CLIFF NOTES
Batcat Bulletin Board
Batcat Bulletin Board
This Page is a Batcat communications
page. If you have a message for all Batcats,
e-mail it to me at
and I will post it on this page.
page. If you have a message for all Batcats,
e-mail it to me at
and I will post it on this page.
Last Updated:1/13/12
21/31/11 From Chuck Dannheiser
Cliff, this info might not only be useful to pilots and navigators, but also some maintainers,i.e., engine shop and crewchiefs who came from or went on to working on these aircraft.
My name is B.V. Johnson and along with some other F-100 pilots I am afflicted with a fatal lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This is a nasty disease that is usually fatal in
3 -5 years after one is diagnosed and there is currently no known cause or a medical cure for the condition.
THE VA AND DOD REFUSE TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT OUR IPF IS THE RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATES DURING OUR MILITARY SERVICE!!!
ONE of the possible causes of IPF that fit our back ground is, “PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO OCCUPATIONAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATES OR DUSTS. Some civilian aircraft engines
use MIL 7808 engine oil. One of the civilian warnings concerning MIL 7808 oil, states this “Oil gives off fumes that can cause injury to personnel. Use oil in a well ventilated area”. A military
Technical manual, TM 1-1500-204-23-3, gives this very same warning. The F-100 pilot Flight Manual T.O 1F-100D-1 contains no warnings for flight crews about MIL-L 7808 oil!!!! Most of us who
have this disease have flown from 2,000 to 3200 hours in the F-100. An informal networking check of many friends that were military aviators found that a significant number of them are
afflicted with IPF and MANY of them have already died as a result of this disease. We strongly believe that our IPF was caused by the exposure we had to the unfiltered toxic fumes of MIL-L-
7808 Synthetic oil in our cockpits caused by the leaking bearings in the J-57 engine. We also strongly believe that many, if not all of the military aviators that we know of, and the many that we
do not know of, were likewise affected by these unfiltered toxic oil fumes in the cockpit. The Pratt and Whitney J-57 was used in the USAF, F-100, the F-101 and RF-101, the F-102, the USN,
F4D, F5D, F-8, and the A3-B. The J-57 without Afterburner was also used in the KC-135. The US Government purchased more than 21,000 J-57’s for military use.
We URGENTLY need to have contact with any of you that:
Now have Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Know an aviator (USAF, USN, ANG, USAFR, USA or Coast Guard) that has it.
Think you may have it, and are awaiting a diagnosis.
Know of someone who had PF and died from it like our friend Al Bache.
Call Ron Williams at Cell 785-452-8899, Home 785-825-7645 or e-mail at mig29pilot@cox.net
OR
Call B.V. Johnson at Cell 775-530-7237, Home 615-396-8458 or e-mail at bvjftrplt@comcast.net
PLEASE HELP US GATHER THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO CONVINCE THE DOD AND VA THAT THIS DISEASE IS SERVICE CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12/24/11 From Chuck Lavoie 3rd Wave
AN OPEN LETTER TO
ANYONE WHO SERVED
IN VIETNAM
Dear Hero,
I was in my twenties during the Vietnam era. I was a single mother and, I'm sad to say, I was probably one of the most self-centered people on the planet. To be perfectly honest…I didn't care
one way or the other about the war. All I cared about was me—how I looked, what I wore, and where I was going. I worked and I played. I was never politically involved in anything, but I allowed
my opinions to be formed by the media. It happened without my ever being aware. I listened to the protest songs and I watch the six o'clock news and I listened to all the people who were
talking. After awhile, I began to repeat their words and, if you were to ask me, I'd have told you I was against the war. It was very popular. Everyone was doing it, and we never saw what it was
doing to our men. All we were shown was what they were doing to the people of Vietnam.
My brother joined the Navy and then he was sent to Vietnam. When he came home, I repeated the words to him. It surprised me at how angry he became. I hurt him very deeply and there were
years of separation—not only of miles, but also of character. I didn't understand.
In fact, I didn't understand anything until one day I opened my newspaper and saw the anguished face of a Vietnam veteran. The picture was taken at the opening of the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, D.C. His countenance revealed the terrible burden of his soul. As I looked at his picture and his tears, I finally understood a tiny portion of what you had given for us
and what we had done to you. I understood that I had been manipulated, but I also knew that I had failed to think for myself. It was like waking up out of a nightmare, except that the nightmare
was real. I didn't know what to do.
One day about three years ago, I went to a member of the church I attended at that time, because he had served in Vietnam. I asked him if he had been in Vietnam, and he got a look on his
face and said, "Yes." Then, I took his hand, looked him square in the face, and said, "Thank you for going." His jaw dropped, he got an amazed look on his face, and then he said, "No one has
ever said that to me." He hugged me and I could see that he was about to get tears in his eyes. It gave me an idea, because there is much more that needs to be said. How do we put into
words…all the regret of so many years? I don't know, but when I have an opportunity, I take…so here goes.
Have you been to Vietnam? If so, I have something I want to say to you—Thank you for going! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please forgive me for my insensitivity. I don't know how
I could have been so blind, but I was. When I woke up, you were wounded and the damage was done, and I don't know how to fix it. I will never stop regretting my actions, and I will never let it
happen again.
Please understand that I am speaking for the general public also. We know we blew it and we don't know how to make it up to you. We wish we had been there for you when you came home
from Vietnam because you were a hero and you deserved better. Inside of you there is a pain that will never completely go away…and you know what? It's inside of us, too; because when we
let you down, we hurt ourselves, too. We all know it…and we suffer guilt and we don't know what to do…so we cheer for our troops and write letters to "any soldier" and we hang out the
yellow ribbons and fly the flag and we love America. We love you too, even if it doesn't feel like it to you. I know in my heart that, when we cheer wildly for our troops, part of the reason is
trying to make up for Vietnam. And while it may work for us, it does nothing for you. We failed you. You didn't fail us, but we failed you and we lost our only chance to be grateful to you at the
time when you needed and deserved it. We have disgraced ourselves and brought shame to our country. We did it and we need your forgiveness. Please say you will forgive us and please
take your rightful place as heroes of our country. We have learned a terribly painful lesson at your expense and we don't know how to fix it.
From the heart,
Julie Weaver
237 East Gatewood Circle
Burleson, Texas 76028-8948
(817) 295-6287 Email address: julieweaver@juno.com
12/20/11 From Jake Awalt
christmas to a soldier
When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take ONE CARD and SEND it
to this address:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001.
If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these soldiers could get to bring up their spirits
12/10/11 From Gil Raymer
He turned 75 last Sunday
In his hair he found some gray
But he still ain't changed his lifestyle
He likes it better the old way.
