Farewell, Doc Finch by Ole Doc
Jim "Dinky Dau Doc" Finch has passed on to the comfort of our Lord. This happened about 0800 hrs. today. This is another sad moment in our history. Doc had helped so many troubled and wounded Veterans through the years. Please say a prayer for him and... (read more)

Beyond The Wall ... by Mustang
Brotherhood of Vietnam veterans. (read more)

PRAYER TIES by Mustang
Native American Indian’s made Prayer Ties by wrapping sacred herbs into a cloth while they prayed to the Great Spirit. Once the Prayer Ties were completed they were burned in a respectful and reverent ceremony, assuring that the prayers the tribe made... (read more)

The "Dash" in your life by Ole Doc
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Farewell - A Warrior's Tribute by Posted by Mustang
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The Final Salute by Rocky Mountain News (Posted by Mustang)
They are the troops that nobody wants to see, carrying a message that no military family ever wants to hear. It begins with a knock at the door. (read more)

November 8, 1965 - 173rd Airborne Brigade by Dinky Dau Doc
On November 8, 1965 the 173rd Airborne Brigade on Operation Hump was ambushed by 1,200 Viet Cong. Forty-eight Americans lost their lives. (read more)

In memory of Larry "Bear" Hughes by Mustang
Nothing was as strong as his gentleness, and nothing was so gentle as his strength. You will long be remembered my brother, and you will be loved, forever. Until we meet again. (read more)

In God We Trust by Mustang
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Veteran's memorial forged in fire by Mustang
Up in flames Saddleback College shows off method to make new veterans memorial. By DAVID K. SMITH FOR THE NEWS MISSION VIEJO Veterans and local residents attended the fiery unveiling of Saddleback College’s proposed veterans memorialJune... (read more)

Gladiator - American Style by Mustang
FREEDOM . . . . . . is the names engraved on the Memorials where we lay wreaths; . . . is the faces of the men and women at the VA centers we visit; . . . is carved on the grave stones at Arlington; . . . Freedom is not free. (read more)

Medal of Honor - Sammy L. Davis by Mustang
Today we salute, Sammy L. Davis Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division Place and date: West of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam, 18 November 1967 Born: 1 November 1946, Dayton, Ohio Citation:... (read more)

A look back in time: A letter from the CO by Mustang
I remember LtCol Babe as a tough and exacting Commanding Officer who demanded excellence. Accomplishing the mission was paramount, but he also cared for us as if we were his own children. Don't get me wrong, he certainly didn't coddle us or treat uswith... (read more)

A look back in time: "9th Engineers build, repair, train, patrol" by Mustang
I will be posting a series of articles that were published in the Stars & Stripes about my Vietnam battalion, the 9th Engineers. The 9th Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, was one of four Marine engineer battalions that served in Vietnam. In addition... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Phill G. Mc Donald * by Mustang
Today we salute, Phill G. McDonald * Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division Place and date: Near Kontum City, Republic of Vietnam, 7 June 1968 Born: 13 September 1941. Avondale,... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Michael Fleming Folland by Mustang
Today we salute, Michael Fleming Folland * Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (http://www.redcatcher.org/) Place and date: Long Khanh, Providence, Republic of Vietnam, 3 July 1969 Born:... (read more)

A journey's end...... by Monsoon
Now that I have returned home to Orange County and rested relatively well for the past two days, I believe I can once again be coherent in thought and take pen to paper. The “Run For The Wall” 2006 experience can best be described as surreal. Anawakening... (read more)

Vietnam Facts vs Fiction by Mustang
October 6, 2005 Nick Bacon USA 1SGT (RET.) Medal of Honor Recipient After my retirement in 1984 from the U.S. Army I worked for the VA Regional Office in Phoenix, Arizona as a contact representative and as an adjudicator of claims. After a... (read more)

RFTW and VVA 785 the beginning by G-Man
In the summer of 2000 and after a chance meeting with Jim Brunotte, I began to plan for my first RFTW journey. I contacted my brothers, Ken in Alaska and Keith in Northern Calif. and described the adventure and asked if they wanted to join in. We all... (read more)

Thanks for the Memories - VVA785 and RFTW by G-man
This years 2006 RFTW was a mission like no other. The riders encountered heat, wind, rain, hail, fog and all the other weather one could imagine on this arduous motorcycle journey to the Wall. Our hydration van and trailer provided invaluable water,... (read more)

