Hello Brothers

I just got in from the road and if my heart had wings it would be soaring in the ozone right now. I am so glad that the reunion was such an awesome success. My heart was broken that I could not be there but I know u guys understand. Wild horses won't ever keep me away again. Thank you everyone for the the great pictures and the the flag. I cried like a baby and thats good too. I am so happy to see our brothers getting involved with our group. I want all of you to know that over these years you guys have been the very breath that I breath. All of you have brought such healing to me that words can't express how I feel right now. To our wonderful wives I want so say that I know that we are a tuff bunch to live with and at times to understand. WE also know that without you we are incomplete. THANK YOU

God Bless
Larry

had a great time.enjoyed the whole reunion.it was good to see you guys again.hope tp make the next one in branson. carl odom l/cpl g 2/9

Maybe next year

We just wanted to thank everyone that was at the reunion this past week. We had a wonderful time and was one of our best vacations. Our home computer is down for now, but if you want to contact me (Jeff) send it to Ann at this address until we get the new one.
Thank you all again and Semper Fi

Jeff & Ann Kern

Dear Koh Tang Beach Vets.....Just wanted to thank you for welcoming me to your opening event at your reunion, even though I didnt have the official paperwork. During my short visit and conversations with you I am once again heartened by the caliper of men that have served in our military under harsh and thankless times. That is why it was important for me to deliver my thanks in person and I know the thanks of our guys from NKP that also suffered without any public recognition. Thank you once again and maybe at your next reunion it is time for the survivors (25) NKP USAF 56th SPS to join you finally and close ranks for good. PS...Hope you enjoyed the Jack and Cigars. Town Patrol Mac

Brave words from brave men

What a G R E A T reunion! It was so wonderful to put faces with emails and voices, and to hear how everyone has fared since ’75. When we returned home I was shocked to learn that after we had left town on Thursday, there were 4-6 tornado touchdowns all around our home near Tulsa. Fortunately, we suffered no major damage, just lost a few more tree limbs. Just part of life in Oklahoma. I was very impressed with Friday’s Mission Debrief, and the fact that everyone who wanted to do so had a chance to tell their story. For those who still suffer PTSD, please remember what Dr. Wm Reid had taught me: 1) You can’t change the past, 2) we can only learn to deal with those events as they apply to our current life, and 3) Talk about it, talk about, talk about it! It will really help. Those considering making application for VA benefits, please remember: Be consistent, be persistent, and be NICE. I look forward to serving the next two years as the Secretary for the organization. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Semper Fi, Edd

I served with alot of you in the Saigon evacuation. I was a crewmember aboard USS ENTERPRISE. Since we were two months extended for Operation Frequent Wind, we were sent to Subic, then home. USS CORAL SEA was our relief. I remember reading the message traffic in the Intelligence Center on the Mayaguez. I'm good friends with Charlie Clark here in New York. We both belong to our local VVA Chapter#140. I also visited the The Wall That Heals up at the original Woodstock site last night, the 15th of May. A group of older looking Nam Vets were there. I reminded them of the 41 KIA's on the 1975 panel. Let them know that most of the KIA's were that day, 35 years ago. None of them knew that, and thanked me for educating them. I have always had a special place in my heart for all the Koh Tang vets who made it back...and didn't. Sadly, our country seems to have forgotten about that operation. Your story needs to be told so they'll never forget. God Bless you all...and Welcome Home ! Cory Kilvert U.S. Navy 73-78.

Spent the morning at Woodstock Site. They had the Moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial there. Helped many people find names of lost friends and family. I had the Branson Missouri crew in my thoughts.

There are more people who now know about May 15th on Koh Tang. Each time I go to the wall a little more healing takes place.

God Bless Danny, Gary and Joe! Gone but not Forgotten!

Charlie ABF-2 USS Coral Sea Dec 1971 through June 1975

I'm glad we were able to help 35 years ago.
These day's will never be forgotten.

