Owen Buffaloe, in February 1969, joined the US Marine Corps in anticipation of an upcoming draft notice. He said the Marines were his choice because they had a 2 year enlistment whereas the Army, Navy, and Air Force had longer times. He completed his basic training in San Diego and on graduation and received orders for Vietnam.
Owen said he has tried to disregard the unpleasant conditions in the war zone and recalls a few of the less distressing situations.
To lessen the target quality of his airplane, they made a hot landing without any lights. The plane loaded returning soldiers as his group disembarked and was on the runway for only about 30 minutes. His unit was south of Danang,
He immediately was assigned mess duty where he learned how to make coffee and stirred up artificial lemonade. Real lemonade was occasionally available but was consumed by the troops almost immediately. When the officers’ mess discovered the real lemonade, they requisitioned part of it.
Owen was assigned to take equipment to Okinawa on an LST for reconditioning. Other than an onboard fire, he discovered he had developed “sea legs” when they finally landed at their destination.
He completed his enlistment at Camp LeJeune.
Owen Buffaloe shared his military experiences at our regular March, 2023 meeting.
Wes Jones, Commander of Post 735 VFW presents Garrard Montgomery with a certificate in recognition of his work with Union Pacific RailRoad establishing a procedure for promoting the VFW Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the Year contests.
At our regular March meeting Chris Fussel and Bill Hocking were inducted as members of Post 735 VFW.
Robert Dawson related his experiences in his US Army career to the members of Post 735 VFW at our regular February 2023 meeting.
Robert Dawson joined the US Army at Chicago, IL, in 1966. Following Basic Training at Fort Campbell, KY, he was sent to the 20th Infantry Regiment in Hawaii to train for 9 months. He then went to Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, Delta Company in 1969 and performed the duties as an ammo bearer and machine gunner. He was later transferred to the 1st Battalion, Echo Company in 1969 and became a member of Recon and a Tunnel Rat.
Kris Larsen graduated High School in 1973 and went to Villanova University where he joined the Navy ROTC. On his third class cruise he went on the USS Newport News (CA 148) in Virginia. During his time on board he traveled to the Caribbean and shot 8 inch rifles at targets on an island near Puerto Rico.
In 1973 he joined the Navy, went to Machinist Mate A School, and then to Nuclear Power School, in Vallejo California at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He then went to the Nuclear Power school at the Idaho National Laboratory where he qualified at the A1W prototype.
He was picked up as a staff operator and instructor. He instructed in nuclear power for 2 years. A1W was the prototype for the USS Enterprise. In the B reactor they were testing 1/3 Nimitz core. My crew noticed some incorrect calculations that the engineers had made and sent them a letter explaining our findings. The engineers responded with a rather nasty letter saying that we were just a bunch of dumb operators and that they knew what they were doing. We didn’t care for that, so we wrote to Admiral Rickover who responded with, “you were right, they were wrong”.
Kris was there almost 3 years and was then transferred to the USS Barb (a nuclear fast attack submarine of the Permit/Thresher class) (SSN 596) in San Diego. He did weekly ops where we went to sea on Monday, and came in on Friday for weeks on end. During this time the USS Barb was selected for the Tomahawk test program.
Kris was shooting training torpedoes and playing target so he allowed a torpedo to find the Barb. He was running the emergency propulsion motor (outboard or EPM). Suddenly, there was a loud bang and the boat shook and the outboard stopped. He was ordered to restart the outboard. He shut the breaker and a basketball size ball of fire erupted from the breaker. They ordered him to restart the outboard and he refused. The Chief electrician came down, calling him a wuss. Kris warned him not to close the breaker, but he closed it and a 3 foot ball of fire erupted singeing his mustache and eyebrows and giving his face a sunburned look. Again, they ordered him to restart it, but the chief snatched the phone and yelled that If they want it restarted they would need to do it themselves. Seconds later the captain ducked down, took one look at the chief and disappeared back up the ladder.
Kris participated in a WESTPAC stopping at Pearl Harbor and Subic Bay. During the spec op, the lead reactor operator noticed that the spooks were sitting in crew’s mess looking like their dog had died. When he asked what was wrong, they told him that their gear had died so their mission was over. The lead RO told them that he had built that stuff before he enlisted so he fixed the gear. We caught the event and word was received that the lead RO was being court martialed for working on top secret gear without the clearance. At the courts martial, he was awarded a back dated security clearance and a bronze star from the admiral.
After the WESTPAC he had a stand-down and maintenance period and his enlistment expired. Kris left the Navy as a first class nuclear qualified, submarine qualified Machinist Mate.