"We have heard with our ears, O God ..." by Mustang
We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. – Psalms 44:1 I have a rule for screensavers, no matter how pretty or glitzy it is, I will not post it unless I took the picture... (read more)

Save one backward glance by Major Michael O’Donnell (Posted by Mustang)
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what... (read more)

Remembering the MIA on Memorial Day by Mustang
In times of warfare, often during retreat, individual American Indian warriors of many tribes would "stake" themselves to the ground with a lance or arrow by piercing a vein and then sticking the lance or arrow into a red "sash" of blood on the ground,... (read more)

We Support You by Mustang
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A journey's end.... by Monsoon
Aloha Students from Stephens Middle School. Our journey and “mission” will soon end with our arrival in Washington DC to visit and pay tribute to “our brothers and sisters on the Wall.” This has been a journey of highs and lows as emotions changed from... (read more)

Dinky Dau Doc's Journal Entry: Day 9 by Dinky Dau Doc
The last few days have showered me with many emotions. From Angel Fire, NM to West Virginia the days have passed too fast for me to absorb all I have seen and experienced. Former Ninth Engineers Tony "Rock" Valentine and Wayne Kearby came to visit... (read more)

Mustang’s Journal: Final entry for RFTW 2006 by Mustang
After a long ride under skies threatening rain, we are all safe in our hotels in Washington DC. Every rider made it safely today; not an easy task considering 800 motorcycles riding in formation on the freeways around DC. As the main group made... (read more)

Ole Doc's Journal - Entry Day 9 by Ole Doc
Day 8: Corydon, Indiana David O’Cull, a good friend of Dinky Dau Doc and me joined us for the rest of the mission. Dinky Dau and Dave exchanged insults as usual. Both of us were glad to see him. Day 9: We left Hurricane, West Virginia to make the... (read more)

Mustang's Journal - Entry 5 by Mustang
Today five of us broke away from the main body of RFTW riders as they moved from Corydon, Indiana to Hurricane, West Virginia. For the past seven days our group of riders has been helping the 785 Van and trailer crew to support the main body with water,... (read more)

RFTW - VVA785 Thanks to Jim Brunotte - His story by G-man
In the summer of 2000 I was at the Westminster Ca. Memorial dedication at the unveiling the Bronze statue. This monument is of two soldiers both strangers, one American and one South Vietnamese. Both of these men would be bonded by war and the new homeland... (read more)

Mustang's Journal - Entry 6 by Mustang
This morning we launched early from Hurricane ahead of the main pack of riders. After we made our way through the early morning traffic, we turned off of I-64 when we reached the toll booths and turned onto route 60 toward Rainelle. Another few miles... (read more)

LBUSD Stephens Middle School by Monsoon
Aloha Students at Stephens Middle School. Today was another very special day as we departed Indiana and traveled through part of Illinois, across Kentucky and finally arrived in Hurricane, West Virginia. Kentucky is a beautiful State and the folks here... (read more)

The Love of a Veteran - Sizzmo' by G-man
We met Sizzmo’ several day ago at the morning at the riders meeting. She has a spirit of patriotism and love of our veterans beyond belief. Over the years she had hand made thousands of Vietnam colored beads that she was passing out to our RFTW riders.... (read more)

Sunday RFTW church, Limon Co. by G-man
We had an outstanding Sunday church service in Limon Colorado, during our morning riders meeting. Chaplain Gator and Arlee prayed for our riders, the weather and our service members from all around the world. Tanker also started a tradition of conducting... (read more)

Robley Rex - World War l Veteran by G-man
Day 8 RFTW An interesting stop this morning was at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. We had heard the storys of Robley Rex, Okolona, Ky, a suburb of Louisville and a lifetime member of Okolona VFW Post 8639. He was103... (read more)

Mission accomplished, all accounted for! by Tony "Rock" Valentine
Don't really know where to start. I left home early Friday morning just before 6 a.m. and started my journey south from Aurora, Colorado going to meet our Battalion Brothers who were riding to the Wall in what is known as RFTW XVIII 2006. I kept running... (read more)