Armed Forces day (15 May): Would like to say to all Branch's of service; for your service to this great nation. You have done your part in the defense and support of the United States of America.
Memorial Day (31 May). Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life and freedoms we have had and continue to have since the 1770's. Never forget the battles since then that have forged this Nation. Pray for all the families that have lost Loved ones in military service of this country.
Fratres Aeterni,
Scott

Sitting here thinking about the reunion starting today and the 15th around the corner, I hope everyone is doing well and thankful for still being here. I will see all of you guys in a couple years when I retire. Semper Fi. Larry Branson

From: ceclrk8@frontiernet.net
To: trbailey@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 9:51:07
Subject: Mayaguez Reunion

Unfortunately I will not be there. No way to take time from the job and we have family activities that coincide as well. My youngest is making first communion and her birthday is May 14th.

I will plan for the 2012 reunion once a location is picked. If there is a gathering in 2011 I'll be there as well. My thoughts and prayers will be with you the 13th through the 16th.

These next few days are the anniversary of the evacuation of Siagon.

Please give my best to all attending. We are all connected through a common bond.

During my group session yesterday at the VA Center the Mayaguez Recovery and how it affected me was major topic of discussion. After 35 years I can still close my eye's and see you guy's coming off the Jolly Greens...Like my tattoo says we can never forget!

God Bless
Charlie Clark - Coral Sea
ceclrk8@frontiernet.net

Fuji sure brings back some memories. Especially opening a can of frozen spaghetti on top and enjoying eating it!

To Al bailey:
I'd like permission to use one of your photos titled 'Hooch' for a finished article titled "the Last Man".
If you approve please e-mail me written permission.

Brothers: Please take a moment today to remember the fallen heroes of the failed Iranian Hostages rescue attempt which occurred on Apr 25, 1980. The operation was called “Eagle Claw” or the “Desert One Debacle.” Three USMC RH-53 air crew, and five USAF C130 air crew perished when one of the RH-53’s hit the tail stabilizer of the C130 and both aircraft burned. This failure lead to the formation of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF)(later to transition to USCentCom in ’82) and the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in 1987. Like the Mayaguez rescue, there is much more in depth information if you internet search the key words.
Semper Fi,
Edd

Almost forgot: The quote is from Shakespeare's "Henry V," "Saint Crispens Day Speech"
Edd

Greetings Brothers: While doing some research I came across this oft quoted passage, and thought I would share it with you:
"...This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, from this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered - We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother..."

Semper Fi,

Edd Prothro

Check out this new site of our Fallen Hero’s from past to present day
that Al Mahan has accomplished for our organization.

http://www.themayaguezfallenheroestribute.com/

COME JOIN YOUR FELLOW BROTHERS

May 13-16, 2010
in
BRANSON, MISSOURI

Brothers Forever
Koh Tang Mayaguez Veterans

Will not be able to make this years reunion. Hope like heck to make the next one. H + S 2/9 comm plt

The link below goes to Amazon.com, Dr. John Guilmartins book "A Very Short War", which is out of print and hard to locate. Can be purchased for 23.95 paperback.

http://www.amazon.com/Very-Short-War-Williams-Ford-University/dp/1603441964/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270728110&sr=1-1

I was on the USS Henry B Wilson as an FTM. Good to see Koh Tang is being acknowledged.

I was one of the two USAF EOD, Bomb Disposal Techs, on board the Mayaguez. I would like contact with anyone that was there. It was a time I will never forget.
God Bless all who were part of that Op.
Harold Young Former Ssgt USAF EOD Team

Viet Nam war memorial just outside the gate of Camp Johnson (MCCSSS) a part of Camp Lejeune, NC.
They did a great job in the design. Also located near the site is the Lebanon memorial, twin towers memorial, and Veterans cemetary. If you come to see the site, look me up in the phone book. Always remember their names, never forget. Saepre Expertus.