The American Legion [Volume 164, No. 1 (January 2008)]

14.6 MB·English

by  American Legion. National Headquarters

Page CV1
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Page 01
contents
January 2008 • Vol. 164, No. 1
14 Flight Risk
The Andrew Speaker case has challenged
public-health offi cials to re-examine the
importance and legality of isolating the
infected. By Margaret Davidson
20 Fresh Paint
Color is reappearing in the Iraqi city of
Ar Ramadi, where a fragile peace continues
to hold after years in the crucible of war.
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Robison 30
38 Dad vs. Beast
Former Marine Chris Everhart didn’t have time The Majority’s Right to Rule
to think when he took on a wild bear to
Viewed from an historical perspective,
protect his young sons. By Rich Daigle the American people will most certainly
42 Sen. Daniel Akaka: Bring VA Up to Date win back their right to protect the fl ag.
By Richard Parker
As the second half of the 110th Congress
opens, restructuring VA and addressing the
claims backlog are high priorities for the
chairman of the Senate Veterans Aff airs
Committee. Interview by Jeff Stoff er
ON THE COVER
46 ‘No Shame in Saving Lives’
U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine
The late Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets lived long
Regiment, Civil Aff airs Group, II Marine
and without regret after dropping the bomb
Expeditionary Force (Forward) inspect a
that ended World War II.
drainage canal outside Camp Ramadi, Iraq.
U.S. Army/Spc. Kieran Cuddihy
5 Vet Voice
10 Commander’s Message
12 Big Issues
48 Rapid Fire
60 Comrades
64 Parting Shots
The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members.
These wartime veterans, working through 15,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national
security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation’s youth.
THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2008
Page 02
“As these Colt.45’s pass into Limited Edition is strictly restricted to only 500
public exhibits and private pistols per service branch.
collections, each is destined “SilverTribute”–Elegant Nickel Plating
for historical and collector
For veterans and collectors who prefer a Show
greatness.Each is an Official Quality yet rugged finish, the Colt SilverTribute is
Colt Collectible.” available. Each pistol is mirror polished and plated
— Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC with beautiful, yet heavy-duty, Nickelplating. The through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
S Silver Tribute Limited Edition is strictly restricted to Satisfaction Guaranteed
ay farewell to the “Golden Age of Military
Small Arms”. It has drawn to a close. only1,000 per service branch. Your satisfaction is guaranteed or you may return
Our fighting forces are entering the high- Considering the many millionsof Americans who your Colt pistol within 30 days for a full refund.
technology “Star Wars/Land Warrior” era of “smart” served in the Armed Forces during the “.45 era”, the Each of these special Colt pistols is a tangiblelink
weapons tied in with back-pack computers, satellite 20th Century, the edition limits are highly restricted. to yourAmerican past immortalized in steel for the
up-links, laser guidance and thermal imaging video In each category, your pistol will meet your closest future, to help veterans, families and patriotic
displays. scrutiny because it is custom finished to museum Americans remember our military service and the
As we fondly recall this Golden Age – this era of quality, with these special features: warfare we fought during this “Golden Age” – our
our lifetime – one firearm comes to mind that best •Experienced gun polishers carefully burnish and age – of the “.45 era” of the 20th Century.
embodies the spirit of those of us who served in the polish the steel surfaces to a mirrorfinish. Continue the mission. . . lest we forget. © AHF
•Elaborate, yet traditional, military panoplies of
20th Century. RESERVATION
It’s the Colt M1911A1 .45. From 1911 to 1985 – classical laurel leaves, banners, and historical Satisfaction guaranteed or return within 30 days for a full refund.
inscriptions are laid down in deep bas relief by Yes, please enter my reservation for the Colt Armed Forces Tribute(s)
even in “second-life” service in recent fighting in selected below. I understand each is accompanied by a Certificate
indelible acid etching along the slide. of Authenticity.
Iraq—it served longerthan any other military small
•The symbol of the service branch honored forms U. S. Army U. S. Marine Corps U. S. Navy U. S. Air Force
arm in the world—past, present, or, likely, future. the focal point of the slide, flanked by the service My deposit (or credit card authorization) of $195 per Colt pistol
And it was the most powerfulissue pistol, ever. Its is enclosed. Please charge or invoice the balance due
passing, due to NATO standardization of 9mm, is branch name, its proud motto and the four stars of prior to delivery...
its senior, flag-rank officer. Its founding date, Golden Tribute:in ten monthly payments of $200, or
still bemoaned. etched in a yet another foliate banner, embellishes in full, and/or
Army,Marine Corps,Navy,Air Force the lower front side of the slide. Silver Tribute:in ten monthly payments of $180, or in full.
