JOINT SERVICE HONORS COMMAND Monthly Newsletter October 2014 Volume 1014

If you would like to submit a column for this newsletter, please contact the editor: *SSG Susan Planas, jshcplanas@gmail.com*

 

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American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedication Ceremony

October 5, 2014

Throughout our nation’s history, service men and women have gone bravely into battle, risking their lives and livelihoods, sacrificing their safety to defend America. When their duty is done, many return home to life as it was. Sadly, for over 4 million veterans seriously injured in the line of duty, leaving the battlefield does not mark the end of conflict. These permanently disabled heroes often carry home life-altering disabilities – stern reminders of the price of freedom.

America’s disabled veterans have honored us with their service and selfless duty. It is now our turn to honor them. For the first time, America will pay tribute to some of our most courageous heroes – our disabled veterans. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will celebrate those men and women who may be broken in body – but never in spirit.

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SGT Bilko says…

“At Ease” means NO TALKING!

Got that!

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A MOMENT IN TIME

Vietnam War Tanks

Although a plethora of deadly weapons and new tactics for killing people were employed throughout the Vietnam War, only a handful of different tanks were used - this may be because of the terrain, which was often jungle interwoven with many rivers and swamps. However, the following tanks were used during the Vietnam War: M41 Walker Bulldog light tank (South Vietnamese Army), M48 Patton medium tank, M551 Sheridan, Centurion main battle tank (Australia). The Americans used a few Sherman M4A3-M4A6 medium tanks in Vietnam (The M4 Sherman medium tank was the most common Allied tank used in World War II.) However, by the time the Korean War had ended, the Americans had, for the most part, replaced

the Sherman with more modern tanks. The North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong were supplied with Soviet tanks: the T-34/85 medium tank, which was first used during World War II, the T-54 main battle tank and the PT-76 light amphibious tank. The Chinese supplied the North Vietnamese with the Type 59 main battle tank (their version of the T-54), the Type 62 light tank, a lighter version of the Type 59 MBT, and the Type 63 light amphibious tank, their version of the PT-76.

The Battle of Ben Het was one of the few engagements during the Vietnam War in which tanks were pitted against tanks. On March 3, 1969, North Vietnamese forces from the 4th Armored Battalion,

202nd Armored Regiment, attacked US forces from the 1st Battalion, 69th Armor at a training camp near Ben Het in South Vietnam. The North Vietnamese had between 10 and 19 PT-76 tanks. The Americans had several M48A3 Patton tanks. One M48 was hit by a PT-76, but it did not suffer much damage. Two PT-76s were destroyed by M48s. A third PT-76 exploded when it struck a mine.

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The capability they (Military Working Dogs) bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory. Our Army (and military) would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource. General David H. Petraeus

FOUR LEGGED HEROS

Dogs’ service to our military goes far beyond the war on terror. In United States history, dogs have been

fearless warriors, partners and rescuers for over 100 years. Although they were not officially acknowledged as part of the armed services until World War II when 10,000 specially

trained canines were deployed. When American Military went to Vietnam, hundreds of dogs were added to their bases. Within the year of adding the dogs, enemy attacks on American bases were stopped when the Vietcong discovered dog

teams. The Vietcong was in such fear of military dogs that they placed a bounty on the lives of both the dogs and their handlers. The United States War Dogs Association estimates that over 10,000 American lives were saved in Vietnam by man’s best friend. Over the years several types of dogs have been Military Working Dogs but more recently the majorities are German and Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. It’s an interesting juxtaposition that these dogs are chosen because of their unyielding affection and devotion to their partners as well as their ability to bite with a force between 400 and 700 pounds. Different dogs have different skills but in total they complete the following duties: SENTRY DOGS give warning and are extremely valuable while working in the dark or alerting toward attacks from behind. Sentry dogs were even used by the Coast Guard in WW II as coastal fortification guarding against enemy submarine activity. SCOUT or PATROL DOGS detect snipers and ambushes. They are trained to work in complete silence. Just the mere presence of dogs on patrol greatly decreased the possibility of an ambush, which in turn was a morale boost for the troops. MESSENGER DOGS require extreme loyalty, as they must be trusted to go from one handler to another. They travel silently and are able to use natural cover. CASUALTY DOGS are trained to search and report casualties in obscure locations. Their ability to identify an injured soldier who needs immediate attention has closed the gap in those crucial minutes that make the critical difference and has saved

