Veterans tab

The News-Review honors those who have served • 2013

Salute to Veterans

Page 2 — The News-Review

SALUTE TO VETERANS

Father’s Korean War service a source of pride to daughters

Honoring Veterans ON THE COVER: Zax Riesen, 11, left, sits with Tyler Cross, 12, last year along the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade route in Roseburg.

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/ News-Review file photo

Published by The News-Review 345 N.E. Winchester St. Roseburg, Oregon 97470 541-672-3321 Features Editor: Craig Reed Design Editor: Nicholas Johnson News-Review Editor: Vicki Menard Advertising Director: TJ Burr

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All contents copyrighted and may not be reproduced without consent of The News-Review.

Send email regarding this publication to creed@nrtoday.com

Cindy Towers, Karen Walther ...2 Dennis Pope .............................3 Robin Black ..............................3 Jim Little ....... ..........................4 Jeniece Herrington ..................5 Ron Culbertson ........................8 Emily Leingang .........................9 Patricia Gausnell ......................9 Veterans Forum directory .......11

flights. He and his brother, Vern, were stationed together on the ship. The Navy no longer allows siblings to be stationed together on ships. Although e are very proud of our Vern returned to Nebraska after he dad. He served our country was discharged, the two of them during the Korean War as remain extremely close, talking daily. an aircraft machinist mate, 3rd Class, During his service, Dad met and from 1950 to 1954. married our mom, Jackie. Mom grew Dad grew up in Lincoln, Neb. In up near San Diego and was a local 1950 he joined the Navy and headed girl. They had two daughters. After to the naval air station in San Diego. being discharged, dad worked in the He was about to see the world.

Courtesy photo aerospace industry.

He was with the Air Anti-SubIn 1963, Dad and Mom moved our Glen Wachtel marine Squadron, VS-21, on the family to Yoncalla. They still live on USS Bairoko, which was based in the ranch there. They participated Guam during the war. At that time in our nation’s in many community activities and dad was once history, designs and discoveries about defense the grand marshal of the Yoncalla Fourth of July airplanes were moving rapidly. Many changes Parade. We are so proud of our father and the role were issued for the airplanes and Dad kept track model he has been for us. Thank you, Dad! of those changes, making sure that they were Cindy Towers of Winchester and Karen Walther completed properly.

Roseburg Veterans Day Special Tab ad:of 4.92 x 5are the daughters of Glen Wachtel of He also operated the APS-20 radar during Yoncalla.

CINDY TOWERS and KAREN WALTHER For The News-Review

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Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

SALUTE TO VETERANS

Vivid memories recur DENNIS POPE For The News-Review

V

ivid memories are always popping into my mind about serving in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam even though it was about 42 years ago (1970-71).

While stationed at an Air Force radar site in Texas, I decided to volunteer to serve my country in the Vietnam War as an air traffic controller.

My first vivid memory was Pope boarding a commercial airliner in Portland that was contracted to fly plane loads of military personnel in uniform to Vietnam. Believe me, American society was definitely different then. As we walked down the concourse at Portland International Airport toward the airliner, several hundred anti-Vietnam War protesters and hecklers lined each side.

They booed us and even called us various names, such as “people-killers,” “you should make love, not war,” and so on. Several of them threw things at us and others gave us obscene gestures.

We held our heads high as we were proud to serve our God and our country. Finally, we were secured inside the jetliner and the pilot and stewardesses thanked us for putting our lives on the line to protect the United States.

My job for the next year at Binh Thuy Air Force base, a few miles from Can Tho near the Mekong River (several hundred miles south of Saigon), was to train Vietnamese Air Force officers to become efficient and effective air traffic controllers. Another vivid memory always comes to my mind during an incident that happened about two months after I arrived in Vietnam.

Remember, the Vietnamese officers spoke very little English, and I spoke very little Vietnamese. It was a very challenging assignment.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Pope

Dennis Pope works as an U.S. Air Force air traffic controller in Vietnam.

It had been a very tiring and long day teaching many Vietnamese officers in the etiquette and techniques of proper air traffic controlling. At this time we were working eight-hour shifts. When 5 p.m. arrived one day, I was shocked to see the Vietnamese captain I was training suddenly remove his headset, stand up and start to leave the radar scope. Immediately I said, “Captain, where are you going?”

With a big grin and in broken English he replied, “Why captain, I am going home. My shift is over.”

I commented that his relief controller was not here yet. Quickly, he said, “Oh well captain, the war will still be here when he gets here. Furthermore, it will still be here even when I get here in the morning to go to work. So, no problem!”

Suddenly I had a very challenging situation to diplomatically explain to him that air traffic controlling regulations did not allow this. Pilots were relying on air traffic controllers to keep them separated and safe 24 hours a day.

After a few precious minutes in conversation with him, he sat back down at the radar scope, put on the headset and continued to control air traffic. Fortunately, 15 minutes later, his relief showed up.