Ole Doc's Journal: Entry 2 by Ole Doc
Ole Doc, here: I would like to jump back to Day 3 for a bit. One of our brothers, Tony Valentine, met up with us at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Tony brought the banner he had made for us to take to The Wall. This... (read more)

LBUSD Lesson Plan 7 Corydon, Indiana by Monsoon
ALOHA STUDENTS FROM STEPHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL. HAD A WONDERFUL RIDE TODAY TRAVELING THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL ROLLING HILLS OF INDIANA. THE ROLLING HILLSIDES LUSH WITH VEGETATION AND BEAUTIFUL TREES MADE FOR A TRULY WONDERFUL RIDE. AS ALWAYS, ARRIVED AT OUR... (read more)

Honor is my shield by Mustang
Depending on the Tribe, males at various times of their lives went on Vision Quests. There were many reasons for these quests but the common thread was that a "spiritual guide" would provide a blessing. The intended goal of the blessing was toassist... (read more)

LBUSD Lesson Plan 5 Salina, Kansas by Monsoon
Aloha students from Stephens Middle School. After a long ride we departed Colorado and today we entered Kansas.We stopped in the small community of Oakley, Kansas for a great Sunday lunch hosted by the town’s people. Fried chicken, potato salad and all... (read more)

Whatever happened to the children? by Mustang
The days are melding together ... it seems like we’ve just started the run and here we are in Wentzville, Missouri. We traveled 400 miles today and provided two water-points for the main group of riders, which now numbers close to 450, but even... (read more)

LBUSD Lesson Plan 6 Wentzville, Missouri by Monsoon
Aloha Students from Stephens Middle School. Departed Salina, Kansas very early and after a long days ride reached Wentzville, Missouri. We are topping off our tanks after a wonderful reception from the citizens of this community. Citizens of “MiddleAmerica,”... (read more)

Mustang's Journal - Entry 4 by Mustang
We left Salina, Kansas this morning at 6:15 a.m. It was cool and overcast but soon warmed up as we rolled east toward Wentzville, Missouri. I heard this morning that we now have 450 riders and we’re expecting more as we get closer to Washington DC.... (read more)

Dinky Dau Doc's Journal - Post 1 by Dinky Dau Doc
Day one of my memories of 2006 RFTW was one of the most grueling rides. It was 117 degrees of heat floating off the freeway for over three hundred miles. The only saving grace was that when we spotted some clouds in the sky. The lightning was an amazing... (read more)

Mustang's Journal - Entry 3 by Mustang
Others have posted very well about Angel Fire and about our ride to Limon, Colorado today. So, I will simply post a few pictures tonight, because it is now 11:40 P.M., and 4:30 A.M. is when reveille is sounded with us, so I really need to hit the rack.... (read more)

The Creator of the MIA POW flag - Newt Heisley World War II veteran by G-man
Newt Heisley Newt Heisley was a pilot during World War II, a dangerous role that accounts for many war-time POWs and MIAs. Years after the war he had come to New York looking for work. "It took me four days to find a bad job at low pay," he latersaid... (read more)

Dedication Grant's NM. Vietnam Veterans Memorial by G-man
The Grants, NM. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication was conducted on May 19 2006. Governor Bill Richardson and Veterans Director Garcia spoke at this ceremony. The real heroes are Harry and Maria Garcia, for all their hard work in making this memorial... (read more)

LBUSD Lesson Plans... Angel Fire and Limon, Colorado by Monsoon
Aloha Students from Stephens Middle School. I missed Friday’s posting because of a long day spent climbing the Sangre de Cristo mountain. We traveled to Angel Fire which is sacred and hallowed ground and is located at an elevation of approximately 8500... (read more)

Ole Doc's Journal - Post 1 by Ole Doc
Day one for Doc Finch and myself, started May 16th when we left Quartzsite AZ. To head west to Ontario, CA. to meet up with our Brothers to Make this mission, the Run For The Wall. The VVA 785 chapter has welcomed both of us with open arms andhearts.... (read more)

The Genesis for the POW MIA Flag - National League of Families by G-man
The POW/MIA Flag Prisoners of War, soldiers captured by enemy soldiers during times of war, are casualties that can all too often be easy to forget. You can't ignore the image of crosses lined in neat rows at Arlington, and other National cemeteries,... (read more)

