The Dog Tag Kenneth Riege

The Dog Tag

By KennethRiege USAFVeteran: 1985 –1993

As I was thinking of a story to write for this month’s Journey, I happened to look upon the display I have in my office which honors my grandfather. I noticed the replica WWI dog tags that I had made and thought, “Hey, that might be an interesting story.”

I believe everyone has heard of dog tags. Many of us who were issued them still have them or even still wear them (I am wearing my issued dog tags as I write this story). However, many may not know the history of the dog tag, so I did a little research and want to share some of thathistory.

I know in modern times it’s common for a service member to wear one around his neck and another tied within his boot laces. One key piece of safety equipment that was implemented during the Vietnam War was an item called “The Silencer.” These were placed around the dog tags to “silence” the noise of the two metal dog tags clanking together as you walk. Other soldiers simply taped the two together.

One of the questions some may wonder is: Why are we issued two? This regulation came about on July 6, 1916 when the US Army changed the regulations. The reason for this was that in case of death, one of the dog tags would stay with the service member’s body, while the other would go to the person in charge of burial for record’s keeping. In 1918, when the US Army adopted the service number system, the name and service number were stamped on the tags.

During WWII and up until the Vietnam War, the dog tags had a “notch” in them. I have heard different stories as to why this notch was there. My grandmother told me a story that my grandfather had told her. When they would come across an

American who had been killed in action (KIA), they would take one of the tags to the commanding officer while placing the other tag between the teeth of fallen comrade for identification. However, the “notch” in these dog tags was because of the machine that was used to create these tags. It had a locator tab inside of it which prevented the tags from being printed upside down.

Picture of a “notched” dog tag

Now backing up a bit, we need to talk about the history of the dog tag and its firstuse.

The earliest mention of an identification tag for soldiers comes from where the Spartans’ names were placed onsticks and tied to their left wrist. During the American Civil War it was common for most soldiers to pin paper notes with

their names and home addresses to the backs of their coats to help in their identification if they were to fall in battle. It was also during this time, that manufacturers of identification badges realized there was a market for something a little more permanent and began to create pins engraved with the soldier’s name andunit.

On today’s dog tags there is the service member’s name, blood type, and religious preference. My dog tag and any tags issued before December 2015 has social security numbers on them. That practice has been discontinued which is probably a goodthing.

In today’s society the “Dog Tag” has become quite the fashion statement and can be made to include anything you wish to put on a piece of metal that measures 1.125” X 2”.

The use of dog tag images is popular, but my favorite is from this poster which I have on display at the Comfort Suites

As with every display and exhibit at the Comfort Suites, they all have an amazing story to tell. Several years ago I was visiting with one of our guests. She asked me if I knew anything of the person’s name on the dog tags in this poster. I admitted that I did not. She then began to tell me the story of Lt. Colonel Evangeline Jamison. Lt. Colonel Jamison wasa veteran of WWII, Korea,andVietnam. My guest told me that Lt. Colonel Jamison was her boss in Vietnam and about an amazing book called, “The Colonel is a Lady”. It is definitely worth the read. Lt. Colonel Jamison also played a big part in the design of the Vietnam Woman’s Memorial in Washington D.C.

This month’s Medal of Honor quote comes from WWII MOH Recipient Mr. George T. Sakato. I felt it is so appropriate to use Mr. Sakato’s quote and to honor this man who was a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. His actions on the battlefield were truly amazing. However at first, he was denied receiving his Medal of Honor. That changed on June 21, 2000 with President Bill Clinton. I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Sakato, but I did travel with Hershey to Mr. Sakato’s funeral. Mr. Sakato’s daughter shared the story of when her father received a call from the White House regarding him being presented the Medal of Honor. Mr. Sakato’s asked how many people he could bring to the ceremony and he was told that he could bring five. Well, Mr. Sakato told them, “Hell only five, just mail me the damn thing!” and hung up on them. Of course he was called right back and was advised he could bring as many as he wanted to. His quote reads as follows:

“Respect the Red, White and Blue, for it’s the flag of our country for which we fought to defend from tyranny.” I can’t think of a better saying than that. Thank you Mr. Sakato for your service and dedication to our great country and for providing these amazing words for all to live by.

