th Infantry.

Deceased: Ervey Broste, a World War II vet, died May 29 at age 92.

Introduction:

Several members have Emailed me and want their Emails available for
other members. As of now the list is:

• Name                                                        Email Address                                       Era
• ========================   ==========================  ==============
• Jan Milles                 janmilles@hotmail.com       'Nam and Berlin
• Charles Farrell            cturkfarrell@aol.com        Berlin '68-69
• William Zirkel             ziirkel@earthlink.net       Berlin '57-59
• James Porter               ms8x60s@yahoo.com           Vietnam '68-69
• Gary Kirsten               garykirsten@snet.net        Berlin '53-55
• John Frye                  JFrye13@tampabay.rr.com     Berlin '70-74
• CSM Stanley Thornburgh     onefive68@yahoo.com         Berlin
• Charles McDonald           cmcd5052@sbcglobal.net      Berlin '67-69
• CSM Mike Foreman           mandbforeman@aol.com
• Thomas Lynn                lynn9493@bellsouth.net
• Don Wilson                 donniew32@verizon.net       Berlin '53-55
• James Sim                  Simj@Comcast.net            Berlin '62-63
• Lawrence Simonson          vikingls36@yahoo.com        Berlin '57-60
• Lt. Col. Todd Mercer       todd-mercer@us.army.mil     Germany 87-89
• Peter Carroll              gmwh@epix.net
• Dr. Virgil Likness         vlikness@yahoo.com          Berlin '55-56
• Danny Brosnan              dbrosnan@cox.net            Berlin '51-53 & '60-62
• LTC Lynn D. Baker          whiteriverwoodturning@yahoo.com  1/6 Vietnam
• Harry L. Payne             jlhlpayne@att.net           Berlin '51-54
• Clark Cottrell             ccott2@zoomtown.com         Berlin '67-68
• Lawrence Gloe              gloel@ipbiloxi.com          Berlin '77-80
• Richard W. Waters          soapywaters@hotmail.com     Berlin 1947-52
• Duane Oakley               doakley2469@wowway.com      Berlin 1962-63

1/6 and 4/6 are off to Iraq.

NBC is a disgrace for dropping "One Nation under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance during the U. S. Open.

I know I've mentioned going to Asheville in the past.  I was going to make the move, but I don't have the finances set to go yet.  I'll wait till after the winter is over.  I'll fly up in March to buy and make the move in April.

The U. S. Army announced the promotion of a soldier listed as Missing-Captured while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom to the rank of sergeant, effective June 12.

Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 25, is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

This is Sgt. Bergdahl's second promotion since he was listed as missing-captured on June 30, 2009.  He was promoted to the rank of specialist on June 12, 2010.

The July issue of Edge Magazine, which is a supplement to the Army Times of July 11, is an excellent issue for those of you looking for a college to attend.  The August edition of VFW Magazine is also a must see.  VFW quoted a VA source and said 2.3 million vets used the GI BIll to attend a college during the Vietnam War.  One always thinks of the World War II vet as using the GI Bill the most.  2.3 million from that era attended college.

H. R. 1407, which was passed by voice vote in the Senate (S. 894) and is now signed into law, will set the cost of  living adjustment for Social Security by 0.7%. VA Disabilities will rise by the same percent.  That would increase a 100% disability with no dependents by $18 to $19.

H. R. 2433, which was submitted Rep. Jeff Miller R-Fl., chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and a similar measure submitted in the Senate by Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., will hopefully help 400,000 veterans find jobs over the next two years.  It is being called the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act or VoW Act.  Both of these people hope to have a jobs bill passed by November 11.

The Army Times of July 18 has changes to the GI Bill that go into effect August 1.  It is rather extensive and it would be better to get the information from a veterans' counselor.  I am a firm believer in using the GI Bill to get a college education and using that education with which to get a job.  Whether you are staying in the service or getting out, that GI Bill is a must for your future.

I stopped in to see my DAV service officer one day and spoke to him about a VA program called Aid and Attendance.  That is only for if you need someone to help you get out of bed, get dressed and get fed.    The VA rep gave me the toll free number for a VA program called Home Health Care.  Their number is 877-222-8387.
I'm not sure if you have to be 100% for that program.  They have countless programs for those of us starting to get elderly.  Another good number to save is 800-827-1000.  They are the ones that directed me to Home Health Care.

