Silver Spur President's Corner
A Bittersweet Moment This Veteran's Day 2011:
As we heard this week the Obama administration is removing all U.S. troops from Iraq. I am glad these fine soldiers are coming home. However, does this sound familiar forty some years ago. This time what is the difference for the average soldier? They are coming home with honor and respect.
We were so unfortunate as we came home to a country that despised us. Shunned by family and friends, the Vietnam veterans were portrayed as murderers, rapist and (I always loathed this term) "baby killers". Of course none of this was true. The Vietnam Veteran was a man of honor, a man who never turned his back on his brothers and to this day is well respected, successful and a strong family man.
Our soldiers in Irag and that crap hole Afghanistan have been welcomed home as heroes. They have received support from the American people, airlines go out of their way to give the best accommodations on their airplanes, millions of care packages were sent to our soldiers. In fact, in your name many churches and groups sent packages to Iraq and Afghanistan when A Troop was deployed there. The list goes on.
At the airports there are men and women who greet these soldiers and welcome them home. What happened to the American soldier in Vietnam when they came home? Protestors, vile name calling, having urine thrown on them and sometimes blood.
What happened this time to change the attitude towards our soldiers?
The Vietnam Veteran! You did. The motto was adopted by the Gathering of Eagles "Never Again". And the RVN Vet meant every damn word of it. The Vietnam Vet from all over America went to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC to prevent the desecration of it by people who were not even born at the time that wanted to make it their focal point for war protests. They failed !
The Vietnam Vet mobilized on motorcycles and traveled at great expense and time to escort soldiers to their final resting spot and to prevent the quacks of the Westboro Baptist Church of disrupting and tormenting the grieving family members.
The Vietnam Vet mobilized on the sidewalks and streets to honor a fallen soldier as their hearse past by. Someone they didn't know, but "he" was a fallen brother.
The Vietnam Veteran mobilized in the halls of Congress to make sure the veterans coming home would have proper benefits for their horrible wounds, TBI, PTSD and missing limbs.
The Vietnam Veteran paid visits to the hospitals all over the country and visited wounded vets and provided cell phones and laptops so they could communicate with their families.
The Vietnam Veteran mobilized and helped modify and build new homes for returning veterans and also their widows.
And all the time never complained about it. Many spent their own money, time, and personal resources to be there for them.
Never Again!
Our present soldiers come home as honored warriors made possible not by the government, Code Pink, the President or anyone other than the Vietnam Veteran and support groups across the country.
Our father's generation, "the world's greatest" said we were losers. Did we win? I believe we did. Just look around at the young soldiers you see. They have smiles on their faces. People shaking their hands and thanking them for their service.
Did we win? You bet your ass we did! The American Soldier is treated with the respect they deserved because of a bunch of old guys from a war despised and forgotten. The VIETNAM VETERAN. Be proud of who you are this November the 11th. Show America your colors.
I love each and every one of you. My brothers. Always. Never shall we forget!
JOHN "WALDO" PEPPER
Silver Spur Guns
Memorial Day 2011 Message:
Once again we are coming to Memorial Day on Monday. There was a time I didn't think much of it but since we came together as the Spurs at reunions, I realized how important it is to remember those who have gone before us. Especially our own brothers.
This week, I am showing my grandsons how to display the flag on Monday. We will travel throughout our little town and lower the flags that are not at half-mast. On Monday evening at sunset we raise these flags back to full mast.
This Memorial Day is special to me for I participated in "Standing the Line" with brothers from the Eagles, Patriot Guard, Band of Brothers riders and even the Hell's Angels who are filled with Vietnam veterans and current veterans to escort the remains of a Vietnam Green Beret who had been missing in action for over 42 years. Even though I didn't know this brother I felt a kinship to him.
Now one our brothers Randall Dalton remains have been identified and sent home to be buried. See the website for additional information. No info from the family regarding a memorial service has been announced.
Fly you flag this weekend with pride. Know that you are loved, appreciated and thought of everyday by your brothers in the Spurs.