So he grows a little garden
In the backyard by the fence
He's consuming what he's growing
Nowadays in self defense
He gets out there in the twilight zone
Sometimes when it just don't make no sense.
He gets off on country music
'Cause disco left him cold
And he's got young friends and a new way
But he's just to frickin old.
And he dreams at night of Korat
And the day the Air Crew died
How the music made him happy
And the silence made him cry
Yeah, he thinks of Viet Nam sometimes
And he has to wonder why.
Chorus:
'Cause he's an old Bat Cat
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.
He's and old Bat Cat
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.
He was sure back in the sixties
That everyone was hip
Then they sent him off to Vietnam
On his senior trip.
And they forced him to become a man
While he was still a boy
And behind each wave of tragedy
He waited for the joy
Now this world may change around him
But he just can't change no more.
Chorus:
'Cause he's an old Bat Cat
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.
He's and old Bat Cat
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.
Well, he stays away a lot now
From the parties and the clubs
And he's thinking while he's jogging round
Sure is glad he quit the hard drugs.
'Cause him and his kind
Get more endangered everyday
And pretty soon the species
Will just up and fade away
Like the smoke from that torpedo
Just up and fade away.
Chorus:
'Cause he's an old Bat Cat
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.
He's and old Bat Cat
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.
Yeah, he ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust...
11/25/11 Cliff,
Will you send this out to everyone.
First off all I hope everyone had a thankful Thanksgiving.
Secondly, for anyone interested I just received a complete copy of all my military records from my enlistment physical to my discharge from the Air Force Reserve. It cost me about $90, but it
has everything, including sick calls in Korat. If you are interested you should contact Touchstone Research Group, LLC at http://www.touchstoneresearchgroup.com/catalog Here is
something I had forgotten or maybe I never knew this. This is from a 77a 'Sgt Hollis has a great a potential as any airman I've known. He is aggressive in his efforts to improve himself. He
became completely checked out as an ACICO at his own request. He would be fully qualified as an ACICO if he had the required NCO grade. Flying as an ACICO, he has directed the work load
and mission of six airmen. He has demonstrated outstanding supervisory qualities in this capacity. As a result of his leadership ability, he was appointed as president of the squadron's
airman's council." So I guess I was the President of the 554th. You can just call me pres.
You just don't know what you will find in your records.
Hope everyone is looking forward to a great Christmas and a good new year.
I will scann all the records I have that have other names on them and get them to you ASAP.
Charlie Hollis
11/20/11 Cliff, Can you resend this as a broadcast to the Batcats.....
Can anyone send me a copy of our airborne radio operator (for Connie operatiors) preflight checklist or job description? I'm in a battle with the VA over hearing loss. What I'm looking for is
that which involved our over-the-wing checks. I described to THEM how we performed the check by physically sticking our bodies out both over-the-wing hatches, right behind RUNNING #2
and #3 engines visually checking wings, engines and fuselage. I even commented about our engines did NOT have mufflers. They still didn't get it. The VA approved the tinnitus and denied the
hearing loss. Not a bright group. I would be most greatfull for any help.
Ed Schuppenhauer
timelytreasures@verizon.net
11/17/11 Veterans Health Administration Update: Agent Orange
Veterans on C-123 planes post-Vietnam
Some Veterans who were crew members on C-123 aircraft, formerly used to spray herbicides in Vietnam, have expressed health concerns about possible exposure to Agent Orange residue on
plane surfaces. After reviewing available scientific reports, VA has concluded the potential for long-term adverse health effects from Agent Orange residue in these planes was minimal. Even if
crew exposure did occur, it is unlikely that sufficient amounts of dried Agent Orange residue could have entered the body to have caused harm.
Visit the Agent Orange homepage to learn more about Agent Orange: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange. Don Benedict
11/14/11 Believe it or not my VA claim that Viet Nam caused my diabetes was approved at 20 per cent. The buddy statements proved I was there. Here is the catch, they did not increase my
benefit, it is still 70 per cent, my total is 110 per cent, they say I make too much money for an increase in benefits. So thank you everyone who wrote the buddy statements, if it worked for me,
it will work for the rest of the BatCats. It may not mean much now but in the end, I have it documented.
Many Thanks Jerry Peppenger
11/7/11 Those of you who are retired or about to retire may find the below AFA (Air Force Association – for you non-USAF types) newsletter interesting ………..Jim Satterwhite
Saturday, November 5, 2011
AFA members, on Wed I attended a round-table discussion on Veteran’s benefits in the House of Representatives. The meeting was chaired by Minority Leader Pelosi and was well attended by
members of Congress – more than one dozen were present. I sat next to two Members who are on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction [Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD.) and Rep.
Xavier Becerra (D-CA)]. The focus of discussion was wide-ranging. We brought the following issues to their attention:
Military Retirement system changes [no changes for those serving, much study for the future force to see what the impact might be on morale, readiness, recruiting, and retention]
Tricare and Tricare for life fees [you cannot compare civilian medical plans with those who endured low-pay, wars, deployments, frequent moves, lack of careers for spouses, etc; the benefits
were earned benefits that, many times, were promised to veterans]
Joblessness for Vets [higher than the national average – we need programs to address]
Suicide rates for military and vets [one vet dies every 80 minutes from suicide; need VA to fund programs to support]
SBP/DIC offset [there are 54,000 widows that give up some or all of their SBP payments – that they paid for – to receive DIC]
Disabled Vets [need access to training]
And a number of other issues.
[Thank you to Woody Hogle and the AFA Veterans and Retirees Committee for helping me get ready for meetings like this one.]
Here’s what I heard back:
VA funding will be protected from cuts in the Super Committee.
While everything is “on the table” the members of the Super Committee understand the differences between support for the military and the Pentagon budget. All of them believe there needs
to be more work before fundamental changes are made in Military retirement and Tricare.
The “Doc fix for Medicare” – the Super Committee is looking at a permanent fix … but they need to find $300B to do that.
The Super Committee should go after much larger cuts than $1.5T – more like $4T.
Both the House and Senate passed a 3.6% COLA for retirees.
Secondly, AFA placed an ad in Politico and The Hill this past week. To see it, go here: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerscective/2011/MilCoalition_FINAL.pdf.
For your consideration.
Mike
Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association
9/20/11 A mentor and friend and a BATCAT. For those not familiar with that call sign we flew together out of Thailand doing recce work against the infiltration coming down the "trail"(s). Jerry
Parshall was an Aircraft Commander and became a close friend. Jim Golden
9/10/11
From John Urban
Cliff,
I got in touch with Waldo Wright Flying Service and have been able to get reduced rates for members of the 553rd Recon Wing for flights in the Boeing Steatman PT-17/N2S3.