Down Range, to Iraq and Back by G-man
Down Range by Bridget C. Cantrell, PhD. And Chuck Dean I had the opportunity to meet Bridget and Chuck at the Ontario Hilton Hotel prior to leaving on the RFTW. They both spent hours visiting with our veterans in the lobby during the afternoon.Their... (read more)

Mustang’s Journal: Day 2 by Mustang
We left Williams at 6:30 a.m. today ahead of the main body of riders. Our first stop was at Winslow, AZ 90-miles distance. The weather was cooler and the ride from to Winslow went through Elk and deer country. It was beautiful. Our team is developing... (read more)

LBUSD Lesson Plan 2, Gallup, New Mexico by Monsoon
Aloha to my students in 702. Today was a much easier ride as we only traveled 226 miles. It was a wonderful experience departing the triple digit heat of Arizona and being welcomed into New Mexico with a pelting rainfall. Too late to pull off the highway... (read more)

Four Chaplains - Central Route RFTW by G-man
Four Chaplains on the Central Route RFTW Day 2 5-18-2006 At this mornings riders meeting in Williams Az., I noticed a group of four men huddled together. I approached the group as they all bowed their heads in prayer and I saw the white shoulder... (read more)

Mustang's Journal: Day 1 by Mustang
I said on May 15th post that I’d open my log on the evening of the first day, May 17th, from Williams, AZ. Well, that obviously didn’t happen, primarily because of a combination of problems and events that unfolded, including lousy wireless internetservice... (read more)

We remember, Calif. Veterans Home and USMC Logistics Supply Base, Barstow by G-man
Day 1 – RFTW and the significant and historical sights we discovered in the Barstow area. We visited the California Veterans Home, Barstow, which houses 220 our our Nations most precious assets, its Veterans. They have an independent living area, an... (read more)

LBUSD Lesson Plan Day 1 RFTW 2006 by Monsoon
It was a grueling 400 miles today, temperature in the triple digits. Ran into roadwork with a coating of new tar that caused riding hazardous at best. Your teacher is exhausted but up for the challenge of making it to DC. This lesson plan covers Arizona,... (read more)

Arlington of the West by G-man
On 5-16-06 in preparation for our journey across this wonderful nation, we visited the Riverside National Cemetery, often referred to as Arlington of the west. Our first stop was the National POW MIA statue. To our surprise, we encountered Lee Millett... (read more)

D-1: It's time to roll by Mustang
The time has finally arrived – only one day before we leave from Ontario, California with hundreds of others to begin the ten-day journey across America to Washington DC with Run For The Wall (RFTW). Much has happened over the past year to prepare for... (read more)

Never Forget by Mustang
With a year to go before it even touches the water, the Navy's amphibious assault ship USS New York has already made history. It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. USS New York is about 45 percent complete and should... (read more)

Tunnel Rat by Mustang
He wasn’t a big man. Only 5’7” in height and maybe 150 pounds at most. But I was to discover later that this miniature Marine was a giant at heart when it came to warfighting. Aggressiveness, courage, and the warrior ethos was in his blood – a part of... (read more)

Two American Hero's and returned POW's from Hitler's stalags by G-man
Two of America’s outstanding military hero’s and returned POW’s from the hell of Hitler’s stalags. 1st. Lt. Harry Selling was shot down over Berlin on Sept 12, 1944 in his B-17 during a bombing mission. He was the pilot and the only survivor of... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Terry Teruo Kawamura * by Mustang
Today we Salute: Terry Teruo Kawamura * Corporal, U.S. Army, 173d Engineer Company, 173d Airborne Brigade, Republic of Vietnam Place and date: Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam, 20 March 1969 Born: Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii Citation:... (read more)

MUSTANG - What it means in the American military by Mustang
"There is no honor greater than to be called "Mustang." Mustang Marines have long epitomized the warrior virtues of courage, devotion to duty, sacrifice, and imaginative leadership." ~ General Alfred M. Gray USMC, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corpsand... (read more)

India Company 3/1 in Fallujah by Mustang
The Raiders of India Company, 3rd Battalion, First Marines in Fallujah, 2004. (read more)