God Bless you all and God Bless the Silver Spurs
John "Waldo" Pepper
Silver Spur Guns
SILVER SPUR PRESIDENT - 16 Jan 2011:
Before he left us, Bill Smith appointed John (Waldo) Pepper as our president pro tem. It was Bill's desire that Waldo serve out Bill's term, until we can hold another election at the 2012 reunion. He also wanted Waldo to continue to serve as our chaplain. He, of course, was our last elected two-term president, and has reunion experience. Waldo graciously agreed, and wants to be sure we elect a vice president next time.
Chuck Oualline
Please keep Bill in your thoughts & prayers - 27 Dec 2010:
It is with great personal sadness that I must report that our Spur President, Bill Smith - Spur 18, has been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive and terminal liver cancer.
Bill is wanting to spend his remaining time with his wife, Vicki, and his family. Therefore, Bill hopes all will understand that he needs to step down soon as our Spur President.
Please keep Bill & Vicki in your continued prayers. I had the honor of serving with Bill in our scout platoon and will always treasure our hooking up together again at two past Spur reunions. This is one Spur who truly loves Bill and cherishes the time we've had together.
Update: I'm sad to report that Bill passed away on Jan 8th 2011. There is a tribute posted at:
http://northwestvets.com/spurs/smitty.htm
Roger "Bear" Young
Spur webmaster
Veterans Day 2010 Message:
Greetings to all my fellow Silver Spurs!
On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month a Armistice was signed ending the Great War. November 11, 1918, Armistice Day, was declared a federal holiday in honor of those who fought in World War 1. On June 1, 1954 this day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all soldiers who have fought in war.
It has been 40 years since I served in Viet Nam. I have no regrets, only memories. We continue to have fellow troopers check in to our Spur website. Welcome home.
It's time to start thinking about our 2012 Silver Spur Reunion. I plan to spend part of Veterans Day putting some ideas together. I will think back over past reunions for inspiration. Please take time on this special day to do the same.
Bill Smith
Silver Spur 18
President, 2012 Silver Spur Reunion
The History of Veterans Day - Courtesy of the U.S. Army
Courtesy of DVA
Independence Day 2010 Message:
Sunday July 4, 2010 we will celebrate Independence Day.
I feel, in some small way, I did my part. But it is the millions of American workers that made it all happen. From "Rosie the Riveter" to the USO Donut Dollies they all did their duty. To all my thanks.
This is their day,
Bill Smith
Silver Spur 18
Memorial Day 2010 Message:
To All My Fellow Spurs,
I remember back in the 50's that Memorial Day was when we:
Opened the neighborhood pool
Cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill
Got a day off from school
I was in grade school then. This Memorial Day my family will:
Open the neighborhood pool
Cook hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill
My grandchildren get a day off from school
I will remember friends that I lost.
Bill Smith
Silver Spur 18
History of Memorial Day - History Channel
At the 2010 Spur Reunion, Bill Smith, Spur 18, was elected as our new President.
Bill flew with the Scouts from '69 - '70.
Past Spur President John "Waldo" Pepper - Gun Platoon
2006 Spur Reunion, Ft. Rucker, Alabama
Courtesy of DVA
VETERANS DAY - 11 Nov 2009:
Ten Reasons for celebrating Veterans Day
10. I get hugs and kisses from the old ladies at church and work.
09. The preacher makes all the veterans stand up and are recognized. (Yuk).
08. Friends call and wish me a “Happy Veteran’s Day”
07. I get to see many American flags flying.
06. I get the day off from work, maybe.
05. I get a flower from the elementary kids at school.
04. I get a free meal from local restaurants.
03. I get hugs and kisses from the middle-aged women.
02. I get hugs and kisses from the younger babes.
And number 1
My brothers and I are veterans and damn proud of it!
HAPPY VETERANS DAY! The crowning achievement of my life is to have had the opportunity to serve with you.
God Bless each and every one of you. I remain faithfully your brother until the end of time.
JOHN "WALDO" PEPPER
Silver Spur Guns
The History of Veterans Day - Courtesy of the U.S. Army
15 Sept 2009:
Brothers; I hope summer has been good for you. As you know, Reunion 2010 is approximately six months and a few days away.