Another vivid incident occurred about nine months into my assignment. During this day, I was not scheduled to train any Vietnamese officers. So I chose to take the first two-hour shift as our crew air traffic controller. Minutes later a high-level decision was made in headquarters in Saigon to invade Cambodia, and thousands of aircraft of all types came under our air traffic control. My normal twohour shift turned into 18 grueling and nonstop hours on the radar scope. My assistants were helping me direct the aerial part of this invasion. It was total teamwork.

About 12 hours into the invasion I received an emergency call that always sends chills up and down any air traffic controller’s spine. Emergencies are always assigned the highest priority. A pilot screamed into the radio, “Paddy Control, Paddy Control, this is Freedom Fighter One Four

(1-4). Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

I took several hits and am low on fuel. I am heading east and flying at 29,000 feet. Help me! Help me!” The pilot was breathing very hard and obviously terrified.

Trying to remain calm on the radio, I asked Freedom Fighter 1-4 to turn on his emergency responder. About 10 seconds later, I told him I had positive identification on his location and for him to now take up a heading of 100 degrees.

On another radio frequency I quickly told a large refueling aircraft to head inland over Vietnam toward Freedom Fighter 1-4 and to expedite the flight as we had a fighter jet very low on fuel.

Every once in a while Freedom Fighter 1-4 in a panicky voice would remind me that he was getting extremely low on fuel and might have to punch out (bail out). After his third reminder, my response was, “Hang with me, sir, I have a refueling aircraft headed your way.” This was good for about eight minutes when I received an extremely emotional and panicky radio message from him again.

“Paddy Control, Paddy Control, my fuel tank is almost empty. I am preparing to punch out!”

Quickly I responded, “NO, Freedom Fighter 1-4, please don’t leave me now! The refueling aircraft is turning to a heading that is the same as yours, and I show him in your 2 o’clock position and 500 feet above you. Do you see him?”

Freedom Fighter 1-4 responded, “I see him, I see him! Oh my God, what a beautiful sight.”

I told him that he was cleared to change to the refueling aircraft frequency to take a drink (get a load of aircraft fuel by aerial refueling methods). When he was done drinking, then he needed to take up a heading of 125 degrees to head for our Air Force base.

We had already shut down all takeoffs and landings, and he was cleared to make a straight-in emergency landing.

Turn to MEMORIES, page 10

The News-Review, Page 3

Douglas High concert a tribute to veterans ROBIN BLACK For The News-Review

S

tanding in the foyer of the Jacoby Auditorium, it sounds like a war is being fought just inches away, through the door. Screams can be heard, and terrifying sounds resonate like wicked thunder.

Yet it’s just an illusion.

Just the Douglas High School Band in 2012, playing a song called “Symphony No. 1.” Based on the bombing of Dresden, Germany, in World War II, it seeks to recreate the scene as the city erupts in flames.

But it’s only the beginning.

Since 2006, Douglas High School has held a 90-minute concert every Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Every year, in early November, the school’s band honors the veterans of the United States, and remembers the battles that have been fought. Their goal is to remember, and to never forget, the service that has been done for this country.

This concert is a reminder to be thankful for the freedom we are given by brave men and women who have given up time and maybe even their lives to protect us. We can’t forget all that has been sacrificed and lost so that we may walk our streets without fear.

The Douglas High School Music Department is composed of many groups. In choir, directed

by Darrin Pust, there are Turn to CONCERT, page 8

Page 4 — The News-Review

SALUTE TO VETERANS

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

Douglas County Veterans Forum all about serving those who’ve served JIM LITTLE For The News-Review

T

he Douglas County Veterans Forum was created eight years ago by three Douglas County veterans to be an independent group that would be disassociated from governmental or national outside control.

It’s a group of veterans serving veterans.

Members seek to coordinate and combine the strength and power of individual Douglas County veteran groups to accomplish goals that would benefit all Douglas County veterans. Membership consists of 18 county veteran groups. There are about 5,000 veterans in these groups.

In an indirect manner, the forum also represents the 100,000 veterans of Southern Oregon. To join the forum, a group must be defined as belonging to a national, regional or locally recognized veteran group with 30 or more members and in active existence for five or more years.

The forum organizes and conducts many Douglas County events. Most visible and noteworthy is the annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, which takes place Nov. 11 in downtown Roseburg.

The forum also organizes and presents the annual Memorial Day Tribute that takes place in late May at the Roseburg National Cemetery. It’s often attended by more than 600 people. The forum also hosts the annual Memorial Day Picnic that follows the tribute and oversees the Veterans Assistance Fund. There are countless other activities in which the forum is involved.

Since September 2009, when forum members learned of plans to downsize the Roseburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the forum has conducted a campaign urging the restoration of the medical center to the status of a full-service VA hospital, which includes an intensive care unit.

