[VNIS]- United States Marine Corps News 05/30/97 [2/2]
Veterans News & Information Service
Subject: United States Marine Corps News 05/30/97 [2/2]
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Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps,
Washington, DC 20380-1775 Commercial: (703) 614-1492/4/5 DSN:
224-1492/4/5 FAX: (703) 697-5362
Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 359 Byline: Teresa Fremaux, The Mariners'
Museum
Headline: NAVAL ASSAULT WEAPONS ON DISPLAY AT MARINERS' MUSEUM
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- "Close Combat: The Development of American Naval
Assault Weapons," an exhibit that traces the evolution of naval and
Marine Corps weapons from the Revolutionary War to the present day, will
open at The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Va., on June 20. The
exhibit, which focuses on close-range weapons such as small arms, knives,
swords, and early naval cannons, will be housed in the newly completed
second half of the museum's Collections Gallery. The exhibit will remain
on view through March 1998.
More than 60 edged weapons, small arms, and related equipment show the
development of naval and Marine Corps weapons during three major periods
in American history: the great age of sail, from 1776 to 1840; the
technological revolution, from 1840 to 1896; and the modern era, from
1896 to the present. A collection of lithographs, engravings, paintings,
and photographs illustrate how the weapons have been used in naval
battles, from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War.
Visitors can get their first look at "Close Combat" during Community
Appreciation Day on Sunday, June 22. In celebration of the museum's 67th
anniversary, admission will be free.
The Mariners' Museum is an educational, non-profit institution accredited
by the American Association of Museums. For information, call (757)
596-2222 or 1-800-581-7245. The museum can also be reached on the World
Wide Web at http://www.mariner.org. (Teresa Fremaux, The Mariners'
Museum) -USMC-
Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 363 Byline: HQMC
Headline: PROFILES: COURAGE IN THE CORPS
The Marine Corps Values Program is designed to instill, reinforce, and
sustain in every Marine our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment
from the rank of general down to the newest recruits and officer
candidates. Honor, Courage, and Commitment are the very ethos of our
character which must be burned into the souls of all who wear the Eagle,
Globe, and Anchor. It is every Marine's responsibility to teach these
Values to their junior Marines by their impeccable example and to show
society by the same.
SACRIFICIAL LEADERSHIP
WASHINGTON -- Just a few weeks before America formally honored her war
dead on Memorial Day 1997, one of her fallen heroes was remembered during
an emotional ceremony in Bath, Maine. The U.S. Navy's latest AEGIS
destroyer was christened DONALD COOK (DDG 75) at Bath Iron Works
Shipyard.
The ceremony marked the supreme sacrifice made nearly 30 years ago by a
young Marine Corps captain in Vietnam, felled not by a bullet, but in
captivity by the brutality and hardship of three years as a Prisoner of
War. His death was preceded by extraordinary heroism and sacrifice,
actions which led to the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor and
promotion to colonel. The citation reads:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while interned as a Prisoner of War by the
Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964
to 8 December 1967. Despite the fact that by so doing he knew he would
bring about harsher treatment for himself, Colonel (then Captain) Cook
established himself as the senior prisoner, even though in actuality he
was not. Repeatedly assuming more than his share of the manual labor in
order that the other Prisoners of War could improve the state of their
health, Colonel Cook willingly and unselfishly put the interests of his
comrades before that of his own well-being and, eventually, his life.
Giving more needy men his medicine and drug allowance while constantly
nursing them, he risked infection from contagious diseases while in a
rapidly deteriorating state of health. This unselfish and exemplary
conduct, coupled with his refusal to stray even the slightest from the
Code of Conduct, earned him the deepest respect from not only his fellow
prisoners, but his captors as well. Rather than negotiate for his own
release or better treatment, he steadfastly frustrated attempts by the
Viet Cong to break his indomitable spirit, and passed this same resolve
onto the men with whose well-being he so closely associated himself.
Knowing his refusals would prevent his release prior to the end of the
war, and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small
in the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a
Code of Conduct far above that which could be expected."
During his remarks at the christening, Senator Patrick J. Leahy read a
portion of a letter Cook had left for his children in the event he did
not return from Vietnam. ... "We in the United States, mine and your
ancestors, have built a life that we cherish and hope that someday all
mankind may come to know. The sum total of my life is not one of great
wealth or wisdom, but I hope of love for you and for all mankind. I have
selected the life of a United States Marine. It is a life that has not
paid many material benefits to your wonderful Mother or to you. But yet
it is a life that must be led -- a life that I have chosen in hopes that
in my small way you and your children to come may never know the burden
of bearing arms." ... (HQMC) -USMC-
Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 360 Byline: Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii
Headline: SHORTER QUARANTINES FOR PETS GOING TO HAWAII
U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii -- Military personnel who
will be moving to Hawaii can now begin the process for the new 30-day pet
quarantine requirements.
To qualify for the shortened quarantine, a pet cat or dog must meet
certain requirements, including: proper vaccinations with an approved
inactivated rabies vaccine; two rabies blood tests (one conducted prior
to arrival, and the second conducted upon arrival in Hawaii); and the
implantation of a microchip obtained from the State of Hawaii.
