Thursday, November 9, 2017 • FOLSOM TELEGRAPH A7
NOVEMBER 11, 2017
THOUSANDS EXPECTED
for 17th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Parade Folsom Veteran Fred Tully is 2017 Grand Marshal BY BILL SULLIVAN OF THE FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
PHOTO BY BILL SULLIVAN • FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
SEE PARADE PAGE A9
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This Saturday, Nov. 11, thousands of spectators are expected to line Folsom’s main thoroughfare in patriotic fashion to honor those who defended our freedom for the 17th annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Parade. This year’s parade theme will be from the story of the Buddy Poppy, “Remembering our veterans and their sacrifices.” The annual Wayne Spence Veterans Parade started out nearly two decades ago as a one-man parade through Folsom by none other than local resident Wayne Spence. A proud and patriotic man, Spence began this annual tradition by parading through
HONORING OUR VETERANS
HONORING OUR VETERANS
HONORING OUR VETERANS
NOVEMBER 11, 2017
The Buddy Poppy at the Veterans Day Parade New book inspires veterans with PTSD
BY RACHEL ZIRIN
OF THE FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
Last weekend was declared Buddy Poppy Weekend in the city of Folsom and the response was overwhelming. Jim Bloodworth, Buddy Poppy chairman from VFW Post 6604, said the weekend went very well and it’s great to have stores such as Safeway and Wal-Mart, as well as restaurants like Mary’s Gold Miner Café, who support the veterans and let them give out the poppies outside. “The result was exceptional,” he said. “There were people who showed up just for the poppies. The Casa Robles Air Force JROTC deserves a pat on the back. They were the ones who actually manned the booths and passed out the poppies. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to do it.” At the time of publication, the amount of poppies handed out and the amount of donations received were still being counted. This year’s Veterans Day Parade theme is the Buddy Poppy, which is very fitting. Each year during the Veterans Day Parade, the VFW gives out Buddy Poppies to everyone, and during the 2017 Folsom Pro Rodeo, they gave out close to 11,000. Bloodworth said this year, since the parade is on a Saturday, he is anticipating giving out many more poppies than usual. “It’s a captured patriotic audience. A lot of people know about the poppy, but the majority doesn’t, and they are willing to take it and understand what it’s about,” he said. “I just absolutely love the people who come out to the parade. I will have kids break from the parade to come shake my hand. They really appreciate the veterans; they
Author’s latest title tells real life stories of vets from recent wars
PHOTO BY BILL SULLIVAN • FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
Bloodworth said this year, since the parade is on a Saturday, he is anticipating giving out many more poppies than usual. appreciate their freedom, and Folsom is just a wonderful city. That parade just brings tears to my eyes.” During the parade, Bloodworth and his volunteers will be dressed in yellow aprons giving out the Buddy Poppy throughout. “Donations are not required, but they go to needy veterans and their families,” he said. Bloodworth is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested, contact him at 916-673-8444. About the Buddy Poppy For more than 90 years, the red poppy has been a symbol of remembrance for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Folsom Post 6604 of the VFW will be giving out the Buddy Poppy for donations. “The Buddy Poppy originates from the wild red poppy that grows in Europe, especially on Flanders Field,” said Jim Bloodworth, Buddy Poppy chairman from VFW Post 6604. “Flanders Field was a major battle ground from World War I located between France and Belgium.” Bloodworth said there was a poem written about the wild
poppies coming up to the graves and how people started thinking of it as remembrance — “In Flanders Field the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row …” written by Canadian soldier John McCrae. “We use Buddy for us who think of our buddies who didn’t come home,” he said. Bloodworth has made it his goal to bring more awareness and understanding of the Buddy Poppy and what it stands for and so far he hasn’t disappointed. The program has raised millions of dollars nationally in support of veterans and is always put on the weekend before Veterans Day to get people into the patriotic spirit. “When I was growing up, it was rare that you saw someone without the poppy,” he said. “They were so proud, but now, people don’t really know about it.” Bloodworth’s goal has been to make Folsom aware of the Buddy Poppy again, and so far, it is coming along. “The most important thing is for people to acknowledge veterans and tradition,” he said. The VFW’s mission is to honor the dead by helping the living, and that is what the donations go toward.