The forum’s voice was heard all the way to Salem, as evidenced by the passing of legislation in May 2011 supporting the forum’s position to return the VA medical to a full-service hospital.

All national, state, county and city elected officials representing Douglas County supported this goal as well as

MICHAEL SULLIVAN/News-Review file photos

Army Staff Sgt. James Cox attends the 2010 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade in Roseburg with his wife, Cheryl, and their daughter, Bailee.

Trenton Hoschouer, top, of Cub Scout Pack 707 of Roseburg shows his enthusiasm before the start of the 2010 downtown Veterans Day parade. many nonveteran groups and businesses. In 2011 the VA committed to undertaking a $55 million construction program on the Roseburg VA Medical Center grounds.

During a visit to Douglas County, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden commented, “The Douglas County Veterans Forum

has conducted a ‘grass roots movement’ that should be a model for all the groups throughout the nation.”

The goal to restore the VA medical center to a full-service hospital has not yet been realized, but the forum is convinced this is what the veterans of Douglas County want and need and it is determined to strive for that goal.

Forum leadership consists of the following: President Jim Little, Vice President Dodie Blessing, Secretary Rick Sciapiti, Treasurer and Director Dirk Kruysman, Director Tom Johnson, Director Terry Mooney, Director Bud Bessey and Director Lloyd Kesterson. Douglas County Veteran Service Officer Mary Newman is also a director.

Kruysman is one of the founders of the forum and has served as president in the past, as have Blessing and Sciapiti.

Mike Hendricks is the chairman of the Veterans Day Parade Committee and Tom Rapant created and manages the Veterans Assistance Fund. He’s assisted by Dona Brewer.

Various other organizations are present at the forum’s monthly meetings, such as representatives from the VA medical center, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, city of Roseburg, Oregon State Employment Office and many others.

Douglas County has been recognized by veterans as one of the most supportive, veteran-friendly places in America. One only need to attend the annual Veterans Day Parade and see the sidewalks lined with smiling, waving people and hear shouts of “Thank you for your service” to realize this truth. The citizens of Douglas County truly live up to the three words that are on highway signs welcoming people to the area: “We Honor Veterans.”

Thank you, Douglas County. We remain veterans serving veterans.

The forum meets at 5 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Earle B. Stewart American Legion Post, 406 S.E. Oak St., Roseburg. All veterans and supporters of veterans are welcome.

For further information, call 541-6724635 or send email to DCVFsecretary@ msn.com.

Jim Little is president of the Douglas County Veterans Forum. He served 31 years in the U.S. Navy.

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

The News-Review, Page 5

SALUTE TO VETERANS

Glide sailor served in the South Pacific JENIECE HERRINGTON For The News-Review

J

aydee Herrington, who attended Glide schools, served 3 1/2 years in the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet in the South Pacific during World War II. He was 18 years old when he took his boot camp training at Camp Farragut in Idaho.

He was assigned Herrington to the USS Jaguar IX120, a high-octane fuel tanker that delivered fuel to the islands in the South Pacific. When the Marines would take an

ROSEBURG

Donations for vets accepted Donations of bedding, towels and kitchen items are sought for Eagle Landing, a 55-unit housing complex planned for the Roseburg Veterans Affairs

island from the Japanese, the Jaguar would go immediately to the island and deliver fuel.

It was a very dangerous job for the sailors. They endured torpedoes, and their sister ship took a torpedo and went down in minutes. Hurricanes, typhoons, fires on board and being rammed by another ship were all hazards for Herrington and his mates in the South Pacific. The ship started in New Zealand and went to almost every island in the South Pacific, ending up in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and China.

Jaydee Herrington is now 89 years old.

Honoring Kyle R. Brown US MARINES Serving 2009 - PreSent

So Proud of You Son! Love, Mom

In Memory Of Mark Darling US Navy

We Salute Dennis Pope US Air Force

Served 1941 - 1944

Served 1967 - 1971

Thank you!

Love, Your Family

Thank you Love, Gloria & Becky

Photo courtesy of Jeniece Herrington

Jeniece Herrington has been married to Jaydee Herrington for 66 years.

Jaydee Herrington is shown in his sailor’s uniform in this photo taken in 1943. Herrington sailed on the USS Jaguar, a high-octane fuel tanker, in the South Pacific during World War II.

Medical Center campus.

Roseburg donation drop boxes are at Neighborworks Umpqua, 605 S.E. Kane St.; United Community Action Network’s Case Management Services, 308 S.E. Jackson St.; Community of Christ Church, 132 Rifle Range St.; and the Elks Lodge, 749 S.E.

Jackson St. Sutherlin drop boxes are at Abby’s Legendary Pizza, 1011 W. Central Ave.; BiMart, 833 E. Central Ave.; Center Market, 1280 W. Central Ave.; and Subway Sandwiches, 1436 W. Central Ave. Information: Gerrie King, 541-784-8110.