countless lives. In current wars, the dogs are outfitted in protective armor as well as small cameras making it possible for their handlers to send the dogs at least 1000 feet ahead of them to get a look at what they’re up against. Again, putting their loyalty and obedience ahead of fear. The dogs’ very presence on a military base has an uplifting effect on the troops. These innocent beasts will play ball with them and lick their faces in one moment, and ferociously defend them with their lives in the next. But it is the dogs’ unmatched ability to sniff out explosives that may have technically saved the most lives. Millions of dollars have been spent on technology that can detect bombs, but none have come close to the detections made by a Military Working Dogs and their handler. Like any good partnership, many of the soldiers assume a short hand with their four-legged partners. Some handlers have even claimed their dogs share their personality or think the same way they do. Out in the fight against terror, the dogs and their soldiers even begin to resemble each other, covered in desert dust as they trudge together in

combat. That’s why it’s no surprise that even the toughest men and women have been known to shed tears when

their time with their service dog comes to an end. And I can see why. After all, these dogs truly live up to their K9 Promise: My eyes are your eyes. To watch and protect you and yours. My ears are your ears. To hear and detect evil minds in the dark. My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain. And so you may live, my life is also yours.

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CHAPLAINS CORNER

SOLDIER’S PSALM 91 PRAYER

O Lord Most High, help me to dwell in your secret place and abide under

Your shadow. Help me to believe and say out loud for everyone to hear that You are my refuge and my fortress; that You are my God; and that in You I put my trust. O Lord God Almighty, please deliver me from hidden traps and diseases. Father God, cover me with Your camouflage; hide me under Your wings; and let Your truth be my shield and buckler against the fiery darts—the lies—of the enemy. Lord Jesus, help me not to be afraid of terrorists’ attacks in the night; or weapons that fly by day; or sicknesses that walk in darkness; or destruction that wastes at noonday. O Holy God, though a thousand fall at my side, and ten thousand fall at my right hand; please let it not come close to me and my companions. O Lord Most High, let me live to see the reward of the wicked, because You are my refuge and my home. Let no evil conquer me and let no plague come into my house or near my family. O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer, please set angels over me to keep me in all Your ways, to bear me up in their hands and to keep my feet from stumbling. Father God, help me to tread upon the lion and adder and trample the young lion and the dragon under my feet. Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart and I know Your name. Deliver me and lift me on high to soar with the eagles. I call upon you to be with me in times of trouble to deliver and honor me because I know Your name. Please show me Your salvation and satisfy me with a long life.

I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Four Chaplains “Not for my safe return, that wouldn’t be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty…never be a coward…and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate.”

- Lt. Clark Poling It was Feb. 3, 1943, and the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was one of three ships in a convoy, moving across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to an American base in Greenland. A converted luxury liner, the Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers. It was only 150 miles from its destination when shortly after midnight, an officer aboard the German submarine U2 spotted it. After identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire. The hit was decisive, striking the ship, far below the water line. The initial blast killed scores of men and seriously wounded many more. Others, stunned by the explosion were groping in the darkness. Panic and chaos quickly set in! Men were screaming, others crying or franticly trying to get lifeboats off the ship. Through the pandemonium, four men spread out among the Soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety. They were four Army chaplains, Lt. George Fox, a Methodist; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister. Quickly and quietly the four chaplains worked to bring calm to the men. As soldiers began to find their way to the deck of the ship, many were still in their underwear, where they were confronted by the cold winds blowing down from the arctic. Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, reeling from the cold, headed back towards his cabin. “Where are you

going’” a voice of calm in the sea of distressed asked’ “To get my gloves,” Mahoney replied. “Here, take these,” said Rabbi Goode as he handed a pair of gloves to the young officer. “I can’t take those gloves,” Mahoney replied. “Never mind,” the Rabbi responded. “I have two pairs.” It was only long after that Mahoney realized that the chaplain never intended to leave the ship. Once topside, the chaplains opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed an astonishing sight. When there were no more lifejackets in the storage room, the chaplains simultaneously removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. When giving their life jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did Fox or Poling call out for a Protestant. Call SSG Planas and you will receive one dollar. They simply gave their life jackets to the next man in line. One survivor would later call it “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.” As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains — arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. Their voices could also be heard offering prayers and singing hymns. Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, only 230 survived. Before boarding the Dorchester back in January, Chaplain Poling had asked his father to pray for him, “Not for my safe return, that wouldn’t be fair. Just pray that I shall do my duty…never be a coward…and have the strength, courage and understanding of men. Just pray that I shall be adequate.” Although the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were later awarded posthumously Congress wished to confer the Medal of Honor but was blocked by the stringent requirements, which required heroism performed under fire. So a posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, The Four Chaplains’ Medal, was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President on January 18, 1961. It was never given before and will never be given again. Post submitted by Dr. John Brinsfield, U.S. Army Chaplains