Decoration Day and the friends I lost in World War lI by Posted by G-man
DECORATION DAY This is a day to remember men and women who served their country as members of the armed forces of the United States of America. Three years after the Civil War an organization of former Union soldiers, the... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Jay R. Vargas by Mustang
Today we Salute: Jay R. Vargas Major (then Capt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Place and date: Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam, 30 April to 2 May 1968. Born: Winslow, Ariz.... (read more)

Blood Ties by Robert Ashley Logue - Posted by Mustang
From lonely green Donegal on the Shamrock shore my family so long ago came, to walk in that beautiful homeland no more nor to speak of its magical name, Deep ties of blood were then left far behind to slumber across long generations -to... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Franklin D. Miller by Mustang
Today we Salute: Franklin D. Miller Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 5 January 1970 Born: Elizabeth City, North Carolina Citation:... (read more)

From the other side by: Patrick Camunes, the words are profound and the healing incredible. by G-man
Thanks For Remembering . . . by: Patrick Camunes, Copyright (c) 1998 Many things are written about The Wall, but never anything of being on the other side.... (read more)

Final Coordination Meeting...Chapter 785 prepared to support "RFTW 2006" by Monsoon
Chapter 785 Members who are participating in “Run For The Wall” 2006 held their last coordination meeting this past Saturday. Jerry and Stephanie Nostadt and their beautiful daughter Jessica, were wonderful hosts, preparing a wonderful breakfast BBQand... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Jimmy G. Stewart * by Mustang
Today we Salute: Jimmy G. Stewart * Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 18 May 1966. Born: West Columbia, West Virginia Citation:... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Dwight H. Johnson ** See Special Note ** by Mustang
Originally posted on 04/26/2006 ... ** See special note at end of citation ** Today we salute, Dwight H. Johnson Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division Place and date: NearDak... (read more)

Vietnam Veterans Remembered....by our very own in "Harm's Way." by Mike "Tanker" and "Girlfriend" McDole
To Our Soldiers of Yesterday, We are soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and have been in country for seven months. We are part of a transportation company responsible for supporting the majority of Southern and Central Iraq. Our... (read more)

Medal of Honor - John J. McGinty III by Mustang
Today we Salute: John J. McGinty III Second Lieutenant (then S/Sgt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 18 July 1966 Born: Boston, Massachusetts... (read more)

Today I shared...... A Moving and Emotional Moment by Monsoon
Today as I was teaching my 5th period class, I noticed a gentleman standing by my classroom door. Not unusual, as I often have parents arrive at my classroom, an open invitation by me to see their child’s progress first hand, to witness my instruction... (read more)

The Trau River Bridge Incident by Mustang
It’s kind of funny how the years go by so fast. One moment you’re a young strapping lad with more energy than can be managed and the next you’re wondering why it hurts so much just to get out of bed in the morning. I suspect there are some events... (read more)

Capt. Robert T White US Army, Vietnam POW and the story of his captivity and survival. by G-man
SOURCE: WE CAME HOME copyright 1977 Captain and Mrs. Frederic A Wyatt (USNR Ret), Barbara Powers Wyatt, Editor P.O.W. Publications, 10250 Moorpark St., Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Text is reproduced as found in the original publication (including dateand... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Roy P. Benavidez by Mustang
Today we Salute: Roy P. Benavidez Master Sergeant, Detachment B-56, 5th Special Forces Group, Republic of Vietnam Place and Date: West of Loc Ninh on 2 May 1968 Place of Birth: DeWitt County, Cuero, Texas Citation: Master Sergeant, then... (read more)

Medal of Honor, awarded fifty years late to Holocaust survivor, Tibor Rubin MOH and POW Korean War by G-man
Medal of Honor Recipient Tibor Rubin Korean WAR POW Awarded on September 23, 2005, by President George Bush. Rank and organization: Corporal United States Army, 8th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division Place and date: July 23, 1950to... (read more)

Former Marine turned teacher wins award by Jeff Miller, Orange County Register
Monday, May 1, 2006 - Former Marine turned teacher wins award A teacher wins an award for his achievement in a class he runs with the same discipline and tough love he learned as a Marine. By JEFF MILLER - The ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER COSTA... (read more)

D-15 and counting until May 17 departure for RUN FOR THE WALL by Mustang
The terms D-day and H-hour are used for the day and hour on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. They designate the day and hour of the operation when the day and hour have not yet been determined, or where secrecy is essential. There... (read more)

