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BULLETIN BOARD

 

 

 

JANUARY 29, 2008

FROM ROBERT  GARZA

 

Robert Garza, (1969-1970) who is having health issues, is seeking any information about the desalination system on board Carpenter during those years. Anyone with information can contact Robert at <mrk@hawaii.rr.com>. He thinks his health problems may be associated to the desalination methods or systems.
 

From: Jimmie Kennedy
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:39 AM
To: Al Salisbury
Subject: msg for Website Bulletin Board


Al, please post the following:


Robert Garza, (1969-1970) who is having health issues, is seeking any information about the desalination system on board Carpenter during those years. Anyone with information can contact Robert at <mrk@hawaii.rr.com>. He thinks his health problems may be associated to the desalination methods or systems.

 

 

JUNE 12, 2006

FROM  JIMMIE KENNEDY

 

Al,
 
I was contacted by Judy Webster, widow of Ernest E.
Webster, who informed me that he died of cancer in
1999 in Portland Oregon.  He was aboard Carpenter in
1962 and 1963, during Operation Shad.  His cancer was
bladder, prostate, testicular and penal.  Judy is
searching for anyone who served with him and/or who is
having any similar medical problems.  Judy can be
contacted at <judyssweetface@aol.com>  She advised me
that Sweet Face is her horse, in case you were
wondering.
 
Will you please post this and also put Ernest's name
on the Memorial page.
 
Thanks,
 
Jimmie
 

 

APRIL 14, 2004

FYI FROM AL CARPENTER

 

Al,

 

Maybe you can post this message on the website.  This is for the benefit of those who were aboard during the SHAD operation in February, March, and June 1963.

 

You already have some info on the site about SHAD.  Those who were aboard have been contacted by the VA and about the medical benefits that may apply to us.

 

Again thank you in advance for doing this.

 

Al Carpenter

 

Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 9:49 AM
Subject: SHAD REUNION

 
I received a phone call and an email from Frank Tetra (ricebelly@juno.com).  He was on the USS Granville S. Hall during part of Project 122/ SHAD.  He is sponsoring a Shad reunion in Seattle, WA June 25, 26 and 27 at the Wyndham Hotel.  This hotel is in front of the SEA-TAC airport.  He says that the rooms will run from King-Single/ Double at $79, Double/ Double and Single/ Double at $89 and a Suite Single/ Double at $99: and each additional person in the room at $10.  The phone number is 1-800-996-3426.
    There will be meetings there with the VA on SHAD.  The hosts for the reunion are David Raybel and Frank Tetra (360-876-0352).
    This is all of the information that I have so far; you can contact Frank by phone or email for any additional information.  So far it seems that a lot of Granville Hall people will be there and it would be nice to see a lot of people from the Test ships attend.
 
Robert (Bob) Bates
8408 NE 142nd. Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98682
(360)260-3634

 

JANUARY 8, 2003

FYI FROM JOE RABY

 

PREVENT FRAUD


The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first
name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they
will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your
first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you
have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a
PO Box use your work address. Never have your
SS# printed on your checks -- you can add it if it is necessary. But if
you have it printed, anyone can get it.

Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides
of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your
wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and
cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of
your passport when traveling  here or abroad.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in
stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.

We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the
key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you
know whom to call.. Keep those where you can find them easily.

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen,
this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step
toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important:

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to
place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert
means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize
new credit.

The numbers are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
 

 

DECEMBER 8, 2002

FYI POSTING FROM LEE "BJ" BJERKE

 

KDVA DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS

OFFICIAL  PRESS  RELEASE

Subject: Korea Defense Service Medal Act Date: 03 Dec 2002 PRT No.:
MA021202001
Released by: Department of Massachusetts PR To: News Media
For Immediate Release

AFTER 48 YEARS OF WAITING KOREA CEASE-FIRE SERVICE IS FINALLY RECOGNIZED

After 48 years of service to the Republic of Korea, U.S. Armed Forces will
finally receive the service medal recognition they earned and deserve for
their historically dangerous and hostile duty.  Approximately 40,000 troops
have served on the peninsula each year since 1954.  On 2 DEC 2002,
President Bush signed the National Defense Authorization for year 2003 that
included the KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL to be awarded to all armed forces
members who served from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the
Secretary of Defense.  The House and Senate passed the bill in
November.  This will affect thousands of former and current Massachusetts
service men and women bringing them the recognition and prestige earned but
withheld for 48 years.  Korea service is the only U.S. military deployment
standing the line face-to-face with an enemy without a service medal award.