The Army Times these days has a section called Hall of Valor.  In the issue of July 25 they discussed the valor of a member of the 6th Infantry when they saw action in Panama.  I'll present it below:
SPC Roderick B. Ringstaff earned a Silver Star on Dec. 20, 1989 during Operation Just Cause in Panama for ignoring his wounds and treating other wounded troops. He was serving as a medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment from Fort Polk, La. While Ringstaff's platoon began assaulting a headquarters of the Panamanian defense forces, indirect fire struck near his position and seriously wounded him, according to his award citation. Ringstaff disregarded intense fire and his own injuries and treated two other ailing soldiers.  His injuries sapped his energy, but he dragged a critically wounded comrade to an aid vehicle and shouted encouragement to other struggling soldiers. After  reaching the vehicle, Ringstaff collapsed from his injuries  and was later evacuated, the citation said.
At a 1990 conference of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, President George H. W.  Bush praised Ringstaff's humility and valor.
"Roderick Ringstaff spoke of combat, and he spoke of the heroics of others, but not of his own," Bush said.  The medic had been wounded but repeatedly braved fire to rescue others wounded, pulling soldier after soldier to safety. For that he was awarded the Silver Star for bravery."
Some years ago I was told by someone only two units saw combat in Panama and one of them was part of the 6th.  The above answers the question of which unit.
U. S. News & World Report puts out an issue each year in which they rank the universities of America.  That is a good issue to catch.  They have announced that later this year they will put out an issue devoted to ranking online degree programs.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued approval for a study of the effects of marijuana on PTSD symptoms.  Somehow it doesn't surprise me that testing will be conducted in California.
The campaign for a Cold War Victory Medal has been going on since 1997.  Some people seem to think the chance looks good this year, but the shape Washington is in these days I can't picture it happening.  Unknown to me only the Louisiana National Guard has awarded what it calls a Cold War Victory Medal to its members.
The current legislation is in the 2012 Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1253/H. R. 1540) as the Cold War Service Medal.  I guess we're not calling it a victory medal so as to not insult the feelings of the Commies.  Also part of the bill is a 1.6% pay raise for the uniformed services.  Now to pray the Service Medal survives the debt deal reductions.
In the near future the President will award the Medal of Honor to Marine Dakota Meyer.  When it is rendered, I will carry the citation.
On July 20, the Senate vote on an amendment to restrict benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange herbicides during the Vietnam War was defeated by a vote of 69-30.
To view the Roll Call vote, go to http://www.senate.gov//legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote+00114
The August issue of VFW Magazine has a very good article on the Berlin Wall.
Unemployment among returning vets is 13.3%.  For those not vets it is 9.1%. Neither figure is good.  My suggestion to those of you vets facing that 13.3% number is to use the GI Bill to get a college degree.  If you get a degree in business, get a job and then go back to school for an MBA.  If you attend one of the schools that gives you credit for life experience, you should have some GI Bill money left to start an MBA program at night.  Then finance the rest to get the MBA.  I know this from experience.  Edge Magazine that is with the Army Times of September 5 has an article on MBAs on page 16.  I have a strong feeling we may be heading back into a worse recession than we've already gone through.  Education is the key.  I worked 45 hours a week as a programmer while attending Fordham at night.  I finished it in 4 years.  Don't feel sorry for yourself.  Depression can kill you.  If you are depressed, get into a VA Hospital fast.  Once you get a diagnosis, get a copy of your medical records through Release of Information and file a claim.  Just take the attitude that you have to do it, you can do it and go get it.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Get into the best school you can.  Fordham gave me 20 credits for my life experiences.  I thought of going back for a second degree in history. Instead I got married.  I should have gone back to school.  Now 35 years later I am thinking of going back for an MA in military history.  If I have the time to do it, I'll do it because I want to do it.  When I went to Fordham at night, I would take a vacation day off the day of an exam and cram for the test.  By the time of the test, I could recite the entire class from memory.  It worked for me.  I had an index of 3.76.  If I could do it, so can you.
The Army Times of August 22 reported that GI Bill claims processing is lagging in Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
When your friends cannot explain why they voted for Liberals, give them this list.  They can then pick their reasons from this "Top 12."
01.  I voted Liberal because I believe oil companies' profits of 6% on a  gallon of gas are obscene, but the government taxing the same gallon  15% isn't.
02.  I voted Liberal because I believe the government will do a better job  of spending the money I earn than I would.
03.  I voted Liberal because Freedom of Speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.
04.  I voted Liberal because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.