I must be direct with you. We are not getting any younger. We ain't getting better either, just mellow.
I ask each and every one of you to attend this reunion. It may the last opportunity to visit with your brothers. For those of you who knew Jerry Samuels, he came to the Reunion 2006 at Ft. Rucker. Jerry was dying of cancer and was taking heavy doses of morphine to alleviate his pain. His prayer to God as he told me was to allow him enough time and stamina to see his brothers. Shortly after returning home, Jerry died from his cancer.
Another case with similar circumstances was Glenn Summers. Glenn was suffering terribly and he attended Reunion 2008. I was thrilled to see him again.
These brothers are inspirations to me and others. Make it a priority to make the Reunion 2010. Yes, we are going back to San Antonio and yes Joe Galloway will be there. The greatest majority wanted to go back because we had such a great time. The count was about 98%.
For the Spur 6's, we really need you there this time.
Sell the spare tire, forget the phone bill, postpone the weddings or whatever and come to San Antonio. Your brothers are waiting.
P.S. A Troop made a contribution to the hospice charity Peggy Barber requested. God Bless her.
See you there!
JOHN "WALDO" PEPPER
Silver Spur Guns
1 July 2009:
Happy 4th of July my Brothers:
Here we are again half thru another year and some of us are cooking in the heat. I was talking with a friend the other day and we got on the subject of the Revolutionary War. Here were a group of people who wanted liberty from a tyrant who opposed their prosperity, denied their God given liberty and imposed unfair taxation without representation. No matter how much they petitioned King George, he imposed more taxes, boarded soldiers in their homes, arrested them without cause and in some cases declared them traitors to the crown and hung them in the public square.
Finally, the people had enough and rebelled against the mightiest force on the face of the earth. Well you know the story. What amazed me about these patriots was their unwillingness to become soldiers but they would follow a leader worthy of their respect. They endured hardships we never could imagine such as the harsh winters without shoes or adequate clothing. Disease and hunger was the call of the day. Yet they continued the struggle for a period of 7 years and many were never paid for their service.
These patriots or rabble as the British referred to them never gave in for one minute. I think I would been inclined to disappear in the night after marching in the snow without boots, provided I had any feet left from the frostbite.
What a legacy they left for us. All throughout our history, the American patriot has rose to the occasion all over the world for the cause of liberty. During the capture of towns by our past enemies, the women and children would run and hide in fear of rape, torture and death. When the towns were liberated, the people ran out to the streets greeting the American warrior knowing America had brought liberty and freedom to them. It was no different for us in Vietnam. The people weren't afraid to come out to us because they knew we would not harm them contrary to what liberal Hollywood says about us. And by the way, this will upset a few of you, Mr. President; you don't have to apologize to the world for whatever you perceive as America's faults. American patriots set the standard for the world in 1776 for life, liberty and the pursuit of God-given happiness and freedom.
Teach your children what it means to "sacrifice" for America. Because you know it first hand and it is not just a word to use at parties and in front of the press.
God Bless You and Happy 4th. See you in 2010.
JOHN "WALDO" PEPPER
Silver Spur Guns
23 Mar 2009:
Greetings to my brothers;
It is spring again at least in most of the country and we have a lot of things in the pot for the upcoming reunion. I pray all is well with your family.
The Contribution of the Vietnam Veteran
The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is a story of what man meant for evil, God made good. Joseph was sold by his own brothers, placed in slavery, imprisoned for a number of years by a false accusation of pharaoh's wife only to be placed in a position of power that saved the Israeli people from starving to death.
We came home, were rejected by our friends, family and country and wondered all these years what did we do to make such a sacrifice only to be rejected by an ungrateful nation. I have attached a link to a video on YouTube I want you to watch. When the Iraqi conflict started I felt it was another Vietnam. Sacrifice on the field of battle with no plans to stay and no plan to get out in victory. I was wrong.
How did we make a contribution? The Bush haters were all over the streets, the media was selling out the troops, Congress was behaving like traitors to the country and in the meantime we were waiting in wings.