After you have received a preflight briefing we will go up and perform some of the same maneuvers the cadets flew in WWII; shallow and steep bank turns, lazy eights, chandelles, and stalls,
after which you’ll fly back to the home field and shoot the pattern to land. Upon landing you can say "Mission Accomplished, I flew the Stearman”
Waldo Wright's Flying Service would like to extend a special option for members of the 553rd Recon Wing ( a.k.a. Batcats) to fly our 1942 Boeing Stearman. Provided the group can supply a
minimum of 10 paid guests for this experience, we'd like to offer a group rate of $222.93 per passenger to fly the aircraft, with the option to purchase additionally a video of the experience at a
50% discount of $25 per guest. Rides would take place October 10, and pending interest would extend into October 11, 2011 beginning at 9 am each day. Normal price for the flight experience
is $255.59 with tax and fuel charge,
To get a count for the number of interested Reunion participants could you send this out to all members and have them respond to me at john7593@aol.com, with their email address NLT
September 15th. With sufficient interested, I will provide additional information on contact for the discount.
Thanks, John Urban john7593@aol.com 623-322-2258
8/31/11
From George Kamburoff
Cliff, I hope you were not caught off guard with my writings for the
grandkids. I will send a few regarding the 553d, and some pics from the
June 8 story. These events were intense, being important in themselves, and
occurring at an impressionable age.
I think it is important for those in the shops to write their stories. The
mission was not just a planeload of folks flying in circles. It was endless
days of finding ways to get us into the air, of busting knuckles and egos on
endless work for endless hours, of building everything we would need for the
shops, of making it work and keeping it working. No glory, no flightsuits,
no wings. Just work. gk
8/21/11
This is a good reminder to fly your USA flag on the 10th anniversary of 09-11. That date is now known as Patriot's Day!
Thanks,
GET YOUR FLAG READY!
Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign.
THE PROGRAM:
On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to
display an American flag on this tenth anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who
continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly,
those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our
country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do ....
(1) Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year -round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.
Thank you for your participation.
God Bless You and God Bless America ! Arley Hamilton
8/21/11
You may be aware of this info. However I'm sending it in hope of it helping someone. I came from the American Legion.
Agent Orange claim filing deadline Aug. 30
The American Legion - August 18, 2011
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Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. CollectionVietnam-era veterans who have medical diagnoses for three presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure need to file their disability claims
with the Department of Veterans Affairs by Aug. 30 in order to qualify for up to one year of retroactive benefits.
The three diseases recently added to VA's list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure or other herbicides during the Vietnam War are ischemic heart disease, hairy cell
and other B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease.
"Veterans who suffer from these presumptive conditions can apply for disability benefits at any time," said Verna Jones, director of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Division. "But they need to apply by the Aug. 30 deadline in order to possibly get up to a year's worth of benefits retroactively,"
Widows and widowers whose spouses have died from Agent Orange presumptive conditions may also qualify for retroactive benefits and are encouraged to file for dependent indemnity
compensation by Aug. 30.
Veterans can file for disability claims online at VA's Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System.
Please register Gil Jennings
8/12/11
Cliff,
Appreciate your assistance on locating Islieb. I'll get ahold of Bob shortly.
I see your agressiveness on AO. I am working with my daughter, a VA employee, on this issue right now. I did not have a lot of ground time in Vietnam, but was on the ground in Danang for a
few hours on a fuel stop. This occurred somewhere between 2 and 3 June 1969. I had just finished PACAF Jungle School in the PI, and was on the way to Korat flying on a C-54. I don't
remember if anyone from a Batcat outfit was in PJSS or on the C-54 with me; however, the name Ervin Becker comes to mind. If a fellow Batcat out there happens to have been on that flight, I
would appreciate hearing from him.
Again, thank you for your time and assistance. Go BATCAT!!
Al Teel
8/11/11
Already involved. My VVA chapter constantly supports visits and events at the Port Charlotte Vets Home. Additionally we make personal visit to vet's homes to talk, mow lawns, do repairs,
paint, etc, plus regular phone calls routinely to check up on them and their needs. As of last week we were apprised of the fact that the Moving Wall, which will be here in January, was short
$1000 for the event. The chapter wrote a check for $500 with the remainder coming from a chapter member. Ed Schuppenhauer
8/9/11
Cliff, I got this from a friend in Denver. I submitted a claim back in Nov 09, and still have no decision. I e-mailed these people, we'll see if anything happens with this one. My US Senator just
sent me a reply from the VA that they sent him regarding my claim. They said basically that they have a lot of claims, and haven't got to mine yet??? Perhaps this will help someone... Hope
so. Hang in There Dave Dotson 1st Wave, Crew # 10
THERE IS AN INTERESTING STORY in today's Denver Post about VA benefits and applying for them. In a nutshell,thousands are eligible for disability reassessment, yet few apply to the
Physical Board of Review, a Department of Defense panel created to address concerns that branches of the armed forces were treating injuries differently and possibly downplaying them to
cut costs.
Veterans who believe they are entitled to additional retirement benefits can send inquires to the PDBR at PDBRPA@afncr.af.mil or PDBR intake unit SAF/MRBR, 550 C Street West;
Suite 41, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4743 --The board, which has 13 full-time staff members and some temporary contractors, has a backlog of 745 cases.
--Twenty-five hundred application shave been submitted nationwide; 993 have been reviewed and closed.--It now takes an average of 336 days to review a case.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_18636451
8/9/11
Denny and I are woking on something really special. Please click on "Denny's Desk"( ) for details. The more we get involved, the better the outcome. Cliff
8/5/11 Mr. Jensen
My name is Chuck Van Allman JR, My father, Charles Van Allman, has passed away at 66. He will be buried at Arlington this September. I was the one who discovered your site on the web and
passed it along to my father who trully loved it. I'm sorry he never got a chance to go to a reunion as his health was very poor for the last 5 years, but he dearly wanted to.
I just wanted to let you know and thank you for the site.
Chuck.
7/25/11 Anyone who knew Rudolph Louis August. My Son-in-law's dad was in the
553 Recon Sq. at Korat RTAFB, Thailand Jul31 1968 –Jun 6 1969
Unfortunately, Rudy passed away in 2004. He is burried at the NH Veteran's Cemetary in Tilton NH
I would like to contact anyone who knew Rudy. I was an R/O in the 437th and the 60th FIS at Otis 1954 to 1957. (Got one ride in the 121 on station) I have heard that one of our F-94 pilots,
Robert Whalen, was seen at Korat in about 1968. Have been unable to locate him. One contact said he passed away in Florida. Any info on Bob or his family would be appreciated.
