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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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Posted on 12/20/2002 5:35:39 AM PST by SAMWolf
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are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.
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American Ex-Prisoner of War Organization In 1942, information was leaking out about the atrocities and sub-human treatment that American prisoners of war were receiving in Japanese prison camps in the Pacific. When wives and mothers heard about their sons and husbands who had been taken prisoners, they started calling and writing their Congressmen in an effort to find help or get assistance for their loved ones. Finally, two mothers whose sons were members of the 200th Coast Artillery and had been captured by the Japanese came up with an idea.  Click on the Logo to Visit Their Site The AX-POW emblem was designed as a lapel pin by former prisoner of war, Bryan T. Doughty of Denver, Colorado, in 1949. The heraldic symbols, representing Justice, are balanced on swords. The curves at the top of the shield portray the two massive military defeats suffered by the United States Armed Forces in World War II: Bataan and the Belgium Bulge. Later, the Ex-POW motto was adopted: NON SOLUM ARMIS, Latin for "Not by Arms Alone."
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How's your dad doing?
by Master Sgt. Keith Reed
ISTRES, France (AFPN) — The U.S. Air Force airlifted a World War II-era rail car, historically used as a prisoner-of-war troop train, to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
The boxcar, donated by the French National Railroad Company and the American Prisoner of War Association, will be used to complete a POW display at the museum.
“When the American POW Association offered the donation, it took us about two seconds to say ‘yes,’ ” said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf. “What better artifact could there be to recreate the POW experience than an original rail car?”
Downed American pilots were sent to Germany and Poland on this type of car during World War II said Gen. François Beck, the French air force’s air mobility commander.
Since cars like these, built between 1941 and 1944, transported prisoners of war, it’s believed to be a part of military history. Although records can’t be found to trace the background of this box car, it bears the inscription “Hommes 40 - Cheveaux 8,” which translates to 40 men and eight horses because it was capable of transporting that many people or animals.
The project started more than 18 months ago when the car was found in Dijon, France, for the POW Association. It was in poor condition and needed to be rebuilt.
During the restoration, which began in December 2000, many of the rusty original pieces were salvaged. All of the planks of the wood structure had to be replaced, and vintage supplies were used to maintain its an-tiquity.
For Beck, who became involved in the project six months ago, it’s more than part of the job. He has a personal connection.
“My father was a prisoner of war during this time and was rescued by American soldiers,” he said. “This is my chance to help give back to Americans.”
— 1st Lt. Carie A. Seydel
Thank you for your service.
There is a hierarchy in veterans.All of us may have been willing to pay the price, but some of us actually had the piper come calling.Those are the ones who deserve all of our thanks.
I used to be entirely comfortable at a VFW hall, when active duty.Since I am not a VFW, I do not qualify for membership.I have explored several Legion halls, and all have tried to steer me to the Auxillary,since I am female.
That may be a blessing in disguise.The VFW should consider a third tier of membership...VFW and Veteran supporters.
I am dismayed at the numerous and prosperous Legion Halls when I drive by the sole local VFW hall/hut.
Dont you know where to shop?
Gold Triangle, downtown Tampa<Fl will sell you a pint of Cuban half&half that will keep you awake for 18 hours!24 if you add sugar!
Have you looked into Amvets?
Any person who served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America at any time after September 15, 1940 is eligible for regular membership in AMVETS provided such service, when terminated by discharge or release from active duty, be by honorable discharge or honorable separation or general discharge under honorable conditions. Any American citizen, as an American citizen, who served in the Armed Forces of an allied nation of the United States at any time after September 15, 1940 and before May 8, 1975, is eligible for regular membership in AMVETS provided such service when terminated by discharge or release from active duty be by honorable discharge or separation.
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