Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Angeles City Post 2485

"Post 2485 History"

Chartered:     April 12 1987

Original Location:   Angeles City, Philippines

New Location:    

Commander-in-Chief:    Norman G. Staab

POST COMMANDERS

YEAR	COMMANDER	YEAR	COMMANDER
1987-88	Joseph Carsley	1997-98	Lafayette Donaldson (AS)
1988-89	Joseph Carsley	1999-00	B.K. Hubbard (AS/AA)
1989-90	Richard Norrell	2000-01	Jerry Prinz (AS/AA)
1990-91	Eugene Herrman (AA)	2001-02	Jerry Prinz (AS)
1991-92	Bob Zaher (AA)	2002-03	Buddy McGuire (AA)
1992-93	Bob Zaher (AA)	2003-04	Buddy McGuire
1993-94	Ed Lyons (AA)	2004-05	Al Mitchell
1994-95	Ed Lyons	2005-06	Al Mitchell
1995-96	Ken Schaefer (AA)	2006-07	Dale Barsy (AS)
1996-97	Ken Schaefer	2007-08	Dale Barsy
1997-98	Lafayette Donaldson (AS)

                                                       AA = All American    AS =  All State

     2007 marks the 20^th anniversary of VFW Post 2485 in Angeles City, Philippines. From humble beginnings, the Post has grown in membership to become the second largest overseas VFW post and the fifteenth largest post in the entire VFW organization. This history begins with a brief synopsis of the first 19 years of VFW Post 2485, followed by a more detailed summary of 2006 – 2007.

April 1987 - June 2006 Synopsis

       VFW Post 2485 was officially established on 12 April 1987 with Joseph Carsley as commander and a total membership of 30.  There was no Post Home.  Meeting space had to be borrowed from locations in Angeles City and nearby Clark Air Base.  The Post remained homeless for the next two years.  Nonetheless, commendations were received from National Headquarters for accomplishments in Americanism, Buddy Poppy, Safety, Youth and Community Programs.

In  May 1989  a small  house was  rented  on  Santol Road, about a block away from the south perimeter fence of Clark Air Base. This converted domicile would serve as the Post Home  for the next 10 years.  Though far from ideal, the structure  provided enough space for a combination canteen and meeting room, office facilities, and game areas including darts, cards, and horseshoes in the back yard.  Many improvements were  made over the years, both inside and outside, to enhance its use and attractiveness as a VFW Post Home.

Joe Carsley

Richard “Whitey” Norrell was the second commander of VFW Post 2485.  During his one-year tenure, a Children's Operation Fund program was first conducted by the Post to help disadvantaged indigent Filipino children realize more normal lives.  This program, which focuses on cleft palate and cleft lip victims, was the brainchild of comrades Cliff Wilsey and Bob Zaher before adoption by the Post.  Ten operations were funded that first year.  The program continues to this day with many grateful families and their children benefiting from the concern and generosity of Post 2485 members and other benefactors around the world.  By 2007, over 1,200 operations had been conducted.

       The next commander, third since the Post was established, was Eugene Herrmann.  He was the first of many commanders over the years to achieve All American status for himself and VFW Post 2485.  Membership had grown to over 180 veterans.  Programs were proceeding apace and the future looked bright.  Then Mt. Pinatubo erupted and turned everything akimbo.  The Post Home was wrecked and deemed inoperable.  The American troops on Clark Air Base, except for some security personnel, evacuated en masse on 10 June 1991.  The base would never again function as an U.S. military facility.  Clark Air Base was officially turned over to the Philippine government in November 1991. 

       Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, VFW Post 2485 refused to die and became stronger than ever.  Incoming Commander Bob Zaher spearheaded an aggressive and successful program to restore to functional use the little rented house serving as the Post Home.   VFW programs hardly missed a beat as the Post members banded together and pressed forward.  The Post took over responsibility from the Clark AB Chiefs Group for assisting the Angeles City chapter of the Pearl Buck Foundation.  This worldwide organization helps abandoned Amer-Asian children.  Post 2485 spent a great deal of time and money providing upkeep for Pearl Buck Home and sponsored a gala Christmas party every year for the children.  Bob Zaher was the perennial Santa Claus for the event.  Post 2485 stayed involved with the Pearl Buck Foundation until the Angeles City chapter closed its doors in 2002.