Thank You in advance
Richard A Kincaid
Hopkinton NH
603-513-1632
7/25/11 Gentlemen, Thanks for the time last Saturday. It was a pleasure to meet some former comrades that I never knew I would know. Sounds like Yogi Berra eh?I would like to know the
best way to get logged in to the VA for past or future disability? Roger you had mentioned a route however I did not take notes. If you could send me the site info I will gladly begin the
journey. Also I would be a strong advocate for others because I still have a pretty clear memory and can dig up some details particularly if I glean a little bit of data from some of the others
that I was with. I did take a side trip to DaNang to drop off engine parts for the Connie that had to emergency land there. Lt Col Ritenaour was the AC, Lt Clyde Wooten was the CO and the
Flight Engineers name escapes right now, I think Larry ?? I believe that we met with some Lockheed personnel when we off loaded. I will get more info if some of these Cats are still around. I
sure hope they are. I also took a Huey ride along to NKP, and flew Batcat's TDY out of U-T apao ( B-52's and KC-135's) for 6 to 8 weeks. When you talk to others just remind them that we are
American Vets and Arm in Arm we can all make it!
All the best guys,
Dave Wechsler
Wex or Red Dog
702-303-5626
7/22/11 Swadee Batcats
82 paid entries and climbing. Bob Langenhan and Schupe met last week in Calif. to work on reunion matters. Roger Brown and myself will be meeting with Bob this Sat. here in Vegas. This
reunion will not only be alot of fun but should prove to be very helpful to all our Brother Batcats.
Some new things on the website. On the home page put your cursor over the pic of someone and if I have a pic of them from our Glory days, it will pop up. Kinda fun. Also be sure to check
Cliff Notes for messages to everyone from other Batcats. Especially a great audio done by our Jim Eaton which is also on the Agent Orange page.
Please note that the Batcat Central phone # below has been changed. The last one used to be a fax # and was ringing all day and night. So had it changed.
That's it for now. Less than 90 days till Orlando. Never give up, Never give up....Cliff
7/20/11 Jim Eaton
Some of our fellow Vietnam vets aren't doing so well. This is a guy I ran into last week. He seemed familiar.
7/20/11.....Cliff, might want to get this out to all Batcats! http://www.wimp.com/disappearingprank/ Very funny,Jim Barnhart
7/9/11..A Thank You to all Vietnam Vets from a Marine in Iraq
A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get from home. Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we can use
them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the center of every tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: "Why do we have so
much support?" In my opinion, it all came down to one thing: Vietnam Veterans. I think we learned a lesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who
are on the line, who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then. When they returned was even worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors
were subjected to. It is a national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us. After Vietnam , it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness
grew. It shamed us. However, we learned from our mistake. Somewhere during the late 1970's and on into the 80's, we realized that we can't treat our warriors that way. So ...
Starting during the Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did. We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we
also did it to right the wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treat our troops of today like the heroes they were, and are, acknowledge and celebrate their sacrifice, and rejoice at their
homecoming ... Instead of spitting on them. And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq . Our country knows that it must support us and it does. The lesson was
learned in Vietnam and we are all better because of it.
Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country
in the late 1770's to those I serve with here in Iraq . They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom. But when I get back home, I'm going to make it a personal mission to
specifically thank every Vietnam Vet I encounter for THEIR sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lesson learned on how we
treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now we treat our warriors as heroes, as we should have all along. I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only
for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars, ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis, Major Brian P. Bresnahan United States Marine Corps
7/8/11Got a couple requests
1. I am trying to run down Henry "Hank" Isleib who worked in the 553rd Intel shop. Not sure if any of the members out there remember him, but if they do, would appreciate an
update on his 10-20 and contact information.
2. I'm working with my daughter at VA, and am looking for someone to verify our time on the ground in Vietnam. I completed PJSS in the PI on 2 June and flew out on a mil-bird (C-
54) to Korat the next day, 3 June. We had a short stop at Danang (between 1-3 hours for a fuel stop), and then continued on to Korat. After I departed the 553rd, I was out of the
service about 6 months, so I have no travel vouchers, orders, or anything else validating the stop at Danang. I don't remember anyone who went through PJSS with me, nor who
flew out of Clark on the mil-bird with me. I would really like to make contact with anyone who was on that flight from the PI to Korat via Danang.
Al Teel
Of those of us that were RO's on Super Connies, who has been shown to have hearing loss and tinnitus. I need this info ASAP for a claim. Ed Schuppenhauer
.I would just like to get a "shout out" to all the Mechanics. I really don't want to just look at Langenhan and Katroba for a whole week. SIGN UP, PAY UP, and get your asses
down to ORLANDO, damn it. This applies to all mechanics … OMS, FMS, all the shops.
Pat Barrett
Got this message from 1st. crew A/C Jerry Parshall on 6/28 in regards to golfing at the reunion. " Gerald H Parshall Not a golfer and probably not interested in any outings since I
just got the bad news that the cancer has spread to other sites. Jerry Parshall = I do plan on attending if at all possible!" God Bless and be with him...Cliff
James H (Jim) (Jorgy) Jorgensen Is trying to make conyact with Jim Bost, "Are you the Jimmy Joe Bost who worked for me at Nellis AFB in records section of the CBPO and later
followed me to the BATCATS? I've been looking for you for over 40 years! Tried to contact you through facebook but got no response. Cliff Jensen gave me your email address
and said it was all the information he had on you. If it is you, please contact me. Are you going to the reunion in Orlando in Oct? I am. Hope to see you there." If anyone has contact
with Bost, please contact "Jorgy" at Onejorgy@aol.com.
Cliff
My name is Lionel (Chuck) Lavoie I was a Flight Engineer in the 554th in 1970 3rd wave crew 26 and for a while on crew 30. I'm attending the reunion for the first time this year.
How do I go about posting my photo on your page. Maybe somebody will recognize this old coot and we can do some reminiscing.
Thanks,
Chuck
Terry, sir
Glad you see the light. I know Schupe and the other guys from your crew are going to be happy as hell to see you again. And I am excited to meet a fellow Lonesome Dove fan. I
will let everyone know that the condo is full. See you soon....Cliff 6/27/11
Looking at the Bat Cat Reunion I found some dear friends, one whom I just missed was Arch Heckler. He was one of the AC whom I became good friends with off base, When I
saw him I was looking forward to getting up with him, until I realized he is deceased. One of my good friends whom I lost contact with is Ray Dyal. I would appreciate his contact
information.I had worked at Otis as a mechanic on the Connies then was transferred to the Wing and Base Commanders aircraft as flight Mechanic and Crew Chief. Then was
assigned to the 553. I was on one of the planes we ferried over. Arch Heckler was our AC for the flight and this was my first time meeting him.I have in storage a bunch of
pictures that if I can find I will be sending in some of them.Thank you for all your efforts. Robert Livingston OMS 6/29/117/20/11
Cliff, this info might not only be useful to pilots and navigators, but also some maintainers,i.e., engine shop and crewchiefs who came from or went on to working on these aircraft.
