Whidbey Crosswind, July 26, 2019

Whidbey Crosswind The Puget Sound Veterans’ Monthly | August 2019

War stories Sharing Vietnam experiences brings father, son closer ❚ pg. 2

Whidbey Crosswind is a supplement of the Whidbey News-Times

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SERVING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S VETERANS, RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND FAMILIES

Curiosity over Vietnam War led to meaningful discussions with father

By EVAN THOMPSON

I

Everett Herald

’m here because the shrapnel that would have pierced my dad’s heart struck the 20-round magazine of his M16 instead.

It wasn’t his first or last neardeath experience as a Marine in

Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, but none of the others resonated like that chunk of steel meant to kill him.

After the “holy crap” moment wore off, he didn’t think too deeply about his luck; mostly he just hoped one day would pass mercifully into the next so he could complete his 13-month tour

and go home.

But 51 years later, it’s never far from his mind. Neither are the friends he lost, the countless acts of bravery he witnessed and the men he served with in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, nicknamed “The Walking Dead” during the Vietnam War for having the highest

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Evan Thompson and his father, Jim Thompson, near a restored B-52 at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Tukwila. The elder Thompson served in Vietnam and credits the bomber for helping him survive the war.

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casualty rate in the Marine Corps.

I’m thankful Dad, South Whidbey resident and high school assistant football coach Jim Thompson, can talk about these things. Not all combat veterans can. But his stories over the years only told me so much. I still wish I could spend one day in his shoes in Vietnam, just so we could see eye-to-eye and grow closer as father and son.

But I can’t. So I read.

There was a time when you couldn’t find me without one of my dad’s books about Vietnam.

I was fascinated — no, more like obsessed — with stories about places like Khe Sanh, Con Thien and the A Shau Valley, mostly because my dad’s boots traced those shellcratered hills, grassy lowlands and mountainous jungles.

I hoped that the books would help me understand what he went through. The more I read, the more

I realized that for every funny story he told me and my brothers over the years, there was a far more terrible experience he kept to himself.

Eventually my “research” became a talking point for us. It wasn’t long before some of those repressed memories emerged, which was as insightful for me as it was therapeutic for him.

“It’s gratifying having your son come up and say, ‘This is what I read, what do you think about that?’” he said. “It’s just helped me to be able to talk to somebody about it, because I haven’t been able to with very many people.”

My dad doesn’t hold back his emotions. Once, he read me a passage from a book about the 77-day siege of Khe Sanh with tears streaming down his cheeks, his head shaking in awe and wonder about the courage of his fellow Marines, many of whom were still

teenagers. I gave him a big hug and told him I was proud of him.

Another time, I was the one shedding tears. When my older brother Chandler, a Marine officer, got married two years ago, I embraced Dad after the ceremony — and I let it all out. In between choked sobs, I told Dad I was happy beyond words that he’d survived the war and lived long enough to see one of his sons get married. So many others never could.

My dad didn’t leave the war unscathed — physically or metaphorically.

Sometimes, he’s not as forthcoming. Some of my questions, no matter how many different ways I phrase them, are met with short, vague answers. Unsure whether FAMILY PHOTO I’m digging up old wounds or too desperately trying to live vicari- Jim Thompson (right) and fellow Marine radioman Bob Stout head ously through him, I shelve the to a landing zone at Vandegrift Combat Base in Quang Tri Province,

Vietnam.

SEE VIETNAM, PAGE 4

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VIETNAM

He had just joined Charlie Company, wide-eyed and full of questions, when he CONTINUED FROM 3 nudged his bunkermate and asked about the sudden rumtopic, like one of our books, bling he felt in the ground at for another day.

Khe Sanh.

Vietnam history was a talk“That’s arc light,” the ing point, but Dad and I have Marine replied, nonchalantalways been close. He was ly. My dad nodded like he my wrestling coach at South understood. A few seconds Whidbey High School. I felt later, he nudged the Marine like a lucky son when we again and asked, “What’s arc got to spend up to 18 hours light?” together at tournaments, The Marine looked at him which were almost every sideways. “It’s a B-52, man,” weekend from December he said. “Those are bombs to February. He taught me dropping.” discipline, how to believe in Earlier this year, Dad and myself and the true meaning I attended the dedication cerof hard work. emony of Vietnam Veterans My dad wrestled for the Memorial Park in Tukwila, University of Wisconsinwhere a restored B-52 is a Superior until he dropped FAMILY PHOTO centerpiece. He took pictures out of school and joined the Jim Thompson served in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in Vietnam in 1968 and ‘69. of it and shared them with a Marines in 1966. He didn’t friend he stays in touch with from Charlie Company. Dad ★ ★ ★ ★ credits the B-52 with helping Overwhelmed by the thought of joint replacement? him survive Vietnam.