Vaccinations must be given at least 90 days, but no more than 12 months,
before a pet's arrival in Hawaii. The animal will be qualified to enter
Hawaii 90 days after microchipping and entry antibody testing results
have been met.
Pre-entry rabies blood tests will be available for the pets of military
personnel only at the Department of Defense Veterinary Laboratory at Fort
Sam Houston, Texas, and at Kansas State University for civilians. The
post-entry test will be performed by the State of Hawaii. Use of U.S.
Army-provided military veterinary services will substantially lower the
cost of these procedures for U.S. military personnel.
Pet owners may obtain additional information, including addresses for the
two pre-entry blood test locations, and a copy of the microchip request
form from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Upon receipt of the information and microchip, the owners may take the
pet to either a civilian or military veterinarian of choice. The
veterinarian will then ensure compliance with the vaccination
requirements and obtain a blood specimen for the initial antibody test.
Failure to meet all of the pre-entry requirements won't prevent an animal
from entering Hawaii; however, if all of the pre-entry requirements are
not met, the animal will have to undergo the 120-day quarantine. Those
anticipating a move to Hawaii are encouraged to write or call the Hawaii
Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Industry as early as
possible to get the form for the microchip and the most current
information:
State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Industry
99-941 Halawa Valley Street
Aeia, Hawaii 96701-3246
Phone: (808) 483-7100/Fax Ext 7110
Other changes to the quarantine program include an increase in the
boarding costs to $7 a day for dogs and $6.50 a day for cats.
While not every pet will meet the new requirements, the Hawaii Department
of Agriculture estimates that following implementation of shortened
quarantine, only about 30 percent of the pets coming into the state will
have to go through the longer quarantine. (Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii)
-USMC-
Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 362 Byline: Bureau of Medicine
Headline: TRICARE QUESTION AND ANSWER
QUESTION: I've heard that one of my benefits under TRICARE is a nurse
advisor. What, specifically, is a nurse advisor?
ANSWER: Nurse advisors are available to you by phone, in most regions, to
provide advice and assistance that will enhance patient decision-making
about their health care. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, and can discuss treatment alternatives, symptoms, illness
prevention, or can advise whether a situation warrants immediate medical
attention. The nurse advisor is available to military families, active or
retired, whether enrolled in TRICARE Prime or participate in TRICARE
Extra or Standard.
Additional information on TRICARE and your military health care benefits
is on the Department of Defense Health Affairs Homepage on the World Wide
Web at www.ha.osd.mil. -USMC-
Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 357 Byline: Pfc. Eric Furniss, MCAGCC 29 Palms
Headline: VETERAN OF THREE WARS GIVES FIERY SPEECH AT SERGEANT'S
COURSE MESS NIGHT
IMAGE CAPTION -- Sgt. Maj. Ray V. Wilburn talks with one of the mess
night attendees.
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- A
strong, confident voice silences the rowdy group of sergeants. Without
viewing the unwavering orator, one might visualize a young officer, or
perhaps a staff sergeant, but all the references to battle make those
assumptions impossible. Although it doesn't sound like it, the speaker
must be more seasoned. The guest of honor at the Sergeant's Course Class
5-97 Mess Night is a highly decorated veteran of three wars.
Viewing this dynamic speaker, one's vision changes slightly. Despite
being 78 years old, one might believe retired Sgt. Maj. Ray V. Wilburn is
still on active duty.
Wilburn retired from the Marine Corps 26 years ago. He's been retired for
less time than he was in, 31 years of steadfast service to country and
Corps, which is one reason he is frequently selected to speak at formal
functions. Wilburn wears the Good Conduct Medal with 10 stars on his
original Dress Blue uniform from 1958, proving he has endured rough
weather with a good disposition.
"I guess I'm visible because I come to different functions around the
Combat Center," Wilburn said. "People ask about your background and it
gets around by word of mouth."
"Sometimes Sgt. Maj. Wilburn comes to our combat leadership classes. He's
a great choice for the class due to all of his experiences," Sergeant's
Course squad advisor Staff Sgt. Robert Emminger said. "He's also a real
dynamic speaker."
Wilburn has presented speeches at two Sergeant's Course graduation
ceremonies, and hasn't missed a Marine Birthday Ball in 26 years. He
credits this accountability to his early years on his family farm in
Aberfoyle, Texas, where he was born on July 1, 1919. He remembers being
roused by his father every day at 4 a.m. to help with the chores.
"You're disciplined on a farm at an early age. You've got to be places on
time and work hard," Wilburn said. "I knew how to pace myself. It helped
me during the wars. You're working 24 hours and you have to pace yourself
to survive."
Some of Wilburn's pre-Marine Corps civilian work has survived as well.
The work was with another corps, the Civilian Conservation Corps. "We
worked on firelines and disasters," Wilburn said. "We built fences and
terraces out on the farms to divert water. The fences that we built are
still standing to this day."
Wilburn worked for the CCC from 1937 to 1939. "That's where I really
learned and appreciated regimentation," Wilburn said.