Bob Zaher

By the time Comrade Zaher turned over the reigns of Commander in July 1993, he and VFW Post 2485 attained All American status both years and membership had ballooned to over 400.  VFW Post 2485 was now part of District VII (Philippines) under a new realignment  promulgated by National Headquarters.

       The new Post Commander, Ed Lyons, continued the All American trend, achieving this his first year.  It marked four years in a row as All American for Post 2485.  Not bad for a post only seven years old.   By the time Ed Lyons completed his second year as commander, Post membership had climbed to over 500. 

       Meanwhile, many Post 2485 members were elected to positions elsewhere in the VFW organization.  Ralph Milward was elected Commander, Department of Pacific Areas before transfer to Post 2485.  Joseph Carsley replaced him as Department Commander the next year.  Carsley, a previous All American Commander at the District level, achieved All American status at the Department, and was appointed Vice Chairman of the National VOD Committee.  Jesse Foster was designated Department of Pacific Areas Service Officer of the Year.  Paul Morgenthal was elected Commander of District VII.

       Ken Schaefer became the new commander in 1995.  Like his predecessor, Commander Schaefer achieved All American status for himself and Post 2485 his first year in office.   During this time, Cliff Wilsey was designated National Recruiting aide-de-camp and Bob Zaher was elected Commander, Department of Pacific Areas, replacing Joe Carsley.

Ken Schaefer

During Comrade Schaefer's second year as commander, VFW Post 2485 was registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission as a Non-Profit Corporation.  This was an important change in status in order to function in aforeign country without hassles from government agencies. Commander Schaefer was appointed to the National VFW Veterans Resolutions Committee.  He also became chairman of a steering group created to establish a permanent Department of Pacific Areas office  in the Philippines.The idea of a permanent Department office came from Bob Zaher who was

achieving All American status for the Department. The Post received the National VFW Safety Award as membership passed the 700 mark. He also became chairman of a steering group created to establish a permanent Department of Pacific Areas office in the Philippines.  The idea of a permanent Department office came from Bob Zaher who was achieving All American status for the Department.  The Post received the National VFW Safety Award as membership passed the 700 mark.

Lafayette Donaldson served as Commander, Post  2485 for the next two years, achieving All State status both years.  It was during his tenure that the “Grave Diggers” group was formed (11 Nov 1997) for the care and maintenance of the Clark Air Base Cemetery, which Post 2485 had been overseeing since 1994.  The Post was awarded the National Americanism Award and Commander Donaldson was made de-camp.   Membership in the Post was over 800.

Lafayette Donaldson

       In 1999, VFW Post 2485 found a new home.  Over $250,000 had been raised during the previous   two years to make this move a reality.  On the corner of Pinatubo Street and Santol Road, next door to the old home, the new structure would prove ideal for VFW functions.  It was completely renovated from an existing foundation and tailored to the needs of Post 2485.  Separate restaurant and bar areas, conference room, office rooms, a business center, and pool table area complemented the design.  Comfortable furniture, excellent flooring, tasteful and appropriate wall décor, and ample parking spaces made the new home the envy of many VFW Posts. The permanent Department office was established in the new home.  It was set up by Department Quartermaster Tom Elliott with funds provided by the Department ($25,000) and Grand ($5,000).   

VFW Post 2485 - New Post Home

       The first Post 2485 General Membership Meeting in the new facility was held on Sunday, 11 July 1999, shortly after B. K. Hubbard took over as the next commander.  The official Grand Opening took place on Sunday, 14 November 1999, the same day the VFW Post 2485 web site became active.  It was only fitting that the post made All American that year (1999 – 2000) for the sixth time.  Other honors included Department awards for Outstanding Achievement in Community Service, Outstanding Post Adjutant (Ken Schaefer), Outstanding Post Programs Chairman (William Feldt), and Post of the Year.  The Department Commander also issued Appreciation Awards to Department Quartermaster Tom Elliott and Department Adjutant Joe Carsley.  Membership soared to over 1,000.

Jerry Prinz

All American status continued in 2000 – 2001 under the leadership of Jerry Prinz, the next commander.  During his two years in office, the Post received many more awards including National Recognition for outstandingachievements in Americanism, Youth Activities, Safety,Community Service, and Voice of Democracy.  In addition,there were many individual awards presented to VFW Post2485 members.

       Bob Zaher was honored as All American District VII Commander and Paul Morgenthal was dubbed All State Quartermaster.  Department Quartermaster Tom Elliott became, concurrently, the Department Adjutant.  In 2002 there were nearly 1,200 members in VFW Post 2485.

