David Esch Annika, Articles P

Through 1975 and Stationed at Ramasun Station I continued to monitor the Khmer Rouge and the Slaughter of innocence.The Genocide.From Ramasun we continued to monitor the events that happened, the Fall of Saigon and the Mayaguez incident. Found out I have N. I lived and showered on base and had no idea where water came from. The station facilities are located near the base of rugged jungle-clad mountains to the west. Munitions Specialist. He passed away 15 Dec 2020. Can barely walk because of the pain. 1931 I have stage 4 kidney disease as well. [18][15] During the deployment, the squadrons aircraft used the callsign Magpie in recognition of the squadrons emblem. Then all hell would break loose and Id have to shut down the conversation due to explicit language. Then, six months before discharge, I injured it a fourth time. And the discussion of whether the soldiers were exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand would be unnecessary, since the VA already has agreed that if a soldier met the boots on the ground test (i.e., by standing on soil in Vietnam), then they were automatically exposed to Agent Orange. Although I never spent much time at Phan Rang Airbase, during the latter part of 1969 our headquarters moved from Nha Trang airbase to Phan Rang. Hope this helps you out. Ive been in remission from cancer since 12. I want to file for agent orange exposure. served in warin communications station a few miles west of the laotion cambodian border. I,m 90% disabled & will help any way I can. My late husband William M. Beach was stationed at Korat I think in 1973. The list also contains theUTM coordinates of the installations. The date on the order is: 1/15/1968 and the other last names listed are:Fisher, Samson, Proctor, Mapano, Shively, Dyson, Sadler, Dorenzo, Gregory, Fountain. VA still wont recognize AO exposure is my understanding. I cant provide a lot of information. Excellent detail of flight line activity with actual voice communications between controllers and personnel on the flight line. The story we were told was that they would ship the planes over in crates and he and others would assemble them over there. And that is absolutely not right! The soldiers got off the plane (deplaned), and walked on the tarmac. Developed a nonexploding module for sensor security that saved countless F4 delivery aircraft. We slept in canvas roofed hootches with screen windows,before the Sea Bees built the tin roofed hootches, further away from the wire. Told I qualified d not to worry, they still refused and said his opinion was just that an opinion and the VA doesnt have to follow his recommendations. Lived in a wooden hooch at end of the runway and worked in all areas of the base. There are numerous facebook groups that can help with the dna results and matching. F4 instrumentation. Was in ubon 1968 497th tac f4 crew chief tail #823, Any body from 325th signal bat. My ex-wife divorced me because I could not explain my health issues to her. In 2016 I was denied service connection for hypothyroidism, but it is now presumptive and being re-adjudicated. Lm now 70 and am getting medical care for the disorders and cancers resulting from all the spraying of chemicals while I was stationed there. He was the commander of the Blind Bats. Would anyone have a complete list of army or marine camps? God bless to all my USAF brothers that served in Southeast Asia. is not right!!!! 299 now and bill S-1381 that have since been passed into law to help out my fellow vets, Was stationed at Camp Samae San Aug 73 to Oct 74 then Jan 75 till Jan 76, have my board hearing in 3 weeks,virtually, the first trip out of Travis flew nonstop to Saigon on chartered flight then after about 2 hours flew by C130 to UAFB. Hope everybody else received this letter. LUCKY! Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. Anyone else reading this pleaseet me know on here. Whenever my aircraft was scheduled for periodic maintenance, I would get to go along with it to Nha Trang (later Phan Rang) to keep an eye on it while maintenance was being performed. My grandfather did not qualify for the military due to medical issues but went over as a civilian in the 60s through Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. Leo Funk was his name. I know he went to Thailand when the 17 was deactivated to work on AC-130s. there was a sattahip underwater cable that was blown up during my year there and all communications from that were rerouted thru warin ics. Ubon RTAFB. Only proof required was any document putting you their. Yeah -Right! Let me put in a plug for a book, The Grotto, about life flying helicopters out of Phu Bai. We stay in contact with each other constantly. I deployed to U-Tapao from August 10, 1970, to Aug 10, 1971. Those of us that