President Dan Hoffman
Contact Information
- Telephone
- 803-422-6842
- Postal address
- 6 Paperbark Court, Columbia, SC 29209
- E-Mail
- kohtangdan@gmail.com
11/11/11
Happy Veterans Day to all the MAYAGUEZ/Koh Tang Veterans and Happy 236th Marine Corps Birthday to all who were in the Marine Corps.
Good things to report on our organization. The sales of James Wise and Scott Baron's book have been excellent. It is of course still available on Amazon.com and other websites. Scott identifies he plans to be at our upcoming reunion in Branson in May.
Everything you need to know about our reunion is available elsewhere on our website thanks to the hard work of Tina and Al Bailey.
Things are progressing for a MAYAGUEZ/Koh Tang display in the expanding National Museum of the
Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. Plans are underway for a display that will include the ships bell and the large wooden carving presented to us by Ray Porter that identifies all the Marines from Delta 1/4 that boarded the MAYAGUEZ.
Several other items captured on the Island will also be included depending on space. I will keep you informed on the timetable for this display. If anyone has items you think the museum might be interested in please contact me. The Mayaguez captains bunk
and desk are now aboard the S.S. Jerimiah O'Brein floating museum in San Francisco harbor. The desk is being utilized and the display for the bunk is still in the planning stages.
At our upcoming reunion, I would suggest that we need to discuss purchasing a plaque for the ship to identify our operation and information on the MAYAGUEZ.
One of the primary goals of our organization and part of our mission statement was to keep the events of the MAYAGUEZ and the Battle on Koh Tang in the public eye. To ensure that our story does not fade away and to do all that can be done to recover the remains of those left behind. Your officers and board of directors continue to be involved in this and we hope to have more information available to you soon.
Please make plans now to attend our upcoming reunion in Branson, MO in May. Each year more veterans have attended and we expect to have more than 100 this year. One item on the agenda will be the election of new officers. I will be stepping down as president. I have asked Larry Barnett to head up an election committee and present a slate of officers. Nominations will also be taken from the floor. If you are interested in serving as an officer please contact Larry.
We continue to assist veterans in getting or increasing their VA benefits. As always if there is anything I can do to help, please call. One of our own is hurting. Fred Morris's wife Ellen is having some medical problems right now. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Best Wishes for the upcoming holiday season, Hope to see you in May.
8/21/11
We all had a fantastic time at our recent summer camp out and reunion
in Odon, Indiana.
Rather than duplicate information I would direct
you to several other postings on this
website
for more detailed
information on our many activities and events, especially an excellent
after action report by our webmaster and founder Larry Barnett which
is posted below these comments.
Also please checkout the minutes from
our meeting and our VFW meeting.
I also have asked Larry to post a
copy of a thank you letter I sent to the Odon Journal on behalf of our
organization. With all that to review I must still make a few
comments.
We had a busy schedule for the week but some of the best times were
the camaraderie we had around the campfires at night. Paul Bussiere
from Echo Company joined us for the first time and quickly became a
new friend.
Tuesday was a special day with the dedication of Tom
Noble's new truck and riding in our float in the Old Settler's Parade.
Our auction and Golf Tournament were the best ever and we raised
record funds.
Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation we
have for Tom and Shelba Noble, their family and friends, and the
special town of Odon Indiana.
I also would like to thank our officers
and board members for all their hard work but especially Al and Tina
Bailey, and Fred Morris, Dan Darden, Larry Barnet, and Al Mahan, for
their contributions and hard work which made our week in Indiana this
year such a success.
Plans are already underway for our May 2012 Reunion in Branson, MO.
It is only nine months away. More information will be posted on this
website but please do all you can to join us there.
Best Wishes, "Lt Dan" Hoffman, President Koh Tang MAYAGUEZ Veterans Organization
kohtangdan@gmail.com
Good Morning Friends
Campfire & Golf After Action Report,
Sharon and I got back from Odon last week and I had to get back to work so I could get a vacation. Once again the town Of Odon pulled out all the stops and an awesome time was had by everyone. Every time I go there I am amazed by the heart of this community.
This year was the most special of all. Our hosts Tom and Shelba Noble gave us all a very special gift. And when I say all of us I mean each of you. As you may or may not know Tom was one of the Wilson's crew (Black Velvet 1) who provided suppressive fire for the East Beach after we were shot down.