My full payment of $2195 per Golden Tribute and/or
Now, Colt and The American Historical •Custom-designed, fired-enamel cloisonnés enhance $1995 perSilver Tribute is enclosed.
Foundation are proud to issue Official Colt bothright and left grips, displaying the initials of the Please include the wall-mounting, American Display Case, with
Collectibles, separate firing M1911A1 .45’s, to honor service branch honored. The color of the enamel locking glass lid, adding one final payment of $149.
each of our Armed Forces – U.S. Army, Marine work is distinctive to the service branch honored. Check or money order enclosed. Virginia residents please add 5% tax.
If I cancel my reservation prior to delivery I will receive
Corps, Navy and Air Force – in your choice of •The custom checkered Rosewood grips add a fin- a full refund,less a commissioning fee of $195.
24-Karat Gold plating or Classic Nickel plating. ishing touch to the museum-quality masterpiece. Please charge: Visa, MC, Am. Ex. or Discover
Each Tribute is issued by The American Historical How to Reserve Card No._______________________________________Exp.________
Foundation under a license arrangement with Colt’s
The Colt Golden Tribute and Silver Tribute Name________________________________________________________
Manufacturing Company.
Limited Edition M1911A1 .45’s are available exclu- Address______________________________________________________
The Colt“GoldenTribute”
sively through The AmericanHistorical Foundation.
City/State/Zip_______________________________________________
The 24-Karat Gold Plated GoldenTribute is a To reserve or for questions, simply call our Member
firingMuseum Piece; each gleams like a valuable Relations staff toll free, at 1-800-368-8080, or return Daytime Telephone (______)____________________________________
The American Historical Foundation
Gold nugget, as rich 24-Karat Gold plating the Reservation Form in the mail.
10195 MAPLELEAFCOURT, ASHLAND, VA 23005
glistens across each mirror-polished pistol. This We will arrange delivery of your working pistol WEBSITE: AHFRICHMOND.COM1-800-368-8080
AR029
Page 03
MESOTHELIOMA VICTIMS
NATIONAL COMMANDER Marty Conatser
PUBLISHER The American Legion
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Daniel S. Wheeler
OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR Patricia Marschand
MANAGING EDITOR Jeff Stoffer
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/
OPERATIONS Brandy Ballenger
SENIOR EDITOR Steve Brooks
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Grills
ASSISTANT EDITOR James V. Carroll
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Alan W. Dowd
ART DIRECTOR Holly K. Soria
DESIGNER Matt Everett
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tony Heath
THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE COMMISSION
CHAIRMAN Dennis J. Henkemeyer Bagley, MN
VICE CHAIRMAN James H. Hall Hopewell, NJ
COMMANDER’S
REPRESENTATIVE Terry D. Lewis Philadelphia
CONSULTANTS James J. Charleston Hawthorn Woods, IL
Robert A. Corrigan Bronx, NY
MEMBERS Roger H. Anderson South Windsor, CT
James F. Angell Sedro Woolley, WA
Harold F. Arnold Statesboro, GA
Sam Barney Lancaster, OH
Phillip Boatner Clayton, OK
Claude B. Carpenter Little Rock, AR
Donald R. Conn South Bend, IN
When training, experience and a steady James W. Conway Charlestown, MA
Philip B. Finley Colby, KS
Richard A. Font Autaugaville, AL
Dennis E. Fritz Columbus Junction, IA
hand really count, turn to fellow veterans. Charles E. Hartman Eau Claire, PA
Theodore Hartmann Smithton, IL
Roy L. Kirkham Minden, LA
Aleta A. Krauss Claymont, DE
James J. Leyser Fresno, CA
For many veterans, their battles are far from Silas M. Noel Frankfurt, KY
Robert E. Vass Sr. Huntington, WV
over. They’re stricken with mesothelioma Frank C. Ward Greenville, SC
NEC LIAISON
from exposure to ASBESTOSaboard ships COMMITTEE William W. Kile
Chairman, Petersburg, WV
and elsewhere. Burdened with skyrocketing Andrew W. Johnson Honolulu
Cleve Rice St. Anthony, ID
medical costs, vets and their families Floyd W. Turner Birmingham, AL
need financial security. ADVERTISING
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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Diane Andretti
Harvard, 1979 ASSISTANT
USMC, 1979-89, 1991 ADVERTISING MANAGER Amanda A. Harpenau
As former Marines, we know how to win a Gulf War Veteran ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Laura Edwards
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Copyright 2008 by The American Legion
Harvard, 1985
Trust in those who’ve served with you. USMC 1986-1989 The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published monthly
by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216.