lived in the hooches while there we were in the AO drift zone. After the initial four months, I responded to numerous if Sac alerts throughout the year. He was a US Marine in Viet Nam. Should be my sons grandfather or a uncle I surmise. Before moving on to the 1969map andexample from theAMS 1:50,000 set, it is necessary to explainthatthe U.S. governmentviewedThailand as a logical staging area for American forces because of its proximity to North and South Vietnam. I wonder if the Thai Government would fess up to the surrounding areas from our Bases had many people come down with symtoms of Agent Orange. Does anyone stationed at Takhli remember the bone yard. Phan Rang - USAF Police Alumni Association At that time I was told anyone that served in Thailand during the Vietnam time frame was now considered to have come in contact with AO. My husband was a Medical Service Specialist in the 621 TCSs. The 1969 map you found, a great source, lists the UTM coordinates for the facilities, but not in a format Ive ever seen, two letters and four digits (e.g. Did C-123 Aircraft Spray Agent Orange During the Vietnam War? God bless all the brave men who survived, and those who didnt. However, in May 2020, my Philippine-American Wife (a Retired Registered Nurse) noticed my right hand shaking (which it had been shaking for quite some time, thinking that it was due to the many years that I have typed on a manual and electric typewriter; word processing equipment and computers and, just getting old) and, she suggested that I cut back on writing numerous articles that I present on a Veterans WordPress.com Website that I have and, when I did, the shaking continued to worsen. God Bless u all! He ha all the diabetis, two open heart surgeries and parkensons. Stationed at Korat and Sattahip 68-69 with 697th Engineers. The modernized airfield consisted of two 10,000-foot runways 04L/22R concrete and 04R/22L AM-2 planking with parallel taxiways and covered and open aircraft revetments along with several ramps and parking aprons on both sides . I was in Aerospace ground equipment repair (AGE). I have recently been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. Finally, today, 02-12-2020, I spoke with an ADVISOR at the Federal Bldg in WLA and felt good about what he told me. Have I tried to get any compensation for heart problems or skin cancer or other problems, along with the fact that I spent 10 days in the hospital in Udorn for an unknown problem, NO. Served in utapao in 1966. I am on the VAs agent orange list. We deployed to Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam to serve the rest of my tour. He was a seargent. CREW CHIEF ON F-4E PHANTOMS WHITE SECTION 421st BLACK WIDOWS, HAVE PROSTATE CANCER 2018 I was at Takhli from June 1969 to June 1970. My above comment forgot to mention my unit was with the 56th Field Maintenance Squadron (OPERATION RANCH HAND) NKP. Fixed Wing Losses Due to Air Base Attacks - Vietnam Air Losses Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. Good luck to those attempting to get benefits. Oh yes, I was an F105 crew chief but I worked all three shifts but not at one time. Just wondering on how to let others contact me. (Sgt Bernar Kociol). 1.9). 1967-1968. I had to enlist the aid of my Congressman because up to then the VA kept rejecting my claims. I am trying to find out what they sprayied the antenna field with to keep the weeds down. I send all of his DD 214 and performance I served 30 days as an Air Police Augmentee. Nor can I prove that 42 months of continual sunburn was the trigger that caused the outbreak of Vitiligo. I was at Camp Samae San, Sattahip. My father Joe Burch was at Phan Rang from June 1967 to May 1968. I believe that is where my father was in Vietnam about 1967. I volunteered both times believing it was my duty and honor to my country. It wasnt diagnosed till 2009, tho while I was still active duty different doctors mentioned they were sure I had it. We were housed in the old Army compound, Camp Friendship where they used Chemicals to eliminate all the weeds around the Hooches and perimeter. I came down with large cell B cell non hodgkins lymphoma and it damned near killed me. I remember that the bone yard was next to a fence and possibly dead jungle foliage.Its been a long time since that time and age has made the memory a little foggy. I was first denied by the VA, but quickly GRANTED a VA Disability when the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation required a higher level review. AT Phitsonulok dec 68 to dec 69. If anyone knows the location of this computer system please contact me. An inventive mechanic spotted an unused Air Force generator down the line and confiscated it, painting it Army OD green. If all our congress persons go to the VA as a group maybe we can get everyone