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The FReeper Foxhole Profiles The American Ex-Prisoner of War Organization - Dec. 20th, 2002
American Ex-POW Organization ^
Posted on 12/20/2002 5:35:39 AM PST by SAMWolf
U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues
Where Duty, Honor and Country 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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Resource Links For Veterans Click on the pix
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A brief history of the 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.
It was Mrs. Charles W. Bickford and Mrs. Fred E. Landon who, on April 10, 1942, persuaded other parents and relatives to hold a mass meeting and formed an organization to get relief to the captured boys on Bataan. On April 14th, the Bataan Relief Organization was formed with Dr. V. H. Spensley, of Albuquerque, as Chairman. Their motto was "We will not let them down."
This group was very active trying to get relief to the POWs and exchange of information as it came through. From this group in Albuquerque, other chapters sprang up all over the United States. The "BRO" was incorporated September 8th, 1943.
In 1945, the control of the Bataan Relief Organization was turned over to the liberated members of the New Mexicos 200th Coast Artillery Regiment at an annual meeting held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1946, the name was changed to Bataan Veterans Organization.
The first National convention was held May 14, 1948, in Albuquerque. The second National convention was held in Hollywood, California, April 1949. At this convention, it was voted to change the name to American Ex-Prisoners of War and change the name of the bulletin to XPOW. The reason for the change was so veterans from the European Theater would realize that they were eligible for membership. By changing the name to American Ex-Prisoners of War, it would welcome all former POWs from any war. There were 800 at the 1949 convention.
In 1949 there were 7 local groups within the framework of the organization:
The Bataan Veterans Organization, The Lost Battalion
The Seattle Barbed Wire Club, Orphans of the Pacific
The Dad MacMannis Post, The Southwest Barbed Wire Club
The Barbed Wire Club of North Carolina.
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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TOPICS: VetsCoR
KEYWORDS: freeperfoxhole; pow; veterans
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To: sarasmom
181
posted on
12/20/2002 9:47:56 PM PST
by
MistyCA
To: SAMWolf
Hi Sam. Good to see you.
How's your dad doing?
To: MistyCA
You're welcome, Misty. How are ya? Ready for Christmas?
To: Victoria Delsoul
He's doing ok. Should be home tomorrow. His arteries just keep clogging on him and every so often he has to go in and get them opened. That's why my mom and ad are alwasy after me to get a check up.
184
posted on
12/20/2002 9:57:33 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
To: Victoria Delsoul
Uhhhh.....Christmas? Is that coming up soon too?????
185
posted on
12/20/2002 10:05:43 PM PST
by
MistyCA
To: AntiJen
Well that report right now Anti Jen here latest there is another report that Conservaitve Jew party is saying NO to Labour Party idea allow Jerserlum be divide into TWO Cities according to Reuters wire at this hour
Also AFP wire reporting that 50,000 US GIs are on their way to Kuwait in few days
OH OH
Saddam going meet Stranger in the Night
To: All
Air Force Museum receives WWII boxcar by Master Sgt. Keith Reed
A 1941-circa boxcar, the type used to transport American prisoners of war during World War II, is loaded onto a C-5 cargo aircraft at Istres, France. The car was donated to the Air Force Museum by the French National Railroad Company and the American POW Association.
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 forces air mobility commander.
Since cars like these, built between 1941 and 1944, transported prisoners of war, its believed to be a part of military history. Although records cant 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, its 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
187
posted on
12/20/2002 10:07:15 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
To: SAMWolf
Oh, I see. It makes sense. So when is your check up?
To: SAMWolf
Please do get a checkup Sam.
189
posted on
12/20/2002 10:09:36 PM PST
by
Jen
To: SevenofNine
Yep, I think you are right about that Seven.
190
posted on
12/20/2002 10:10:29 PM PST
by
Jen
To: AntiJen; Victoria Delsoul
As soon as I can get the time.
191
posted on
12/20/2002 10:14:50 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
To: SevenofNine
192
posted on
12/20/2002 10:18:34 PM PST
by
MistyCA
To: SAMWolf
Make some time, Sam. I know you can. ;-)
To: MistyCA
You do a great service by your support of the "Foxhole' and some truly magnifiscent graphics.
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.
To: SAMWolf
Well Duh!
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!
To: sarasmom
all have tried to steer me to the Auxillary 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.
196
posted on
12/20/2002 10:40:14 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
To: sarasmom
We're flooded with Starbucks here in Oregon. It's hard to find just a "regular" cup of coffee.
197
posted on
12/20/2002 10:42:17 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
To: Victoria Delsoul
You too. It's bad enough I have my entire family on my butt! LOL
198
posted on
12/20/2002 10:42:56 PM PST
by
SAMWolf
To: AntiJen; SAMWolf
It's been a few days since I've thanked you for the thread and the ping. You are doing a fantastic job. Thank you.
God Bless our Military, past and present. Remember to thank a vet for you freedoms!
199
posted on
12/20/2002 10:47:41 PM PST
by
JustAmy
To: SAMWolf
Sam, if you don't make time, you may be made to make time. Please do it voluntarily.
200
posted on
12/20/2002 10:49:35 PM PST
by
Jen
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