E W T V E T S
[Energize With the Vets]
The Forget Us Not Project

This website is dedicated to American Soldiers and their memories. It is a 'Work In Progress' and as you visit there will be discussion of changes and updates by it's Founders and Associates.

There will also be much more to come and for those who visit and may be inclined to engage the site's mission, please make a point to revisit and stay up to date.

This site will also hope to encourage visitors to set up local collection sites to store the histories and memories of veterans, both living and deceased, who lived or are living in their own home town.

It will also provide a directory of all addresses for collection sites that are set up throughout the United States and eventually our allies.

Thank you,
The Project Founders

November 11, 2012...addition
I'm adding the link here but will be adding more. I was reminded by a Facebook post that both 2 and 4 legged animals have served and their heroism is off the scale beyond measuring. I place a link to the nstory of one of those, a dog named NEMO whose heroism is documented along with photos. And yes his handler was/is a hero as well. Take a moment to visit the link and find out what one of so many dogs did to prove beyond doubt that they are 'man's best friend'. NEMO, Remembering. Also, have your sound on as Paul Harvey devotes a 'Rest Of the Story' to NEMO.

November 11, 2011...addition. A Peaceful & Content Veterans Day
My United States Air Force 4 year carreer found myself at duty at 6596th Intrumentation Squadron Vandenberg AFB Tracking Station in California, at 14th Aerial Port Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay AFB Viet Nam and 6964th Computer Squadron at Kelly AFB Texas. I'll be placing links to other places I served as I come to them.
Viet Nam Cam Ranh Bay Air Base 1970-1971

History & Development of Cam Ranh Bay Part I
History & Development of Cam Ranh Bay Part II
History & Development of Cam Ranh Bay Part III
The above link will take you to a visit to Cam Ranh Bay years I was there. The ammo dump blew up early in the morning and the shock wave was awesome to go through. A Peaceful Veterans Day to all my military Comrades, past and present. Specifically to the USAF and the 14th Aerial Port Squadron, Cam Rahn Bay(circa Sept. '70-Sept. '71), 6596th Instrumentation Sq. Vandenberg AFB Cal. & the 6964th Computer Sq. Kelly AFB Texas.

May 30, 2011...addition
Damn that which makes us have to send angels to march into hell armed against the enemy!! Not with a bible or prayer book but heavy metal!! We all want to be remembered. As well we should. What understanding justifies this? What do our precious men and women who engage in an activity of potential finality discover? Or have they already found it? I offer the following tributes posted on Youtube. We enjoy competition, the type where someone is disappointed while another smiles with satisfaction. But although this competition may have a winner and loser there are no smiles, no dry eyes and only wrenched hearts in the winner. War doesn't value life. It shows us it's value by taking it. In our country we reserve this for only the most important causes. Myself I am a complacent person who goes day to day worrying about scratches and dings, mowing a lawn and those things we all share in times of peace and tranquillity. I have taken time here trying to pick the proper words for something we all know. That our men and women in the armed forces are not forgotten. That we know who they are. And that should be enough but it isn't and never will be. It is an ongoing work in process. Some return to life able to cope. Some return with trouble coping mentally and/or physically. Some never return. Since they are on guard for us may we keep them always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as we do what we do in our daily life. Can't recall the last time I visited a VA Hospital. For them to see your face would make such a positive impression! Consider that and go with a friend or friends. I offer here a few links to what some have posted on Youtube as their tribute to our military;
Some Gave All, Billy Ray Cyrus
All Gave Some, Some Gave All, Toby Keith

May 29, 2011...addition
Our fellow Anericans who have dedicated and are dedicating themselves to engage when called upon have a special day set aside for them. I have visited and talked with my uncle who served in WWII on a the destroyer USS La Vallette and the destroyer escort USS Rizzi. No specifics were exchanged other than he was on board the La Vallette when it was torpedoed and hit a mine. I have also talked with a fellow Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army. In speaking with many veterans on their serving they all see war, combat and battle as the last glory anyone wants. Nothing about it is glorious. It is one of those dreaded necessities of humanity. And so I give my fellow Veterans a salute and gratitude for answering the call to duty. But I must also add my extreme remorse for them having to. There is a measure of understanding about serving across all nations who for just reasons must engage war from the exploitive invasive activities of those seeking power and wealth through military conquest. It would appear that as long as there is a human in a leadership role who seeks power and wealth at other fellow human's expense a military will always need to be on call.
I will be adding some photos so revisit the site.
If you haven't looked into a Memorial Day parade and services check out a local news source for a list and schedule. Then plan to join so many others who set aside time for honoring those who wore the uniform. Yes it is a showcasing but so little for so much from them.