We all vowed that we would NOT allow this nation to treat its soldiers as they treated us. The Vietnam vet lined the streets all over America to oppose groups like the Answer Coalition, Adam Koresh of Iraqi Veterans against the War ( I call him Adam Koo-Koo and other various foul and profane names). We the Vietnam vet carrying out our careers in airlines getting support to fly these warriors home in first class. We the Vietnam vet gave up our business class seats for veterans returning home. We the Vietnam vet stand guardian over our nations Memorial Monuments to protect them from vandalism by the leftie *$#!*&^% trying to steal the honor of our war dead. And we the Vietnam vet turn out in the thousands to escort our dead brothers to their final resting place. Watch the video.
And finally, we the Vietnam vet changed the face of America by our honor to support our troops in harm's way. Never in my lifetime has America turned out by the millions to support our brothers. Our legacy.
What man meant for evil, God made good in the Vietnam vet. You are Men of Honor. I stand in reverence to each and every one of you for your courage, honor and keeping the faith with your brothers. This is only one small part of the Vietnam vets contribution to America.
http://www.mycameronnews.com/slideshows/feb09/kelleyfuneral/
Reunion 2010:
We are approximately one year away from another reunion. A location has not been decided as of yet but is being discussed by the reunion committee. If you want some input as to a location speak now or forever hold your peace! Contact Chuck Oualline at spur3@satx.rr.com or 210-654-8334. Time is running out.
JOHN "WALDO" PEPPER
Silver Spur Guns
18 Feb 2009:
DONATIONS
THANKS TO THE 15 SPURS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE LAST ROUND OF DONATIONS TO THE TROOP FUND. WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL. THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO PAY FOR EXPENSES FOR FLOWERS OR OTHER REQUESTS FOR OUR BROTHERS WHO HAVE CALLED HOME, POSTAGE, AND TOWARDS TO THE NEXT REUNION EXPENSES.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT CONTRIBUTED YET, PLEASE DO. WE NEED THE HELP. YOU CAN SEND YOUR CHECK TO THE TROOP TREASURER:
Bill McCalister
15518 Creekside Dr.
San Antonio, TX. 78232
210-249-2333
silvertip_trading@yahoo.com
REUNION 2010
WE RECENTLY SENT OUT A REQUEST FOR LOCATION INPUT TO ALL THE TROOPERS WE HAVE ON EMAIL. NOT MANY OF YOU RESPONDED. WE NEED YOUR INPUT! A DECISION WILL BE MADE SOON BY THE COMMITTEE. ONE OF THE LOCATIONS BEING CONSIDERED IS SAVANNAH, GA WHERE A TROOP IS NOW LOCATED AT HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD. ANOTHER HOMECOMING BY SOME OF US WHO WERE THERE IN "THE DAY". AT THIS POINT IN TIME WE DO NOT KNOW WHETHER THEY WILL STILL BE THERE IN 2010 AND WE ARE EXPERIENCING SOME COMMO PROBLEMS IN CONTACTING THE UNIT. THAT WILL WORK ITSELF OUT. NOT TOO LATE TO CONTACT CHUCK OUALLINE VIA EMAIL spur3@satx.rr.com
WE ARE GETTING OLD BROTHERS, TIME IS MARCHING MORE AND MORE QUICKLY. AS MY PASTOR SAYS, WE ARE ONE HEARTBEAT AWAY FROM MEETING GOD FACE TO FACE. RECENTLY, SOME OF US HAVE ATTENDED THE FUNERALS OF OUR FALLEN BROTHERS. WHAT WE ALL HEARD FROM ALL THE FAMILIES WAS, "HE WAS GLAD HE WENT TO THE LAST REUNION TO SEE HIS BROTHERS".