Buddy McGuire

Buddy McGuire took over as commander and, like Comrade Prinz, achieved All American status his first year  in office.  The 11 November Veterans Day Commemorations that year (2002) typified what has always been an important event for VFW Post 2485.  It began with memorial rites at the Clark Cemetery where about 300 people had gathered. United States Veterans groups from Angeles City, BarrioBarretto in Olongapo, La Union, and Baguio were represented as well as a local chapter of the Australian Returned and Services League (RSL).

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) provided a band and firing salute and the Fleet Reserve Association conducted the traditional three bell-ring ceremony.  Visiting dignitaries included representatives from the PAF 600th Air Base Wing command, The Angeles City and Mabalacat Mayors' offices, the American Cemetery in Manila, the Retired Activities Office (RAO) in Angeles City, and the RAO in Subic, among others.  A picnic at the Post Home completed the day. Raffles and auctions were conducted to raise money for worthy causes.  By the end of Comrade McGuire's two-year stint as commander in July 2004, membership was approaching 1,300.

Al Mitchell became the 11th commander of Post 2485.  During his two-year tenure, the numerous interfaces he and his staff had with outside organizations reflected how VFW Post 2485 reached out to the community and got involved with other agencies.  Post 2485 members attended functions conducted by American Legion Post 123, the Vietnam Veterans Association, the Masonic Lodge,  the Shriners, the American Embassy, the RSL, and the Angeles City Businessmen's Association, among others. They attended the Battle of Bamban Hills Memorial Ceremony in Tarlac, Luzon; the ground-breaking ceremony for the Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr. Peace Memorial Shrine in Barangay Bical, Mabalacat; and the Annual Bataan Death March commemorations at Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac; among other events.

Al Mitchell

       Post 2485 involvement with local school children was noted by the Malabanias School in Angeles City which presented the Post a Certificate of Appreciation “For Supporting School Programs and Activities.”  Another Certificate of Appreciation was received from the VFW National Headquarters for support of the Political Action Committee (PAC).  Recognizing Post 2485's work within the community, the VFW National Ladies Auxiliary donated $1,000 for the Children's Operation Fund. 

A total of $21,000 was spent for 57 children’s operations during Comrade Mitchell's last year as commander.

       By the end of June 2006, the Grave Diggers membership stood at 778.   The total VFW Post 2485 membership was 1,423. Of this total, 1,350 were life members, 49 were continuous, 19 were new, and 5 were reinstated.

July 2006 – June 2007

       To facilitate referencing or research, this year’s history is organized into seven major categories:

               I. LEADERSHIP

               II. PROGRAMS

               III. EVENTS

               IV. MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES

               V. AWARDS AND HONORS

               VI. POST HOME

               VII. MEMBERSHIP

       Several VFW Post 2485 leaders reviewed the draft of this history to ensure the accuracy of the information.  Any errors that may have slipped through the editing process are ultimately the responsibility of the historian, as are comments and reflections accompanying the data.

       The departure from the usual format and the inclusion of narrative and photographs was done to satisfy three primary objectives:  (1) to "put a human face" on historical events in recognizing those who served, (2) to make it easier to find a particular item of interest, and (3) to enhance the readability of the document.    

I.  LEADERSHIP (Return)

       A.  The top three elected officers were as follows:

      Post Commander:  Dale Barsy

      Senior Vice Commander:  John Flaherty

      Junior Vice Commander:  Larry Heilhecker

        B.  Other elected officers included:

Quartermaster:  William G. Simpson (July – September 2006)

                          Guy “Bob” Dodson (September 2006 – June 2007)

Judge Advocate:  Albert Mitchell

Chaplain:  Lafayette Donaldson

Surgeon:  William “Cecil” Johnson

Trustee One Year:  Tony Power

Trustee Two Year:  Tom Elliott

Trustee Three Year:  Bob Dodson (July – September 2006)

                                Dennis Carlton (December 2006 – June 2007)

Post Home Committee One Year:  David Crowe (July – December 2006)

                                                      Charlie Dwyer (December  2006 – June  2007)              

Post Home Committee Two Year:  Charlie Dwyer (July – December 2006)

                                                       John Reveille (December 2006 – February  2007)

                                                       Joe Hambley (February – April 2007)

Post Home Committee Three Year:  John Reveille (July – December 2006)

                                                        Joseph Hambley (December 2006 – February 2007)