AUGUST 2020

Octavia Fellin Public Library- Special Events Curbside Checkout Services

OFPL staff continues to provide essential services to our community by offering curbside checkout, virtual classes, workshops, and public education through our social media platforms. Visit ofpl.online for the Online Request Form. • DVD/CD check out limit is 10 • 30 library items total. All items will be due September 1st. OFPL Staff is onsite Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will assist with curbside checkout. Call 505-863-1291 for all inquiries including reference services.

Stimulus Payment: Economic Impact Survey

In March, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed, the CARES Act, legislation designed to provide economic help for Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the law, most households would receive an “Economic Impact Payment” (a “stimulus check”) of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under 17 years old, or up to $3,400 for a family of four. It’s now August -- have you received your payment? Please take a moment to share your experience with us so that we can better serve the needs of the community. Fill out the survey at ofpl.online/2020/07/09/ ofpl-economic-impact-survey/ Email bmartin@ gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Adult & Teen Summer Reading Bingo Card

Imagine Your Story this summer at OFPL! Adults and Teens can participate in Summer Reading by completing a Book Bingo card available on our website octaviafellin.libguides. com/srp2020. Win by completing a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line! Turn in your card and you’ll be entered into a weekly prize drawing - OR - complete all 25 squares (Blackout) for an even better prize! Drop off your card inside our OFPL Book Drop or post a photo of your completed card to one of the Library’s social media channels using the hashtag, #OFPLBookBingo2020, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter, @galluplibrary. Entries must be received by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call 505-8631291 for more information.

Youth Summer Reading Logs

Imagine Your Story this summer at OFPL! Read for four hours and you can select a personal pan pizza or free round of mini-golf from our Sponsor Pizza Nine. Participants can complete an online reading log available on our website, octaviafellin.libguides.com/srp2020, or call the Main Library at 505-863-1291 to request a paper version of the log through curbside pick up. Entries must be received by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020. Email childlib@ gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Yesterday (Saturday, July 18), gallupARTS gave away 116 Free Family Art Kits in 30 minutes and took "orders" for 103 more. This program is more popular than we anticipated, and we are thrilled that so many families are excited to make art together. In order to make the Free Family Art Kit program as inclusive and accessible as possible, gallupARTS is switching the distribution days from Saturdays to Fridays (12 - 4pm at ART123 Gallery) so that all McKinley County residents are able to participate in case the Navajo Nation weekend curfews continue through the fall.

Friday, August 7: Spin a Yarn Kit

Create turtles, butterflies or animals of your own invention from colorful yarn and popsicle sticks.

Friday, September 4: Harvest Time Kit

Make jumbo paper flowers and rain-sticks from recycled materials, tissue paper, and beads.

Friday, October 2: Happy Halloween Kit

What creature can you turn a paper plate into with just scissors, markers and glue? A lion, an alien, a ladybug, a cow? Make your own mask and also sculpt and paint a silly or scary clay monster.

Friday, November 6: Pipe Cleaner Magic Kit

Discover the magic of pipe cleaners. Twist them into beautiful beaded ears of corn and flower rings.

Friday, December 4: Winter Fun Kit

In honor of Gallup’s Balloon Rally, learn origami and make a hot air balloon. Also create a oneof-a-kind collaged holiday card to send to a loved one. gallupARTS will be giving out 225 kits each month. More information on the Free Family Art Kit program is available at www.galluparts.org/ familyartkits

We READ, We TALK Book Club

Register at ofpl.online for a copy of The Library Book by Susan Orlean now through August 7th. The story chronicles the Los Angeles Public Library fire and its aftermath. Get ready for some great conversations and tons of fun as we meet virtually for the first time ever! Zoom discussions will be held Thursday, August, 20th

at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 29th at 2:00

p.m. Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call 505863-1291 for more information.