There has never been a surrender or formal truce agreement officially
ending the Korean War in spite of 48 years of negotiation.  Only a fragile
cease-fire agreement is in place, and technically, the countries remain at
a state-of-war.  Since cease-fire service began in 1954 there have been
over 40,400 breaches to the cease-fire agreement by North Korean Forces. At
least 1,200 U.S. personnel have died, hundreds wounded, and 87 captured and
held as prisoners.  There have been more than 2,300 Republic of Korea
casualties.

Representative Elton Gallegly, (R-CA 23), was the first Member of Congress
to create legislation for the service medal on May 22, 2001.  His bill had
243 bipartisan cosponsors that included a majority of members on the House
Armed Services Committee. A companion bill introduced in the Senate by
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), June 7, 2001, with 63 bipartisan cosponsors
also included a majority on the Senate Armed Services Committee.  Both
Senators and nine Representatives from Massachusetts cosponsored these bills.

In August 1999 the Korea Defense Veterans of America, headquartered in
Dunellen, NJ, initiated the project to bring proper recognition to
cease-fire veterans.  The KDVA is a national organization of current and
former Armed Forces members from all branches of military service that have
served in Korea between 1945 and the present.  The official web site can be
viewed at:  http://kdvamerica.org

###



Jeff Brothers State Commander, Department of Massachusetts (617) 323-6426
Norman E. Tredway National Commander (732) 752-8457


OFFICIAL  PRESS  RELEASE

Subject: Korea Defense Service Medal Act Date: 03 Dec 2002 PRT No.:
MA021202001
Released by: Department of Massachusetts PR To: News Media
For Immediate Release

AFTER 48 YEARS OF WAITING KOREA CEASE-FIRE SERVICE IS FINALLY RECOGNIZED

After 48 years of service to the Republic of Korea, U.S. Armed Forces will
finally receive the service medal recognition they earned and deserve for
their historically dangerous and hostile duty.  Approximately 40,000 troops
have served on the peninsula each year since 1954.  On 2 DEC 2002,
President Bush signed the National Defense Authorization for year 2003 that
included the KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL to be awarded to all armed forces
members who served from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the
Secretary of Defense.  The House and Senate passed the bill in
November.  This will affect thousands of former and current Massachusetts
service men and women bringing them the recognition and prestige earned but
withheld for 48 years.  Korea service is the only U.S. military deployment
standing the line face-to-face with an enemy without a service medal award.

There has never been a surrender or formal truce agreement officially
ending the Korean War in spite of 48 years of negotiation.  Only a fragile
cease-fire agreement is in place, and technically, the countries remain at
a state-of-war.  Since cease-fire service began in 1954 there have been
over 40,400 breaches to the cease-fire agreement by North Korean Forces. At
least 1,200 U.S. personnel have died, hundreds wounded, and 87 captured and
held as prisoners.  There have been more than 2,300 Republic of Korea
casualties.

Representative Elton Gallegly, (R-CA 23), was the first Member of Congress
to create legislation for the service medal on May 22, 2001.  His bill had
243 bipartisan cosponsors that included a majority of members on the House
Armed Services Committee. A companion bill introduced in the Senate by
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), June 7, 2001, with 63 bipartisan cosponsors
also included a majority on the Senate Armed Services Committee.  Both
Senators and nine Representatives from Massachusets cosponsored these bills.

In August 1999 the Korea Defense Veterans of America, headquartered in
Dunellen, NJ, initiated the project to bring proper recognition to
cease-fire veterans.  The KDVA is a national organization of current and
former Armed Forces members from all branches of military service that have
served in Korea between 1945 and the present.  The official web site can be
viewed at:  http://kdvamerica.org

###



Jeff Brothers State Commander, Department of Massachusetts (617) 323-6426
Norman E. Tredway National Commander (732) 752-8457


-- Naval Resource Guide
     http://members.aol.com/veterans/warlib6s.htm
-- World's Largest Online Personnel Registry
     http://members.aol.com/veterans/warlib46.htm
-- To unsubscribe, send an email to:
     all-things-navy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

NOVEMBER 27, 2002

FYI POSTING FROM JIM LAZALIER


This information may be helpful in locating shipmates or obtaining historical
information.
To locate shipmates be sure  always to  include your ship or military base,
dates of service and send to:


                    Department of the Navy
                    Bureau of Personnel
                    Director of Enlisted Service and
                    Division Records
                    Washington, DC 20370

For a history of your ship:

                    Naval Historical Center
                    Ship's Histories Branch, Bldg.#57
                    Washington Navy Yard
                    Washington, DC 20374

For ship muster rolls:

                    Chief of Naval Operations
                    Department of the Navy
                    OP-09B19
                    Washington, DC  20450

For your naval records:

                    National Personnel Records Center
                    9700 Page Blvd.
                    St. Louis, MO 63132
                    Attn:  Navy Records

It may be that some or all of these addresses have changed but there is a
base for any who wish to give them a try. 