Wilburn enlisted in the Marine Corps October 19, 1939.
"I had a nephew in the Corps aboard the USS Maryland," he reminisced. "I
used to get letters from him from all over the world. It sounded
exciting, so I hitch-hiked 75 miles to join the Marine Corps in Dallas."
Wilburn experienced recruit training at San Diego.
"Before World War II, we were a small group of about 18,000 Marines,"
Wilburn said. "We were very close knit. We trained together. We learned
together. To survive in the military you must learn everything you can,
not only about your job, but everything that surrounds you. You must be
trustworthy, dependable and loyal to survive."
And survive he did, through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
"My number four gun section fired the first round of artillery in the
first defense against the Japanese," Wilburn stated. "The section chief
had the presence of mind to save the casing. It's now encased in glass in
a museum."
While assigned to 3rd Bn., 10th Marines during World War II, Wilburn
landed on Gavutu, Tulagi, and Guadalcanal. In 1943, only his fourth year
in the Corps, Wilburn was promoted to gunnery sergeant while regrouping
and training in New Zealand. The battalion landed on Tarawa soon after
and later was redesignated as the 2nd 155 Howitzer Bn., 5th Corps
Artillery, and landed on Saipan and Guam.
"It was a declared war and everyone was willing to defend their country.
It never entered your mind you would come back to the States before the
war was over," Wilburn recollected.
Wilburn spent 30 months in the Pacific theater until he became stricken
with malaria and reached the weight of 127 lbs. He was sent to Quantico
for five months to recuperate. Wilburn said he couldn't take the cold
weather and requested to go back overseas, where it was warm, proving his
dedication to defend his country.
Gunnery Sgt. Wilburn made it to Hawaii, a layover on his way to Okinawa,
but the war ended.
He landed at Sasebo, Japan, as part of General McArthur's repatriation
team.
"There were about 10 of us. Our job was to go around to all the factories
and destroy their warfighting production equipment," Wilburn recalled.
After Japan, Wilburn was stationed at China Lake, Calif., McAllister,
Okla., and Dallas, Texas. He was promoted to master sergeant while
serving as a member of the inspector- instructor staff at Dallas.
When the Korean conflict erupted in 1950, he was transferred to Camp Del
Mar, Calif., where he helped set up the Supporting Arms Bn. There, he
trained troops before joining the 11th Marines Artillery in Korea. He
served with 2nd Bn., 11th Marines in 1951 and returned to Camp Pendleton
to join the 3rd Marine Division. Wilburn once again found himself in the
Far East when the 3rd Division was sent to Japan in 1953.
Twentynine Palms was home to Wilburn in 1954 when he joined the 1st
8-inch Howitzer Battery. He had lived and worked here for four years,
when an interesting proposal came his way.
"A friend of mine from World War II was my monitor," Wilburn says with a
chuckle. "He gave me several options. He told me Fort Worth, Texas, was
going to be available."
The master sergeant gladly took the opportunity to be less than 100 miles
from his hometown. He was promoted in his home state to first sergeant in
1959. In 1966, he was promoted to sergeant major and returned to
Twentynine Palms. Wilburn helped form the 9th Communications Bn., then
transferred to 1st Medical Bn. in Vietnam in 1967.
Vietnam was a totally different war, Wilburn said.
"The ground you stood on was safe as long as you didn't stand on it too
long," Wilburn recalled. "You never knew where the front lines were, and
you could trust no one."
"With the 1st Medical Bn. we had two wards set aside in the hospital for
sick Vietnamese. Some evenings when the indigenous personnel would go
home, they would take the sick Vietnamese with them. That was an
indication we would be hit that night. The next morning at 0800 they
would bring the sick back and we'd wait for it all to happen again."
"It's a job and you accept it. You just don't have time to worry about
it."
Wilburn talked about some of the troops in Vietnam doubting the need for
the war.
"I never questioned anything," Wilburn proudly stated. "I joined the
Marine Corps because I wanted to. I didn't worry about being greeted with
parades when I returned."
In 1968, Wilburn returned to his final duty station, Twentynine Palms. He
was assigned as the assistant provost marshall, and held his final
position as Force Troops Sergeant Major. He retired on March 4, 1971.
He resides in Twentynine Palms with his wife Irma, a native Californian.
"I needed to stay here. I've got arthritis. The dry heat is good for me,
and I enjoy the isolation of the desert.
"There's always a way you can help someone else. So I stay quite busy,"
Wilburn said.
One way Wilburn helps is by motivating troops with his fiery speeches.
"I truly enjoy it," Wilburn stated. "It makes me feel good that I've been
retired for so long and the people who invite me to these functions still
have confidence in me to give something of importance to their troops.
Plus I get a chance to put on the uniform."
Wilburn is a man who simply never tires of wearing the uniform or talking
about life's lessons.
"You learn so much about people," he said of life in the Marine Corps.
"It's a cross section of the world. You have to deal with different types
of people. You have to know their abilities and your own. You learn how
to survive. You learn how to stick together. You learn how to do with
less than you'd like to." (Pfc. Eric Furniss, MCAGCC 29 Palms) -USMC-
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