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Sure enough, he was sent to South Vietnam two years later. He served as rifleman and radioman with Charlie Company of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, and received three Purple Hearts, a Combat Action Award and two Presidential Unit Citations. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1969.

Over the years, Dad replayed his Vietnam memories in his mind before falling asleep. Time has faded many of those memories, but some still feel as though they happened yesterday.

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Runners wear blue to honor military Local veteran Gino Wolfe recently brought the national athletic effort to Oak Harbor

By MARIA MATSON

mmatson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Once a month, a handful of runners meet at the Veterans Memorial in Oak Harbor to exercise, reflect and connect

over a common bond: a love of the military and all those who serve.

Organizer Gino Wolfe had heard of the national nonprofit organization, “wearblue:

run to remember,” and decided to bring it to Whidbey Island. A veteran himself, he hopes to see more community members join in these Saturday runs.

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Serving Island and Skagit Counties.

“Come on out and see what it’s like,” Wolfe said.

Runners gather at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month for the “Circle of Remembrance,” at which the names of those who have died in service are read aloud.

Attendees can also list the names of those they personally run for.

After the Circle of Remembrance is finished, the journey begins. The route for runners, walkers and joggers is 2.4 miles round-trip, stretching along Pioneer Way and Catalina Drive. A picturesque view of the waterfront at the Oak Harbor Marina makes the route beautiful, Wolfe said.

Once runners reach the end of the boardwalk, they loop back to the starting point at

VFW Memorial Park across from the Oak Harbor Skagit Valley College campus.

Wolfe served in the Navy for 30 years and retired in 2013 as a command master chief at NAS Whidbey. He currently lives in Oak Harbor and is a leader in several community organizations.

Since its launch several months ago, the group has seen a range of three to 11 participants, who come from all over Whidbey.

“It’s building. We’re going to get it up there,” Wolfe said.

The wearblue athletes, decked in various shades of blue garments, run regularly across the country, including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in DuPont, Seattle and now, Oak Harbor.

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Participants run not only in honor of those who served, but to create a community of support.

The nonprofit was founded in the wake of heartbreak and loss experienced by friends and family of 5-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, according to the website. The team was deployed in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and suffered many casualties.

Families back home decided to turn their regular running sessions into something bigger and broader, because their running meet-ups had become such a valuable support network. Two of the wives of the deployed, Lisa Hallett and Erin O’Connor, founded the group that has now helped launch Saturday run communities in over 25 states.

The next run will be Saturday, August 10. For questions, email oakharbor. community@wearblueruntoremember.org.

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Wings Over America awards over $250k to Navy dependents Foundation hands out 51 scholarships nationally Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation announced 2019 scholarship award recipients. There are 50 winners nationwide, among them two students from Oak Harbor.

The students, SIERRA BRACKEEN, now attends Western Washington University, and CAMRYN

BRISTOW, of Oak Harbor High School, will be attending the University of Washington.

Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation, in conjunction with Administered Scholarship Partners, awarded over $250,000 to Navy dependents to help with educational expenses.

Scholarship winners are selected based on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, community service and character. Through the generosity of The Wingman Foundation, WOASF now awards eight memorial scholarships honoring fallen heroes

of the Navy Aviation community.

WOASF scholarships are $3,400 or more. Scholarship recipients were honored at a reception on Tuesday, June 4, hosted by Ellen Miller, WOASF advisor.

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People with Alzheimer’s can still enjoy having visitors

Don’t let Dementia or Alzheimer’s rob you of pleasant visits with your friend or family member. It takes a little practice but it’s entirely possible to experience rewarding visits and have a rewarding conversation with them. Here are a few simple tips from the Alzheimer’s Association to help improve your next visit.

Limit visitors to 1 or 2 people at a time.

Too many people can be overwhelming.

Schedule visits for the time of day when your older adult is usually at their best.

Minimize distractions by keeping the environment calm and quiet. Turn off the TV or loud music and ask any non-visitors to go to another room.