approved! I served at Udorn in 68-69 on flightline as an instrument technician . Of course parts in excess of TO&E and that B model had to leave when the IG showed up. But thats the Marine Corps way. We are at a loss of how to find more info. What they did to everyone is terrible and not just. Had diabetes,ischemic heart disease,high blood pressure and skin leasions. Lots of memories of off shift evenings at the Airmans Club, the outdoor theater for USO shows and later the newly opened 21 Club. I was based at Korat In 1969 and I have non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I recall Thai security guard showing me a dead cobra. I have neuropathy in my feet, I have had recurring problems with spinal stenosis. I was not at Takhli but at U-Tapao. Im pretty sure his name was Dick Rose but they cant seem to find record of the incident. Also when President Trump took office he made a big difference how the VA treated us Veterans.I will tell you not to give up and study up on how to file a claim. The Issued generators were not up to the task when all the boom boxes were plugged in. If so, any luck? I was a Security police augmentee I too was exposed. I am trying to get pictures of Udorn at that time & praying someone would have a picture of Bobby while he was there. Praying we can bring Bobby home. This too was patrolled by K-9 units. THE OIC IN CHARGE WAS , WAYNE L COTTRELL. Our army base was right there next to them with only a chainlink fence between us, yet every Air Force guy was eligible for benefits and we Army guys arent unless you were an MP. Accept for a couple of pictures taken on the second floor of barracks 2155, I have no proof that I was even stationed there, no orders, no performance reports, no VSM(ended in Jan 73, even though I refueled B-52s that were still bombing Laos and Cambodia). The VA says its not possible for Dioxin to cause this skin ailment. I worked in the ECM shop. May 30, 1970 to may 31 1971. They sprayed some kind of Herbicide around the perimeter at NKP and 2 weeks later everything was dead. An abscess was finally found on my appendix. A contract was awarded in 1968 for project Combat Hornet, for a total of 52 additional gunships. Perimeter duty station is required for AO at Tahkli. I now have a Neo Bladder . it was a raidar site. Even cancelled my C & P appt. Would like to find Maj. OB and others that knew him & me. Did a three month TDY back and forth to Phnom Penh for the airlift. *personal information removed per policy*. I pulled that duty several times. in the mean time, we cleared the area and started support facilities and our base camp. Looking at an agent orange map I See the drift area cover most of the living area. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Suffered from horrible neuropathy in legs since 1990s but civilian doctors not I ever considered AO. I was stationed at U-Tapao from January 1970 through December 1970. Thank you, any one from bang pla thailand 1969 to 1971 have medical issues, I was in the storage section ,635th MMS,CSG, PACAF, at the MSA. I was in the Marine Corps stationed on MCAS Rose Garden in Nam Phong, Thailand with Task Force Delta from May 28, 1972 to April 14, 1973. I was with the 355TFS at Takhli AFB 68-69 as an instrument -autopilot tech. I was the fuels guy on Operation Limelight. I was in the Army and sent from Okinawa Japan to Sattahip Thialand (TDY) in support of operation Babylift in 1975. 2023-03-03 02:54 | : | : 265 All of a sudden a woman started screaming, and running toward the plane, they were unable to stop her!! Ill check my records and photos and post if Im correct. Still fighting agentorange heart surgery 2007. trying to get compensation for agent orange exposure due to having 2 presumptive conditions now.our unit received the republic of vietnam gallantry cross during operations in 1970 1971. We worked a 12 on 12 off shift with a two day break then shift change. Just the fact that most of us traveled to the City of Korat at least weekly for something to do would make it fair to say we got exposed to the stuff. email me. We were located 81K from Korat in the mountains, in the jungle. It was a old Golf Course up in the mountains. I was with 207th signal company detachment F on Hill 272 near Sattahip Thailand June 1968 to June 1969.I have high blood pressure and stage 3 kidney disease. No additional treatment. It shows Tactical Employment of Herbicides, and near the back it shows a 500 yard kill zone from the sprayed area. Years ago I enrolled in the Pennsylvania vets agent orange program (I assumed there was no exposure in Thailand but was TDY with the 366th MMS in Da Nang for a short period in 70, but again, I dont believe I had exposure to AO in that setting either). I just scanned these messages, hoping to add something that is useful. After