05.  I voted Liberal because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away  in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.
06.  I voted Liberal because I'm not concerned about millions of babies being aborted so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.
07.  I voted Liberal because I think illegal aliens have a right to free health care, education and Social Security benefits.
08.  I voted Liberal because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves.  They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as the Liberals see fit.
09.  I voted Liberal because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.
10.  I voted Liberal because I think that it's better to pay billions to people who hate us for their oil, but not drill our own because it might upset some endangered beetle or gopher.
11.  I voted Liberal because while we live in the greatest, most wonderful  country in the world, I was promised "Hope and Change."
12.  I voted Liberal because my head is so firmly planted in the sand, it's unlikely I'll ever have another point of view.
Note: After reading the above, one might get the impression that my politics is somewhat right of center.  I will take a bow and say I joined the Michael V. Dolan Conservative Club in the Bronx when I was 18 and remained a registered Conservative till I moved to Jersey in 1976.  They didn't have a Conservative Party in New Jersey.  Of the 12 items mentioned, I can actually live with #4.  I grew up in the Bronx in New York City and learned to live quite comfortably with gun control.
I was eating lunch on the 20th of February with my 7 year old grandnephew and I asked him, "What day is tomorrow?"  He said, "It's President's Day."  He is a smart kid.  I asked, "What does President's Day mean?"  I was waiting for something about Washington or Lincoln...etc.  He replied, "President's Dayis when President Obama steps out of the White House and if he sees his shadow, we have one more year of unemployment."  You know, it hurts when hot coffee spurts out your nose.
"Dear President Obama: I am writing today with a somewhat unusual request and to return the favor you asked of me.  I ask that you return America to its August 20th, 1959 borders so that Hawaii is no longer a state and you are no longer a citizen.
Thank you.  Benjamin Netenyahu."
This morning, I went to sign my dogs up for welfare.  At first, the lady said, "Dogs are not eligible for welfare."  So I explained to her that my dogs are mixed in color, unemployed, lazy, can't speak English and have no clue who their daddy's are.  They expect me to feed them, provide them with housing and medical care.  So she looked in her policy book to see what it takes to qualify.  My dogs got their first checks on Friday.  This is a great country!
Good Morning, this is Radio Iran Political News.  At the top of the news, here are tomorrow's election winners.
The following is a true story.  I heard it on the local news back in June.
Bank of America (BA) had the tables turned on it in June after the company wrongfully harassed an alleged mortgage violator in Naples, Fl.  BA had attempted to foreclose on homeowners Warren and Maureen Nyerges last year even though the couple had bought their house with cash - paid directly to BA.  It took BA a year and a half to understand its mistake - that is, until the Nyergses sued and won a judgement for expenses of $2,534, which BA promptly ignored.  The Nyerges' attorney obtained a seizure order, and two sheriff's deputies, with a moving truck, arrived at the local BA branch on June 3 to load $2,534 worth of furniture and computer equipment from the bank's offices.  After about an hour on the phone with higher-ups, the local BA manager issued a check for $2,534.
They sent my Census form back!  In answer to the question, "Do you have any dependents?" I put 12 million illegal immigrants, crack heads, unemployables, the cast of The Jerry Springer Show, 140,000 people in our 133 penal establishments in California, leftovers from Katrina, half of Mexico, much of the Congress & staff, most of the Senate and a Muslim President!  Apparently, this wasn't an acceptable answer.
Two Minnesota mechanical engineers were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up.  A woman walks by and asks what they were doing.  'We're supposed to find the height of the flagpole,' said Sven, 'but we don't have a ladder.' The woman took a wrench from her purse, loosened a few bolts, and laid the pole down.  Then she took a tape measure from her pocketbook, took a measurement, announced, 'Eighteen feet, six inches,' and walked away.  Ollie shook his head and laughed.  'Ain't that just like a woman!  We ask for the height and she gives us the length!'  Sven and Ollie are currently working for the United States Government.
Two great white sharks swimming in the ocean spied survivors of a sunken ship.  "Follow me, son" the father shark said to the son shark and they swam to the mass of people.  "First we swim around them a few times with just the tip of our fins showing."  And they did.  "Well done, son!  Now we swim around them a few times with all of our fins showing."  And they did. When they were both gorged, the son asked, "Dad, why didn't we just eat them all at first?  Why did we swim around and around them?"  His wise father replied, "Because they taste better without the crap inside!"  Now you know why sharks circle you before attacking.
Private First Class Henry Svehla - Medal of Honor
The President of the United States, authorized by Act of Congress March 3, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to Private First Class Henry Svehla, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.  Private First Class Henry Svehla dstinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with F Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Pyongony, Korea on 12 June 1952.