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A Salute to our Veterans

Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

541-672-3383 • 2455 W Harvard Ave., Roseburg • The old McMahan’s Building

Honoring Our Dad Lilburn Garrett US Army

Served 1944 -1945

We’re so proud of you! Pam, Brenda, Bridget & Family

In Loving Memory

Gary Lee Newport US Army

So Proud of Major Shawn D. Tyson US MarineS

Mom, Dad Danny, JoAnn, Gloria, Linda

Serving 1995 - PreSent

3 Tours, Love U Son. - Dad & Mom

In Loving Memory of

PFC Dean Bright Oct. 13, 1973 - Oct. 4, 2006

KIA TAjI, IrAq Freedom Isn’t Free Forever In Our Hearts Mom, Dad & Sandra

Page 6 — The News-Review

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

A S a l u t e t o o u r Ve t e r a n s

In Loving Memory Sr. A Ryan Matthews US Air Force

Served June 2008 - nov. 2009

Still missing you.

Forever Loved, Mom, Dad & Kody

In Memory Of Lloyd C. Zimmerman

In Loving Memory of PFC Dean Bright

Oct. 13, 1973 - Oct. 4, 2006

My Brother - My Hero Freedom Isn’t Free

I Love & Miss You, Sandra

So Proud of

Fred Gregg US NAVY

1st Lt. US Army Nurse Corps

Served 1944 – 1945

Only gone from our sight.

PZ & All

With love from your family

WWII & VIetnam

In Loving Memory of Fallen Heroes & Brothers Cpl. James L. Moore USMC Esau Ivan DeLaPena-Hernandez USMC & USA Love, Mom, Andrews, Lakes & DeLaPenas

So Proud Of SSgt Curtis Hay US Army

Serving 1995

to

PreSent

Thanks for your continuing service! Love, Ashley, Major, Keira, Paige, Mom, Dad & all the Hay Family.

Honoring Seaman First Class

George Hillenbrand, Jr. US Navy

Served 1945–1946

U.S.S. Iowa BB61, occUpatIon of Japan

In Memory of Seaman First Class John Horton US Navy

Served 1942–1946

So Proud Of Sgt. Luke Shirley Army National Guard Charlie Co.

Serving 9/14/06 - PreSent

We are so proud of you for serving our country.

We are so proud of you to serve our county.

My awesome Son, Father & Soldier.

Love, your other Mother

We Salute Lt. Brett William Stephens

So Proud Of Nathan Cheney

Honoring Mel Cheney

US Air Force

US Marine CorpS

Air Force Research Lab, Space & Satellite Research - Kirkland Ave. Thank You, Lead on!

Serving 2009 - PreSent

Love, Mom & Dad, Kris, Stef and Dawn

Gone...Never Forgotten John Wesley Hughes

In Memory Of E4 Lloyd O. Nelson

Serving June 16, 2012 to PreSent

US Navy

Served 1943 - 1945 We Love You Daddy Jack!

Love, Mabel, the Kids, Grands, Greats & Great-Great.

Wake Island PoW WWII

Served 1941 - 1945

We miss you, Dad. Love, Mary Ann & Nels

US Army Served 1971 - 1977

All our Love, Elaine, Nathan, Kris, Stef & Dawn

Honoring Sn. Edgar W. Gray US navy Korean War 6/51– 6/56 Fleet acts, sasebo, japan– lcM, coxsWain 1951 – 1953

So Proud Of Maj. Dr.

Craig Larson Air Force Academy’s Newest Teacher

US Air Force

Serving 26

yrS

&

going for

With Love, Craig’s Family

30

In Memory of PFC Alger Harrison

LeRoy Hopkins

US Army

Served 1943 - 1946

Served Nov. 1942 - Nov. 1945

I love you so much, welcome home!

We miss you.

So Proud Of US Army

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

The News-Review, Page 7

Veteran’s Day ~ November 11, 2013

Honoring Bill G. Berkshire US ARMY

Served 1943 - 1946

So Proud Of Pfc. D. Frank Chapman 5th USMC

Served 1943-1945 Iwo JIma & Japan

So Proud of Sp-4 James Chittum US ARMY

Served 1959 - 1979

Served 1968 - 1972

You are still my soul mate.

Loretta

22 years of distinguished service.

Love you, Rex & Lolie

Honoring A Good Friend. From, The Men at River Forks

In Memory Of Dillwyn L. Gilbert

In Memory of Bernard F. Hyatt

I love you so much.

Thank you for serving.

In Memory Of SFC William R. Weaver Sr.

Honoring Sgt William R. Weaver Jr.

Honoring PFC Franklin G. Weaver

We love and miss you Dad

Our Dad, Our Hero Sgt Ronald H. Terwilliger US Army

Served 1968 - 1972

~LYATWTWTBG~ Missing you every day!