                                                        Paul Gasperson (February – June 2007)

Elected Officers 2006–2007

Senior Vice Commander: John Flahert

Commander: Dale Barsy

Junior Vice Commander: Larry Heilhecker

Chaplain: Lafayette Donaldson

Surgeon: William “Cecil” Johnson

Trustee One Year: Tony Power	Trustee Two Year: Tom Elliot	Trustee Three Year: Dennis Carlton
PHC One Year: Charlie Dwyer	PHC Two Year: John Reveille	PHC Three Year Paul Gasperson

         C.  Of the 37 appointed positions, many were filled by individuals already named, serving in elected offices.  Names not previously mentioned included:       

                         Gerald Chaplin (Adjutant)
                         Allen E. Coates (Safety Officer)

                         Jack Dietz (Post Home Committee)

                         Eddie Jernigan (Assistant Adjutant)

 Lowell Johnson (Historian)

 Dave Lockhart ( Officer of the Day)

 Ralph Milward (Service Officer)

   Steve Piechocky (Post Home Committee) 

   Jerry Prinz (Roving Ambassador to the Philippines)

                          Harry Smith (Post Home Committee Chairman 1 July 2006 – 20 January 2007, 

                                                Community Activities.  Harry was also the contracted Canteen Manager from

                                                 20 January – 30 June 2007)

   William Wadsworth (Community Activities)

                 Okey Warden (Roving Ambassador in the U.S.)

                 Cliff Wilsey (Membership and Budget committees, Children’s Operation

                                                 Program Chairman)

Appointed Officers 2006-2007

                       Adjutant:                              Post Home Committee:                    Assistant Adjutant:

                   Gerald Chaplin                                      Jack Dietz                               Eddie Jernigan

\

                     Historian:                                      Officer of the Day:                           Ralph Milward

Lowell Johnson  Dave Lockhart                             Service Officer:

 Roving Ambassador:                         CanteenManager:                     Membership Chairman:

                   Jerry Prinz                                          Harry Smith                                 Cliff Wilsey

         D.  The 2006 – 2007 elected and appointed representatives of VFW Post 2485 brought in a wealth of talent and experience in VFW activities.  Most had previously served in the Post in some capacity. Three (Lafayette Donaldson, Jerry Prinz, and Al Mitchell) were Past Post Commanders.

         E.  At least ten of the elected/appointed officials had formerly (prior to this year) held positions at the District VII (Philippines), Department of Pacific Areas, or National levels.

               1.  Commander Dale Barsy, who also served on the 2006 – 2007 Post Relief

Committee and on the Post Home Committee, was a previous District VII Chairman of the Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen Program.

2.  Quartermaster Guy “Bob” Dodson, who was also Chairman of the Budget

Committee and part of the Membership and Post Relief committees, was a previous All State Quartermaster for the Department of Pacific Areas. 

              3.  Judge Advocate Albert Mitchell, who was also the Past Post Commander and a Post Home Committee member, was a previous Senior Vice Commander of District VII.

              4.  Surgeon and Hospital Chairman William “Cecil” Johnson had served several years as the Department and District VII Service Officer.

              5.  One-year Trustee and Library Chairman Tony Power had been the Department Quartermaster for three years.

              6.  Two-year Trustee Tom Elliott had been a trustee for District VII, Commander of the Department of Pacific areas, and National District 16 Council Member for two years (1999 – 2001).

              7.  Three-year Trustee and Webmaster Dennis Carlton was previously Assistant Adjutant for Department of Pacific Areas.

              8.  Service Officer Ralph Milward had served in several positions at the Department level, including Commander in 1994.

              9.  Roving Ambassador Jerry Prinz had been consistently involved at District and Department levels, achieving All State status as Commander of District VII in 2003 – 2004, was Department Grand Commander of the Military Order of the Cootie in 2005 – 2006, and served as Department Inspector for several years.                     

10.  Cliff Wilsey, the preeminent membership recruiter, has been the perennial Life Membership Chairman for the Department of Pacific Areas as well as a Trustee for District VII.

