Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

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