| Bert Hubble'sTHE BOW-WOW
REPORTSeptember 2001promoting Friendship - Communication - Understanding Distributed Quarterly: March - June -
September - December | 
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47th Scout Dog Platoon
http://www.47ipsd.us59th Scout Dog Platoon
http://www.geocities.com/ipsd59th/main.htmVDHA Unit Director: Bertram Hubble, bhubble@attglobal.net Bertram Hubble, bhubble@attglobal.net Webmaster: Jonathan Wahl, 47ipsd@47ipsd.org Dean P. Harrison, harr197@attglobal.net Historian: Bertram Hubble, bhubble@attglobal.net William Whitehouse, w.w.whitehouse@worldnet.att.n Membership Director: Bertram Hubble, bhubble@attglobal.net Bertram Hubble, bhubble@attglobal.net Fellow Platoon Members:
This report will get out a little early to get your early support for Jesse Mendez's project to enhance the existing War Dog Memorial at Fort Benning and to keep us moving forward on the Columbus Reunion.
Fort Benning War Dog Memorial:
Jesse Memdez has begun a project to enhance the War Dog Memorial that was unveiled at Fort Benning in October 2000. The idea is to surround the Memorial with nine (9) pedestals which will stand about two feet tall and be inscribed with commemorative bronze plaques which will name every K9 Unit which has served in the United States Armed Services from World War II to the present. Jesse has done all the hard work of doing the research, getting the appropriate Military Approvals and obtaining price/cost information from the Columbus Monument Company. He is set to go and all he needs now is some money. That is where we come in. Jesse needs each of us to contribute a minimum of $20.00 by check made payable to the National Infantry Foundation marked "War Dog Memorial." Your contributions are tax deductible and are to be sent to me addressed Bertram Hubble 143 S. San Jose Drive, Glendora CA 91741. I will collect the checks and forward them to Jesse who will do the rest. This is a very worthwhile project and one that we can each take pride in supporting. This project will not happen unless we support it and time is critical as the cost is locked for a limited period of time. Jesse needs to have the funds raised by September 30, 2001 at the latest. That does not give us a lot of time to work with. This is not a VDHA project. While the VDHA does support Jesse in his efforts, this is a project that is created by Jesse Mendez to honor all K9 handlers, dogs and unit. Let's support Jesse in this worthwhile project by sending me your check today. Do not delay as time is of the essence. If you can send a little more please do so as some may not be in a position to contribute. If you can not afford $20.00 send what you can - but do try to send something. Jesse has been supporting us Veteran K9 Handlers all of his life and now is the time to show our appreciation by supporting him in this magnificent project (See the attached diagram).
47th/59th Columbus/Fort Benning Reunion May 10th-12th 2002:
I know that you all enjoyed Jonathan Wahl's "Call To Formation" that comprised the last two pages of the June Bow-Wow. Jonathan did a great job of telling how important it is for you to attend the Columbus Reunion. Since we only have 50 rooms blocked for us, it is important that you call and make your reservations right now as follows:
Group Name: Scout Dog Reunion Dates: May 10th - 12th, 2002 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Place: Historic Columbus Hilton ,800 Front Avenue, Columbus GA 31901 Reservations: Toll Free 800-445-8667, or 706-324-1800 Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Call in your reservations today. The remittance for the Dinner Banquet ($24.00) per person and the Bus Transportation ($12.00) per person should be sent to Bert Hubble,143 S. San Jose Drive, Glendora, CA 91741 by March 1, 2002 at the latest so that the final details can be arranged. Recent Contributors:
I want to thank Craig Lord of the VDHA for all his hard work for the VDHA and his assistance to me personally whenever I have needed it. He has always been there for us. Craig is giving up some of his VDHA responsibilities so that he can devote more time to being the Unit Director for the 35th SPS. I understand this very well and wish him a well deserved rest from his heavy load. Tom Masch participated in a three day event at Hyde Park, NY with his dog Cheyenne wearing the arm patch of the 47th IPSD. He met the Governor, state senator and congresswoman Sue Kelly and participated in the opening of the first Purple Heart Museum. Our thanks and appreciation go out to Craig and Tom for their hard work.