Kris Larsen shared his experiences from his US Navy career at the regular January meeting of Post 735, VFW.
Kelly Woods shared his military experiences at Post 735’s regular December meeting.
In 1987, while waiting for an entrance date for the US Marine Corps, Kelly Woods accepted a special duty assignment for and joined the US Air Force. He attended basic training at Lackland AFB and then attended the M-60 specialist course and the Tactical and Evasive Drive course. He was then sent to Fort Dix to ABGD Army Infantry training where he became a Distinguished Honor Graduate.
Kelly then became a member of the “Elite Guard” detail for General Cassidy, MAC Commander and Joint Chiefs Staff, at Scott AFB, Illinois.
During the Panama Invasion, he was able to observe the progress in real time while in the CAC (Crisis Action Center) as General Cassidy with other Generals monitored and instructed movement.
Kelly was involved in Volant Scorpion joint operation in Arkansas and was recognized for exceptional performance.
In 1989, he was assigned to RAF Chicksands (one of six F9 listening/spying antennas) with the 7274 Security Police Squadron where he had the opportunity to train with the 22nd Regiment HMR Army Special Air Service involving covert ops for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Kelly’s health began a downward spiral but remained under the local medical facility for two years.
In 1991, he attend the NCO Academy as well as the EST. He became trainer for the base armory and Restricted Area Response teams and was recognized as response team scores improved significantly.
Kelly participated in Creek Defender in Baumholder, Germany and in 1991, he was given orders to the 6950th Security Police Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Washington, nuclear storage area. He was then sent to Madigan Army Hospital, Washington, as his medical condition became more severe and was retired in 1993 with full benefits.
He then worked for the State of Idaho Department of Corrections for 4 years until further medical conditions required his complete retirement.
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America, Post #735 led the colors for the Parade of Lights in Pocatello, Idaho to start the 2022 Holiday Season. Left to right, Mr. Richard Hollingsworth, Mr. Kelly Woods, Mr. David Platt and Mr. Clint Hollingsworth. The parade started at 6:30 p.m. on November 25.
Kurt Camerud, Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Chair, and Doreen Ray, president of the VFW Auxillary presented these awards at our November 16, 2022 meeting.
Voice of Democracy 1st Place
Zoe Zufelt
Patriot’s Pen 1st Place
Taysia B. Hudson
Patriot’s Pen 2nd Place
Aevery Morgan
Patriot’s Pen 3rd Place
Ainsley Zufelt
At our regular November meeting, Don Dover shared his experience in the United States Marine Corps.
Don Dover enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 29, 1960 and was sent to Cleveland, Ohio. On March 30, at 17 years old, he was sworn in. On April 18, 1960, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, Platoon 130 and graduated on June 28, 1960. He was immediately sent to Camp Matthews for weapons training.
He was assigned to G Company, weapons platoon and in 1960 and ‘61, he was deployed to Okinawa. From Okinawa, Don traveled to the Philippines and Hong Kong.
In 1963, during the Cuban Crisis, he traveled through the Panama Canal and landed on Viequs, a small island. He was finally assigned to Naval Air Station, Lemoor California as an MP in 1963 during the time of the assassination of President Kennedy.
Clint L. Hollingsworth is a native of Pocatello, Idaho and enlisted in the Army in September 1995. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as a Human Resource Specialist at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Clint’s deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, Operation Freedom Sentinel in 2018. As an Advisor to the Afghan Special Forces during Operation Freedom Sentinel. He assisted in the formation of systems that could track status of Afghan Soldiers and assisted in the building of teams to complete dangerous combat missions in the providences of Afghanistan. Clint’s military education included Basic Leadership Course, Advanced Leadership Course and Senior Leadership Course. He is a graduate of U.S. Army Recruiting School, Combat Lifesaver, Generator Operators Course, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, Transportation and Storage of Hazardous Materials Course, the Army Casualty Notification Course. Hollingsworth holds an Associate of General Studies from the University of Maryland University College. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (10th award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award), Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 5, NATO ribbon with one Star, and the Idaho Service Ribbon. He has earned the United States Army Recruiter Bage with one Gold Star and the Army Driver Badge for Wheeled vehicles. Clint Hollingsworth is married to his wife of 25 years Rachel, and has two sons who are currently serving in the U. S. Army. Steven, at Camp Humpherys, Korea as a Military Intelligence Analyst, and Timothy at Fort Hood, Texas as a Bridge Crewman.