An American fighting man. His Pearl Horbor story on 8 Dec. 1941, the Bataan Death March and 3 years as a Japanese POW. by G-man
This article tells a little about Lt. Col. Richard Gillett USAF Ret. an American Hero from Fullerton. He is a personal friend and our VVA Chapter was honored to present our VVA National Medal to him last Christmas. From: POW-MIA Network Date: December... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Jimmy W. Phipps by Mustang
Today we Salute: Jimmy W. Phipps * Born, Santa Monica, California Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1371 Place and... (read more)

Through the eyes of a FNG by Bruce Pilch
They told me "it will blow your mind," and "It will be a life-changing experience." Well, here I am, almost 60-years old and a relatively new "biker" going with my Vietnam Veteran’s of America (VVA) brothers from Chapter 785 in Orange County, California.... (read more)

**Trial Math Quiz now attached** Welcome LBUSD Stephens Middle School Students and to all students across this great Nation to our first pilot math program. by Monsoon
This first program is designed to test your calculation skills. As your teacher (Monsoon) travels across this great Nation with “Run For The Wall” 2006, I will be posting miles traveled, fuel consumption and cost of fuel in each of the ten States that... (read more)

Nighthawks 17 Mia's, Phu Bai Vietnam by G-Man
May God Bless the Nighthawks, 131st Aviation Company Phu Bai, Vietnam and the 17 MIA Pilots and crewmen listed below. BOOTH, LAWRENCE RANDOLPH (Pilot) Rattin, Dennis M (IR/Slar Operator) Name: Lawrence Randolph Booth Rank/Branch: O3/US... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Michael J. Novosel by Mustang
Today we salute: MICHAEL J. NOVOSEL Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, 82d Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group From Etna, Pennsylvania Place and date: Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 October 1969.... (read more)

Memorial Day 2005, VVA 785 Director, Justice Eileen Moore (US Army Combat Nurse) gave a moving and inspirational speech at the Pacific View Cemetary, New Port Beach, Ca. by G-man
The motto of Vietnam Veterans of America is “NEVER AGAIN SHALL ONE GENERATION OF VETERANS ABANDON ANOTHER.” · Vietnam Veterans felt shunned by veterans of WWII and the Korean War. They did not feel welcome into traditional veterans’organizations.... (read more)

VVA 785 supports RFTW by G-Man
GETTING READY FOR OUR MISSION By Mike “Tanker” McDole 2006 Central Route Coordinator It won’t be long now until Run For The Wall participants will depart Ontario, California for our ten day pilgrimage to The Wall in DC. As we travel acrossour... (read more)

Vietnam's last POW by G-Man
Capt.Bob White was the last POW released during Operation Homecoming in Vietnam 1973. He is a personal friend and flew Mohawks out of the 73rd Surveillance Aircraft Company in Vung Tau. I left the OV-1 Mohawk unit in 1968 and met up with Bob... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Marvin R. Young by Mustang
Today we salute, Marvin R. Young* Born: 11 May 1947, Alpine, Texas Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Ben Cui, Republic of Vietnam, 21 August 1968.... (read more)

Only two things define a man: How He Lived and How He Died by Bob Heise
Here are two Poems that it has been my Honor to read at every Moving Wall that has come to our area. The first is by a Army Sgt who later became a Roman Catholic Priest. I have spoken to him over the phone. It is called; "Bury Me With Soldiers."... (read more)

A “Band of Brothers”…… VVA Chapter 785 and 9th Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. by Monsoon
Veterans of all wars know well the term "A Band of Brothers," forever bonded with their comrades in arms by their military experience, where brothers depended on their fellow airman or shipmate to cover their six, or where sacrificing one’s life fortheir... (read more)

RFTW XVIII Central Route Detailed Daily Itinerary by Mustang
The Central Route Daily Itinerary can be viewed and printed from the PDF file to the left. (read more)

Three Wars – Different Perspectives: Reflections and ramblings by Bob Nilsson
Having been in, around or involved in three of our nations wars, I thought it might be interesting to share some observations, thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Viet Nam Viet Nam started for me in 1965 when I was on a Med Cruise with the Atlantic... (read more)