May 4, 2011...addition

Memorial Day is coming this month. Plan to spend some time visiting your town memorial or even look into paying a visit to a Veterans Hospital. Check the local parades for their itinerary and attend as a spectator or you might discover there is a place for you in the parade! The following is taken from a website that profiles Memorial Day:

Memorial Day 2011 is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War. It was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day 2011 is on 30th May in 2011.

Once again there is no effort to glorify anyone. The idea is to bring an awareness that there were those who answered a call to duty. Not a glorious duty. Their involvement placed them in harm's way. Their actions are commemorated in that the memory of these men and women are not lost to be the memory of just another person and event. They are hallowed and deserve our homage. And they certainly would encourage us to come together for our Family and Friends gatherings in the tradition of the outdoor barbecue and picnic. For some that isn't easy and my reference here is tempered by that understanding. Once again, keep those who served and are serving in your thoughts and prayers.

March 11, 2011...addition
I went through Basic Traing at Lackland AFB in San Antonio Texas and became aware of a War Dog named Nemo. I finished my tour at Kelly AFB in San Antonio Texas across the road from Lackland. That dog has been locked in my memory ever since. I offer here a link to a page that remembers that veteran dog Nemo and others for their heroism in combat situations.
K-9 Heros

February 28, 2011...addition
A Vietnam comrade has just informed me that the last living WW1 soldier has passed on. You can read about it at this link Last WW1 Veteran(Soldier) Passes On. You may also visit his website at Frank Buckles Legacy.

February 06, 2011...addition
Just watched For Love of Liberty on CPTV(WEDH 24-2 DTV)public television. It was a documentary outlining the contribution to our freedom and liberty in war time on the battle field and all aspects that called upon military service of African American/Negro men and women. It appears to be rebroadcast all this month in honor of Black History Month. May say that I have privileged to connect with Mr. and Mrs. Joel Motely. Mrs. Motely was a liberator in her lifelong quest to see all men and woman treated equally and fair. Her mission was born in West Haven, Ct. when as a child she was denied access which was the common descrimination used to seperate her race. This event defined her destiny and mission to oppose unjust descrimination of this kind. In watching the film documentary it becomes evident that the African American/Negro military contribution was the equal of any other. But, this documentary brings it to light and the fact that in battle they were descriminated many times as well. Mr. Motely had told me about his Father who served in WW1 and was denied serving with any other soldiers but African American/Negro. He, and others, were passed to the French for their service. He earned a French awarded meda and no American counterpart. This fact is brought out in the film documentary. I would urge those who might be curious to witness this moving tribute. Going to war is the last thing you ever want. But when it those are called upon and they step forward they deserve recognition. This documentary does just that for the African American/Negro who was as much a soldier as anyone. Here is a link to the website bearing the title, For Love Of Liberty

January 30, 2011...addition
I have connected with the kin of Sgt. William David Pfander who served as a Medic in the the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean conflict. I have 2 friends who have told me a little about the Combat Medic and Coreman whose exploits were as brave as any soldier finds. The following are 2 photos(click on the photos for a full size images) of Sgt. Pfander with a biography and comments coming...
 

Here is a Wikipedia link that has information telling about the The Combat Medic.
And here is a Wikipedia link that has information telling about the United States Navy Hospital Corpsman

caduceus December 31, 2010...addition
I recieved an email with an article describing an event that treated our injured American Troops to the annual Army/Navy football game. I include a link here to the article carried in the Philadelphia Daily News in 2005;