 F. VFW Post 2485 members in higher-level positions during 2006 – 2007 included the following:

              1.  Bob Zaher (National Council of Administration for District 16, Department of Pacific

                                       Areas Chief of Staff and Convention Book Chairman)

              2.  Ken Schaefer (Commander, Department of Pacific Areas)

              3.  Al Mitchell (Commander, District VII Philippines)

              4.  Tom Elliott (Vice Chairman for the National POW/MIA program)

              5.  Cliff Wilsey (Department Life Membership Chairman, District VII Three Year Trustee)

              6.  Tony Power (Department Quartermaster}

              7.  Larry Heilhecker (Department and District VII Cemetery Chairman, District VII Trustee,          

                                                 and District VII VOD/Patriot’s Pen Chairman

              8.  Cecil Johnson (Department and District VII Service Officer)

              9.  Bill Simpson (District VII Quartermaster)

        G.  It should also be noted that Chaplain Donaldson was the American Legion Post 123 Commander and Harry Smith was the Post Canteen Manager for most of the first six months of 2007.

II.  PROGRAMS (Return)

        A.  Children’s Operation Fund (COF)

1. The COF is probably the most visible example of how VFW Community Service

programs can touch people’s lives.  The program focuses on cleft lip and cleft palate operations for Filipino children.  The transformation of these kids’ facial features was dramatic.

Before After

2. Conducting the operations within Angeles City hospitals cost approximately $300 for

a cleft lip correction and $350 for a cleft palate procedure.  The price varied somewhat, depending on the severity of the disfigurement.  Particularly challenging procedures cost more than these averages.               

                  3.  Thirty-one operations were performed during July 2006 – June 2007 at a total cost of

$10,350.00.

                  4.  To support this effort, the COF program received monetary assistance in excess of

$11,000 from individuals and groups throughout the year. 

       B.  Cemetery

Clark Cemetery looking south                                           A burial in progress

                        toward the main entrance

     1.  The Clark Cemetery, located just west of a new Shoe Mart (SM) Shopping Mall near the main gate of Clark Air Base, has been officially maintained by VFW Post 2485 since 1994.  A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Clark Development Corporation (CDC) enables Post 2485 to maintain the burial grounds until 2031.  The CDC continued to maintain the areas outside the cemetery.

Clark Cemetery looking east with SM Shopping Mall and Mt. Arayat in the background

2.  Though VFW Post 2485 does the work within the cemetery grounds, maintenance of the facility is monitored at the Department level.  The VFW National Headquarters is also involved, allocating money from the Commander in Chief’s discretionary fund.  This year, National donated $3,500 and twelve 4’ X 6’ flags:  six U.S. and six Philippine.

       3.  Because the money from National is insufficient to cover all the upkeep expenses, there is a charge for each burial, and an infusion of money from Veterans’ Day raffles, and donations from organizations and individuals.

       a.  During 2006 – 2007, it cost over $900 per month to maintain the cemetery.  Part of this expense was wages for three Filipino employees who put in 500 – 700 man-hours per month for the project.

                                b.  The charge per interment, beginning in August 2006, was 8,000 pesos (about

$174 at the June 2007 exchange rate) for a crypt burial and 1,000 pesos ($22) for a cremation burial.  This was the first increase in 30 months.

       c.  One thousand dollars ($1,000) from the Veterans’ Day raffle held on 11 November 2006 were transferred to the Cemetery Fund.

       d.  Organizations besides VFW National donating funds included VFW Post 10033 (Daegu, Korea), Pup Tent 303 (Daegu, Korea), VFW Post 9555 (Yokota AB, Japan), VFW Post 9991 (Bangkok, Thailand), Fleet Reserve Association (Honolulu, Hawaii), VFW Post 9957 (Taipei, Taiwan), and Kokomos Restaurant in Angeles City. 

        e.  Individuals donating money included Dorothy Dowlin of San Jose, California; Dan Wine from VFW Post 4463 in the United States;  as well as Dennis Carlton, Steve Massie, Jim Lary, Ken Schaefer, and Gary Hougan, all from VFW Post 2485.  There were other donors whose names were not recorded or remained anonymous.

     4.  The principal Post 2485 individuals responsible for taking care of the Clark Cemetery were Larry Heilhecker (Chairman), Ed “Shipmate” Rubio (Maintenance Supervisor), and Rubio’s replacement Ray Lombardi.  In September, these veterans plus the Filipinos involved in burial detail were outfitted with new black uniforms.