BROTHERS, THIS UPCOMING REUNION IS SO IMPORTANT AND FOR YOU TO BE THERE. TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR ALL OF US. PLAN TO COME TO THIS NEXT REUNION. WE WANT TO HAVE THE LARGEST ATTENDANCE EVER AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. THE REUNION IS NOT A SAD AND DREARY AFFAIR. WE ARE ALL ON FIRST NAME BASIS, NO MILITARY FORMALITIES. IF YOU HAVEN'T ATTENDED NOW IS THE TIME. IT IS A TIME OF FELLOWSHIP WITH ALL. PLEASE ATTEND THIS UPCOMING EVENT. YOU WILL HAVE AT LEAST ONE YEAR TO PLAN.
AS I MENTIONED ABOVE, DONATIONS WE ASK FOR OVER THE YEAR WILL OFFSET SOME OF THE REUNION EXPENSES TO MAKE IT CHEAPER FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE REUNION. CHUCK OUALLINE AND THE COMMITTEE DID A SUPERB JOB FOR THE 2008 REUNION IN SAN ANTONIO. PLEASE COME. WE WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN. BRING THE FAMILY AS WELL.
OH-6 #962 - FT. RUCKER
I HAVE TRACKED DOWN AIRCRAFT 962 WITH THE MUSEUM AT FT. RUCKER AND SHE IS SAFE IN A STORAGE WAREHOUSE OWNED BY THE MUSEUM. (962 HAD BEEN ON DISPLAY OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE TO THE MUSEUM FOR YEARS). STEVE MAXIM, THE MUSEUM CURATOR, INFORMS ME 962 IS A VERY VALUABLE ARTIFACT AND WILL NEVER BE SOLD OR DESTROYED.
THAT'S THE GOOD NEWS. NOW FOR THE MAYBE NOT SO BAD NEWS. 962 HAS BEEN REQUESTED BY THE USS ALABAMA MUSEUM IN MOBILE FOR USE AS A STATIC DISPLAY SINCE THEIR ARMY DISPLAY WAS DESTROYED BY THE RECENT HURRICANES. (WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU WANT A DISPLAY LESS THAN A BATTLESHIP FOR A DISPLAY IN A HURRICANE ALLEY?) MY COMMENT.
IT IS POSSIBLE THE REQUEST WILL BE DENIED AND IN SUCH CASE THE MUSEUM WILL NOTIFY ME SO WE CAN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLACE HER IN A MUSEUM FOR A PERIOD OF 2 TO 4 YEARS. ALSO STEVE WILL HELP US WITH THE PAPERWORK AND WE CAN RESTORE HER TO HER ORIGINAL BEAUTY. AS DELIVERED BY HUGHES TO A TROOP. LOTS OF GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRACY JUST TO PAINT THE AIRCRAFT. BUT AT ANY RATE, SHE IS SAFE AND WILL BE KEPT INDOORS (REQUIREMENT) UNTIL THE END OF TIME.
AT THIS POINT, WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE GAINESVILLE, FL POLICE AIRCRAFT "LUCKEY LADY" AS POSSIBLE PROJECT. ANYBODY KNOWING THE CURRENT WHEREABOUTS OF HER PLEASE LET US KNOW.
Silver Spur Guns
12 Nov 2008:
Brothers; I hope all is well with you. I must come to you with hat, er’ Stetson in hand. Our Troop fund is down after the reunion and we need help once again. I know times are tough for all of us and I pray the economy will bounce back soon. As you know we have no dues imposed on Troop members. We have relied on fees to pay for reunion events which come very close to the expenditures. In addition, we have flowers that must be sent or donations to a charity in lieu of flowers when our brothers are called home. This year has been sadly, active.
I ask you to consider sending a five or ten spot, or more if you can, to the Troop to help defray these costs. A few of our brothers have gone far beyond on many occasions in donating money to the Troop when we were in time of need. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to their dedication. But, their wells run dry and is it fair to ask the same ones to carry the burden?
Please send you contributions (memo line: Silver Spur fund) to the Troop Treasurer:
Bill McCalister
15518 Creekside Dr.
San Antonio, TX. 78232
210-249-2333
silvertip_trading@yahoo.com
God Bless you Brothers and God Bless our Young Warriors in harm’s way!