reading all the comments by my fellow veterans. would like to get in contact with anyone that was stationed at 7 RRFS. I was stationed at Ubon RTAFB from Nov 1968 to Nov 1969. I have a claim in for agent orange exposure. He was there during the Tet Offensive which was scary but he came home safely. I got spayed twice while working nights while working fighter between embankments. Greatly appreciate any information. Willing to share anything to help another. Another tour of duty in 1973-76. Borrowed in absentia may be better suited. I was there for most of 1967. as stated AF does not retain any tdy records. The set is held by the Geography and Map Division butdoes not appear in thelibrarys onlinecatalog a not so uncommon reality given the scope of the divisions some 5.5 million items. I was stationed at Kanchanaburi Army Installation (Signal Detachment), from March 1968 to July 1969. F-100 destroyed by direct mortar impact in cockpit (May 1969). I did this until returning CONUS on October 1975. He was in the Vietnam Conflict! Anyone who was stationed on Hill 272, Sattip Thailand, 70-72. There had been an attack in 1968 and they sprayed the base perimeter with AGENT ORANGE as a result. My file disappeared just prior to my departure to the States. looking for anyone that was in 388 transpotation squadron at korat air force base. 809th Engs, May 69-May70, I have been fighting VA for a while, to no avail. He passed 20 years ago and I am still trying to get compensation. I was sent to Camp Samae San from MACV HQ in 73, worked Logistical services at the Deep Water Port until the end of 74. I feel fortunate medically compared to many listing problems our government seems content to deny any responsibility for. Anyone remember Kenneth Hamlin? Nevertheless, the set isfairly distributed and is listed in twenty-one libraries, according to Worldcat.org. Spent a lot of time at the Military Affliate Radio Station (MARS) which was located in the jungle near the base perimeter. was referred to Civilian Neurologists and was diagnosed OCT 2019 with Parkinsons. I am a complete and totally disabled veteran for this experience. David DePodesta, a 69-year-old veteran who lost sight in his right eye due to enemy shrapnel while serving with the Marines in Vietnam in 1969, was fortunate that he did pay attention to the list as it grew. Commit by VA, there was no agent orange used in NKP. I was stationed on hill nut dot with the 518th signal company providing communications for the base. The content of all comments is released into the public domain WelcomeHome. Agent orange was used at the Depot to clear vegetation around the ammunition storage areas and fence line. We also rehab the existing Phan Rang airstrip for air crago use. I was an aircraft painter. Some inventive personnel kept our readiness at high levels maintence officer had a buddy in Saigon that got us an extra B model Huey used to shag parts and beer. I noticed some people spraying in that area and ask if they were spraying for mosquitos , and was told yes with some new stuff called AGENT ORANGE! When I told them I figured it out they said, Too Late!, I served at U-Tapao royal thai airfield from 1968-1969. Would like to correspond with anyone that was there during that time period. I was stationed at NKP and Udorn back in 70-71. Had surgery to remove lymph nodes in my groin and starting chemo next week. We were located by the Control Tower and the Fire Department. First in perimeter towers, then bunkers , mobile and control desk. Any info would be appreciated. Ive been trying to research what army inf units were in thailand at that time and where they were stationed. He was Air Force and worked on planes. Melvin A. Bosch Msgt Retired. I also have diabetes third stage Soaked many times due to failing couplings from trucks to tanks at this backward RTAFB. Herbicide was sprayed on the perimeters fence and we went through the security gate twice a day. I was Security Police. Im 56 and am interested in the history of the Vietnam War. Do any of you (besides Gary) know anything about Nam Phong, otherwise known as MCAS Rose Graden? Thank you for your time. Bang Sare is roughly half way between Sattahip Port and Pattaya Beach. After two years there, I resigned my commission and after several months, came to Columbus, Ohio as the Assistant Director of the Institute of Polar Studies (now known as the Byrd Polar and Climate Center). I am still trying to fight this though. I operated a USAFPCS Truck from the APO to the Aerial Port Terminal, driving along the base perimeter road that ran parallel to the base perimeter fencing, where almost daily Thais were busy spraying the foliage with a sweet smelling item (later found out to be herbicides (aka Agent Orange), so our Security Forces could have a clear killing zone in case of any impending Sapper Attacks occured. So far no recurrence. Developed prostrate cancer and didnt know I could file a claim! Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. I was stationed at NKP from Jan 71 to Jan 72. Exposed to AO, and diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in 2004, all claims submitted to VA were denied. Ive taken the AO physical in Houston to get documented, but have not put in any claims yet. Most of us young airmen were required to train for and deployed to perimeter as part of base security. I will gladly help any veteran or dependent with any information or photos that I have, including any and all my knowledge of my personal experiences with the Herbicides used at Phu Mu freely. That was my last normal EKG (Bradicardia, Neg T-waves, etc). I have high blood pressure and stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and high cholesterol. Upon returning from my second mission our squadron commander called me in asking What if youre shot down during a mission? I have not filed a clame yet, but I saw the new bill passed by the legislature included high blood pressure as a result of being exposed to agent orange. I dont know much about what he did because he did not talk about it very much only to say he was on the medical helicopters bring wounded in for medical care. Please email me with any info, also any contact inf on LT Col Dillard or Lt Garry urbanowitz. We could be more helpful to your search if you could provide us more information. we could only have a nite stick. The book is loaded with pictures of his fellow Marines and others. Abandoned US military bases in Vietnam - Abandoned Spaces VA has denied a claim. The disagreements outcome became known as Palace Lightning, and I wound up at Kunsan AFB. called era vets same as those living home every day in the states. We arrived at Phan Rang in Nov. 1965. The guys who worked on this computer needed to get a bus or at later hours rides to their duty station. [14][15], Based at Phan Rang Air Base in Ninh Thuan province, the unit became part of the United States Air Force 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (35 TFW) and between April 1967 and June 1971,[16] the Canberras flew approximately 12,000 sorties. I finally will see a Judge on these appeals on 11-20-20. Also was under heavy fire with red tracer lines all over. Takhli Thailand is the only location the Va has been able to find in the records as I was stationed there and have been denied service connection. Unfortunately, VA will not accept award of the Medal as proof of service within the coordinates outlined for Medal Criteria. Looking for maps, testimonies on verification of being spayed with Agent Orange, or any help possible to prove my case. The long story was that airfield became operational on March 15, 1966. Anyone else remember this time? It worked find but use did not last. Sensor system specialist on AC-130s Lots of time under the plane on my back and hands. Does anyone know how to contact others on this forum ? Air Force Special Service Division Recreation. Note: As many of you probably know many of the guys that were there with us are no longer with us. Not so Silent Partner: Thailands Role in Covert Operations . Serviced at Camp Friendship 1970 1971 442nd Signal(microwave tech) on the perimeter of Friendship and Korat AFB. Sure would like to hear from some of our 1883rd Comm Sqdn Vets who may have been stationed at Phan Rang AB January 1996-97. Served at Ubon Aug. 1971 to Aug. 1972 and Korat Jan. 1973 to June, 1973. Phan Rang, Vietnam. c.1969. Airfield defence guards of the Australian Ive been sick ever since, skin issues, Parkinson, 29 orthopedic surgeries almost every joint, gut issues etc Its been a good run, proud to have served with you Marines. I was the voice on the radio as Zorro Control from 1700hrs to 0600hrs. Do you have Tan son Ute records? What a great touch to a horrible time!!!!! Stationed with 1882n Comm Gp., 1969-1970, worked in the Base Comm Center. He was stationed there from Oct 67-Oct 68 as part of 432nd & 7/13AF HQ. Served at Tahkli Air Base 1965/66. Im sure that the flight plans werent all the same though. Dont give up. The Cardiologist said the stroke was caused by atrial fibrillation of his heart, then the lower chambers gave out. I always noticed that the ground between the interior and exterior fence line virtually had little if any vegetation. Did you by any chance know him? Any other Security Police who worked the Korat perimeter please contact me. I have the jacket that he had made for my 2 year old self framed and on my office wall. After many denials and appeals, and taking it as far as I could with my Vet Rep, I contacted the Veterans Consortium online who works with attorneys who work pro bono for veterans or their survivors.