My name is B.V. Johnson and along with some other F-100 pilots I am afflicted with a fatal lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This is a nasty disease that is usually fatal in
3 -5 years after one is diagnosed and there is currently no known cause or a medical cure for the condition.
THE VA AND DOD REFUSE TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT OUR IPF IS THE RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATES DURING OUR MILITARY SERVICE!!!
ONE of the possible causes of IPF that fit our back ground is, “PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO OCCUPATIONAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATES OR DUSTS. Some civilian aircraft engines
use MIL 7808 engine oil. One of the civilian warnings concerning MIL 7808 oil, states this “Oil gives off fumes that can cause injury to personnel. Use oil in a well ventilated area”. A military
Technical manual, TM 1-1500-204-23-3, gives this very same warning. The F-100 pilot Flight Manual T.O 1F-100D-1 contains no warnings for flight crews about MIL-L 7808 oil!!!! Most of us who
have this disease have flown from 2,000 to 3200 hours in the F-100. An informal networking check of many friends that were military aviators found that a significant number of them are
afflicted with IPF and MANY of them have already died as a result of this disease. We strongly believe that our IPF was caused by the exposure we had to the unfiltered toxic fumes of MIL-L-
7808 Synthetic oil in our cockpits caused by the leaking bearings in the J-57 engine. We also strongly believe that many, if not all of the military aviators that we know of, and the many that we
do not know of, were likewise affected by these unfiltered toxic oil fumes in the cockpit. The Pratt and Whitney J-57 was used in the USAF, F-100, the F-101 and RF-101, the F-102, the USN,
F4D, F5D, F-8, and the A3-B. The J-57 without Afterburner was also used in the KC-135. The US Government purchased more than 21,000 J-57’s for military use.
We URGENTLY need to have contact with any of you that:
Now have Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Know an aviator (USAF, USN, ANG, USAFR, USA or Coast Guard) that has it.
Think you may have it, and are awaiting a diagnosis.
Know of someone who had PF and died from it like our friend Al Bache.
Call Ron Williams at Cell 785-452-8899, Home 785-825-7645 or e-mail at mig29pilot@cox.net
OR
Call B.V. Johnson at Cell 775-530-7237, Home 615-396-8458 or e-mail at bvjftrplt@comcast.net
PLEASE HELP US GATHER THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO CONVINCE THE DOD AND VA THAT THIS DISEASE IS SERVICE CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12/24/11 From Chuck Lavoie 3rd Wave
AN OPEN LETTER TO
ANYONE WHO SERVED
IN VIETNAM
Dear Hero,
I was in my twenties during the Vietnam era. I was a single mother and, I'm sad to say, I was probably one of the most self-centered people on the planet. To be perfectly honest…I didn't care
one way or the other about the war. All I cared about was me—how I looked, what I wore, and where I was going. I worked and I played. I was never politically involved in anything, but I allowed
my opinions to be formed by the media. It happened without my ever being aware. I listened to the protest songs and I watch the six o'clock news and I listened to all the people who were
talking. After awhile, I began to repeat their words and, if you were to ask me, I'd have told you I was against the war. It was very popular. Everyone was doing it, and we never saw what it was
doing to our men. All we were shown was what they were doing to the people of Vietnam.
My brother joined the Navy and then he was sent to Vietnam. When he came home, I repeated the words to him. It surprised me at how angry he became. I hurt him very deeply and there were
years of separation—not only of miles, but also of character. I didn't understand.
In fact, I didn't understand anything until one day I opened my newspaper and saw the anguished face of a Vietnam veteran. The picture was taken at the opening of the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, D.C. His countenance revealed the terrible burden of his soul. As I looked at his picture and his tears, I finally understood a tiny portion of what you had given for us
and what we had done to you. I understood that I had been manipulated, but I also knew that I had failed to think for myself. It was like waking up out of a nightmare, except that the nightmare
was real. I didn't know what to do.
One day about three years ago, I went to a member of the church I attended at that time, because he had served in Vietnam. I asked him if he had been in Vietnam, and he got a look on his
face and said, "Yes." Then, I took his hand, looked him square in the face, and said, "Thank you for going." His jaw dropped, he got an amazed look on his face, and then he said, "No one has
ever said that to me." He hugged me and I could see that he was about to get tears in his eyes. It gave me an idea, because there is much more that needs to be said. How do we put into
words…all the regret of so many years? I don't know, but when I have an opportunity, I take…so here goes.
Have you been to Vietnam? If so, I have something I want to say to you—Thank you for going! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please forgive me for my insensitivity. I don't know how
I could have been so blind, but I was. When I woke up, you were wounded and the damage was done, and I don't know how to fix it. I will never stop regretting my actions, and I will never let it
happen again.
Please understand that I am speaking for the general public also. We know we blew it and we don't know how to make it up to you. We wish we had been there for you when you came home
from Vietnam because you were a hero and you deserved better. Inside of you there is a pain that will never completely go away…and you know what? It's inside of us, too; because when we
let you down, we hurt ourselves, too. We all know it…and we suffer guilt and we don't know what to do…so we cheer for our troops and write letters to "any soldier" and we hang out the
yellow ribbons and fly the flag and we love America. We love you too, even if it doesn't feel like it to you. I know in my heart that, when we cheer wildly for our troops, part of the reason is
trying to make up for Vietnam. And while it may work for us, it does nothing for you. We failed you. You didn't fail us, but we failed you and we lost our only chance to be grateful to you at the
time when you needed and deserved it. We have disgraced ourselves and brought shame to our country. We did it and we need your forgiveness. Please say you will forgive us and please
take your rightful place as heroes of our country. We have learned a terribly painful lesson at your expense and we don't know how to fix it.
From the heart,
Julie Weaver
237 East Gatewood Circle
Burleson, Texas 76028-8948
(817) 295-6287 Email address: julieweaver@juno.com
12/20/11 From Jake Awalt
christmas to a soldier
When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take ONE CARD and SEND it
to this address:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001.
If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these soldiers could get to bring up their spirits
12/10/11 From Gil Raymer
He turned 75 last Sunday
In his hair he found some gray
But he still ain't changed his lifestyle
He likes it better the old way.
So he grows a little garden
In the backyard by the fence
He's consuming what he's growing
Nowadays in self defense
He gets out there in the twilight zone
Sometimes when it just don't make no sense.