Read more...Here's a Yule story that ought to be a movie

November 16, 2010...addition
This site has no intention of showcasing for glory those who have gone through combat situations and be glorified. So, as we all already know, may I state here that recognition for bravery and heroism comes with a price. And it is a award that comes with a juxtoposition of reasoning. We as a nation promote peace and yet find ourselves placing ourselves in conditions that are anything but peaceful. Therefore it is only logical that these awards be recieved with a measure of great confusion and even hesitancy. Most or all don't go into these conflicts looking for award(s). That motivation is reserved for our sports and game shows etc. Getting a pat on the back for a positive contribution that had no negative side connected. But combat heroism is a horse of a different color. And while we revisit our moments of domestic and civil victory, I.E. sports, contests etc., those incidents connected with war and combat are burned into our memories and take great effort to live with as they come to the surface at times. For myself I am mystefied by what people do in dire situations. The common man's thought keeps him in a guessing game as given normal circumstances the thought at responding in a way that would be of high risk and counter to keeping oneself from harm or certain devastation is not logical! I make these comments in that the subject matter of this site is our military and their exploits. And that of recent news there is a young Army SGT. who fit the criteria for a Congressional Medal of Honor. In an interview I witnessed he displayed a level of bewilderment, if I may use my own words, at being recognized for an award for something he sees as just doing what military does in executing their mission. I hesitate to try to speak for him but he has mixed feelings and they are understandable. He might also feel that he and his platoon members who were engaged must be seen as a group activity. Military members think of themselves as equal in combat situations and this may be one of those. Again, he speaks for himself and I am not going to upstage him. He is SGT Salvatore Giunta. And it was not just himself but at least 2 others who were casualties from the incident and displayed like action(s). To the uninitiated his actions were above and beyond the call of duty. Military might not see it that way. What the common man sees as above and beyond, the military sees as performing duty as necessary and that is what they do. I have just now witnessed the presentation to Sgt. Giunta and heard a few words from him. In so many words that without hesitation he would give the medal back to have his freinds back and that the recognition was bitter sweet. Having stated all that I have stated here this site will recognize all military for whatever they did and/or do as they have been known to be undeservedly forgotten for who they are and what they do or have done.

September 12, 2010...addition
It is not my intent to post tragedies as there are many. But being located in Connecticut I will post our losses from time to time. I make them with great regret. And it is with great remorse I pass on the following that you may already know about. National Guard Sgt. Steven J. DeLuzio Courtesy of The Day.

July 23, 2010...addition
I recieved an email titled, 'PAINTING SOLDIERS'. It was a link about one woman's benevolent, patriotic, reverent devotion of her talent motivated by human compassion. Viewing this can and will be a moving experience! I offer it here in tribute to our military;

Kaziah 'the Goat Woman' Hancock

June 19, 2010...addition
I have started the Connecticut Memorial Photo Library with some photos of my local Tr-Town Memorials. Click the link hee to see them;
Connecticut Memorials

June 16, 2010...addition
This addition is a 2 request entry. The 1st one; I have given thought to accepting photos submitted of Connecticut Town Memorials. I will be adding a separate page or pages of these photos. If you submit any please include where they are and any information you might feel should be with it. The photos would be submitted with permission for me to use. I will give credit for the photo(s) to the named contributor. I'm going to add the memorials of some of the local towns where I live and maybe as I travel I can find some as well to include. Our state has some magnificent Memorials!!

The 2nd request is to submit photos of old cemeteries here in Connecticut. After seeing an ignored old cemetery in Montville that was finally getting attention I wondered if there were others as well. Feel free to send me any photos fitting this criteria and pertinent info such as where. By submission of photos you will be granting me permission to post them. I will give credit to the named contributor. And I will post a seperate page of these. It's not my intent to shame anyone. Just to bring attention to cemeteries in need. It takes work and effort on upkeep of them and there may be someone capable of such and able to provide their time to be the caretaker. Maybe they won't make it look like Forest Lawn but I would think any attention is welcomed. Click here to contact and/or send something mentioned here or scroll down to the email icon below.

July 9th, 2010...addition
Please say a prayer for a fallen policeman here in Ct. and a fallen military servant from Ct.. The policeman is Sgt. Orville Smith of Shelton who dedicated 39 years and the military member is Lt. Sean D. Krueger of Seymour. Again, those who serve need our respect and our prayers.

May 27, 2010...addition
Here in Connecticut we have felt the pain of loss. Our National Guard unit in Afghanistan suffered a casualty from our state. Please keep SSGT. Edwin Rivera and his Family in your thoughts and prayers this Memorial Day and every day.
I might add that this site and Memorial Day focuses on Veterans of the military who engage at the highest level of threat. The word 'Veteran' however embraces our police, fire fighters, FBI, CIA, ATF, Border Patrol and all forms of security that produces veterans dedicated to maintaining our security and safety in their respective fields. This site will continue to focus on our military but certainly recognizes veterans from all areas of security, safetey and those whose goals are the well being of our country.

May 25, 2010...addition
Memorial Day and it's identity will be here, Monday May 31st. Since my time of service many years ago I have been impressed with those who step up and take on the task and duty of serving our country. So many of us over the years have held the job title of America's Defender. While conflicts(wars) are in dispute those who take the oath and dedicate themselves to insure our nation's safety and security engage in military operations. It is a mixed blessing that we have to defend ourselves. But, defend we must and defend we do. To all those who have traveled the solemn path of ultimate patriotic servitude we of the EWTVETS have you in our THOUGHTS and PRAYERS. And we of course SALUTE YOU. I recall the haunting message from a poster during WWI/WWII of a soldier asking the lonely question, 'Does anyone know I'm here?'. May all who served and are serving know the answer to that is a resoundiong 'YES, WE DO! Take time this Memorial Day to attend a parade and/or event that marks what real heroes have done and continue to do. They have earned the one day recognition and deserve our remembrance always.