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THEY WALK AMONG US This section was set aside for members to tell their stories of the time they spent serving their country. It also helped to introduce each member since we all do not meet on a regular basis other than once a month at training. Due to the lack of submission of members’ stories, ‘THEY WALK AMONG US’ will be discontinued.

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INVITATION:

Marines of the JSHC: November 8th the FRESNO MARINE CORPS LEAGUE will be holding a Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

2009 MC Ball

Location: Clovis Memorial District Veterans Building Time: TBD (more than likely 7pm-11pm) At this time tickets are $40.00 each or a large reserved table for eight (8 person) maybe purchased for $320.00. This is a formal dinner, Dress Blues or Black tie event. Dress appropriately. Further details will be given when received. There will be a cake cutting and other formal ceremonies taking place as well as a wonderful meal. Come join the celebration of our Corps and make some new friends and maybe meet some old ones along the way. Anyone interested please contact at Bradley.otto1@gmail.com

STATISTICS: September 2014: During this month, we have completed 6 solo Honor Services. 1 in support of the Air Force, 1 special event. A total of 8 services for the Month of August 2014.

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NEXT DRILL: The next drill will be on Wednesday 15 October 2014 at 7 PM at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building. Uniform is class B.

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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

CWO2 Steve Slusser 1st CPT Ed Planas 6th Lt Col Robert Lindsey 22nd SSG Wendell Bobst 24th SSG Susan Planas 26th CPL Bill Herred 26th LCDR Ken Bain 28th

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AWARDS AND DECORATIONS The following awards or decorations were presented during the month of September 2014

The JSHC Service Ribbon DAVENPORT, Dennis Capt PENDLEY, Kevin 1LT ARREDONDO, Pete TSgt LEHNICK, Gene SSG BOATWRIGHT, Earl Sgt

The Emergency Service Training Ribbon LEHNICK, Gene SSG

The Department of Defense Honors Ribbon Completion of 25 services

COOK, Howard Capt McGAUGH, Chuck SCPO PALOMAR, Jess PO1

The Department of Defense Honors Ribbon with One Gold Oak leaf Cluster

Completion of 525 services NEUMANN, Dale COL ESPINOSA, Joaquin Capt

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TO SUBMIT A STORY OR COLUMN

***NOTE: NEW EMAIL ADDRESS***

Please email your story or photos to jshcplanas@gmail.com BEFORE the 25th day of the month to be considered for the next month’s newsletter.

WEBSITE

Due to updating our website, there maybe times when it is not available. Please visit the site at www.JSHC.info.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Current Board of Directors are: BG Murphy – Chairman of the Board, Lt Col Estep, LCDR Bain, Capt Espinosa, CCMSgt Harley, 1SG Riccardo and SSG Planas. The Board of Directors meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 1025 ‘T’ Street, Fresno, CA.

NEW FACE BOOK GROUP Joint Service Honors Command has a new Face Book Group, Joint Service Honors Command - Fresno. You must have a Face Book page to be added to our group. If you have a Face Book page, ‘friend’ either COL Neumann or SSG Planas so they can add you to the group.

COMMAND STAFF

Brigadier General Dean Murphy, Acting National Commander. 559-448-6551 dean@middleeastconnection.org Colonel Dale Neumann, Chief of Staff, California Brigade. 559-446-0440 daleneumann@att.net Lieutenant Colonel Joel Hohenshelt, 1st Battalion Commander. 559-351-1651 joelhohenshelt@yahoo.com Lieutenant Colonel Larry Branam, Recruiting Officer. 559-322-5057 lbranam@att.net Comments and Suggestions: If you wish to contact the editor, please call SSG Susan Planas at 559-240-1736 or email her at jshcplanas@gmail.com