He gets off on country music
'Cause disco left him cold
And he's got young friends and a new way
But he's just to frickin old.
And he dreams at night of Korat
And the day the Air Crew died
How the music made him happy
And the silence made him cry
Yeah, he thinks of Viet Nam sometimes
And he has to wonder why.
Chorus:
'Cause he's an old Bat Cat
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.
He's and old Bat Cat
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.
He was sure back in the sixties
That everyone was hip
Then they sent him off to Vietnam
On his senior trip.
And they forced him to become a man
While he was still a boy
And behind each wave of tragedy
He waited for the joy
Now this world may change around him
But he just can't change no more.
Chorus:
'Cause he's an old Bat Cat
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.
He's and old Bat Cat
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.
Well, he stays away a lot now
From the parties and the clubs
And he's thinking while he's jogging round
Sure is glad he quit the hard drugs.
'Cause him and his kind
Get more endangered everyday
And pretty soon the species
Will just up and fade away
Like the smoke from that torpedo
Just up and fade away.
Chorus:
'Cause he's an old Bat Cat
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.
He's and old Bat Cat
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.
Yeah, he ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust...
11/25/11 Cliff,
Will you send this out to everyone.
First off all I hope everyone had a thankful Thanksgiving.
Secondly, for anyone interested I just received a complete copy of all my military records from my enlistment physical to my discharge from the Air Force Reserve. It cost me about $90, but it
has everything, including sick calls in Korat. If you are interested you should contact Touchstone Research Group, LLC at http://www.touchstoneresearchgroup.com/catalog Here is
something I had forgotten or maybe I never knew this. This is from a 77a 'Sgt Hollis has a great a potential as any airman I've known. He is aggressive in his efforts to improve himself. He
became completely checked out as an ACICO at his own request. He would be fully qualified as an ACICO if he had the required NCO grade. Flying as an ACICO, he has directed the work load
and mission of six airmen. He has demonstrated outstanding supervisory qualities in this capacity. As a result of his leadership ability, he was appointed as president of the squadron's
airman's council." So I guess I was the President of the 554th. You can just call me pres.
You just don't know what you will find in your records.
Hope everyone is looking forward to a great Christmas and a good new year.
I will scann all the records I have that have other names on them and get them to you ASAP.
Charlie Hollis
11/20/11 Cliff, Can you resend this as a broadcast to the Batcats.....
Can anyone send me a copy of our airborne radio operator (for Connie operatiors) preflight checklist or job description? I'm in a battle with the VA over hearing loss. What I'm looking for is
that which involved our over-the-wing checks. I described to THEM how we performed the check by physically sticking our bodies out both over-the-wing hatches, right behind RUNNING #2
and #3 engines visually checking wings, engines and fuselage. I even commented about our engines did NOT have mufflers. They still didn't get it. The VA approved the tinnitus and denied the
hearing loss. Not a bright group. I would be most greatfull for any help.
Ed Schuppenhauer
timelytreasures@verizon.net
11/17/11 Veterans Health Administration Update: Agent Orange
Veterans on C-123 planes post-Vietnam
Some Veterans who were crew members on C-123 aircraft, formerly used to spray herbicides in Vietnam, have expressed health concerns about possible exposure to Agent Orange residue on
plane surfaces. After reviewing available scientific reports, VA has concluded the potential for long-term adverse health effects from Agent Orange residue in these planes was minimal. Even if
crew exposure did occur, it is unlikely that sufficient amounts of dried Agent Orange residue could have entered the body to have caused harm.
Visit the Agent Orange homepage to learn more about Agent Orange: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange. Don Benedict
11/14/11 Believe it or not my VA claim that Viet Nam caused my diabetes was approved at 20 per cent. The buddy statements proved I was there. Here is the catch, they did not increase my
benefit, it is still 70 per cent, my total is 110 per cent, they say I make too much money for an increase in benefits. So thank you everyone who wrote the buddy statements, if it worked for me,
it will work for the rest of the BatCats. It may not mean much now but in the end, I have it documented.
Many Thanks Jerry Peppenger
11/7/11 Those of you who are retired or about to retire may find the below AFA (Air Force Association – for you non-USAF types) newsletter interesting ………..Jim Satterwhite
Saturday, November 5, 2011
AFA members, on Wed I attended a round-table discussion on Veteran’s benefits in the House of Representatives. The meeting was chaired by Minority Leader Pelosi and was well attended by
members of Congress – more than one dozen were present. I sat next to two Members who are on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction [Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD.) and Rep.
Xavier Becerra (D-CA)]. The focus of discussion was wide-ranging. We brought the following issues to their attention:
Military Retirement system changes [no changes for those serving, much study for the future force to see what the impact might be on morale, readiness, recruiting, and retention]
Tricare and Tricare for life fees [you cannot compare civilian medical plans with those who endured low-pay, wars, deployments, frequent moves, lack of careers for spouses, etc; the benefits
were earned benefits that, many times, were promised to veterans]
Joblessness for Vets [higher than the national average – we need programs to address]
Suicide rates for military and vets [one vet dies every 80 minutes from suicide; need VA to fund programs to support]
SBP/DIC offset [there are 54,000 widows that give up some or all of their SBP payments – that they paid for – to receive DIC]
Disabled Vets [need access to training]
And a number of other issues.
[Thank you to Woody Hogle and the AFA Veterans and Retirees Committee for helping me get ready for meetings like this one.]
Here’s what I heard back:
VA funding will be protected from cuts in the Super Committee.
While everything is “on the table” the members of the Super Committee understand the differences between support for the military and the Pentagon budget. All of them believe there needs
to be more work before fundamental changes are made in Military retirement and Tricare.
The “Doc fix for Medicare” – the Super Committee is looking at a permanent fix … but they need to find $300B to do that.
The Super Committee should go after much larger cuts than $1.5T – more like $4T.
Both the House and Senate passed a 3.6% COLA for retirees.
Secondly, AFA placed an ad in Politico and The Hill this past week. To see it, go here: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerscective/2011/MilCoalition_FINAL.pdf.
For your consideration.
Mike
Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association
9/20/11 A mentor and friend and a BATCAT. For those not familiar with that call sign we flew together out of Thailand doing recce work against the infiltration coming down the "trail"(s). Jerry
Parshall was an Aircraft Commander and became a close friend. Jim Golden
9/10/11
From John Urban
Cliff,
I got in touch with Waldo Wright Flying Service and have been able to get reduced rates for members of the 553rd Recon Wing for flights in the Boeing Steatman PT-17/N2S3.