Your kids & family

US Army

Us Army

Honoring SPE 4 John D. Weaver US Army Served 1971 - 1977

Served 1962 - 1968

Served 1969 - 1971

From John & Terri

From John and Terri

We love you!

Terri & the girls

So Proud Of Bryanna Oelrich

So Proud Of Spec 5 Tom Beckley

In Memory of Edward F. Webler, Sr.

US Air Force

Serving 2010

to

PreSent

Thank you for your service, Bree! We love you and are very proud of You! Mom, Sam, Dad & all your family!

In Memory Of Sp 4 Charles E. Gardner

ARMY 82nd AiRboRne

Thanks for your sacrifice, From Kids, great, great great & grand kids

Served 1942 - 1967

So Proud of Tino Romero

US Navy

WWII Veteran.

Man of Honor.

– Dog Walk Friends

Us Army

In Memory of Cecil Vancleave

US Army June

Served 1969 – Jan. 1972

Love, Your Family

Chief Machinist Mate US Navy Served

Two world warS 1920 - 1944 in

Served 1956–1978

US Army

Served 1961 – 1964

US Navy

US Navy 1945–1946 US army 1952–1955 Dillwyn, I miss you, you are the love of my life. Love, Loretta

Bernard, we miss you.

With Love, The Hyatt Family

Honoring Edward F. Webler, Jr.

We Salute MSgt. Gerald (Jerry) Webler

82nd Airborne US Army

US Army Special Forces

Served from Aug. 1942 – dec. 1945

Served 1952 - 1960

July 1969 – Oct. 1994 1000 Jumps–WOW!

Love, Dad & Mom

Page 8 — The News-Review

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

SALUTE TO VETERANS Friend’s WWII memories still vivid Concert: An emotional tribute RONALD CULBERTSON For The News-Review

R

ay Hanna and I knew each other since the age of 5. He was my best friend.

I helped him do an article about his experiences during World War II. He was in the Navy and was assigned to the anti-aircraft light cruiser Ray Hanna Reno “from the beginning to the end.” His job at general quarters was the number two powder handler in turret number 5. This is a small rendition of his story.

“The handling room was just below the turret and the hoist was just a part of it so that it moved with the turret as it revolved. Eleven men occupied a space about 10 feet square, top to bottom.

When they got going they could fire 23 to 30 rounds a minute of semi-fixed ammo — 54 pounds of projectile and 28 pounds of powder per round inside of a brass shell.

The guns ejected them out of the turret and decks would be littered with them, sometimes two and three deep.

We put up a lot of ammo in a minute, roughly eight to 10

tons when all six turrets were firing.

“You could become physically exhausted very quickly. I think the longest engagement we ever had was seven minutes.

“One of our biggest skirmishes was during Task Force 38’s strike on Formosa. It was when we were hit on the fantail (the stern) by a kamikaze. The pilot had just released his torpedo.

The torpedo missed us going right along the side of the ship. I think the Japanese pilot figured he’d had it and was going to do as much damage as possible, so he put his plane into the ship. When the plane smashed against the fantail, it exploded in a ball of flaming aviation gas that blackened and scorched the outside of the whole after battery, all three turrets. The force of the crash ripped the pilot out of the plane, smashing his head against the muzzle of one of the guns of turret number 6.

“In another incident, we were somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, close to the Philippine Islands, cruising at 24 knots in a zigzag pattern to avoid being an easy target for enemy submarines.

“I had decided to sleep in the open air. I bedded down under turret number 5, which had an overhang at the back.

The sky was filled with stars.

It was a beautiful night. I

We salute you for your Courage, Sacrifice, Dedication and Honor.

drifted off to sleep.

“The next thing I remember was being blown awake by a mighty explosion that hurled me against the bottom of the turret. I struggled to my feet and in less than a minute, men were pouring out of the hatches from below decks like bees from an overturned hive. Somebody said we had been hit by a torpedo, which turned out to be true. After the war, I learned the Japanese submarine 1-41 had fired the torpedo.

“A fuel bunker was torn apart by the torpedo hit. The bunker held crude oil, which has the consistency of liquid tar, and I was covered with it.

“Morning came and it was decided that only a skeleton crew would man the ship.

We had life jackets on and lowered ourselves on a 1-inch rope, 100 yards long, that had been rigged to hang from the stern and trail in the water. We drifted about 3 miles to where the destroyers were waiting to pick us up. Not a man was lost during the drift.”

Ray went on to talk about the reconstruction of the Reno and the end of the war.

The Reno was decommissioned on Nov. 4, 1946.

I’m glad that we were able to write it on one gray, winter afternoon when we shared several mugs of Navy-style coffee in my snug kitchen.

Ron Culbertson is a Myrtle Creek resident.

Continued from page 3 three groups: Viva Voce, Resonance and Dynamic Choir. Each group performs, picking songs that adhere to a theme of remembrance. Pust is also the teacher of the concert band, which will not be performing at this concert.