JOHN "WALDO" PEPPER
Silver Spur Guns
Courtesy of DVA
VETERANS DAY - 11 Nov 2008:
I HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO KNOW THAT I AM A VETERAN AND THEY CALL TO THANK ME FOR MY SERVICE. IT IS CERTAINLY VERY KIND FOR THEM TO REMEMBER BUT IF YOU ARE LIKE ME I FEEL SOMEWHAT AWKWARD WHEN I RECEIVE THOSE COMMENTS. BUT IT IS A DAY OF RECOGNIZING THOSE OF US, COMBAT AND PEACE-TIME, WHO SERVED THIS GREAT NATION.
WE BELONG TO A UNIQUE ORDER. AN ORDER OF WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE CANNOT SAY THEY BELONG TOO. AS IN OUR CASE, MANY OF FRIENDS STAYED HOME FROM THE WAR WHILE WE SERVED. DON'T MISUNDERSTAND ME, THAT DOESN'T MAKE THEM BAD PEOPLE.
WHILE OUR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE FRIENDS WERE HOME PROBABLY GOING TO SCHOOL AND HAVING A GOOD TIME, WE WERE FAR AWAY FROM HOME FROM FAMILY AND THE COMFORTS OF HOME IN PLACES LIKE FT. RUCKER, FT. BRAGG AND SOME OF THE OTHER EXOTIC DESTINATIONS. MANY TIMES WE WERE LONELY, BROKE AND TIRED OF EATING ARMY CHOW.
THEN CAME VIETNAM. TENTS, C-RATIONS, SAND, WEIRD BUGS AND HOT BEER WITH FOUL TASTING WATER. NOT TO MENTION CHARLIE AND HIS AK'S, MORTARS AND ROCKET ATTACKS. WE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF CLOSE BROTHERS AS WE CARRIED OUT OUR MISSIONS DAY TO DAY. BUT WE HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES AS WELL. SOME I WON'T MENTION HERE SINCE MOST OF US ARE MARRIED FOR SOME YEARS AND WE ARE GRANDFATHERS. (JUST KIDDING)
SOMEONE AT MY CHURCH SAID I SHOULD BE VERY PROUD TO BE A VETERAN. I TOLD HIM I AM. I AM PROUD TO BE A CAVALRY TROOPER WITH THE SILVER SPURS. I WILL ALWAYS BE A SILVER SPUR. I AM PROUD TO HAVE SERVED WITH THE FINEST MEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN. I THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY AND WISH WE COULD SPEND MORE TIME WITH EACH OTHER. I AM PROUD OF OUR MISSION IN VIETNAM. WE WON. PURE AND SIMPLE. WE KEPT THE LINE, NEVER BROKE THE FAITH AND THE COUNTRY AND OUR LEADERS DIDN'T.
EVERY SUNDAY BEFORE VETERANS DAY AND MEMORIAL DAY, I WEAR WHAT I CALL MY REUNION UNIFORM. COMPLETE WITH CAVALRY BOOTS, STETSON HAT AND SCARF. I DO THIS NOT TO CALL ATTENTION TO MYSELF BUT TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THE FREEDOM AND LIBERTY WHICH WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY ALL VETERANS. AND ON MEMORIAL DAY, I WEAR IT TO HONOR OUR BROTHERS ON THE WALL AND OTHERS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US. AS THE OLD SAYING GOES; "WE GAVE UP OUR TODAY'S FOR THEIR TOMORROWS." WE DID JUST THAT.
THIS VETERANS DAY, THANK A VETERAN YOU SEE ON THE STREET. AND BE PROUD OF WHO ARE AND WHAT YOU STOOD THE LINE FOR. KEEP THE FAITH. REMEMBER, NONE OF US EVER BROKE THE FAITH WITH EACH OTHER. WE ARE MEN OF HONOR. GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS THE CAVALRY.
BE A PROUD VETERAN THIS NOVEMBER!
Silver Spur Guns
The History of Veterans Day - Courtesy of the U.S. Army
Nation Salutes Those Who Served on Veterans Day - VA Press Release - 5 Nov 08
President Proclaims Nov. 11 Veterans Day - DefenseLink - 6 Nov 08
Since 23 Oct 2008
