The Graybeards - Korean War Veterans Association

Ed Fenton (left) and Ron Regan Host of radio program ‘Veterans Cafe.”
Sarge.”
Fenton stated many former POW’s (Prisoners of War), in need
of medical attention, have never availed themselves of the programs
offered by the Veterans Administration. One of the reasons
for this was a time restriction on filing for services. This inequity
has been corrected. In 1981 Congress eliminated the one year
block to filing. Another reason was the perception that Veteran
Administration personnel displayed a negative attitude toward all
veterans. The Veteran’s Administration outlook has changed and
its “members go the extra mile when it comes to assisting veterans”,
Fenton said
The Mount Dora resident was serving with the 555th Artillery
(known as the triple nickel) Fifth Regimental Combat Team
which was attached to the 24th Infantry Division when he was
captured April 22, 1951, by the Chinese Communists, at the 38th
Parallel. Three hundred Americans were taken prisoner at the
time and forced to march to a prison camp four miles from the
Yalu River. Only two hundred survived the march. Fenton spent
28 months as a POW. An active member of the POW
Association, Fenton stated the latest information they have is
recent sightings have been made of Americans still being held by
the Communists.
Fenton is on the Board of Directors of Lake County Chapter
# 169, Korean War Veterans Association. He also serves as the
Chapter’s Membership Committee Chairman. The Chapter meets
at 2:00 P.M. the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Leesburg
Senior Citizens Center, 1211 Penn Street, Leesburg. Former
POW ‘s are invited to attend a Chapter meeting. Fenton said he
would be available to assist them relative to any entitled benefits.
He also extended the invitation to former POW’s not from the
Korean War who are seeking assistance.
Mr. Regan expressed sorrow that time did not permit their
exploring many other veteran and former POW matters and
asked the former POW if he would be willing to appear on a
future program. Fenton stated he “would be happy to.”
(Thank you Joe Turner for sending in photo and story. Great job
Ed. We welcome you home. We also thank Ron Regan for giving
you the opportunity to tell your story.)
Thanks for Supporting The Graybeards
Many members have responded to the suggestion to temporarily
help underwrite the cost of publication of The Graybeards by making
voluntary contributions. This issue is still being printed considering
cost restraints and due to change of printer and mailer we have
been able to continue to reduce the cost per issue and also try to
upgrade your newsletter.
Your heartening response has made this step possible. Hopefully
we will be able to restore our newsletter to a higher quality with
other desired changes in subsequent issues. Members please continue
to respond by sending your contribution to Editor KWVA, or
Treasurer KWVA marked: Support of Graybeards. Every donation
will be recognized in the magazine. Those that do not respond
for any reason are still valued members, for your dues also contribute
to the printing of our newsletter.
Names listed came from those wishing to support KWVA by
donations for: The Graybeards, “Looking For,” “Reunions,” and “In
Memory of.” At the time of publication the following names of
donors and “Memorials” have been reported to The Graybeards and
are listed as follows:
Members & Friends
Aronica, J.
Ballou, J.
Becker, J.
Calabria, J.
Chilcott, T.
Cirincione, A.
Cloman, J.
Cook, K.
D’alessandro, L.
De Andre, L.
Defebaugh, S.
Dieterle, J.
Dodson, J.
Domanoski, R.
Easterly, W.
Garmon, P.
German, D.
Glock, R.
Gould, D.
Heefner, W.
Hoffman, R.
Hosler, W.
House, E
Jannsen,H.
Jantos, E.
Jeffery, D.
Jenkins, S.
Jensen, T.
Krakovsky, J.
Krepps, V.
Lair, G.
Landis, C.
Marcararelli, R.
Marschhauser, N.
Morgan, W.
O’Keefe, C.
Pakkala, G.
Papaycik, E.
Rechtenbach, R.
Rehfeldt, W.
Robinson, D
Rutter, R.
Shearer, J.
Sterne, C.
Short, J.
Tamplin, J.
Torchio, V.
Trevino, R.
Tucker, W.
Vanderhave, N.
Wahlhaupter, W.
Wainwright, M.
Walker, S.
Whitt, E.
Wiedhahn, W.
Organizations:
Central L I Chapter
5th RCT Assn.
25th Military Police Co.
In Memory of:
T-Sgt. John M. Garmon
(By Parks M. Garmon, Sr.)
Robert Wayne McDermott
(By John M. Konen)
Cpl. Robert W. Mc Henry
KIA 2nd Inf. Div.
(By Hiram B. Hollingshead)
Thomas E. O’ Keefe
(By Clair T. O‘ Keefe)
Lt. Donald Rietsma – MIA
355 Fighter Interceptor Sqd.
(By W. L. Easterly)
President Harley J. Coon to seek re-election
I have been asked if I would run for another term. This past
2 years has been a challenge. I have enjoyed working with
everyone on the board and the membership. I feel that working
together we have put the KWVA on the right course.
We are sound financially and “The Graybeards” has become
the best veterans magazine. With the 50th Commemoration
coming up, I would like to lead the Korean veterans during
the next 2 years. We should work together to unite all Korean
war-era veterans. I will ask for your support.
January/February, 2000 Page 21