Bob Carwithen is the director of bands. At the high school, he is the conductor of the jazz and symphonic bands.

Altogether, more than 150 students gather to express their thanks through their music. For weeks on end, they practice, work and spend time to perfect their performance, It is the least they can do for our veterans. All of these groups, except the concert band, will be performing

during this year’s 2013 Veterans Day Concert.

To extend the state of remembrance, themes are picked every year to magnify the intensity of the concert. For example, the 2007 theme was “Lest We Forget,” and in 2011 it was “Let Freedom Ring.”

This year the theme is “Because of the Brave.”

All of these themes are ways of reminding us that we are free for a reason, and that it is because of the tireless service of those who protect us. If they can lay their lives on the line, the least we can do is say “thank you.” This concert is Douglas High School’s way of saying thank you.

To further this, during the concert, a list of names will be displayed. Submitted

by family or friends, it is a list of many of the veterans from Douglas County.

At 7:01 p.m. Nov. 11, be prepared. Emotions will be expressed through this concert, and by the hundreds of people who attend it. Because of the brave, we are free, and we cannot forget who these people are who make it possible.

Tickets at the door are $7. The money raised at the event helps fund the Douglas music department and its musical activities.

The Douglas High School Music Department invites you to join it in a tribute to these people.

Robin Black is a sophomore at Douglas High School and is a member of the school’s music department.

Ticor Title would like to Thank

2009

The Members Of Our Armed Forces!

2008

In appreciation of your service we are offering the

United States Armed Forces Discount (Active Duty, Veteran and National Guard)

Any seller, buyer or borrower who is or was a member of the Armed Forces shall receive a

20% Discount off the applicable escrow charge on transactions involving a single family, residential property owned and occupied by the member of the Armed Forces.

Discount applies to Douglas, Jackson and Josephine Counties.

Roseburg

940 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

541-673-1146

We Appreciate Your Service!

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

SALUTE TO VETERANS

The News-Review, Page 9

Lifelines of hope EMILY LEINGANG For The News-Review

M

y father, William (Bill) Francis Lanigan, was born and raised in Gallup, N.M. After he graduated from high school, he married his high school sweetheart, and later, they were blessed with two daughters.

Bill worked in the Gallup General Store until Oct. 22, 1943, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

After he left for his training, life just wasn’t the same for us. My mother, my sister and I walked Bill Lanigan down to the post office each day to see if Daddy had written to us. His letters were our lifelines of hope, prayers and love during his tour of duty.

Our box was too high to see into, so my sister and I would try to out-jump each other, peeking into the little window to see if a letter had come. Daddy wrote as often as he could and we would answer every letter.

In December 1943, Daddy was granted an emergency furlough to come home for his father’s funeral.

The first time I saw him in his blue uniform, everything about him looked perfect. He stood tall and straight, filled with patriotism and pride. The wide square collar of his Navy jumper framed his handsome face above the perfectly tied square knot of the black silk neckerchief. Walking toward my sister and me, the hems of his bell-bottomed trousers flapped back and forth across the tops of his shiny, black shoes. Below his dark, curly hair, his deep, blue eyes twinkled above a smile as wide as the ocean as he gathered us into a warm hug that I’ll never forget.

After his training, Bill shipped out to the South Pacific and served on the islands of Okinawa and Tinian with the 27th U.S. Navy

Photo courtesy of Emily Leingang

Bill Lanigan hugs his two daughters while home on furlough in 1943 to attend his grandfather’s funeral service.

Construction Battalion, also known as the Seabees. The men who had helped build Boulder Dam and national highways, who had worked in mines, quarries and shipyards, were assigned to become stevedores, builders of airstrips, hospitals and housing.

The Seabee motto is “Constuimus Batuimus — We build, We fight.” Its insignia is a bumblebee in flight armed with a tommy gun, a hammer and a wrench, all encircled in a hawser rope, symbolizing the Seabees’ diversity. It

is worn proudly on the sleeve of the uniform.

The 27th Special Battalion landed and fought alongside the U.S. Marines. Its members were trained to defend themselves as well as work on construction projects. The busiest airfield of World War II, the North Field, was built on the island of Tinian by the Seabees in 1944.

As I researched the history of the 27th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (Special) Co., I found examples of the courage and endurance of all the men with whom

Bill served with during the war.

The following is from “A Little Big History Not Taught in High School”: “The living conditions were rugged for the first two months.

The men lived in pup tents on the beach until a camp could be built and the island could be cleaned of pestilence and disease.”

In one of his letters, dated Jan. 2, 1945, Bill described the camp as clean, neat and spacious. He bragged about his company being the best, and said, “occasionally Tojo (Japanese prime minister who ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor) pays us a little visit and we can be interrupted to as much as three hours. Many of the fellows are learning to sleep in their foxholes.