TELEGRAPH STAFF All too often, today’s veterans need help when they return from combat duty overseas – help finding a job, help recovering from PTSD, help reintegrating into a civilian routine and help summoning the inspiration to overcome those and many other obstacles. Thomas Whittingslow’s latest book, “Taking Back Your Life: Transition from Military “Taking Back to Civilian Life,” provides help Your Life” finding that inspiration. AUTHOR: Thomas The former Marine and Army veteran’s new book, set for a Whittingslow Veterans Day release in paCONTACT: 520-262perback, offers inspiring real 7728, twhittingslow@ life stories told by the veterans gmail.com or amazon. of Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam com/Taking-Back-Yourand World War II who’ve dealt Life-Transition-ebook/ with PTSD. The book also dp/B075NSPRZY provides essential information about the Veterans’ Court and tips on finding employment with Federal agencies, like the Border Patrol. Whittingslow, a Folsom resident, came up with the idea for the book after meeting veterans at the gym who were struggling with adjustment to civilian life. “I wanted to give something back to the military and the VA, for their support,” he said. “Taking Back Your Life” is specifically written for veterans of all ages, their spouses and loved ones and anyone involved with veteran self-help groups. The book continues Whittingslow’s drive to write books that inspire people to find a better path in their lives. His “Uncommon Wisdom: The Inspiring Lessons of 12 Extraordinary People,” which included interviews with veterans, received five-star reviews on Amazon.com. Collaborating with Whittingslow is George Gafner, who has provided therapy or supervised the treatment of 10,000 veterans and their families. For 28 years, Gafner worked at the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System as director of family therapy and hypnosis training. The book’s release date also marks Whittingslow’s birthday. He turns 81. “Taking Back Your Life” is available in both paperback and ebook.
Everyday is Veteran’s Day SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY FLYING THE AMERICAN FLAG!
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NOVEMBER 11, 2017
A8 FOLSOM TELEGRAPH • Thursday, November 9, 2017
( 9 1 6 ) 9 3 9 - 4 0 0 0 | D V BE # 1 0 1 2 6 1 0 | C A L IC E N S E # 7 3 4 1 2 4
Thank you for your service
Thursday, November 9, 2017 • FOLSOM TELEGRAPH A9
PHOTOS BY BILL SULLIVAN • FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
Parade: Participants are expected to number 3,000 CONTINUED FROM PAGE A9
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the streets of Folsom on his own to honor our local veterans. He then promoted the event that has grown to one of the largest parades in the region annually and is traditionally held on Veterans Day itself, regardless what day of the week it may fall on. Spence was also known for his involvement in assisting the City of Folsom with the naming of various streets after fallen vets. Local veteran, Fred Tully Jr., serves as grand marshal for the 2017 parade. Tully served 21 years of active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps and is a three-time Purple Heart recipient. The parade theme is tied to the story of the Buddy Poppy, the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Tully joined the Marine Corps in 1947 and served until 1968 before he began a career in corrections. Today, he walks around with a bullet still lodged in his back, yet he doesn’t regret his decision to enlist one bit. “It was the best thing I ever did,” Tully said. “I wasn’t going down a great road at the time. I was a high school drop-out, and I made the choice to serve my country. I enjoyed everything about it.” Tully has lived in Folsom for 40 years where he raised four children, all of which graduated from Folsom High School. As he will lead the parade Saturday in a very special role, he is honored to honor those who have served along with him. “This is quite an honor, and I didn’t really expect it,”
Tully said. “I guess I did what a lot of people do when they are recognized for what they have done and wondered, why me? I’m just one of many veterans out there that loved serving their country. I love all of them, and I love the City of Folsom and look forward to honoring them like this on Saturday.” The highly anticipated event is set to begin at 9 a.m. on East Bidwell Street in front of the HomeGoods parking lot, located at 430 Blue Ravine Road. This year it’s expected that the number of participants will exceed the 3,000 with marching bands, floats, classic cars, riders on horseback, color guard and more. Local dignitaries and veterans will judge the parade entries and award those who are outstanding. A brief ceremony to honor local veterans will be held following the parade at the Veterans Memorial in Folsom City Lions Park. The one-and-a-half-mile parade will begin at 430 Blue Ravine Road and will enter E. Bidwell Street from Montrose Drive. The parade will travel westbound on E. Bidwell Street, northbound on Coloma Street, and will proceed to Natoma Street. The parade will conclude at the Folsom Community Center at 52 Natoma Street. The Folsom Police Department will coordinate a temporary closure of all lanes of traffic on E. Bidwell Street from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Natoma Street from Coloma to Wales Drive will close from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