After you have received a preflight briefing we will go up and perform some of the same maneuvers the cadets flew in WWII; shallow and steep bank turns, lazy eights, chandelles, and stalls,
after which you’ll fly back to the home field and shoot the pattern to land. Upon landing you can say "Mission Accomplished, I flew the Stearman”
Waldo Wright's Flying Service would like to extend a special option for members of the 553rd Recon Wing ( a.k.a. Batcats) to fly our 1942 Boeing Stearman. Provided the group can supply a
minimum of 10 paid guests for this experience, we'd like to offer a group rate of $222.93 per passenger to fly the aircraft, with the option to purchase additionally a video of the experience at a
50% discount of $25 per guest. Rides would take place October 10, and pending interest would extend into October 11, 2011 beginning at 9 am each day. Normal price for the flight experience
is $255.59 with tax and fuel charge,
To get a count for the number of interested Reunion participants could you send this out to all members and have them respond to me at john7593@aol.com, with their email address NLT
September 15th. With sufficient interested, I will provide additional information on contact for the discount.
Thanks, John Urban john7593@aol.com 623-322-2258
8/31/11
From George Kamburoff
Cliff, I hope you were not caught off guard with my writings for the
grandkids. I will send a few regarding the 553d, and some pics from the
June 8 story. These events were intense, being important in themselves, and
occurring at an impressionable age.
I think it is important for those in the shops to write their stories. The
mission was not just a planeload of folks flying in circles. It was endless
days of finding ways to get us into the air, of busting knuckles and egos on
endless work for endless hours, of building everything we would need for the
shops, of making it work and keeping it working. No glory, no flightsuits,
no wings. Just work. gk
8/21/11
This is a good reminder to fly your USA flag on the 10th anniversary of 09-11. That date is now known as Patriot's Day!
Thanks,
GET YOUR FLAG READY!
Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign.
THE PROGRAM:
On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to
display an American flag on this tenth anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who
continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly,
those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our
country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do ....
(1) Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year -round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.
Thank you for your participation.
God Bless You and God Bless America ! Arley Hamilton
8/21/11
You may be aware of this info. However I'm sending it in hope of it helping someone. I came from the American Legion.
Agent Orange claim filing deadline Aug. 30
The American Legion - August 18, 2011
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Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. CollectionVietnam-era veterans who have medical diagnoses for three presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure need to file their disability claims
with the Department of Veterans Affairs by Aug. 30 in order to qualify for up to one year of retroactive benefits.
The three diseases recently added to VA's list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure or other herbicides during the Vietnam War are ischemic heart disease, hairy cell
and other B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease.
"Veterans who suffer from these presumptive conditions can apply for disability benefits at any time," said Verna Jones, director of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Division. "But they need to apply by the Aug. 30 deadline in order to possibly get up to a year's worth of benefits retroactively,"
Widows and widowers whose spouses have died from Agent Orange presumptive conditions may also qualify for retroactive benefits and are encouraged to file for dependent indemnity
compensation by Aug. 30.
Veterans can file for disability claims online at VA's Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System.
Please register Gil Jennings
8/12/11
Cliff,
Appreciate your assistance on locating Islieb. I'll get ahold of Bob shortly.
I see your agressiveness on AO. I am working with my daughter, a VA employee, on this issue right now. I did not have a lot of ground time in Vietnam, but was on the ground in Danang for a
few hours on a fuel stop. This occurred somewhere between 2 and 3 June 1969. I had just finished PACAF Jungle School in the PI, and was on the way to Korat flying on a C-54. I don't
remember if anyone from a Batcat outfit was in PJSS or on the C-54 with me; however, the name Ervin Becker comes to mind. If a fellow Batcat out there happens to have been on that flight, I
would appreciate hearing from him.
Again, thank you for your time and assistance. Go BATCAT!!
Al Teel
8/11/11
Already involved. My VVA chapter constantly supports visits and events at the Port Charlotte Vets Home. Additionally we make personal visit to vet's homes to talk, mow lawns, do repairs,
paint, etc, plus regular phone calls routinely to check up on them and their needs. As of last week we were apprised of the fact that the Moving Wall, which will be here in January, was short
$1000 for the event. The chapter wrote a check for $500 with the remainder coming from a chapter member. Ed Schuppenhauer
8/9/11
Cliff, I got this from a friend in Denver. I submitted a claim back in Nov 09, and still have no decision. I e-mailed these people, we'll see if anything happens with this one. My US Senator just
sent me a reply from the VA that they sent him regarding my claim. They said basically that they have a lot of claims, and haven't got to mine yet??? Perhaps this will help someone... Hope
so. Hang in There Dave Dotson 1st Wave, Crew # 10
THERE IS AN INTERESTING STORY in today's Denver Post about VA benefits and applying for them. In a nutshell,thousands are eligible for disability reassessment, yet few apply to the
Physical Board of Review, a Department of Defense panel created to address concerns that branches of the armed forces were treating injuries differently and possibly downplaying them to
cut costs.
Veterans who believe they are entitled to additional retirement benefits can send inquires to the PDBR at PDBRPA@afncr.af.mil or PDBR intake unit SAF/MRBR, 550 C Street West;
Suite 41, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4743 --The board, which has 13 full-time staff members and some temporary contractors, has a backlog of 745 cases.
--Twenty-five hundred application shave been submitted nationwide; 993 have been reviewed and closed.--It now takes an average of 336 days to review a case.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_18636451
8/9/11
Denny and I are woking on something really special. Please click on "Denny's Desk"( ) for details. The more we get involved, the better the outcome. Cliff
8/5/11 Mr. Jensen
My name is Chuck Van Allman JR, My father, Charles Van Allman, has passed away at 66. He will be buried at Arlington this September. I was the one who discovered your site on the web and
passed it along to my father who trully loved it. I'm sorry he never got a chance to go to a reunion as his health was very poor for the last 5 years, but he dearly wanted to.
I just wanted to let you know and thank you for the site.
Chuck.
7/25/11 Anyone who knew Rudolph Louis August. My Son-in-law's dad was in the
553 Recon Sq. at Korat RTAFB, Thailand Jul31 1968 –Jun 6 1969
Unfortunately, Rudy passed away in 2004. He is burried at the NH Veteran's Cemetary in Tilton NH
I would like to contact anyone who knew Rudy. I was an R/O in the 437th and the 60th FIS at Otis 1954 to 1957. (Got one ride in the 121 on station) I have heard that one of our F-94 pilots,
Robert Whalen, was seen at Korat in about 1968. Have been unable to locate him. One contact said he passed away in Florida. Any info on Bob or his family would be appreciated.