During our stay in Odon we were interviewed by Terra Haute News Station TV 2. You can read the text or see the interview online at http://mywabashvalley.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=201637
On Sunday the group honored a local Veteran Adam Trueblood. On behalf of the group Corporal Trueblood was presented a plaque honoring his service to our nation. Corporal Trueblood is an Afghanistan Combat Veteran and was redeployed two days later. This organization is proud to support Adam as he held the same standard that each of us did so many years ago. Check out the local newspaper article about him a copy is in this newsletter.
This last year Tom had been keeping a big secret from all of us. Wild horses, Makers Mark & me couldn't get it out of him. Not knowing was driving me nuts. Our event itinerary shows that there was to be a Dedication Ceremony after decorating the float (awarded Best Theme Float) for the parade.. The question of the week was, what in the world is he dedicating on Tuesday???
The emcee’d was Mark Moreland. Lonnie Goen then gave the opening prayer. Scott Noble sang the Star Spangled Banner. THAT MAN CAN SING!!! Lonnie Goen then read a poem he wrote titled "Valor on Koh Tang" (in newsletter). Then it was Tom's turn to speak, he began by letting us know how much he loved all of us and what we had meant to him and Shelba over the years. He wanted to do something special for the Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets.
Now if you have never heard Tom do public speaking then you are missing a real treat. The uniform of the day was tears. At the conclusion of Tom's speech I caught out of the corner of my eye a pickup truck being escorted into the driveway by the Odon police. EVERYBODY went "eyes right." Tom had bought a GMC pickup and restored it to honor all of us. This truck brings new meaning to "A Labor of Love."
The ceremony ended when Wilma Goen sang "God Bless the USA" and brought everyone to their feet cheering. Tom pulled the our float that evening in the 126h Old Settlers Parade with all of us in it.
On Wednesday we all hung out at Boggs Lake. Tom brought his boat, plus friends brought a party pontoon and a ski boat. That evening we sat around the campfire swapping stories and I got to make the group some of my world famous homemade (That's right Fred Homemade :)) chicken noodle soup. Dan Hoffman gave me the honor of the first Crown Royal toast. Things were kind of fuzzy after that.
On Friday we held a VFW and an Organization meeting at Tom's house. The minutes from this are in this newsletter. That evening Tom led a fund raiser auction that was an astounding success. All of the proceeds went to our group.
On Saturday after visiting Dr. Bloody Mary the Koh Tang Golf Scramble was underway. I only lost six golf balls and yelled FFOORREE three times. I think that's a record for me. Thanks to Fred Morris's short game and Justin and Travis's drivers our team shot a four under. Oh yea during that week I got my first Birdie. AND I had three witnesses. All of the proceeds from the Golf Scramble went to the organization.
Friends as you can imagine so much work goes into making these gatherings special for each of us. The support of all of our wives and families make this one week a year special every year. Each of you are our unsung heroes. If you want to see patriotism at its best visit Odon, IN. Tell them we sent you.
God Bless, Larry and Sharon Barnett
Lbarnett777@aol.com
6/6/11
Another May has come and gone yet again.
The month of May is
always a difficult time
for me and I’m sure no doubt for you.
Reflecting on our operation and all the events surrounding Memorial Day makes it
a very exceptional and emotional time of year. You are all in my thoughts and
prayers. We especially remember those who were left behind and have not yet
returned.
We anxi
ously
wait for the release of James E. Wise, Jr. and Scott Baron’s newest book, "The
14 Hour War": Valor on Koh Tang and the Recapture of the SS Mayaguez, published
by the Naval Institute Press. By the time you read this message it will be
available in the book stores. It has over twenty “first-person accounts by
Marine, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel relating where they were and
what they did during the fierce engagement on Koh Tang Island”.
We are also counting the days to our annual
summer campout gathering and golf tournament in Odon, Indiana this July
30th-August 7. This is a fantastic time; Odon the town will be having their
126th Old Settlers Festival which includes a parade, live music and carnival
rides. Camping at West Boggs Lake is totally optional there are hotels nearby.
Check out the flyer on the web site for more information in making your
reservations to join in on the fun.