Big Library Read

Borrow the featured title ‘The Darwin Affair’ by Tim Mason with no waitlists or holds from our digital collection August 3rd through 17th . The Big Library Read is the world’s largest digital book club and gives us an opportunity to read the same digital title simultaneously. Join millions of others around the globe in reading this historical fiction thriller ebook or audiobook. OFPL readers can solve the mystery of the Darwin Affair by visiting http://nm.lib.overdrive. com or downloading the Libby app. Readers can then discuss online at https://discuss. biglibraryread.com/. Email bmartin@gallupnm. gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information. *BONUS: Use #BigLibraryRead for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet from @ OverDriveLibs

OFPL Bookmark Design Contest

Calling all OFPL neighbors! Compete in OFPL’s bookmark design contest. Entry Forms available on our website, ofpl.online/ programs/#bookmarkcontest. Submit an original design to the Main Library or the Children’s

Branch Bookdrops by Friday, August 31st at

5:00 p.m. Entries will be displayed in an online poll for community voting during the entire month of September. Winning entries will be printed and distributed at both libraries. Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Princess Storytime: The Little Mermaid

Everyone’s favorite mermaid is swimming up for a special virtual storytime. Join us Live on

Facebook, @galluplibrary Friday, August 14th

at 4:00 p.m. for stories and fun. You can view the recording after the live event on Facebook or YouTube. Email childlib@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Self-Care Saturday

Join OFPL Live on Facebook @galluplibrary

on Saturday, August 15th and 29th at 12:00

p.m. to make your DIY cosmetics from items around your home. Each ingredient list will be available in advance on our website, ofpl.online/ programs/#makerspace under the MakerSpace Classes and Workshops section. Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information. • Saturday, August 15th - Honey-based lip scrub and sage with blackberry body scrub • Saturday, August 29th - Lavender bath bomb

Magic for Muggles: Harry Potter Trivia

OFPL invites you to the Leaky Cauldron for an enchanted afternoon of Harry Potter trivia! Join us Live on Facebook, @

galluplibrary Friday, August 21st at 2:00

p.m. Test your knowledge, cast spells, and brew potions from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts universe. Sign up for trivia afternoon on our website, ofpl.online, or on Facebook, @galluplibrary, to secure your spot. Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

Main Library Weekly Events Creative Corner Tech Time Education and Training Tech Time Online: Community Computer Training Classes

FREE computer classes. Registration is not required but is available for anyone who wants to participate in the live stream course. Completion certificates available for live stream classes. Email libtrain@ gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information. Classes will be available on OFPL social media channels @galluplibrary. Premier dates: (Live Class) Protect Yourself Online for Kids - This class is designed for children under 16 to learn how to stay safe while participating in online activities. Email libtrain@gallupnm. gov or call 505-863-1291 for details. • Wednesday, August 12th at 4:00 p.m. (Live Class) Protect Yourself Online for Adults - Learn to protect your identity and information while online. Email libtrain@ gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for

details.

• Wednesday, August 12th at 5:00 p.m. Online Meetings - Learn to use free meeting software such as Zoom, Google Meet, and others to host or attend online meetings and classes. • Wednesday, August 5th at 4:00 p.m. Libre Office Suite - Learn how to use this free software for all your digital office needs. Programs included are Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Presentations. • Wednesday, August 19th at 4:00 p.m. Twitter for Beginners - Learn the basics of using Twitter to communicate with others and stay up to date on current events and celebrity happenings. • Wednesday, August 26th at 4:00 p.m.

One-2-One Technology Help

The Library offers one-2-one technology assistance. Please email libtrain@gallupnm. gov or call 505-863-1291 to schedule an appointment.

Virtual Fun Fridays

The Library will have weekly virtual fun with games, guests, and more! Join us Live

on Facebook, @galluplibrary Friday

afternoons at 2:00 p.m. to participate in Fun Friday interactive events and the opportunity to win some great prizes!

Student Centered Future Focused

505-721-1000

Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial

We are looking forward to celebrating the 100th Inter-Tribal Ceremonial soon We welcome the public to share memories by tagging our social media and/or mailing into our office.

206 W. Coal Avenue • Gallup, NM 87301

Hello Fellow ArtsCrawl followers, as you know at this time, we are unable to have mass gatherings in New Mexico until further notice. I want you all to know just as soon as we are in the clear I will be planning a spectacular event for everyone to reunite. Currently, in the downtown area the Coal Commons construction project is underway. All downtown businesses are OPEN and ready to serve you. The project runs from July 2020 to March 2021. I have been working with the city of Gallup on a new location for ArtsCrawl, once we are able to all gather again. In the meantime here are some pictures from August 2019.

Wishing all your families many blessings, Sincerely Rhonda Quintana