HONORING OUR VETERANS
Closures will be lifted immediately after the parade ends. Detours around the parade will be marked. Motorists are encouraged to take Riley and School streets as alternate routes. The parade will be held rain or shine. For more information contact Ted Ocampo at 916351-3521 or tocampo@folsom.ca.us. Look for photos of the 2017 Veterans Parade in the next edition of the Folsom Telegraph and at folsomtelegraph.com.
Gold Star street signs honor fallen veterans BY RACHEL ZIRIN OF THE FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
All around the historic streets of Folsom, there are blue signs with gold stars on them. Have you ever wondered why? The Telegraph compiled history on the fallen veterans whom our streets are named after. The signs are a part of the Gold Star program to honor Folsom’s fallen veterans. Started in 2004, the city replaced approximately 76 signs that honored 11 Folsom veterans. The streets include: Blodgett Way, Nichols Circle, Dean Way, Henderson Way, Needles Way, Duchow Way, McKiernan Way, Rumsey Way, Price Way, Wales Drive and Farley Court. *Various history is missing and some may have more than others. Lewis Jefferson Blodgett was born September 11, 1889 in Colusa County. He was the son of Moses H. Blodgett and Florence Ada Johnsons Blodgett. Lewis was the brother of Artamissa Maria Blodgett Kelley and Esther Azalia Blodgett Kelley Harlan. Lewis was a United States Marine Corps Private who was killed in action in France during World War I on Oct. 4, 1918. He served with the G Regiment, second division. He is currently buried at the Lakeside Memorial Lawn Cemetery. William Hudson Nichols Jr. was born on Dec. 12, 1873 in Folsom. He graduated from Folsom Public School and was head of his class. At the age of 16, he received a first grade teacher’s certificate. Prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps, he worked at the Rocklin Railroad Depot and later learned the printers’ trade working for the Telegraph. He was said to be of jovial nature, counted everybody as his friend and was a favorite with his associates. On November 15, 1898, at the age of 25, Nichols enlisted in the Marine Corps at Mare Island Navy Yard and was stationed on the gunboat Yorktown in the South Pacific. During the Boxer uprising, Nichols served in the Peking Legation Guard under Major Waller. In 1900, he was transferred to the gunboat
Newark to rescue imperiled Americans in Peking, China. At the age of 27, Nichols was killed by a sniper on June 18, 1900, while on the gunboat Newark during the Boxer Rebellion in China. He died while attempting to save the lives of Americans and other innocent victims of the murderous Boxer bandits. Nichols was the first Folsom-born veteran to be killed in action. A year later his body was found. During the month of October, 1901, his father received letter from Marine Headquarters stating that his son’s body had arrived in San Francisco on board the Army Transport Dix, and unless the Corps heard differently from them, it was planned to inter the remains at the Presidio National Cemetery in San Francisco. Mr. Nichols immediately wired instructions to have his son’s body shipped to Folsom for burial. Bill’s body had been misplaced. At last, his remains were located and some 16 months after his death, young Bill Nichols was laid to rest. His final resting place is the old Odd Fellows Cemetery, now part of the Lakeside Memorial Lawn Cemetery of Folsom. He is buried alongside his mother, who died while he was in China, his father and an unidentified relative. Nichols Circle was named in his honor. Honoring W.H. Nichols, the Folsom Marine Corps League named their detachment after him – W. H. Nichols Detachment #940. The nearest family members still living in the Folsom area are his niece, Edna Lindsay, and her daughter Claire Taylor. Leslie G. Dean was born Oct. 15, 1921 and was a private in World War II. He was killed in battle on Dec. 20, 1944. Brothers Gerald D. Henderson and Donald D. Henderson served in World War II. Gerald was a Sergeant and Donald was a second lieutenant. Records show they were not killed during battle. Charles A. Needles was a first lieutenant during World War II. Arthur ‘Duke’ Duchow was born on Oct. 12, 1919 and was the son of a pioneer family. His mother, H.D. Bicker, of Sibley Street, came to Folsom in 1906, and his father, Marteen Caspar