Keep your tone and body language friendly and positive.

Don’t speak too loudly.

Make eye contact and stay at their eye level.

Introduce yourself even if you’re sure they must know you. “Hi Grandma, I’m Joe, your grandson.”

Speak slowly and in short sentences with only one idea per sentence. For example: “Hi Mary. I’m Jane, your friend.” or “What a beautiful day. The sunshine is nice, isn’t it?” or “Tell me about your daughter.”

Give them extra time to speak or answer questions, don’t rush the conversation.

Use open-ended questions because there are no right or wrong answers.

Be ok with sitting together in silence. They may enjoy that just as much as talking.

• Follow their lead, don’t force conversation topics or activities.

• Validate their feelings. Allow them to express sadness, fear, or anger.

• Enter their reality. Go with the fl ow of the conversation even if they talk about things that aren’t true or don’t make sense.

• Share and discuss memories of the past.

They’re more likely to remember things from long ago.

• Come prepared with an activity, like something to read out loud, a photo album to look at, or some of their favorite music to listen to.

• Give hugs, gentle touches, or massage arms or shoulders if the person gives permission and enjoys it.

DON’T • Say “do you remember?” This can cause anger or embarrassment.

• Argue. If they say something that’s not correct, just let it go.

• Point out mistakes. It just makes them feel badly and doesn’t help the conversation.

• Assume they don’t remember anything.

Many people have moments of clarity.

• Take mean or nasty things they say personally. The disease may twist their words or make them react badly out of confusion, fear, or anger.

• Talk down to them. They aren’t children and you should show the proper respect.

• Talk about them with other people as if they’re not there.

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Saturday, August 3 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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A family-friendly event to benefit: • Friends of Friends – Medical Support • the HUB Youth Center • Whidbey Veterans Resource Center

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VA extends Agent Orange presumption to include ‘Blue Water Navy’ veterans The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to process Agent Orange exposure claims for “Blue Water Navy” veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975.

These veterans may be eligible for presumption of herbicide exposure through Public Law 116-23, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which was signed into law June 25 and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020. They may also qualify for a presumption of service connection if they have a disease that is recognized as being associated with herbicide exposure.

The bipartisan Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act gives VA until Jan. 1, 2020, to begin deciding Blue Water Navy related claims. By staying claims decisions until that date, VA is complying with the law that Congress wrote and passed.

“VA is dedicated to ensuring that all veterans receive the benefits they have earned,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie

Blue Water Navy veterans are encouraged to submit disability compensation claims for conditions presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. Veterans over age 85 or with life-threatening illnesses will have priority in claims processing.

Public Law 116-23. An estimated 420,000 to 560,000 Vietnam-era veterans may be considered Blue Water Navy veterans.

To qualify under the new law, these veterans must have a disease associated with herbicide exposure, as listed in 38

● Soft-tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma or mesothelioma).

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The new law affects veterans who served on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia, as defined in

THE

Agent Orange presumptive conditions are as follows:

● Hodgkin lymphoma, formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease ● Ischemic heart disease ● Multiple myeloma ● Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, formerly known as NonHodgkin’s lymphoma ● Parkinson’s disease ● Peripheral neuropathy,

You are serving bravely for our country… now you’re ready for a new home.

Veterans who previously were denied for an Agent Orange related presumptive condition can file a new claim based on the change in law.

Eligible survivors of deceased Blue Water Navy veterans also may benefit from the new law and may file claims for benefits based on the veterans’ service.

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VAQ-130 holds change of command The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron 130 held a change of command ceremony July 3 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Ganci earned his commission at Officer Candidate School and later began his first fleet tour with VAQ-136. Ganci then became an Electronic Attack Weapons School instructor and, from there, went on to serve as a department head for VAQ-142.

Cmdr. Jack “Farva” Curtis relieved Cmdr. David “Heavy” Ganci as commanding officer in the squadron’s hangar.

He joined the Zappers as the executive officer in October 2016 after a tour at PERS 43 at Navy Personnel Command and after attaining his master’s

Ganci, a 1998 graduate of Elmira College, took command of the VAQ-130 Zappers in June 2018.

degree at the Naval War College.

VAQ-129.

Upon becoming commanding officer of VAQ-130, Ganci’s leadership from June 2018 to July 2019 helped guide the Zappers to executing over 907 sorties and 1,380 flight hours, as well as eight Large Force Strike detachments.