At our October meeting, Clint Hollingsworth shared the experiences of his military career.
Norman Israel shared his service-related memories at out regular September 2022 meeting.
From January to April 1958 Norman Israel attended Boot Camp in San Diego, CA, then from April to October 1958, he went to MM “A” school in Great Lake, IL.
He was assigned to the following ships in his career: October to June 1960 USS Agerholm DD-826, June to June 1962 USS L.E. Mason DD-852, May 1964 to August 1966 USS Denebola AF-56, August 1966 to August 1968 USS Powcatuck AO-108, Sept 1968 to February 1970 USS Purdy DD-734, Feb 1970 to Jan 1971 USS H.R. Dickson DD-708, February to July 1971 USS Purdy DD-734.
From July 1971 to Sept 1971 Israel attended “C” School Great Lakes, IL then Sept 1971 through Sept 1973 NRTC Portsmouth, NH. He was then was assigned from Sept 1973 to. Nov 1974 USS Robison DD-12 and from Dec 1974 to Jan 1975 Navscolcon, San Francisco, CA.
From Feb 1975 to May 1977 he was assigned to USS Camden AOE-2, then from June 1977 to June 1978 USS La Salle AGF-3 and finally from July 1978 to October 1980 Navadminu, Idaho Falls, ID.
In his career, he was stationed at San Diego, California; then Yokosuka, Japan; Norfolk Virginia; Mayport. Florida; Fall River, MA; Portsmouth, NH; Bremerton, WA; Bahrain and Idaho Falls, ID.
David Platt, Clint Hollingsworth and Robert Dawson were sworn in as Post 735 officers by Kenneth J. Babcock. Idaho Sr. Vice Commander at our September 21, 2022 meeting.
Grace Jacobson shared her service-related experiences with VFW members at our regular July 20 meeting.
Grace attended college in New York , majoring in nursing. She joined the US Army as an E2 to pay for her last two years of college. Grace served in the US Army until 1956-57 to satisfy her 2 year commitment after college graduation.
Grace worked as a 2nd Lieutenant nurse at Ft. Campbell, KY. She joined a sky-diving club and organized a marching group of fellow nurses. She met and married her future husband when he was hospitalized from a jump injury. When she became pregnant, she was discharged from the US Army because in those days, they did not allow female soldiers to have dependents.
30 years later, Grace joined the Army Reserve, assigned to the 134th Military Reserve Hospital in Salt Lake City where she was called up for Desert Storm, and sent to Colorado Springs to prepare for active duty. Grace volunteered to go with the 144th to replace one of their nurses who was ill and intense terrorist training commensed, to include use of MOPP gear, how to identify radiation, bacteria or viruses. She was sent to war in 1990 with the 144th. Her unit was assigned to a group of buildings which had been previously built for Saudi nomads 16 years earlier. The nomads refused the housing because it did not have forage for their camels. The buildings initially had no water until the plumbing was repaired. Her furniture consisted of metal beds, and stands and bookcases built from packing crates by the MDs.
The Hospital was built outside the King’s airport. Minimally ill were assigned to GP tents, with 100 to 120 degree daytime temperatures. Other patients were housed in Temper Tents, where generators blew air through ceiling ports, but the generators failed after 5 or 6 weeks, due to constant sand blowing into them. Grace and her colleagues were trucked from their quarters to the hospital every AM and PM and were under incessant attack by bombs and snipers. They had to walk at least 6 ft. apart, allowing snipers on the roof tops to shoot only one person at a time. The bombs (scuds) were shot down by a Patriot missile unit near the hospital. They never knew if pieces falling through the tent roof were from our bombs or theirs!
Grace retired from the US Army in 1998 and is active in local Veterans Organizations, the local Fire Brigade, and Idaho State University where she teaches nursing courses.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Idaho Scout of the Year
Elizabeth Kosmicki
Memorial Day 2022
Sun, May 29 at 9:51 PM
Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #735 of the United States of America presented the The Colors at the opening ceremony at Century High School, where the Field of Heroes is displayed. Later in this same ceremony, the VFW members fired “Volleys” over the Field using their M#1 Springfield Rifles and played “Stand To” on the bugle.
29th of May 2022 – Sunday, Pocatello, Idaho at 6:00 p.m…Troop #363G
District #7 Commander Richard Hollingsworth gave opening remarks, and a introduction. Commander Wes Jones of Post 735 along with Junior Vice Commander David Platt, gave the presentation of “Eagle Scout” to Ms. Elise A. Whitworth.