For those who have been exposed to radiation and wish to apply for
compensation or have questions, call 1800-827-1000 or can go online at
www.va.gov and read about the efforts to provide compensation for veterans
who have been exposed to radiation and have one or more of the following:

Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)


Cancer of the Thyroid
Cancer of the breast
Cancer of the pharynx
Cancer of the esophagus
Cancer of the stomach
Cancer of the small intestine
Cancer of the pancreas
Multiple myeloma
Lymphomas (except Hodgkin's Disease)
Cancer of the blie ducts
Cancer of the gall bladder
Primary liver cancer (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated)
Cancer of the salivary gland
Cancer of the urinary tract (kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, urinary
bladder, uretha) Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma
Cancer of the bone
Cancer of the brai
Cancer of the colon
Cancer of the lung
Cancer of the ovary

Certainly any "atomic veteran" should contact the VA to learn of benefits
which may be available to them and should not consider this list to be
exclusive.

 

MAY 24, 2002

 
U.S. tested nerve gas on ships

Until now, officials had not acknowledged using real biological and chemical agents rather than simulations.

May 24, 2002

By MATT KELLEY
The Associated Press

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military used two kinds of nerve gas and a biological toxin in tests on Navy ships in the 1960s, the Pentagon acknowledged for the first time Thursday. Officials said veterans harmed by exposure to the agents could be eligible for health benefits.

The four tests in the Pacific from 1964 to 1968 used either the deadly nerve agent sarin, the nerve gas known as VX, or a biological toxin that causes flu-like symptoms, Defense Department statements said.

The tests, conducted on barges, tugs, destroyers and other ships, were to test the weapons themselves, protective gear and decontamination procedures.

Sketchy records of the tests and ships' logs do not indicate any of those involved in the tests suffered serious health problems at the time, said Dr. Michael E. Kilpatrick, a Defense Department health official.

"It may not be the best, but we believe if anything catastrophic happened or if there were large numbers of ill people, it would be in the log," said Kilpatrick.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has mailed letters to about 600 veterans who may have taken part in the tests, VA Secretary Anthony Principi said Thursday. Any who were harmed by the chemicals could be eligible for VA benefits.

The Pentagon released details about six tests from a 1960s program to evaluate chemical and biological weapons and defenses against them. The Defense Department had agreed two years ago to begin releasing details about the tests and contacting participants after pressure from Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and veterans who participated.

The tests also used chemicals and bacteria meant to simulate weapons, as well as fluorescent or radioactive chemicals used as tracers, the Defense Department said. One type of bacteria used to simulate germ weapons was later found to cause infections, and a separate test where that germ was sprayed on San Francisco is believed to have caused an infection that killed a man.

The tests were among 113 conducted as part of a project called SHAD, or Shipboard Hazard and Defense. The Pentagon has acknowledged using chemical and biological simulants before, but has not admitted using the actual weapons agents themselves.

 

 

APRIL 2, 2002


TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE


Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this
article seemed to be in order. Without help, the person whose heart stops beating properly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing  repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and
prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep  inside the chest. Deep breaths and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up  until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be  beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the  lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many other people as possible about this, it could save their lives!


From Health Cares, Rochester General Hospital via Chapter 240s
newsletter AND THE BEAT GOES ON
 (reprint from The Mended Hearts, Inc. Publication, Heart Response)


 

MARCH 26, 2002

Pentagon To Reveal Biowarfare Tests

Will Release The Names Of Those Tested In The 1960s
Thousands Of Servicemen Sprayed With Chemicals
Dept. Of Veterans Affairs Trying To Get More Information

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2000

"The veterans who participated need to be identified and located. They need to be tested and interviewed to see if they are suffering any health problems as a result of these tests."
Rep. Michael Thompson, D.-Calif.

CBS)
CBS News has learned that the names of servicemen who were sprayed with chemicals decades ago in U.S. military germ warfare tests will be turned over to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

CBS News Correspondent Vince Gonzales reports that during the 1960s, the Pentagon conducted more than 100 secret biological warfare tests at sea.

As CBS News first reported back in May, in two of those tests, code-named "Autumn Gold" and "Copper Head," more than a thousand U.S. sailors were sprayed with materials once thought to be harmless.

Many of those sailors-some of whom claim they were subjected to the test without their consent and were never told what it involved-feel their health has been damaged.

In addition to the names of those tested, the Pentagon also will provide a list of all the tests and the biological and chemical agents used.

But according to a letter from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the Pentagon, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the VA requested a lot more, including classified medical records. The two departments are currently negotiating over what will be released.