July 19, 2009...addition
Recieved yet another email like the Ed Freeman post below. This one was about Darrell 'Shifty' Powers and had the same flavor as the Ed Freeman email. Be advised, Mr. Powers bio is also meritorious and the altered commentary was added to achieve an ulterior motive. Despite the altered portion with ulterior motive the bio is accurate and worth a read. Another example of a special American who deserves admiration. Take a moment to read the account of him from Snopes;
Darrell 'Shifty' Powers

July 18, 2009...entry
I recieved an email that contained real facts mixed with altered dates with a motive. Here is the Snopes commentary about this;
Ed Freeman
Please know that the events associated with Ed Freeman are true. His bio is well worth the read as his actions warranted the Medal of Honor. Yes, he did pass away but his actions will be forever remembered.

July 9, 2009...entry
While watching the news I saw an interview with Texas Representative Micheal Burgess who commented on a Congress person's recommendation to fastrack a stamp to honor Michael Jackson. His comment was that he had introduced bill H.R. 4116(November 8, 2007). He was not in support of passing a commemorative stamp honoring an entertainer while ignoring an effort on financial support for our Veterans from a stamp in their honor. Additionally, he stated that he believed in the saying, 1st things 1st. He stated our priorities were skewed on the stamp topic and the honoring of an entertainer could be, should be, done but in order of priority. Here is a link to Rep. Burgess' website page on H.R. 4116 he introduced;
Congressman Burgess introduces H.R. 4116, the Veterans Healthcare Stamp Act

June 10, 2009...entry
In the wake of our President exercising the diplomacy of humility by apologizing for misunderstandings Americans have about other parts of the world I was reminded of our American Cemeteries around the world. The site's policy is not to engage in political discourse or connections to politically related statements and exchanges. The site is non-political in it's judgement(s). I simply bring to attention the above about American Cemeteries around the world by offering the following link to the American Battle Monuments Commission webpage(s);
American Cemeteries Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission
American Veterans' Cemeteries Courtesy of the Indiana Veterans' Service Officer's Association
The above links are in support of the reminder and theme of this website,

'Never forget, always remember, those who served and are serving.'

May 25, 2009...entry
As last year I attended the Chester, Ct. Memorial Day parade and I alternate between my current hometown and the town I resided in when I enlisted and since have found my name on the town Memorial in Essex, Ct. I attended that parade this year. Despite it's length in distance of marching it drew a respectable group of veterans from all military branches. While at one of the invocations I took a moment to ponder. I found the following as food for thought;

• As long as evil cannot stay put war will be the necessary evil to confront it.
• Unlike many successes from activities the military successes too often come with losses.
• The best success for the military is to be there but not to have to engage.
• Though no one wants to have to answer the 'call to arms' I salute those who understand the necessity of this seemingly eternal confrontation. And although I hold them in high regard I also feel that conflict is a product of humans good and evil. That said I can very much imagine having to apologize to those who except responsibilty to confront that human evil for having to do so.

Please stop by your local memorial or wherever there is something of meaning in honor of those who served to provide the foundation our country embraces;
One nation, indivisible with...
Liberty, Freedom, Equality, Justice & Domestic Tranquility for all. and take a moment to reflect on those who are in our thoughts and prayers. As great a day as Veterans Day is, give them a little more than just that one day of honor and remembrance.

April 10, 2009...entry
This was passed to me by an elder fellow veteran.

You may never have heard taps played in its entirety. The conductor of the orchestra is Andre Rieu from Austria . The young lady, her trumpet and her rendition of TAPS will make your hair stand on end. You will not be unmoved......

The option to include it here was offered and I do just that. It was and is a most moving and reverent rendition by a wonderful aspiring young lady musician of a hallowed passage we know as

'TAPS';

With Memorial Day and the many parades and ceremonies I was passed a link by a friend who has deep affection for those whose day Memorial Day commemorates. I include that link here and invite you to take a moment to reverently dwell on those Americans who defended us with honor.