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Page 04
‘ Myths of st-Century War’
Ralph Peters thinks and expresses
what a great many of us war veterans
The Magazine for a Strong America feel (November). “Ivy League
universities once produced heroes,” he
NATIONAL 700 N. Pennsylvania St. wrote. Immediately I thought of Sgt.
HEADQUARTERS Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hamilton Fish and Lt. William Tiff any of
AMERICAN P.O. Box 1055
LEGION Indianapolis, IN 46206 the 1898 Rough Riders, who served in
MAGAZINE
E-MAIL [email protected] Cuba – Fish lost his life there – and of
TELEPHONE [phone] Theodore Roosevelt, their headstrong
WEB SITE www.legion.org
SUBSCRIPTIONS Free with membership leader. None of them, or other
Non-members: $15
Foreign: $21 bluebloods, had to go. It was just “holding our manhood high” above comfort
Post-spon sored and widows: $6 and wealth.
Single copies: $3.50
CHANGE OF The American Legion Peters’ “dumbed-down” school textbooks in fact refl ect a lack of U.S. history
SAUDBDSRCERSIPST AIONDN DP.Oat. aB Soexr 1v9ic5e4s in depth, relegating wars to the politically correct dustbin of history.
SERVICES Indianapolis, IN 46206 – Russell Rulau, Iola, Wis.
[phone]
[email protected]
For change of address by mail,
attach old address label, provide new The war belongs not to the doorstep. What we are experi-
address and membership number.
soldier who fi ghts it but the encing is a crisis of leadership.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN LEGION
Veterans who served at least one day of active military duty entire nation. Whether or not President Bush and Vice Presi-
during wartime, or are serving now, are potentially eligible
for membership in The American Legion. Members must we should have gone into Iraq is dent Cheney are correct that we
have been honorably discharged or still serving honorably. now a mute point and an must aggressively fi ght the war
ELIGIBILITY Aug 2, 1990 – current
DATES OF Dec. 20,1989 – Jan. 31, 1990 argument that belongs to on terror, but they put our
MILITARY Aug. 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984 historians. The reality is that troops in the wrong arena.
SERVICE Feb. 28,1961 – May 7, 1975
June 25, 1950 – Jan. 31, 1955 we are now there and our Allow me to clarify just a few
Dec. 7, 1941 – Dec. 31, 1946
April 6, 1917 – Nov 11, 1918 countrymen are engaged in of Peters’ 12 myths:
(Merchant Marines who served
from Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946, battle. That means we must (cid:132) War doesn’t change
are also eligible.)
render full national support – anything. As our troops make
TO JOIN Membership Division
[email protected] far more important than all the sacrifi ces, Bush tells
[phone]
www.legion.org political partisanship – to those Americans to go on living
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION we have sent to fi ght. unchanged. How can we fi ght a
VETERANS AFFAIRS [phone]
& REHABILITATION [email protected] However, given our current war and not have it change our
FAMILY SUPPORT [phone] level of manning and military lives? Clearly the difference
NETWORK [email protected]
CITIZENS FLAG [phone] resources, a ground war against between this war and Vietnam
ALLIANCE [email protected]
www.cfa-inc.org Iran is simply not in our inter- is the fact that there is no draft.
LEGION RIDERS [phone] est. Pulling in our horns for a (cid:132) Victory is impossible today.
www.legion.org/legionriders
[email protected] bit to rearm, refi t and rebuild Victory should not be using our
AMERICAN LEGION [phone]
BASEBALL [email protected] may not play well to those who troops to create a democratic
www.baseball.legion.org
won the Cold War, but it may be government in Iraq. Rather, we
BOYS NATION [phone]
[email protected] the wisest thing to do now for should be coordinating an
JUNIOR [phone]
SHOOTING SPORTS [email protected] our survival in the long run. international effort to track
ORATORICALN CAOTINOTNEASTL (m31b7u) [email protected] – Rick Fulton, Pittsburg, Kan. down and kill terrorists. Bush
HEROES TO [phone] says this is unlike any war
HOMETOWNS [email protected]
As I read Ralph Peters’ article, we’ve fought. So why are we
SCHOLARSHIPS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS
AMERICAN LEGACY [phone] his 12 “myths” about 21st-cen- fi ghting it like previous wars?