	Larry Heilhecker
Ray Lombardi		Ed Rubio

Burial detail

5.  In the past year (July 2006 – June 2007), 31 veterans were interred in Clark Cemetery.

     a.  Thirteen were members of VFW Post 2485:

Name	Rank	Service	Burial Date
Barbee, Donald E.   Barker, Robert A.   Brown, Kenneth R.  Ciron, Mariano F.  Finn, Thomas J.  Gerber, Helmut A Ignacio, Marcelino Lyon, William G. Marlette, Veto J. Palucis, Edward A. Richardson, Oscar E. Tincknell, Lynn R. Wells, Hadley O.	TSgt SSgt   SP4  MSCM TSgt SFC CWO2 GM3 SFC SA MSgt END3 MSgt	USAF USA    USA    USN USAF USA USA USN USA USN USA USN USAF	19 December 2006   5 October 2006 29 December 2006 29 May 2007 24 July 2006   6 August 2006 27 September 2006   5 January 2007   7 July 2006   6 October 2006 27 February 2007 29 August 2006 19 July 2006

       Two of these veterans – Lyon and Ciron – had participated significantly in Post activities. 

William Lyon served in the United States Navy during the 1950s, earning the Korean Service Medal.  After his military service, he an entrepreneur businessman, making his fortune in electronics while living n California.        When Comrade Lyon moved to Angeles City, Philippines, he joined VFW Post 2485 where he became a staunch supporter of VFW programs. He regularly donated a substantial amount of money to the Children’s Operation Fund (COF) and prepared COF donation boxes which he placed throughout the city.        Bill Lyon was a founder of the new Post Home and could always be counted on for financial help when the need arose.  In his passing, VFW Post 2485 lost an exceptional benefactor and good friend.  He touched many people with his generosity and comradeship.  He will be sorely missed.

Lyon, William G.

William Lyon served in the United States Navy during the 1950s, earning the Korean Service Medal.  After his military service, he became  an entrepreneur businessman, making his fortune in electronics while livingin California.

       When Comrade Lyon moved to Angeles City, Philippines, he joined VFW Post 2485 where he became a staunch supporter of VFW programs. He regularly donated a substantial amount of money to the Children’s Operation Fund (COF) and prepared COF donation boxes which he placed throughout the city.

       Bill Lyon was a founder of the new Post Home and could always be counted on for financial help when the need arose.  In his passing, VFW Post 2485 lost an exceptional benefactor and good friend.  He touched many people with his generosity and comradeship.  He will be sorely missed.

Ciron, Mariano F.

Mariano “Jun” Ciron was also an active supporter of VFW programs and was a life member of VFW Post 2485. A man of exceptional culinary skill (he was an Admiral’s Steward in the Navy), he would, on occasion, whip up some special delights for the members. People still talk about that large caldron of world-class chili he provided for one of the Department conventions.  Jun could always be counted on for financial support of VFW programs, giving generously to many causes. He was a member of the unofficial Post Golf Team, developing many friendships on and off the course. The popularity of Comrade Ciron was evident at his funeral and post-burial reception. Several persons eulogized him at the cemetery, including his brother – a two-star general. Well over a hundred people filled the Post Home afterward. His passing affected a multitude.

b.  Other veterans, not members of Post 2485, buried in the Clark Cemetery during July 2006 – June 2007 included:

Name	Rank	Service	Burial Date
Adrian, Jon C. Blanchfield, Gary A. Dorsh, William S. Escanan, Soloman B. Eyman, Robert C. Gilmour, Robert M. Hardy, Beverly E. Jurey, Steven N.  McGowan, Richard D. Milan, Lewis E.  Mosqueda, Eriberto V. Neff, Hal F. Paguio, Domingo M. Pasamonte, Alfredo S.  Petitte, Jack W.  Prettyman, Kenneth S. Robertson, Erwin B. White, William R.	MSgt MSgt RM1    Philippine Scout (PS) PNC TSgt PFC CDR SKCS  PFC RM1  A1C  LSC PVT ATC GYSgt AO1   AMSC	USAF USMC USN USN USAF USMC USN USN USA USN USAF USN PS USN USMC USN USN	19 September 2006 25 September 2006 14 September 2006 31 August 2006 22 June 2007   8 July 2006 22 December 2006 22 June 2007 19 January 2007 4 October 2006 19 May 2007   6 November 2006 12 July 2006 16 January 2007 22 June 2007  25 September 2006 30 March 2007 17 July 2006

6.  Burial ceremonies for non-members of Post 2485 were often conducted by other posts. VFW Post 1147 conducted ceremonies for Blanchfield, Eyman, Jurey, McGowan, Milan, Petitte, Pettyman, and White.  American Legion Posts 4 and  123 conducted ceremonies for Robertson and Gilmour respectively.