Saturday, August 6th, is our 3rd Annual Koh Tang
Veterans Golf Scramble. I’ve been hearing from many, “I don’t golf”, that is
not what this is all about. The golf scramble is the KTMV Org. major fund raiser
for the Ronnie Hughes Fund. This fund has helped over a dozen of our
fellow brothers along with their spouse attend a reunion or help with a past due
bill or two. So, come on out to Indiana and join in the fellowship and fun. If
unable to attend donations are welcomed and appreciated. Send donations to –
Koh Tang Veterans c/o Tom Nobel 203 North Grove St, Odon, IN 47562.
Look forward to seeing you in Indiana. I will
report back after the campout gathering and our meeting. As always, call me if
you need me.
"Lt Dan"
Hoffman
kohtangdan@gmail.com
(803)
422-6842
3/23/11
Let me start off with some great news: The
Captains bunk and desk from the S. S. MAYAGUEZ has found a suitable, permanent
home. We are very pleased to announce that a display is under construction on
the Liberty Ship Museum, the S. S. Jeremiah O'Brien, at Fisherman's Wharf in San
Francisco Harbor. The MAYAGUEZ was originally laid down in 1944 and launched as
the S. S. WHITE FALCON, so the bunk and desk date to that period. As you know,
we explored a number of options. While the O'Brien is not our first
choice, we've decided that it is the best choice at this time.
Jerry Cople, formerly of Sea Land
Corporation, has housed and protected the bunk and desk for many years. We thank
him for his donation and his concern for ensuring that the items will be
properly cared for and displayed for decades to come. I have spoken to the
director of the museum and his staff to ensure that with this permanent display,
the story of our battle and the names of those lost will be honored and
preserved. For now, check out the museum's excellent website at
http://www.ssjeremiahobrien.org I have asked Fred Morris to provide a link on our
website. The O'Brien already has our site as a link on their website.
I recently went to the VA Regional Hospital in
Atlanta for a new glass eye and was very pleasantly surprised to see a huge
permanent display there on the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Wall. The hospital has
a reproduction down a large hallway with replicas of each panel in DC. They also
have several large photographs and a description of the last names on the wall,
noting the Koh Tang MAYAGUEZ Operation. I hope to have several photos on our
website soon. It is great to see that our story is getting out there for the
public to see and remember. If anyone is aware of any other displays such as
this, please bring them to our attention so we may share them with our members.
Scott Baron's and James Wise's new book "Valor
on Koh Tang and the Recovery of the MAYAGUEZ" is set for publication in the next
60 days. I have seen portions of an advance copy. It is a fabulous book. Many of
our members provided significant input. The book is the first publication to
look at the events from the perspective of the participants, particularly the
Marines on the ground. It is a well researched and accurate work, so as soon as
the book is available we will let you know how to obtain a copy. We all should
be very proud of this book and the hard work done by Scott and James.
The Jolly Green Giant Organization will be
holding their annual reunion April 29 and 30 in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Of
course, several of our members are Jolly Greens. Starting in 2002 we started our
organization by piggy backing our meetings with the Jollys' reunions. For that
we are in their debt. It goes without saying they are heroes; most of us owe our
lives to the Knives and Jollys. Check out their link on our website. If you
can, join them in Fort Walton Beach this year.
Big plans are underway in Odon, Indiana for
our Summer Campout and Golf Tournament. Tom and Shelba Noble are working hard to
put this together. Check out the link elsewhere on this site and please do all
you can to attend. I will be placing "In search of" announcements in many of
the veterans' magazines soon to continue to expand our membership.
Finally, I am pleased to report that I've been
able to help many of our guys with PTSD and Veteran's Benefits. I am always here
if you need me. And, as always, special thanks to our officers, directors, and
their wives for all they continue to do for our organization.
Peace and Happiness to you all, Dan
1/1/2011
As I write these comments, the Christmas and New Year
season is upon us. Peace, Joy, and Happiness to you all.