Post 735 Officers were sworn in at our regular May 18 Meeting
From left to right:
Clinton Macleod, Chaplin
David Platt, Junior Vice Commander
Don Dover, Senior Vice Commander
Wes Jones, Commander
Outgoing Commander Richard Hollingsworth welcomes Wes Jones, the newly elected Commander.
Wes Jones shared his service-related memories with VFW members at their regular April 20 meeting.
Mr. Clinton Macleod is shown being sworn in as a new member of Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Scout of the Year 2022
Grace Jacobsen presented Elizabeth Kosmicki with the certificates and awards for VFW Scout of the Year for Post, Idaho District 7 and State of Idaho. Ms. Kosmicki is now entered in the VFW national Scout of the Year contest.
At Post 735 Veterans of Foreign Wars regular meeting on March 16, Kurt Camerud related an overview of his time in the US Army.
In 1969, the era of draft dodging, hippies, and draft card burning, President Richard Nixon welcomed Kurt into military service with instructions to appear in Boise, Idaho for a physical, processing, and then on to
Fort Lewis, Washington, for basic training. Kurt, who had spent his life in educational surroundings was exposed to new situations – “Smoke em if you got em” was the way to get a break during work details, his DI was unable to construct a sentence without using the “f” word, and Sundays were a day spent doing laundry and spelling for other recruits as they wrote letters to families and lovers. Not desirous of becoming a medic, Kurt extend for one year and was sent for training in the Chemical Corps at
Fort McClellan, Alabama where he learned the mechanisms of chemical agents, radiation, and biological agents. His MOS became 54E20 on graduation from the highly classified instruction. He was then sent to
Fort Lee, Virginia where he filled the slot of the Chemical Staff Specialist in the 22nd FASCOM, i.e., he became a clerk-typist. In reality, although the FASCOM was designed to replace any US Army, but it was functionally a retirement community for officers who passed time writing each other recommendations for awards, which Camerud typed (10 carbons) on his trusty Selectric. “Breaking starch” was the order of the day. Kurt volunteered for a hardship assignment (Vietnam) and thus escaped his position. Following a going-away wake by family and friends, he was air-bound for Vietnam but when his plane landed at Kimpo Airport in South Korea, he was hit with the Vietnam draw-down and was assigned to
Yongsan, South Korea as an instructor in the 8th Army CBR School. He was a member of the 8th US Army RADCON and ALPHA teams. Witnessing the behaviors of Vietnam MEDVACs, he again volunteer for Vietnam but was denied. He became 8th US Army Soldier of the Quarter. From a “hardship” assignment he was given priority for his assignment in CONUS so he requested a west coast assignment and was reassigned to
Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he worked on Courts and Boards as the legal specialist in an Engineer Bn. Visiting surrounding New England sites was not possible as the base gates were occupied by Vietnam war protesters who did not appreciate his military haircut. Camerud ETS’d to Idaho in 1971.
At our 16th of February, 2022, regular meeting, Commander Richard M. Hollingsworth presented a brief history of his time in US Army Aviation. He shared his collection of Vietnam Era memorabilia with Post 735 VFW members including an M17 Gas Mask, his Vietnam combat helmet, pictures of the helicopters he was associated with, and various unit flags. Mr. Hollingsworth attended basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, in the 5th Infantry Detachment, where he changed his MOS designation to AV 67A10, helicopter training, and was consequently transferred to Fort Rucker, Alabama. His MOS was changed to 67A1F, door gunner, while he was in Vietnam. He was assigned to the 129th Assault Helicopter, then to the 134th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam and after approximately 3 months, was appointed 67N20, Crew Chief. He spent 1 year flying combat missions noting that he did not pick his missions and became robotic in the performance of his duties. He flew Convoy Cover missions, Sparrow and Hawk missions, Insertion and Extractions of ground troops, fire fly missions, and supported ground troops daily. On PCSing Vietnam, he was assigned to the 507th Medical Company (AA), Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was appointed to Assist in the MAST Project, Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic, which became known as the “Life Flight Program” in America. He completed his US Army enlistment as the Company Clerk for the 507th Medical Company (AA), 1st Medical Group (75B).
Post 735 Veterans of Foreign Wars recognizes these participants in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy student contests.
Gem Prep school is shown accepting their Certificate of Excellence from Post 735 VFW. Left to right, Richard Hollingsworth, Commander; Elizabeth Saari, Assistant Principal; Jenna Bree Moncur, 1st place Post 735 and District 7 Idaho; student participant; Sara Olds, Classroom Teacher; Kurt Camerud, Contest Chairman.