7.  On 27 October 2006, American Legion Post 123 conducted military ceremonial honors for USA Sgt Maurice K. Fortune, who was buried at Clark Cemetery in 2004.        /address>

              8.  Infrequently, VFW Post 2485 conducts burial ceremonies outside Clark Air Base.  Such was the case on 6 May 2007 when USAF MSgt William Dunlap was put to rest in El Retiro Cemetery in Dau, Mabalacat just north of Angeles City.

El Retiro Cemetery in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines

                     8.  Other VFW Post 2485 members buried outside Clark Cemetery included USAF SMSgt Edward J. McDaniel, who was interred at Holy Mary Cemetery on 30 August 2006, and USAF MSgt David L. Sellers, who was buried at El Retiro Cemetery on 9 December 2006 with a ceremony conducted by American Legion Post 123.  USMC CPL Ronald Williams was cremated and honored at his home in the U.S. during August 2006.

       C.  Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen

       Without any United States Military bases in the Philippines, the number of eligible students (U.S. citizens) for VOD/PP programs is not very large nor centrally located.  John Flaherty, the chairman of these activities, put in a lot of “road work” to find entrants from Angeles City and Manila.  Among the schools approached included Holy Angel, Holy Family, L’Altra Montessori, R. F. Kuzma, and an International School in Angeles City.  Manila schools included Faith Academy and Manila International. 

	Steve Albright

Steve Albright, a senior at Faith Academy, won the VOD competition at the Post, District, and Department levels, speaking on “Freedom’s Challenge.”  In addition to cash prizes and awards at these levels ($300, gold pin, briefcase, certificate, and plaque), he won a national scholarship and a trip to the Community Service Conference in Washington D.C. in which winners from all 54 Departments participated.  Albright was awarded the Department of Kansas and Auxiliary Robert R. Whipple Memorial scholarship for $1,000.  Rarely has a student sponsored by VFW Post 2485 finished this high in the competition.

Lorelie Bollenbach, an eighth grader from L’Altra Montessori School in the Villa Sol Subdivision of Angeles City, beat out 17 other students to become the Patriot’s Pen winner for VFW Post 2485. Writing on “Citizenship in America,” she went on to win the District VII competition.  She was awarded $300, a gold pin, executive folder, certificate, and a plaque.  Her father, Grant “Bo” Bollenbach, is a Life Member of Post 2485.

III.  EVENTS (Return)

Al Mitchell

A.  An Appreciation Night was held 12 August 2006 in honor of Al Mitchell who had just completed two years as Commander of VFW Post 2485.  Arranged by Bob Zaher, there was a cocktail hour followed by a “surf-and-turf” dinner and a brief ceremony.  It was a well-deserved recognition for Comrade Mitchell who became Commander, District VII (Philippines) for 2006 – 2007.

  B.  Patriot Day was commemorated by the Post on 11 September 2006 with a free breakfast for the Post members and their guests. It was hosted by Post Commander Dale Barsy.  Department Commander Ken Schaefer delivered a speech.

C. Veterans Day – 11 November 2006      Veterans Day has always been a big occasion for VFW Post 2485, and 2006 was no exception. Reflecting the historical beginning of the commemoration -- known as Armistice Day in 1919 until re-designated in 1954 – the ceremony began precisely at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This was the time and date officially ending World War I. It had been drizzling all morning on that Saturday of 11 November. Although it dampened the ground, it did not dampen the spirits of those wanting to pay tribute to the veterans. There was a large crowd, with umbrellas dotting the throng of attendees. Anyone not arriving early had to park on the main road fronting the cemetery grounds.

       There were several guest speakers, including Naval Captain Mike Brooks, Defense Attaché fromthe U.S. Embassy; Lt. Col. Van Dine from JUSMAGPHIL; Mr. Gerald Charleston, representing the Veterans Administration; Mayor Morales from Mabalacat, and Major Gananacial of the 600th Air Base Wing (Philippine Air Force). The 600th ABW also provided a band, riflemen for a traditional gun salute, and a bugler for taps. Other invited guests in attendance included District 16 National Council Member Bob Zaher, who represented the Department of Pacific Areas, and an official of Peregrine Development Corporation.  Eduardo Apacible, from a VFW Post in Puente, California, and a veteran of the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Campaigns, was also in attendance.