Thank You in advance
Richard A Kincaid
Hopkinton NH
603-513-1632
7/25/11 Gentlemen, Thanks for the time last Saturday. It was a pleasure to meet some former comrades that I never knew I would know. Sounds like Yogi Berra eh?I would like to know the
best way to get logged in to the VA for past or future disability? Roger you had mentioned a route however I did not take notes. If you could send me the site info I will gladly begin the
journey. Also I would be a strong advocate for others because I still have a pretty clear memory and can dig up some details particularly if I glean a little bit of data from some of the others
that I was with. I did take a side trip to DaNang to drop off engine parts for the Connie that had to emergency land there. Lt Col Ritenaour was the AC, Lt Clyde Wooten was the CO and the
Flight Engineers name escapes right now, I think Larry ?? I believe that we met with some Lockheed personnel when we off loaded. I will get more info if some of these Cats are still around. I
sure hope they are. I also took a Huey ride along to NKP, and flew Batcat's TDY out of U-T apao ( B-52's and KC-135's) for 6 to 8 weeks. When you talk to others just remind them that we are
American Vets and Arm in Arm we can all make it!
All the best guys,
Dave Wechsler
Wex or Red Dog
702-303-5626
7/22/11 Swadee Batcats
82 paid entries and climbing. Bob Langenhan and Schupe met last week in Calif. to work on reunion matters. Roger Brown and myself will be meeting with Bob this Sat. here in Vegas. This
reunion will not only be alot of fun but should prove to be very helpful to all our Brother Batcats.
Some new things on the website. On the home page put your cursor over the pic of someone and if I have a pic of them from our Glory days, it will pop up. Kinda fun. Also be sure to check
Cliff Notes for messages to everyone from other Batcats. Especially a great audio done by our Jim Eaton which is also on the Agent Orange page.
Please note that the Batcat Central phone # below has been changed. The last one used to be a fax # and was ringing all day and night. So had it changed.
That's it for now. Less than 90 days till Orlando. Never give up, Never give up....Cliff
7/20/11 Jim Eaton
Some of our fellow Vietnam vets aren't doing so well. This is a guy I ran into last week. He seemed familiar.
7/20/11.....Cliff, might want to get this out to all Batcats! http://www.wimp.com/disappearingprank/ Very funny,Jim Barnhart
7/9/11..A Thank You to all Vietnam Vets from a Marine in Iraq
A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get from home. Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we can use
them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the center of every tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: "Why do we have so
much support?" In my opinion, it all came down to one thing: Vietnam Veterans. I think we learned a lesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who
are on the line, who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then. When they returned was even worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors
were subjected to. It is a national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us. After Vietnam , it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness
grew. It shamed us. However, we learned from our mistake. Somewhere during the late 1970's and on into the 80's, we realized that we can't treat our warriors that way. So ...
Starting during the Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did. We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we
also did it to right the wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treat our troops of today like the heroes they were, and are, acknowledge and celebrate their sacrifice, and rejoice at their
homecoming ... Instead of spitting on them. And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq . Our country knows that it must support us and it does. The lesson was
learned in Vietnam and we are all better because of it.
Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country
in the late 1770's to those I serve with here in Iraq . They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom. But when I get back home, I'm going to make it a personal mission to
specifically thank every Vietnam Vet I encounter for THEIR sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lesson learned on how we
treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now we treat our warriors as heroes, as we should have all along. I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only
for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars, ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis, Major Brian P. Bresnahan United States Marine Corps
7/8/11Got a couple requests
1. I am trying to run down Henry "Hank" Isleib who worked in the 553rd Intel shop. Not sure if any of the members out there remember him, but if they do, would appreciate an
update on his 10-20 and contact information.
2. I'm working with my daughter at VA, and am looking for someone to verify our time on the ground in Vietnam. I completed PJSS in the PI on 2 June and flew out on a mil-bird (C-
54) to Korat the next day, 3 June. We had a short stop at Danang (between 1-3 hours for a fuel stop), and then continued on to Korat. After I departed the 553rd, I was out of the
service about 6 months, so I have no travel vouchers, orders, or anything else validating the stop at Danang. I don't remember anyone who went through PJSS with me, nor who
flew out of Clark on the mil-bird with me. I would really like to make contact with anyone who was on that flight from the PI to Korat via Danang.
Al Teel
Of those of us that were RO's on Super Connies, who has been shown to have hearing loss and tinnitus. I need this info ASAP for a claim. Ed Schuppenhauer
.I would just like to get a "shout out" to all the Mechanics. I really don't want to just look at Langenhan and Katroba for a whole week. SIGN UP, PAY UP, and get your asses
down to ORLANDO, damn it. This applies to all mechanics … OMS, FMS, all the shops.
Pat Barrett
Got this message from 1st. crew A/C Jerry Parshall on 6/28 in regards to golfing at the reunion. " Gerald H Parshall Not a golfer and probably not interested in any outings since I
just got the bad news that the cancer has spread to other sites. Jerry Parshall = I do plan on attending if at all possible!" God Bless and be with him...Cliff
James H (Jim) (Jorgy) Jorgensen Is trying to make conyact with Jim Bost, "Are you the Jimmy Joe Bost who worked for me at Nellis AFB in records section of the CBPO and later
followed me to the BATCATS? I've been looking for you for over 40 years! Tried to contact you through facebook but got no response. Cliff Jensen gave me your email address
and said it was all the information he had on you. If it is you, please contact me. Are you going to the reunion in Orlando in Oct? I am. Hope to see you there." If anyone has contact
with Bost, please contact "Jorgy" at Onejorgy@aol.com.
Cliff
My name is Lionel (Chuck) Lavoie I was a Flight Engineer in the 554th in 1970 3rd wave crew 26 and for a while on crew 30. I'm attending the reunion for the first time this year.
How do I go about posting my photo on your page. Maybe somebody will recognize this old coot and we can do some reminiscing.
Thanks,
Chuck
Terry, sir
Glad you see the light. I know Schupe and the other guys from your crew are going to be happy as hell to see you again. And I am excited to meet a fellow Lonesome Dove fan. I
will let everyone know that the condo is full. See you soon....Cliff 6/27/11
Looking at the Bat Cat Reunion I found some dear friends, one whom I just missed was Arch Heckler. He was one of the AC whom I became good friends with off base, When I
saw him I was looking forward to getting up with him, until I realized he is deceased. One of my good friends whom I lost contact with is Ray Dyal. I would appreciate his contact
information.I had worked at Otis as a mechanic on the Connies then was transferred to the Wing and Base Commanders aircraft as flight Mechanic and Crew Chief. Then was
assigned to the 553. I was on one of the planes we ferried over. Arch Heckler was our AC for the flight and this was my first time meeting him.I have in storage a bunch of
pictures that if I can find I will be sending in some of them.Thank you for all your efforts. Robert Livingston OMS 6/29/117/20/11
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