Curtis said he is thrilled to take command of the Zappers and will lead them through a work-up cycle and into their next deployment.

Following his first f leet tour with VAQ-141, Curtis became an instructor at the Fleet Replacement Squadron,

VAQ-130 is part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

Cmdr. Benjamin “Maggie” Cooper assumed the duties as the squadron’s executive officer.

Cmdr. Jack “Farva” Curtis

Come Worship With Us!

Whidbey Island CHURCH DIRECTORY To promote your religious services in the Whidbey Crosswind Crosswind, please call 360-675-6611.

South Whidbey Community Church

Unity of Whidbey

A place to begin… A place to belong!

5671 Crawford Rd, in Langley, just off Hwy 525 www.unityofwhidbey.org We welcome you to our Sunday Worship Celebration at 10AM.

360-221-1220 • Langley www.whidbeychurch.org

Sunday Morning Worship 10:00am Adult Sunday School 9:00am Deer Lagoon Grange 5142 S. Bayview Road, Langley Home Bible Studies available Darrell Wenzek, pastor

Potluck on the first Sunday of the month. While Unity is considered practical Christianity, we embrace many of the sacred teachings throughout the world. Join us for supportive and inclusive spiritual community.

The First Baptist Church of South Whidbey island Celebrating Our 57th Year

www.firstbaptistsouthwhidbey.com 2277 Newman Road, Langley Sunday School 10:00am Morning Worship Service 11:00am Evening Service 6:00pm Wed. Evening Bible Study & Prayer 6:00pm

360-321-4457

St. Hubert Catholic Church 804 Third Street, Langley 360-221-5383

Masses: Saturday 5:00pm Sunday 8:00am and 10:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri. 8:15am Wednesday 10:30am Fr. Rick Spicer, pastor E-mail sthubert@whidbey.com www.sthubertchurch.org

490 NW Crosby Ave 675.5008 Oak Harbor www.livingwordoakharbor.com Sunday675.5008 Service Times:

A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME

SOULS HARBOR

oak harbor foursquare Oak Harbor

Sunday Morning................10am Sunday Evening.............6:30pm Wednesday...........................7pm

www.livingwordoakharbor.com 8am 9:30am 11am

Sunday Service Times: (Living Word Kids all services: Middle School Service: 3 months - 5th at Grade) Wednesday’s 6pm 8am 9:30am 11am (LivingGroup WordSunday Kids all Evenings: services: Youth 3 monthsSchool - 5th Grade) Middle 4pm YouthHigh Group Sunday6pm Evenings: School

360-632-7243

Middle School 4pm High School 6pm

Pastor Greg Adkins

Rev. Richard Füss, Pastor

www.langleyumc.org

360-221-4233 3rd & Anthes

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

(The Pentecostals of Island County)

Located on Goldie Road

Nursery and Sunday School during service Adult Forum 11am

lumc@whidbey.com

CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE LIVING WORD oak harbor foursquare LIVING WORD 490 NW Crosby Ave

Langley United Methodist Church Sunday Service 9:30AM

Worship Hours: Worship Service: 10:00am Contemporary Service: 1:30pm Children’s Sunday School 10:30am Everyone is welcome. Come join us!

Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies Pastor David Parker ...................................................................... Pastor Erin Tombaugh....... ....................................... Young People’s Ministries Christina Queeno ................................................ Music & Worship Arts

NW 2nd Avenue & Heller Road Across the street from OHHS Stadium

Worship Services..........8 & 10:30 am Sunday School ........................9:15 am Nursery Available Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville

360-675-2441 • 1050 SE Ireland St, OH • oakharborfumc.org Like us on Facebook @OakHarborFUMC @OHFUMCyouth

Jeffrey Spencer, Lead Pastor Pastor Marc Stroud, Associate Pastor

360-679-1561

oakharborlutheran.org

Sunday Service Times 8:30 & 10:30 AM Nursery and Children’s Church available in both services 5373 Maxwelton Rd, Langley 360.221.1656 www.swagchurch.com

Home of Island Christian Academy

Concordia Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 Education Hour Nursery Available

www.concordiaoakharbor.org 590 N. Oak Harbor St 360-675-2548

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Sunday Service: 10:30am Children, Youth, & Adults

1780 SE 4th St. (360) 675-3032

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