       Post Commander Dale Barsy chaired the proceedings, delivered a speech, and participated in the placing of a wreath with Van Dine, Charleston, and Zaher.  Chaplain Donaldson conducted the prayers.

       Following the rites at the Clark Cemetery, there was a picnic at the Post Home with live entertainment complementing a barbecue of ribs, chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs with all the trimmings.  Door prizes were handed out and a raffle was conducted.  A net profit of $6,500 was taken in from the raffle, providing much needed funds for Post projects and community activities.

Awnings protected the revelers who ate outside to enjoy the band as the light rain continued to fall.  The large turn-out of veterans and their families capped a highly successful day of remembrance.

D.  Captain Collin P. Kelly, Jr.  Peace Memorial Ceremony

                                                               On 22 November 2006, representatives of VFW Post          participated in a ground-breaking ceremony for a Capt. Collin

                                                           P. Kelly, Jr. Peace Memorial Shrine on Clark Air Base. 

                                                           Those in attendance included National Council Member  Bob

                                                           Zaher, Department Commander Ken Schaefer, District VII 

                                                           Commander Al Mitchell, and Post Commander Dale Barsy. 

                                                           The event was sponsored by the Mabalacat Tourism Office     

                                                                  and the 600^th Air Base Wing of the Philippine Air Force.   

Capt. Kelly was one of the first American heroes of World War II.  He was killed while trying to belly-land his B-17 bomber aircraft on a field in Mabalacat, Philippines on 8 December 1941.  The plane had been shot up by a Japanese fighter.  The rest of the crew had bailed out before Kelly made the fatal attempt to land the aircraft. 

The purpose of the shrine was not for the glorification of Capt. Kelly.  In the words of the Mabalacat Tourism Office, the shrine was “…for the use of war history as a tool for the promotion of goodwill, peace, and friendship among nations.”

       The ground-breaking took place next to the old Kelly Theater, one of the buildings on base named in memory of Capt. Kelly when American troops were stationed at Clark Air Base.  A statue of Capt. Kelly was brought out from the Clark Museum for the ceremony and returned after the rites. 

       E.  Christmas Parties

The day before Christmas, Post 2485 hosted a Christmas party for members’ children.  About 40 youngsters showed up for the fun.  One hundred dollars was used from the Commander’s Fund to provide gifts, prizes, food, and decorations.  There were additional gifts brought in by the members to exchange with other children.  Elizabeth Barsy arranged games and activities.  Bob Zaher was Santa Claus.  A good time was had by all.  Later the same day, the Post Home employees were given a party.  Food was catered and games were played with much frivolity.

F.  Bataan Death March Memorial Ceremony

The ceremony was held at mid morning on 9 April 2007 at the Capas Memorial Shrine in Tarlac.  The general quietness allowed somelocal birds to be heard in the surrounding area. They were likely thrushes, shrikes, swallows, or maybe bulbuls, all known to frequent the area. Though not as mournful as the plaintive cry of a loon, the flute-like notes of a ground-thrush and chattering calls of shrikes, if that was what they were, seemed to add to the serenity of the moment.

In such a peaceful setting, it became almost difficult to imagine the hell-on-earth experienced by earth experienced by those incarcerated there 65 years ago after enduring the horrendous death march from Bataan.  When former PFC Eufracio Bugarin, a survivor of the ordeal, spoke at the ceremony, he temporarily broke down recalling family members and comrades who never made it through the war.  Despite the many years that have passed, memories remained as fresh as yesterday. Other orators included the honorable Judge Lorenzo Manaay , Jr. whose father died in the death march, and Post Commander Dale Barsy. Chaplain Donaldson delivered the prayers and Steve Massie played taps.  Additional Post notables in attendance included National  Council Member Bob Zaher, Department Commander Ken Schaefer, District Commander Al Mitchell, Webmaster Dennis Carlton, and Post Junior Vice Commander Larry Heilhecker, a principal organizer of the ceremonial.

Eufracio Bugarin

Commanders Schaefer and Barsy participated in the traditional laying of the wreath, accompanied by Judge Manaay, representatives from the Veterans Administration and JUSMAG in Manila, and Kane Family representatives of the Battling Bastards of Bataan organization.  Members of the 600th Air Base Wing of Clark Air Base conducted a gun salute.

The total number of people in attendance was not large, but at least 16 veterans’ organizations from throughout Luzon, Philippines were represented.  It was a fitting remembrance of the many brave soldiers who were part of this significant event in World War II history.

          G. Anniversary Picnic