In
November, my wife Betty and I, along with Al and Tina Bailey, were
honored to represent our organization at the L/Cpl Gregory S. Copenhaver
Marine Corps League Detachment. A prayer was offered at his grave site,
with his mother, some of his lifelong friends, and members of the
Detachment attending. Al placed one of our 2010 Challenge Coins there
permanently and we left a ceremonial bottle of Crown Royal on his grave
stone. Photographs are in the 2010 Winter Newsletter. I also had the
honor and privilege to be the guest speaker for the Detachment’s
Birthday Ball. It was attended by several of our departed brother's
relatives and friends. Al and I shared a short history of our operation
and L/Cpl Copenhaver's part in it, providing details most there were
unfamiliar with. It was a very emotional and rewarding experience.
Brothers, know that in Elkton, Maryland the memory of one of our lost
comrades lives on. L/Cpl Gregory S. Copenhaver will be recognized,
always remembered, and celebrated through this Marine Corps League
Detachment.
At the Iwo
Jima Memorial annual wreath laying ceremony on November 10th,
we met the new Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos,
spoke to him for a few moments about our mission, exchanged challenge
coins, and had a picture taken. In addition, we met the Guest Speaker,
former Ohio Senator, Astronaut, and USMC Fighter Pilot Col. John Glenn.
We then stopped by for a brief visit at the 2/9 Organization, which
meets annually in Washington, DC. We ended our day with a visit to the
Vietnam Memorial Wall, where we left the 2010 Challenge Coin beneath the
"Last 41" names, made a Crown Royal toast, and said a prayer. If you
have not yet visited "The Wall", you should make every effort to do so.
News from the
National Museum of the Marine Corp in Quantico Virginia: While they are
unable to commit 100%, the curator is excited about our recent donations
of items from Koh Tang. Curator Jennifer Castro and members of her
staff identified that the next addition to the museum will be the Post
Vietnam Era. They plan on a Koh Tang/ Mayaguez display to start off
their timeline. They seem very sincere and optimistic about this,
but timing depends on their funding. Construction could begin in a few
months, or it could be a year or two. Unfortunately, the Quantico
Museum could not commit to taking the SS Mayaguez Captain's desk and
bunk. We are again working on possible options for placing these
historical items, and will provide more information as it becomes
available. If anyone has any ideas for this or has any items they feel
the museum might be able to use, please contact me.
Thank you to
our Vice President Dan Darden for sending out Christmas cards to our
entire mailing list. This small gesture shows we are growing as an
organization. Dan also would like to remind you of your upcoming
birthday by sending you a birthday card, but first you need to provide
him with the month you were born. E-mail Dan at vetsbuildit2@aol.com or
give him a call on (706) 716-0284.
I cannot go
without thanking Tina and Al Bailey for the fantastic newsletter they
just produced. In my 30 plus years of community service work with
numerous organizations, I can easily say it is the best newsletter I
have ever seen. If you have a chance, give Tina and Al a call to let
them know how much we appreciate them. This will also give you guys a
chance for payback for all the times Al called you at 3 AM.
Make your
reservations for the 2011 Campfire Gathering/Golf Scramble fundraiser in
Odon, Indiana, which is July 30 through August 7. Camping is not a
requirement (hotels nearby), nor is being a golfer. We always have a
great time, which makes the week go by way too fast. The dates coincide
with the town of Odon’s 126th Old Settlers parade. Check out
www.odonoldsettlers.com
for a schedule of events.
As always, if
any of you are having any issues with PTSD or Veterans benefits, please
feel free to call me. Best wishes for the New Year, peace, and
happiness to you my brothers.
"Lt
Dan" Hoffman
Note: New
E-Mail address
kohtangdan@gmail.com
(803) 422-6842
___________________________________________________________________________
10/3/10
Hello My Brothers,
Much has happened since
our big reunion in May. I was waiting to get final answers on some things
before I sent this memo, but much is going on, so I will share what is happening
now and follow up in the near future with more information.
First, the good news:
Since the reunion I have spoken to more than 10 of our brothers who are now "in
the door" with the VA and in the process of getting the Veterans Benefits they
justly deserve. At least another half dozen of our guys who were getting some
benefits are now receiving an increase in their disability benefits. As always,
if I can assist you in the process of getting your VA benefits, call me anytime.
Many of you have met Don
Miller of Columbia, SC. Don is a former SeaLand/Maresk employee and was
instrumental in getting our organization some serious funding when we were just
starting out. At the recent Branson reunion, Don won over $300.00 in the 50/50
raffle and immediately, generously, donated it all back to our organization.