Franklin Middle School teacher, Joshua Nielsen is shown accepting the Certificate of Excellence directed to him and his students’ participation in the Patriot’s Pen contest from Mr. Camerud, Post 735 VFW contest chairman. Mr. Camerud then presented of his personal autobiography to Mr. Nielsen’s students.
Managers and employees of Texas Roadhouse were recognized for their contribution to Veterans Day 2021 by offering complimentary meals.
On the 21st of November 2021, Sunday evening, a eagle court of honor was held for Tyler Brock. A personal representative from Senator Crapo office was present to acknowledge Tyler Brock for his achievement. Mr. Kermit Morrison and Mr. Richard Hollingsworth, with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #735, was present to present Tyler Brock with a “Certificate of Recognition” for his outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership ability evidenced by his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #735 had the the honor and the privilege to carry the colors and lead the “Pocatello Christmas Night Light Parade” held on the 26th of November 2021, Friday evening. In the picture from left to right: Mr. Owen Buffaloe, Mr. Wes Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mr. David Platt, Mrs. Denise Munsee, and Mr. Richard Hollingsworth.
On the 28th of November 2021, Sunday Eve, a Eagle Court of Honor was held for Shayne Kennedy and Boyd Ashcraft. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Corey Curr, the Scout Master for Troop #1295. The Eagle Challenge and Oak was verbally given by Shelly Moulton, with the troop committee. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #735, had the honor to present to both Eagles, Shayne Kennedy and Boyd Ashcraft with a “Certificate of Recognition” for their outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership ability evidenced by they’re attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Kermit Morrison, Mr. David Platt and Mr. Richard Hollingsworth were present to give the awards.
On behalf of Post 735, VFW, Doreen Ray, president of Post 735 Auxillary and Richard Hollingsworth, Post 735 Commander, presented Certificates, medals, and monetary awards to Patriot’s Pen winners. All schools with middleschool-age-students in our area were supplied with application materials.
1st Place
Jenna Bree Moncur
2nd Place
Isaac S. Summerill
3rd Place
Cole Knapp
3rd Place
Heidi Crowder
Not present
On behalf of Post 735, VFW, Doreen Ray, president of Post 735 Auxillary and Richard Hollingsworth, Post 735 Commander, presented Certificates, medals, and monetary awards to Voice of Democracy winners. All schools with highschool-age-students in our area were supplied with application materials.
1st Place
Michael Anthony Hoskin
2nd Place
Forrest C. Morgan
3rd Place
Zoe E. Zufelt
November 11, 2021,Texas Roadhouse, in Pocatello, recognized all veterans for their service to our country. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, post #735, were present, displaying all military branch flags out side the restaurant. Inside, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post #735 handed out “Buddy Poppies” to all those who entered the establishment with a greeting of “Happy Veterans Day”.
Richard Hollingsworth
and Owen Buffaloe
Don Porter and Deborah Harmon
Don Porter, Gary Truscott, Regina Kline, Doreen Truscott, Mrs. Dover
Nick Klein and Deborah Harmon
Kurt Camerud
and Owen Buffaloe
Frank Ortega receives the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard Certificate of Appreciation for his expertise as he cleaned, lubricated and maintained the rifles used to fire volleys for Military Rites for deceased veterans.
Frank Ortega receives two awards at the regular August 12, 2021 meeting of the Post 735 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Frank Ortega is joined by his wife an the other retired US Marines present at the Post 735 regular meeting.
Frank Ortega received the Post 735 Veterans of Foreign Wars Exemplary Citizen Award for his creativity and strong willingness to place other’s needs before his. He is recognized as a Good Samaritan and an Exemplary Citizen.
Deborah Harmon shared a brief autobiography at the regular August 18, 2021 meeting of Post 735.
As a Navy Brat, Deborah grew up in Coronado, California. She enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1976 and was sent to San Antonio, Texas, for basic training. The Air Force at that time wasn’t prepared for an influx of women so training was limited. She didn’t fire the M16 until she was assigned overseas.
Assigned to Material Management, she traveled to Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado to learn her job through OJT and mandatory correspondence courses. In addition to issuing tools and supplies, she also learned to drive a forklift, a deuce and a half, and to load trailers.
Later, she was assigned to Andrews AFB, Maryland where she unloaded tractor trailers and small trucks and inventoried the incoming materials. She vividly remembers unloading a truckload of un-palleted very fragile clay pigeons during a snowstorm.