That afternoon, while Private First Class Svehla and his platoon were patrolling a strategic hill to determine enemy strength and positions, they were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire at the top of the hill. Coming under heavy fire, the platoon's attack began to falter.  Realizing the success of the  mission and the safety of the remaining troops were in peril, Private First Class Svehla leapt to his feet and charged the enemy positions, firing his weapon and throwing grenades as he advanced.
In the face of this courage and determination, the platoon rallied to attack with renewed vigor.  Private First Class Svehla, utterly disregarding his own safety, destroyed enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties, when suddenly, fragments from a mortar round exploding nearly seriously wounded him in the face.  Despite his wounds, Private First Class Svehla refused medical treatment and continued to lead the attack.
When an enemy grenade landed among a group of his comrades, Private First Class Svehla, without hesitation and undoubtedly aware of extreme danger, threw himself upon the grenade.  During this action, Private First Class Svehla was mortally wounded.  Private First Class Svehla's extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Private First Class Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano - Medal of Honor
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 3 March 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to Private First Class Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Private First Class Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano, Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chupa-ri, Korea, on one September 1951.  On that date, Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano was in charge of machine-gun squads supporting the defense positioning of Company F when a numerically superior enemy force launched a fierce attack.  Because of the enemy's overwhelming numbers, friendly troops were forced to execute a limited withdrawal.  As the men fell back, Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano ordered his squad to take up more defensible positions and provide covering fire for the withdrawing friendly force.
Although having been wounded in the shoulder during the initial enemy assault, Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano gathered a supply of grenades and ammunition and returned to his original position to face the enemy alone.
As the hostile troops concentrated their strength against his emplacement and in an effort to overrun it, Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano fought fiercely and courageously, delivering deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the onrushing enemy.
When his ammunition was depleted, he engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed.  Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano's heroic stand so inspired his comrades that they launched a counter-attack that completely repulsed the enemy.
Upon reaching Private First Class Kaho'oanohano's emplacement, friendly troops discovered 11 enemy soldiers lying dead in front of the emplacement, and two inside it, killed in hand-to-hand combat. Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano's extraordinary heroism and selfish devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Staff Sergeant Leroy Arthur Petry - Medal of Honor
The President of the United States of America, authorized by act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry, United States Army.  Staff Sergeant Leroy A. Petry distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, in action, with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Paktya province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008.
As a weapons squad leader with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Staff Sergeant Petry moved to clear the courtyard of a house that potentially contained high-value combatants.  While crossing the courtyard, Staff Sergeant Perry and another Ranger were engaged and wounded by automatic weapons fire from enemy fighters.  Still under enemy fire and wounded in both legs, Staff Sergeant Petry led the other Ranger to cover.  He then reported the situation and engaged the enemy with a hand grenade, providing suppression as another Ranger moved  to his position.
The enemy quickly responded by maneuvering closer and throwing grenades.  The first grenade explosion knocked his two fellow Rangers to the ground and wounded both with shrapnel.  A second grenade landed only a few feet away from them. Instantly realizing the danger, Staff Sergeant Petry, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, deliberately and selflessly moved forward, picked up the grenade, and in the effort to clear the immediate threat, threw the grenade away from his fellow Rangers.  As he was releasing the grenade it detonated, amputating his right hand at the wrist and further injuring him with multiple shrapnel wounds.
Although picking up and throwing the live grenade grievously wounded Staff Sergeant Petry, his gallant act undeniably saved his fellow Rangers from being severely wounded or killed.  Despite the severity of his wounds, Staff Sergeant Petry continued to maintain the presence of mind to place a tourniquet on hisright wrist before communicating the situation by radio in order to coordinate support for himself and his fellow wounded Rangers.
Staff Sergeant Petry's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the United States Army.