SCHOLARSHIP [email protected]
AMERICAN LEGION [phone] tury war evaporate in the heat Rather than capture and hold,
ENDOWMENT FUND of happenings in the real world. we should seek and destroy.
CHILD WELFARE [phone]
FOUNDATION www.cwf-inc.org A real piece of “Foxy” propa- (cid:132) There is no military solution.
EMERGENNACTYI FOUNNADL (ia3@17l)e 6g3io0n-1.o2r0g2 ganda, eh? There is a military solution to
AMERICAN LEGION MERCHANDISE – Don Gregory, Alpha, Ky. the violence in Iraq, but U.S.
ORDER PLACEMENT [phone]
AND CATALOG emblem.legion.org troops should not be involved.
REQUESTS [email protected]
Ralph Peters has presented If they leave now, it will get very
AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY
AMERICAN LEGION [phone] relevant areas of discussion but bloody. But that will happen
AUXILIARY www.legion-aux.org
SONS OF THE [phone] appears to lay the blame for our whenever we leave. Iraqis must
AMERICAN LEGION www.sal.legion.org shortcomings at the wrong determine their future.
JANUARY 2008 | THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE 5
Page 05
(cid:132) Our invasion of Iraq created
our terrorist problems. Invading IMPORTANT NOTICE
Iraq didn’t create our terrorist This is a clarifi cation to the “Sears Member Purchase Program” story that
problems, but it has limited our appeared in the Rapid Fire section of the December 2007 American Legion
Magazine. Critical information was mistakenly edited out of the item.
ability to fi ght terrorism on a
The Sears Member Purchase Program, an American Legion affi nity
global scale. There is no single
partnership, DOES NOT INCLUDE RETAIL SEARS OUTLETS. The program
target, such as Iraq, toward
is limited to purchases made through Sears Commercial Sales.
which we can direct our efforts.
Following is the original release, which contains accurate and complete
President George H.W. Bush
information about the program. The American Legion Magazine regrets the
made the right decision when he error and apologizes for any inconveniences it may have caused for its
chose not to remove Saddam members or for Sears.
Hussein from power after the
Sears Member Purchase Program
Gulf War. He realized Saddam Remodeling? Relocating? Sears makes it easy to choose and purchase
was a buffer to more extremist the latest appliances for your home through the Sears Member Purchase
elements in the Middle East. Program, The American Legion’s newest affi nity partner.
We must divert the resources You can also choose from other outstanding, well-known products for
devoted to Iraq to rebuilding our your home such as Craftsman® Garage Storage, Sealy® and Sears-O-Pedic®
military, providing services to Mattresses, NordicTrack® Exercise Equipment, Craftsman® Lawn Tractors,
Kenmore® Outdoor Grills, Televisions and more!
veterans, addressing U.S. health
Available exclusively through Sears Commercial Sales, members will
care, securing our borders and
receive a private selection consultation with a Sears professionally trained
solidifying our support for Israel.
specialist and additionally receive Preferred Affi liate Program Pricing,
– James A. Dugan, State College, Pa.
backed by Sears’ Matching Plus Policy.
Visit an Appliance Select Center nearest you or contact Bill Gillette at
As Ralph Peters writes, when [phone] or [email protected].
restrictions are placed on Selections and purchases are not available through Sears retail or dealer
U.S. troops, nothing good stores.
happens. I say shoot to kill, not Locate an Appliance Select Center
ask some politician if it’s OK. If www.contractsales.sears.com/contactus/scs_contact_as_locations.html
you don’t shoot the bastard in
When making your purchases, use Member Purchase Account No.
the cleric’s robe, he’ll shoot you. CU-067849.
No more nice guy in Iraq.
– Al Heidler, Parkland, Fla.
The Fairness Doctrine I was shocked to read
Ralph Peters’ article is an I read about Rep. Dennis Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s view of
incisive, realistic appraisal of the Kucinich’s support of the so- fairness in the media.
insouciant and misguided beliefs called Fairness Doctrine with Just review the makeup of
of the general public, oblivious amusement (Big Issues, Novem- U.S. industries: banking, insur-
to the crucial dimensions of the ber). The real issue here is not ance, brokerage houses, steel,
war on terror. fairness or diversity but conser- aluminum, glass, chemical and
– John O’Halloran, Glen Allen, Va. vative vs. liberal. Otherwise, so on. Companies that meet the
Kucinich would demand a demands of their customers
You need not have a Ph.D. to balance to liberal radio programs dominate the marketplace.