Although Don was very proud to be an Associate Member of the Koh Tang Mayaguez
Veterans Organization, our Board of Directors unanimously voted to honor Don as
our First Official Honorary Member.
Author Scott Baron's new
book, "Valor on Koh Tang Island and the Recovery of the Mayaguez," is set for
publication this spring by the Naval Institute Press. Several of our brothers
are major contributors to this book, which for the first time looks at our
battle from the perspective of the Marines on the ground. It is very well
written and shows us in a very favorable light. Details on the upcoming
publication will be announced soon.
Work continues on the
placement of the Captains Desk and Bunk from the SS Mayaguez. The National
Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA, is in the initial stages of
discussions. Hopefully, a display at the museum is in the works. If the museum
does not go ahead with the exhibit, we will have a backup plan.
Have you checked out
kohtang.org? (Not our site, kohtang.com.) It seems some Chinese investors want
to turn our little island into a resort with condos and highways. Many of us
are extremely concerned that those carrying out construction on Koh Tang might
ignore any remains they uncover, especially those of our brothers who have not
yet come home. JAPAC in Hawaii has been notified, I will keep you informed on
this very sensitive issue.
Tom Noble is working hard
on our 3rd Annual Golf Scramble (6 Aug 2011) which raises money for
the Ronnie Hughes Fund. This is a weeklong campfire gathering. Check-out the
flyers on the website for more information.
Peace and happiness to you
all.
"Lt. Dan"
Koh Tang
Dan, President
Koh Tang Mayaguez Veterans Organization
__________________________________________________________________
Don Miller
The 1st
Official HONORARY MEMBER
of the Koh Tang/Mayaguez Veterans Organization
Presented 2010
__________________________________________________________________
5/30/10
A Note from your President:
The 35th Anniversary Reunion of the Mayaguez - Koh Tang Veterans was a major
success and our best reunion, so far.
More than 60 veterans from the USMC, USN, USAF, Sealand and support elements,
along with many family members and friends attended. We had 81 people at our
banquet. Many thanks to the dedicated board members who worked so hard to make
this possible, but especially Al and Tina Bailey, Fred and Ellen Morris and Tom
and Shelba Noble for their hard work.
We started off Thursday night with a Welcome Aboard Party where friendships
were renewed and newly made. We had our usual Crown Royal toasts. On Friday we
had a very special Open Discussion, Time-line Mission De-brief of the events of
May 15, 1975. It lasted over three hours. The group participation was fantastic
and emotional as most of our guys became involved relating their personal
memories as they learned the details of the operation. At the Neal McCoy Show
that night, our group was significantly recognized by the country star. We took
pictures and gave him a coin after the show.
Saturday was a busy day starting with a VA Benefits and PTSD Seminar.
Hopefully with this information more of our guys will get the benefits they
deserve. Our officially sanctioned VFW Meeting was strongly attended and 5 new
members and 9 new Life Members were sworn in. We are unique in being able to
have this meeting with our VFW being in Cambodia. Minutes of the meeting will be
posted on our web site later. That afternoon, we held our official reunion meeting.
Much was accomplished for the good of our organization.
We officially changed the name of our organization to
The Koh Tang Mayaguez Veterans Organization. We started out as the
Beach Club but wanted to be more inclusive, especially for the Delta 1/4 Marines
and more who were involved in support of the operation. We approved a set of
By-Laws, and elected a new slate of officers and Board Members. We also voted to
hold our 2012 Reunion again in Branson, MO. Mark your calendars now for the 1st
part of May, 2012. Dates TBA, We also plan to have another campout and Golf Outing in Indiana in
summer of 2011. Watch for more information soon at
http://kohtang.com and for a listing of the new Officers and a posting of the
minutes of our meeting.
For all those who were able to attend this year, especially those who joined
us for the first time, it was a truly memorable experience. To those who could
not join us, you were missed. No room for all I would like to say. I am honored
and proud to be your new president. I plan on having a Presidents
Comments section somewhere on the webpage. I look forward to your comments and
future participation.
Here's to a great Reunion and to improving our organization with increased
involvement.