It was so chilly this morning that I had to sneak into my tent and grab a blanket. When some of the other fellows saw me, they thought an Indian was roaming about.”

This seemed quite ironic, for during the years he worked in the store in Gallup, he was fondly nicknamed “Navajo Bill.”

William F. Lanigan was honored to receive the Bronze Star for his service during the capture and occupation of Okinawa. He was also awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon.

He proudly wore the Seabee insignia until his honorable discharge from the Seabees in December 1945. The small town of Gallup welcomed him home, honoring his service with a tribute to his dedication and bravery.

We missed the joy of his presence and were thankful for his safe return. Among my treasured mementos are the pictures and letters that comforted us while he proudly served his country.

Bill died in 1981 in Albuquerque, N.M., and is interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, N.M. With a grateful heart, I am proud to honor the memory of my Daddy and all of the veterans that served so valiantly for our freedom.

Emily Leingang of Green is the daughter of William Lanigan.

Photo courtesy of Patricia Gausnell

Fred Engle of Roseburg flew numerous missions during World War II.

Pilot survived many air missions in WWII PATRICIA GAUSNELL For The News-Review

S

ometime after my uncle, Fred Engle, died in 2001, I decided to write something about his World War II experiences. I wish I had asked him more about it, but he didn’t like to talk about it much. So I interviewed some people who were close to him, including his widow, Anne, a sister (my mother), and a cousin.

Fred graduated from Lookingglass High School in 1935. During his high school years, his stepfather, Dwight “Buzz” Morgan, bought a school bus and contracted with the school district to bus students. In Fred’s last year of high school, he drove himself and the other students to school, and after class drove them home.

Turn to PILOT, page 10

Page 10 — The News-Review

SALUTE TO VETERANS

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

Pilot: Engle earned several ribbons for WWII service Memories:

Parents push past protesters

Continued from page 9 After high school, Fred worked for Lockwood Motors in Roseburg and at the same time drove a school bus. He also took flying lessons in Roseburg and earned his pilot’s license.

In 1941, he went to Santa Monica, Calif., where he worked for Douglas Aircraft. He was a group leader of a crew working on final assembly of the Douglas A-20 Havoc.

Fred enlisted in the Army Air Corps at Buckley Field in Denver on Feb. 19, 1943. After basic training, his military education consisted of 48 weeks of flight training in Grand Forks, N.D., Santa Ana, Calif., Tucson, Ariz., and Williams Field, Ariz.

He trained in a PT-13. The PT stood for “primary trainer,” and was a biplane used as a military trainer for pilots during World War II. These planes sometimes went into a flat spin. A plane he was flying did this, and he ejected. The plane hit his foot and sprained his ankle.

Fred went overseas in November 1944 and was stationed in Italy, after it had surrendered. He was a P-38 Lightning bomber pilot for 10 months with the 15th Air Force. He flew 25 air combat missions to the Balkans, Ardennes, Rhineland, Northern Apennines, Po Valley and Central Europe.

The P-38 was a twin engine bomber used extensively as a long-range escort fighter and saw action in practically every major combat area of the world.

A very versatile aircraft, the Lightning was also used for dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing and photo reconnaissance missions.

Once Fred flew to Russia to pick up a colonel, who turned out to be a woman.

He was shot down twice during the war. One time his plane was apparently sabotaged, and an explosion caused him to have to eject. Another pilot who left the field on the same mission was killed by such an explosion in his plane. That is why they were

Continued from page 3

Photos courtesy of Patricia Gausnell

Lookingglass High School graduate Fred Engle is seen with his comrades during World War II. Engle is third from the right in the middle row.

Seen here are Fred Engle’s uniform, a scarf made out of one of his parachutes, his Lookingglass High School diploma, a few News-Review articles, various insignia and a paper noting Engle’s military discharge. quite sure it was sabotage.

Another time he was shot down over France. He again was able to eject from his plane, but was temporarily blinded by the cold at the high altitude he was flying. When he landed, he was rescued right away by the French underground.

They took him about four or five miles and hid him in a barn under

a pile of hay. In a short time his vision improved.

His rescue was completed in an interesting way by a system used during World War II by American and British forces. It consisted of a pair of poles set in the ground on either side of the person to be retrieved, with a line running from the top of one pole to the

other. An aircraft, usually a C-47 Skytrain, would trail a grappling hook and engage the line, which was attached to the person to be retrieved.

Fred was quoted in a News-Review article at the time of his promotion to 1st Lieutenant, “When we meet the bombers to escort them to the target area, it’s a beautiful sight to see. As far as the eye can see there are allied bombers. Liberators, Forts, Lightnings and Mustangs, all intent upon reaching the target and dropping their bombs. It makes you feel proud that you are a part of the ‘big show.’”

For his service in World War II, Fred earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon with six Bronze Stars, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, The American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Ribbon.

After the war, Fred returned to Roseburg, where he became a partner with his stepfather and brother in Morgan and Engle, Inc, a logging and ranching company.