Service of Prayer and Reconciliation by Alan D. Cutter, Minister Presbyterian Church
Cordite, chemical and diesel were the incense lifted up. "Patrol" was our processional, as negotiated towards the place of sacrifice. Booby traps and land mines were our invocations. Ambush and engagement our call to worship. Explosion and... (read more)

Meet, Ole Doc by Mustang
First, I have many to thank for my existence. The Marines, my parents (now deceased), my sisters for praying for me, my wife Diane, brothers-in-law and their families, sons-in-law, nieces and nephews, and the three most important reasons I have keptgoing... (read more)

Medal of Honor - John P. Baca by Mustang
Today we salute, John P. Baca Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division Place and date Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, 10 February 1970 Citation: For conspicuousgallantry... (read more)

Thank God for all you Great Warriors by Dinky Dau Doc and Monsoon
Moonday, 04/24/2006 - Email Message from Dinky Dau Doc: Today I attended memorial services at Willamette National Cemetery. My neighor and friend passed away about a month ago and his wife a few months before that. He was in the Army during theBridge... (read more)

A Poem: "I’ll never forget you" by Mustang
From: Eric "Boom-Boom" Kenney To: All 9th Engineers Subject: DINKY-DAU DOC As well as you all know that needle pushing Corpsman, Dinky-Dau Doc, I wonder if any of you will recall this poem he wrote. He gave it to me at the first 9th... (read more)

The Longest Bridge: The Last Decoration by Gary Ward (Posted by Mustang)
Former 9th Engineer Battalion officer of Marines, Gary Ward, wrote this article that was published in the September 2000, LEATHERNECK: MAGAZINE OF THE MARINES. The complete article is found as attachments to this post. ------------------------------------------------... (read more)

Medal of Honor - Wesley L. Fox by Mustang
During the Vietnam War, 245 Medal of Honor citations were issued to American servicemen who engaged in combat actions. We will honor all 245 recepients on this web log, one at a time, to recognize their heroic service and sacrifice. An asterisk(*)... (read more)

The 9th Engineer Battalion, First Marine Division, in Vietnam: 35 Personal Accounts by Mustang
The 9th Engineer Battalion, First Marine Division, in Vietnam: 35 Personal Accounts by Jean Shellenbarger The combat engineers of the First Marine Division, 9th Engineer Battalion, risked their lives daily in Vietnam as they cleared the roads... (read more)

Marine’s Second Career: Teacher of the Year by Mustang
Re-printed from Long Beach Unified School District publication. A gregarious former Marine welcomes students every morning at 7:15 at the front gate of Stephens Middle School. He’s done it for the past six years. He offers high fives, pats on the... (read more)

It is you --- you 9th Engineers by Dinky Dau Doc
I have been fortunate to receive many honors in my life. I have always been blessed with good luck. Working with veterans and their families gave me honor but it also drained me. At the time I retired from my position as my hometown County VeteransService... (read more)

To all the Mothers of our Veterans...Dear Mom by Monsoon
With emotion and love, this letter is dedicated to my beloved Mother who joined the angels this past Christmas. Many Veterans of all service organizations remember well the "doughnut dollies," those wonderful girls that did much to boost the morale... (read more)

The long and lonely road by Mustang
"Each face will lose his name, and time will not defer, but there will always be the bond between what we are, and where we were. ~ Ned Broderick~ The deck slowly leaned to port as I walked to the galley. We had been at sea for fourteen days since... (read more)

Bound by God, Corps, and Honor by Mustang
Vietnam veterans and 9th Engineer Battalion Association members Tony Valentine (Colorado), Bob Heise (New York), and Mike Cummins (Florida), have been working behind the scenes to help their "Brothers" who are riding this year in RFTW. Tony and Mike... (read more)

Vietnam Veterans Bronze 1 ½" medal by Mustang
A Vietnam Veterans Bronze 1 ½" medal is available through the U.S. Mint (http://catalog.usmint.gov/) The design depicts U.S. combat troops engaged in a helicopter assault operation. The helicopter and troops are superimposed over a map of Vietnam.... (read more)

Welcome Students from Stephens Middle School,Long Beach Unified School District, California by Mr. Bill "Monsoon"
On May 17th Chapter 785 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Orange County, California,will team up with Veterans of the 9th Engineer Battalion and begin our 10-Day “mission” to Washington,DC.with “Run For The Wall.” Attached are the Mission Statement,... (read more)