Who Are They? - Before You Go

On Tuesday morning, February 21st, well known talk show host Brad Davis set aside some airtime for some project people to talk about the project and the project luncheon. The founders wish to acknowledge Mr. Davis generousity and that calls came in about the project and the luncheon as well as site hits soon after the radio interview. We include a link to the Brad Davis page on the WDRC website. Click and visit Mr. Davis and learn about his civic and community involvement and more;
Brad Davis Show
The Talk of Connecticut

To submit an address for a collection site or photo or photos of Memorials and/or Cemetaries click on the appropriate email us icon below;

For Military biographies For Memorial Photo(s) For Cemetery Photo(s)

A list of links are listed here to navigate the site;
Submission Information
Suggestions On Creating Your Veterans History
Cataloging Your Histories
Spreading the Word

Cover Page & Veterans History of SSGT John B. Twardy Updated, 12/09/05
Cover Page of TSGT Russell Ahlgren

Memoirs of TSGT Russell Ahlgren
ARTICLES
Newspaper - Article 1
Newspaper - Article 2
Newspaper - Article 3
Newspaper - Article 4

Recent Entries
Mr. Sam Applebaum - Springfield, Mass.

Raymond F. Leonard - New Britain, Connecticut.

Go to the States & Territories Directories of Collection Sites
Our Allies & Friends from Puerto Rico have their own page to list sites

Click to go to a page of links

American Legion Commander Hat

POEMS - PROSE
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

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News Directory organized by subject, including Military.

The music selections on this site have been provided by Jack Snead. Jack has a website at;
Jack's Midi Music A Collection of Patriotic Selections. In reality the music was provided by the composers, arrangers, performers etc. All credit belongs to them.

He has offerred them to use based on 'good faith'. His site lists a great amount of credits and specifics regarding the songs origins etc.. Please visit his site to view a more complete history of the musical scores.

This site automatically triggers a musical tune. It also offers more choices from a drop down box at the bottom of this page. Before making a choice from the list click the STOP BUTTON

If the music doesn't start, click on the play button to start the embedded music.

Patriotic songs Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder[aka Air Force Hymn, seq. by Mark R. Weston] America, America[seq. unk] America[aka My Country Tis of Thee, Bill Basham-DSR version] America the Beautiful[seq. by Frank Schober] Coming To America[Neil Diamond, the Jazz Singer] America the Beautiful[seq. unk] America the Beautiful[seq. by George Cadero] America the Beautiul[seq. by Robert C. Goodyear] American Patrol Battle Hymn of the Republic[bluegrass theme, seq. unk] Battle Hymn of the Republic[Church theme, seq. by Pastor Mark E. Eckert] The Caissons Go Rolling Along[aka U.S. Army Anthem, seq. by Bill Basham-DSR] Eternal Father, Strong To Save[U.S. Navy Hymn seq. by Jun Arisaka] Call To the Post/First Call[aka Assembly of te Buglers, seq. unk] God Bless the USA[Seq. by Les Herrman] God Bless America[seq. by Phil Smith] You're A Grand Ole Flag[seq. by Bill Basham-DSR] Hail To the Chief[Presidential March, seq. by Bill Basham-DSR] In America[seq. by Gary Rogers] Letters From Home[seq. by Ron Tilden] Liberty Bell March[seq. by Jerry A. Enfield] From the Halls of Montezuma[aka The Marine Hymn] America[aka My Country 'Tis of Thee, MTA sequence] Only In America[seq. by Deb Ackley] Over There[seq. by James K. Taylor] Rally Round the Flag[seq. by Gerald B. Ross] Taps[w/rifle squad, seq. unk] When the Saints Go Marching In[seq. by Don Carroll] Semper Paratus(Always Ready)[Coast Guard Anthem, seq. by Mark R. Weston] Semper Fidelis[aka The Marine Corp Anthem, seq. unk] There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere[seq. by Dick Anderson] Star Spangled Banner[USA Nathional Anthem, seq. by Bill Basham-DSR] Stars & Stripes Forever[Piano, seq. by John Cowles] Stars & Stripes Forever[March, seq. unk] Stars & Stripes Forever[Classical, seq. by Rhino] The Great Defenders[seq. by Ron Tilden] This Is My Country[seq. by Jim Taylor] This Land Is Your Land[seq. by Bob Sorem] To the Colors[Bugle Call, seq. unk] U.S. Field Artillery March[seq. unk] Star Spangled Banner[USA National Anthem, seq. by Gary Wachtel] Yankee Doodle[seq. by Barry Taylor] Be sure to turn off any embedded Midi Music playing on the main page before playing music from the drop down box. In addition, after the music window opens and the song plays you can minimize the window to go back to this page by clicking the [-] in the top corner of the screen.