He is buried in Lookingglass Cemetery.

Patricia Gausnell of Roseburg is Fred Engle’s niece.

I told him, “Good luck and thanks for sticking with me! We’ll be expecting you soon!”

About 45 minutes later he landed safely. He radioed me at the end of the runway, thanking me for saving his life while crying and sobbing.

I replied back that I was just doing my job. Besides, he was the one that decided not to eject!

The end of my year in Vietnam was rapidly approaching. As usual, a commercial airliner was contracted to haul a few hundred military personnel in uniform out of Saigon back to Portland. Another vivid memory occurred as we deplaned there. Once again several hundred war protesters and hecklers lined the concourse. Once again there was loud booing, shouting, name-calling and throwing of objects.

What was different this time was that I spotted Dad and Mom pushing their way through the protesters to get to me. Dad reached me first with watery eyes and a big grin. He gave me a firm handshake and then a bear hug.

He commented, “Welcome home son!”

At last Mom got to me with tears flowing down her cheeks. After a quick hug and a few kisses, she grabbed my right arm. Dad was on my left with his arm on my shoulders.

As we walked down the concourse among the protesters, Dad leaned over and told me, “Hold your head high, son. We are proud that you served God and our country.

This is certainly more than most of these protesters have done! Let’s go home now.”

Tears started flowing from my eyes.

Yes, I have many vivid memories of the Vietnam War. I am still extremely proud to have served my God and my country. God bless America.

Dennis Pope is a Roseburg resident.

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

SALUTE TO VETERANS

The News-Review, Page 11

County Veterans Forum Service Organization Leadership COMMANDER, AMERICAN LEGION POST 123 Roy Brogden 541-863-7575 roybrogden@clearwire.net

COMMANDER, AMERICAN LEGION POST 152 Bud Schick 541-817-3752 budandshir@gmail.com

COMMANDER, AMERICAN LEGION POST 16 Rick Sciapiti 541-957-1374 vietnamveteran68@msn.com

COMMANDER, AMERICAN LEGION POST 62 Bob Cline 541-271-4689 bobcline_31@hotmail.com

PRESIDENT, AMERICAN WOMENS VETS

ASSOCIATION

COOTIES PUP TENT 22

Dodie Blessing 541-459-1512 webfoot@douglasfast.net

PRESIDENT, BLIND VETERANS ASSOCIATION Richard McElroy 541-673-5508 bvaroseburgchapter@g.com

PRESIDENT, DOUGLAS COUNTY VETERANS FORUM

COMMANDER, FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION NO. 328

SEAM SQUIRREL, MO

COMMANDER, MILITARY ORDER PURPLE HEART Rudy Ziegler 541-459-9292 rudy3rd@yahoo.com

COMMANDER, NCOA POST 1308

Jim Little 541-672-4635 gunnerlittle@aol.com

Bud Bessey 541-863-3144 seaweed@frontiernet.net

Monte Montgomery 541-733-5837 monteandmarylou@gmail. com

Roger Arnold 541-672-7816 fatherespresso@charter.net

RIDE CAPTAIN, PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

Terry Mooney 541-817-7673 linda.mooney@earthlink.org

PRESIDENT, PARALYZED

Umpqua Community College honors our student veterans and veterans everywhere.

Winter registration starts Nov. 12. www.umpqua.edu 541-440-4600

VETS OF AMERICA

Jeff DeLeon 855-744-0782 president@oregonpva.org

PRESIDENT, SOUTHERN OR WARBIRDS Lloyd Kesterson 541-672-2874 kestersons@gmail.com

COMMADANT, USMC LEAGUE DET 1089 Richard Evans 541-496-4550 rfs003@charter.net

COMMANDER, VFW POST 2468

Mike Eakin 541-863-7839 onenamvet3@hotmail.com

COMMANDER, VFW POST 3594 Joe Hanshew

541-662-0468 backi@frontier.com

COMMANDER, VFW POST 3970 James Horton 541-459-1123 lovekup@q.com

COMMANDER, VFW POST 9744

Mike Schafer 541-672-8273 shafer8273@charter.net

COMMANDER, VFW POST 9745

Jim Osborne 541-679-4090 pennjjpo@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT, VIETNAM VETERANS OF AM 805

Terry Mooney 541-643-1954 linda.mooney@earthlink.org

Roseburg, Oregon, — Sunday, November 10, 2013

The News-Review, Page 12

A SALUTE TO OUR HEROES: OUR VETERANS

On Veterans Day, we pause to reflect on the courage, dedication, and loyalty of our nation’s military veterans. Throughout history, their hard work and sacrifice have kept us safe and protected our freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

We salute them for their service. To all the brave men and women who have put their country first, we thank you.

541.672.9405 2371 NE Stephens St., Roseburg, Oregon 97470 www.cowcreek.com