As a follow-up to the fate of mascots Flexible and Sally-J I have been in contact with a Mr. Neil Beard (WA State) who was a helicopter pilot with the 101st Division when it stood down in December 1971. Neil tells me that while he did not remember our dogs specifically, all the dogs went south with the aircraft and equipment and was redistributed to the units remaining in the south. Neil says that no dogs were left or abandoned by the 101st Division. From this information we may be able to direct our search to the South. Lets see what we can find out.
VDHA Membership/Contacts:
We have recently had contact with John Beal and Gary Goelzhauser of the 47th IPSD and Byron Nelson of the 59th IPSD. They all were glad to be reached and we have sent them some information on the unit with an application to join the VDHA. Steve Bowers & Donald Lowe of the 47th IPSD are confirmed to have become VDHA members. Congratulations to all of you.
In Memory:
I an saddened to report the passing of Edward Stryeski Jr. who was an original platoon member of the 59th Scout Dog Platoon that departed Lawson Field Columbus GA on May 28th 1968 en route to Vietnam. Ed was a VDHA Member, his dog was Robbi 6X97. Edward passed away on March 25th 2001 from a massive heart attack. He was engaged to be married at the time and is survived by his parents, siblings, and children from a previous marriage. Franklyn Harrison remembers that Ed was one of the youngest members of the platoon. As a youngster, Ed played in the Little League World Series, as well as the Babe Ruth World Series. Both teams were from Meriden CT. He had been offered minor league contracts and college scholarships, but decided that he would make more money (before the day of big money in sports) in the insurance business. While trying to start an insurance career he was drafted into the Army. Franklin remembers Ed was blistered by a bullet passing very close to, but not hitting, his nose and cheek.
Bert's Commentary:
As veterans of the Vietnam War, which has been characterized as the most divisive event of the last century to the unity that preserves us as a free nation, we would be well advised to revive that old 60's saying "Question Authority". We can be patriotic and loyal to our country and still criticize our government when we see it taking positions that we do not feel are right. Power does not bring wisdom or compasion. Too often it appears that governments is their to promote the interests of Big Business at the expense of the common good..............
We must remain ever vigilant to the politicians (whatever their stripe) when it comes to actions that they conduct in our name. When our government acts illegally or unjustly abroad or at home that says something about ourselves. We must hear all points of view - print news and media controlled by a few large corporations who filter the news for mass consumption are not in our best interests. Censorship of the news creates an uninformed public and is a real danger to our existance as a free people. Do not be afraid of those who criticize and demonstrate. Instead, listen and consider their argument. Remember that the American Revolution for those ideals that we cherish did not end back in the 18th century - it was only the beginning - the revolution continues - the struggle is ongoing.
We must use our common sense and question authority as it relates to: the Star Wars Defense System, Anti-Terrorist laws that take away our personal freedoms and invade our privacy in the name of some perceived good or evil, Fast Track of anything, privatization of any utilities, quick fixes to education, police forces that have more fire power than an infantry brigade and are inclined to turn that power on peaceful demonstrators who protest against secret negotiations such as the WTO which threaten to circumvent our laws and environmental protections and of course much much more.........
On a brighter note, the college football season is just around the corner and I think I shall try to find some comfort and pleasure in the knowledge that my heroic yet unpredictable 2001 USC Trojan football team will be taking the gridiron soon against such fine opponents as Notre Dame, UCLA and of course Oregon State.
Take care of yourselves,
Bert
Author: Bertram M. Hubble Editor/Publisher: Jonathan D. Wahl © 2001 Bertram M. Hubble
Attachment
Jesse Mendez Sketch of Proposed Pedestals around WD Memorial