Duchow, was from a family that could trace its time back to the founding years of California. Duchow graduated from Folsom High in 1938 and attended Sacramento City College. He worked at McClellan Air Force Base and was a member of the National Guard. Duchow was absorbed into the U.S. Army from the National Guard and reported for duty in December of 1940. He was chosen to attend officer’s candidate school and upon graduation was commissioned as second lieutenant. Duchow then served in the Aleutian Islands, the Marshall Islands and Leyte, Island, The Philippines. Duchow was promoted to first lieutenant after assignment to the 24th Corps, Seventh Division. Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, he led his platoon during an attack that left them exposed to direct enemy fire. He ordered his men to fall back while he stayed in advance to keep the enemy engaged until his platoon had reformed. During this time he sacrificed his life for the well-being of his platoon. Duchow died Nov. 27, 1944 on Leyte Island where he remains buried at the military cemetery in Bayba. He was awarded posthumously the second highest award, The Distinguished Service Cross. Duchow Way was named in his honor. Clarence McKiernan and Charles McKiernan, brothers, both served in World War II. William ‘Bill’ Rumsey Jr. was born on Aug. 2, 1921 to a family with deep roots in Folsom. Bill was the son of William and Ethel Rumsey, who opened a hardware and grocery store on Sutter Street in 1913, called Rumsey Hardware. The Rumsey family has been associated with Folsom since the 1850s, going back seven generations to the Gold Rush-era. The Rumsey family home is on Figueroa Street and is said to be the oldest house in Folsom. Bill attended Granite School, the only elementary school in Folsom at the time, and was a graduate of Folsom High School class of 1939 where he played baseball. Bill was known as a good athlete, likeable, happy
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Folsom Veterans Hall hosts several service groups BY RACHEL ZIRIN OF THE FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
PHOTO BY BILL SULLIVAN • FOLSOM TELEGRAPH
and as always having a good sense of humor. He spent much of his time at his father’s hardware store. After graduating, he enlisted and was selected for the air cadets and officer training. Rumsey was an Army transport pilot. Once the United States declared war, the air corps joined fully into the Battle of Britain and Captain Rumsey was ordered to England. There he commanded a bomber crew flying daylight raids over France and Germany. He participated in 20 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Oak Leaf Cluster. Rumsey died in combat when his B-17 bomber was shot down near France on March 16, 1944. Rumsey Way was named in his honor. Frank Price served in World War II. Steven Wales was the only son of a family long associated with Folsom. His father, Bob Wales, was the freight agent who hauled freight by truck from Sacramento to Folsom after the Southern Pacific stopped running regular trains to Folsom. His trucks brought supplies to Rumsey’s, Kipp’s, the Natomas Co., the schools and the prison. Steven’s maternal great-grandfather, Joseph Woodward, came to California from Vermont in 1849 as a gold mine merchant and later took up 640 acres of Folsom land known as Woodward Ranch. Steven Wales served in World War II as a Sergeant. He was on a bombing mission over Korea with his crew on the B24 bomber Lucky Lady II when it was hit by Japanese fire and disabled. The bomber turned back to home base, but the plane could not climb high enough to pass over Mount Mang-un, at 3,000 feet high, and crashed. He died on Aug. 7, 1945 with the 10 other members of his crew. Wales Drive was named in his honor. Marshall Farley was born March 9, 1947 and was a Folsom resident who volunteered to serve as a scout dog handler in the Vietnam War. He served in the army, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class and earned several medals. He served on the front lines with his scout dog “Bootsy.” He and Bootsy, were killed in action on Sept. 19, 1967. The City of Folsom dedicated a baseball field in his honor. The ball field was moved nearby to make room for the Folsom Public Library Georgia Murray Building and a veteran’s memorial. A statue of a kneeling soldier at one corner of the memorial looks across to a statue of a dog standing on alert. The interaction of the two statues pays tribute to Farley and Bootsy.