Federal officials Wednesday briefed veterans' groups about efforts to get the Pentagon to release more details of the tests.

Veterans like Robert Bates, who has a variety of health problems, have repeatedly tried to get information about the experiments with no success.

"I was told flat by the V.A. No, that never happened," he said.

In 1996, Pentagon officials told the VA "they do not possess" any information about the tests. Two years later, they admitted having "15 bound volumes relating to Autumn Gold alone."

The VA agreed to be interviewed for this story, then backed out, saying it didn't want to derail negotiations with the Pentagon.

Officials who hope to check the sailors' claims called the deal a good first step but say it could be months before the VA has the names and can contact those veterans.

"The veterans who participated need to be identified and located. They need to be tested and interviewed to see if they are suffering any health problems as a result of these tests," said Rep. Michael Thompson, D.-Calif.

Autumn Gold took place off Hawaii in 1963. Copper Head was a similar operation off Newfoundland.

According to a Pentagon briefing film about the tests, the goal was to test the vulnerability of Navy ships to germ warfare attack. Sailors were sprayed with BG, a bacteria considered harmless by the military that is used to simulate the deadly anthrax germ, and then with zinc cadmium sulfide.

Zinc cadmium sulfide compound was thought to be safe, but the military later stopped outdoor spraying. Cadmium compounds are now known to be carcinogenic to humans.

In large doses, BG can also be harmful: in rare cases, it has caused pneumonia, allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting. In 1988, an Army biologist recommended BG spraying "be discontinued" because the claim it "is not dangerous" is "patently erroneous."

In documents previously obtained by CBS News, sailors on the "target ships" in the tests are called "test subjects." Only eight men wore gas masks. They were the "control group" in this experiment.

Other crewmen were ordered to give throat swabs or gargle samples.

In a written statement the Pentagon replied in May that the sailors "were not exposed to any harmful chemical and biological compound" and they all "were fully informed about the details of each test."

Dozens of sailors interviewed dispute that.

Medical corpsmen on vessels involved in one of the tests say and ships' logs indicate an upsurge in upper respiratory tract infections after the test and some cases of nausea, possibly a reaction to BG.

Target Ships
Operation Autumn Gold

USS Navarro APA 215
USS Carpenter DD 825
USS Hoel DDG 13
USS Tioga County LST 1158
*Lab Ship: USS Granville S. Hall YAG 40

Operation Copper Head
USS Power DD 839

MAY 3, 2002 

FVA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


  http://www.va.gov/pressrel/aponline.htm


VA Applications Go Online

  WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Veterans can now apply for benefits and health care online with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Two new systems will allow veterans quick, easy and secure access to apply for compensation, pension, rehabilitation benefits and health care.


  "This is the first step toward an electronic VA," said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hershel W. Gober. "We will use the best in the business world and the latest in the high technology sector to deliver world-class benefits and care to
veterans. That's a promise."

  To apply for health care, veterans can fill out and submit an
Internet-based 10-10 EZ application available today for the first time nationwide. Initially tested at 30 VA facilities, the 10-10 EZ is automatically e-mailed to the VA health care facility selected by the veteran. VA employees register the data, print the form
and mail it back to the veteran for signature. Veterans can also print out the completed form and mail it to a VA health care facility themselves.

  "Veterans On Line Applications" (VONAPP) is designed for veterans to apply for compensation, pension, and vocational rehabilitation benefits through the Internet. Completed applications are sent electronically to the veteran's local VA  office. Processing begins right away and veterans receive a response letting them know the status of their applications.

 

  "Of course, security is of paramount importance," said Gober. "These forms are individually encrypted, ensuring the privacy of veterans' personal data. This is part of VA's approach to department-wide security planning and management." Later this year, VA plans to offer education applications on the Internet.  Currently, veterans attending school under the Montgomery GI Bill can make their monthly certification of enrollment at:

http://www.gibill.va.gov

 

Along with 10-10 EZ and VONAPP, VA has redesigned its Web page. "When veterans access www.va.gov, there will be no doubt that the focus and content reflects the department's commitment to veterans," said Gober. "The new design makes it easy to find information, as well as online applications."

  VA aims to eventually put all its health care and benefits applications online. However veterans are not required to apply online and can continue to use paper applications. To download other VA applications see:


 http://www.va.gov/forms

  "Online applications, bar coding for medications, computerized record systems, telemedicine and in the near future -- Smart Cards -- are all examples of VA developing information technology on par, and often ahead of, the rest of the country," said Gober. "I'm really excited about what technology can do to allow us to do a better job in caring for the nation's veterans."

  To access Internet applications:
 http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/

  Submitted,
 YNCS Don Harribine, USN(Ret)
NAVetsUSA
NCPOA