comprehend what Ralph Peters is such as “The Alan Colmes Kucinich’s theory would
saying. All that is required is a Show,” “The Ed Schultz Show” examine whether or not failed
reasonable amount of common and Air America. There would companies were fairly treated in
sense, along with some under- also be a balance to The New advertising, loan policies and
standing of history. York Times, TheWashington employment practices. Did
His article brings to mind Post, TheLos Angeles Times, successful companies employ
G.K. Chesterton’s observation: ABC, NBC, CNN and the rest. suffi cient minorities and people
“War is not the best way of How about Kucinich and other of different sexual orientation?
settling differences; however, it like-minded people listen to and Was payroll distribution a shared
is the only way of preventing watch what they want, and the response to profi ts?
their being settled for you.” rest of us will do the same? The government’s involvement
– Steve Murphy, Holtsville, N.Y. – Tom Benjamin, Saugerties, N.Y. in producing and disseminating
6 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2008
Page 06
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Page 07
news is already an infringement ‘Tropical Squeeze’ involvement in a vicious bite
on freedom of speech we’re On behalf of Puerto Rican case. Behavior testing should be
supposed to be guaranteed by veterans, we want to thank Jeff mandated before suspected
the First Amendment. Just look Stoffer for his excellent article aggressive animals are returned
at PBS and NPR. describing the problems suffered to their owners, and in vicious
– John W. Weidenhof, Lewes, Del. by our veteran population of and neglect cases, laws should be
more than 153,000 people enacted that restrict ownership
Dennis Kucinich failed to point (November). of animals.
out that there are more than 700 It’s about time that one of – Charlie Atkins, Morgan Hill, Calif.
taxpayer-funded broadcasting America’s most multilayered
outlets nationwide that meet his bureaucracies upgrades a real My mother was the victim of a
defi nition of “diverse.” If Ku- health-care system for pit-bull attack while walking in
cinich were honest he would U.S. citizens who live below the her neighborhood in New
also want to muzzle the print poverty level. Puerto Rico has Mexico. It blind-sided her and
media. After all, they are distrib- supported every confl ict since tore her lower leg open, and if
uted across state lines and fall World War I, so it’s a shame that two brave men hadn’t stopped
under interstate commerce the San Juan facility ranks No. 1 their truck, got out and scared
regulations the same as any among all VA hospitals for the dog away, Mom probably
other product. If you assault one physical defi ciencies. would have been mauled to
form of freedom of the press, you Thank you for helping our death. She sat in a pool of blood,
assault them all. voices be heard by the Legion’s waiting for the ambulance the
Make no mistake: if Kucinich membership and by our fellow men called.
gets the legislation passed, the Americans. Nothing of any legal signifi -
Internet is next. – Ivan Vega-Lassalle, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico cance transpired. The county
– Kermit Smith, Hampton, Ga. and city obviously do not care
‘A Vicious Cycle’ about dog control. Mom doesn’t
I listen to talk radio, including Thank you for Ken Olsen’s go on walks anymore. She is
Rush Limbaugh and Sean article on urban dog fi ghting afraid of legal and/or social
Hannity. These stations do not (November), a public-health repercussions.
discuss Paris Hilton’s legal problem that gets only occasion- How is this different from a
issues. They are too busy al attention. I have run into this serious assault by a person?
covering important issues, like time and again as a deputy – Josh Nims, Waco, Texas
how liberals are trying to tax us sheriff, narcotics agent and, most
to death. And talk radio is where recently, humane and animal- ‘The Worst and Best  Months’
I can hear all the news that other control offi cer in the South Bay I just read the excellent article
stations (ABC, CBS, PBS, etc.) area of San Jose, Calif. My fellow by Chaplain Lt. Col. Douglas
refuse to cover. offi cers have to deal with vicious Etter, about his service in Iraq
On talk radio, I hear what good dog owners as well, going in (November). As a retired Navy
things the U.S. military is unarmed where police will only chaplain who served with a
accomplishing in Iraq. The go with backup. Marine battalion in Vietnam,
“drive-by media” is too busy Unfortunately, enforcement is and as a hospital corpsman
telling us about the bad things. diffi cult without the mandate of during the Korean War, I found
Let people make their own law. Domestic animals are “Quiet Conversations” especially
choices, and let the market drive considered property; thus, even moving. My prayers are for our
itself. The government needs to vicious dog cases must be treated troops in harm’s way.
fi nd better ways to spend its time as such. Many times, a shelter is Godspeed, and keep up the
and our money. forced to return an animal to an good work.
– Mike McLean, Richfi eld, Minn. owner because of lack of witness – Clark A. Tea, Cathedral City, Calif.
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8 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2008
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