The Folsom Veterans Hall, located at 1300 Veterans Way, is shared by various organizations and groups who offer many services to veterans and the community. If you are eligible, it’s time to join. There are groups for those who served in Korea to anyone currently serving as well as mothers to those serving and more. Here are a list of the organizations and eligibility requirements: American Legion Post 362 – Meets at 7 p.m. every second Monday of the month. Contact Commander Pearl Wood at pearl_van@ hotmail.com. Eligibility Requirements: If you are currently on active duty, serving the United States honorably, anywhere in the world, or have served honorable during any of the following eligible war eras, you are eligible to join the American Legion. National Guard and reservists having been federally activated, including basic training, during these same war eras are also eligible. You don’t have to be a combat veteran to join. Aug. 2, 1990 to present (Gulf War/war of terrorism) Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama) Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada) Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War) June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War) Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II) April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I) American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 940 – Meets at 7 p.m. every first Monday of the month. Contact Commander Robert Repar at bobrepar@aol.com. Eligibility Requirements: Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who was honorably discharged in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to present, including the National Guard and reserves. You don’t have to be a combat veteran to join. Rolling Hills Blue Star Moms – Meet at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month. Contact Chapter President Wanda Matus at alterimatus@hotmail.com. Eligibility Requirements: Membership is open to mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, as well as children who are veterans. For more information, go to rollinghillsbluestarmoms.org.
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Marine Corps League Post 940 – Meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday of the month. Contact Commandant John Tully at jtully5@ sbcglobal.net. Eligibility Requirements: Anyone who is now serving in the United States Marine Corps and who have been honorably discharged from service including all Marines and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsmen. Prospective members have to be sponsored. For more information, go to usmclfolsom.org. Military Order of the Devil Dogs Pound 71 – Meets at 12 p.m. every third Saturday of the month. Contact Pound Keeps Charlie Kank at 1371jarheadcharlie@gmail.com. Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 385 – Meets at 9 a.m. every Saturday of the month. Contact Commander Ernie Franco at emf3@live.com. Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary – Meets at 9 a.m. every Saturday of the month. Contact President Sherri Anderson at sherri.lamoph@gmail.com. Submarine Veterans (Gold Country Base – Meets at 11:30 a.m. every fourth Saturday of the month. Contact Commander Barry Wyatt at barry@barrywyatt. com. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6604 – Meets at 7 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month. Contact Kent Garman at jkgarman@mac.com. Eligibility Requirements: If you received a campaign medal for overseas service, served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, you’re eligible to join. For more information, go to vfw6604folsom.org. VFW Auxiliary Post 6604 – Meets at 6 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month. Contact President Jim Woodward at woodward. woody@sbcglobal.net. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a citizen of the United State or a United States National and at least 16 years old. Those eligible are husband/wife, widower/ widow, father/mother, grandfather/grandmother, son/daughter, grandson, granddaughter and brother/ sister of persons who are eligible for membership. For more information on the Folsom Veterans Hall, go to vfw6604folsom.org.
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