1993 – RFTW, my first year by "The Skipper," Terry Porter
In April 1993, I was walking down the middle of the street in Oatman, AZ (having gone there during the Laughlin River Run). I was wearing my ‘Marine Veteran’ hat and a motorcycle vest (most motorcyclists wear a vest or jacket with ‘Run Pins’ or patches... (read more)

From Vietnam to Desert Storm by Mustang
If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? I Corinthians 14:8 15-years ago: Amazing how time flies January 16, 1991 - The U.S. Enters the Persian Gulf War After a call for protection by Saudi Arabia... (read more)

In Honor-In Memory by Mustang
He was in the Air Force I was in the Marines. I never met or knew him, in fact, up until a few years ago I didn’t even know his name. But then I met a lady who told me about him. She said Major John Francis O’Grady served in the United States Air... (read more)

Welcome Brethren Christian High School by Stretch
This is to welcome all students of Brethren Christian High School to our website. Please encourage the leadership within your school to provide access to enhance your math and history classes by participating in future lesson plans on the blog provided... (read more)

Thanks, Tanya, for taking the time by Ole Doc
A while back, about a month or so, I stopped at this H-D dealership. I was just looking around the store, when this young sales lady approached and asked if there was anything she could help me find. I said no, not at the moment. Just browsing. I then... (read more)

Long overdue by Ole Doc
These photos were taken in November of 1967. Doctor Saltzberg had gotten as many of the Corpsman together who had birthdays during the month of Novemner. It was Doc Collier's last Birthday. He was killed in action on Feburary 7, 1968. Doc Collier... (read more)

A prophecy by The Embalmer
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.... (read more)

Veteran's Memorial - Saddleback College by Mustang
http://www.saddleback.edu/ss/foundation/giftplegefrm.html "Those who have devoted service to this country will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice will live on forever in the hearts of all who cherish freedom." – G.W. DOUGLAS For Immediate... (read more)

A fallen sister, honored and remembered. by Mustang
DoD identifies Corps’ third woman KIA Lance Corporal Juana Navarro Arellano Tuesday, April 11 2006 @ 11:57 PM EST Contributed by: River97 www.marinetimes.com -- The third female Marine to be killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom... (read more)

RFTW: 18-years of Honor by The Skipper
18-years. Has it really been 18-years? Riding down the highway with over 100 motorcycles as we start RUN FOR THE WALL XVIII, I’m thinking that this is the eighteenth time that people who are dedicated to raising POW-MIA awareness have made a statement... (read more)

Run for the Wall VVA785 2006 Website by Mustang
Orange County, California - April 13, 2006 - Vietnam veteran and former 9th Engineer, Mike Cummins, came up with a great idea - Develop an internet web site to chronicle the stories, experiences, and pictures of the 9th Engineer Battalion Vietnam veterans... (read more)

The Dickey Chapelle Church and Dispensery by Mustang
In 1966 Marines from the 9th Engineer Battalion constructed the church and dispensery that was named in honor of Dickey Chapelle, a pioneering female war photographer and journalist who covered World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Dickey loved and... (read more)

Semper Fidelis, my old friends. by Dinky-Dau Doc
By Dinky-Dau Doc While training at Camp Pendleton I had the honor of sharing a "cubicle" with Michael Barry Judd. Later I learned he is the only hospital corpsman serving with the Marines who is listed as MIA. My memories of him recall arather... (read more)

Then and Now by Mustang
We were once soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines ... and young. "In thy faint slumbers I by thee have watch'd And heard thee murmur tales of iron wars ... --- Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part One, Act II, Scene 3 (read more)

Why we fought and why we would do it again by James Webb
By James Webb September 2003 Against a backdrop of political mismanagement and social angst, history has failed to respect those who gave their all to the war in Vietnam. Forty years ago, Asia was at a vital crossroads, moving into an uncertain... (read more)

The Eagle and the Wolf by General Charles Krulak
Remarks for: The Lighthouse Project '99, Central High School, North Carolina General Charles C. Krulak, Commandant of the Marine Corps January 29, 1999 I am honored to be here today before such a prestigious audience. Before the leadership... (read more)