Deborah’s first overseas assignment was to RAF Lakenheath AB, England where she maintained spare parts and supplies for F111F aircraft as well as all defensive weapons on the base. She recalls the twice yearly inventory of base defensive weapons and credits work with the F111F’s for her permanent hearing loss.
Her next station was Malmstrom AFB, Montana which was a missile base and NORAD operation. Malmstrom was very quiet and Deborah became the training NCO. She fondly remembers an airman she convinced to keep up with his training who, years later when she was in Panama, greeted her as an E7 and thanked her for her persistence.
After 13 months, Deborah received orders to Guam. She worked in the Inspection Section and was surprised to discover the serviceable condition for dog food could be extended by tasting it – according to the US Air Force veterinarian.
After Guam she was assigned to Homestead AFB, Florida where she was the supervisor for Combat Oriented Supply Operations and also maintained the Hurricane Kits. She was transferred to Panama and had her household goods shipped to California. Later she discovered her household goods had been destroyed by Hurricane Andrew.
Deborah was in Panama for operation Just Cause where she witnessed invasion activities on the flight line and combat air traffic throughout the night. She was then transferred to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. Deborah was sent TDY to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Storm and retired from the US Air Force in 1996.
Post 735 Veterans of Foreign Wars float entered in the August 14, 2021 Chubbuck Days parade.
Kermit Morrison spearheaded the float-building effort with participation by Richard Hollingsworth, Deborah Harmon, David Platt, Wes Jones, Mike Evans, Grace Jacobson, Darwin Morrison and Nelda Morrison. Special thanks to Wilks Funeral Home and Motor Sports for their support.
Have you wondered who is behind the huge 40 by 80 foot American flag on Hawthorne Road?
Gander RV & Outdoors erects American flags at all of its locations.
Mr. Richard Sharp, General Manager of Gander RV, accepts the Patriotic Citizen Award from John Dannunzio, Adjutant General for Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
July 13, 2021, at the Blackfoot Air Show, the Veterans of Foreign Wars information booth was manned by John Dannunzio .
Kermit Morrison traveled further up the road to visit the Rexburg Air Museum and recall his days as a Caribou Chief.
David Platt, Don Dover, and Ron Chatterton and Richard Hollingsworth led the parade colors
July 3, 2021, Raising the American Flag at the LDS Stake Center in Thyee, a VFW and the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard combined event.
Other Participants included Mike Evans, Chester Avery, Kristin Larsen, Clint Hollingsworth, Jan Heinz, Kermit Morrison, and John D’Annunzio.
Doreen Prescott shared highlights of her life with members of VFW Post 735 members at our regular meeting on June 16.
Doreen recalled her flight from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Orlando, Florida as a “good time, like going to summer camp.” Then, when they arrived at Boot Camp, the bus driver stopped the bus, stood up and started screaming at the recruits. Boot Camp was physically easy but took its toll on her because of her immaturity and naivety.
Her first duty station was NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida where her first job was cleaning the barracks. In 1981 Doreen was offered NAS Barber’s Point, Hawaii with the caveat that she extend her enlistment for one more year. She extended and transferred.
After being harassed for her gender and rating, she hit the books and studied electronics and electricity and advanced to 3rd class Petty Officer in 1982 and 2nd class Petty Officer in 1984.
Doreen was transferred to NAS Fallon, Nevada in 1984 in an F-18 squadron. She was advanced to 1st Class Petty Officer and in 1988 was transferred to NAS North Island, Coronado, California as an instructor. In 1990 she was advanced to Chief Petty Officer and in 1991 she was transferred to Recruiting District San Diego. In 1993, she was transferred back to NAS North Island.
In 1994, she was froked to Senior Chief Petty Officer and applied to the position of Senior Chief onboard the Abraham Lincoln. She packed her seabag and was assigned to CVN-72, also known as the the Lady Lincoln because it was the first carrier to have women assigned to it.
In 1997 she was transferred again to NAS North Island but this time as Leading Chief. She discovered a Senior Chief who was at ACU-5 Camp Pendleton and the Navy allowed her to swap duty positions. She retired in 1999 at the Assault Craft Unit on a Marine Base.
While still in the Navy, Doreen put herself though and extended police academy and when she retired from the Navy in 1999, she was hired by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy from which she retired in 2011.
Doreen related three discoveries she made related to her immaturity and naivete on entering the Navy. She joined the Navy because an uninformed relative told her “Army women are all gay.”
In 1980, when her sister came to visit her, a gay woman was hitting on her sister so she challenged the woman and discovered one of the lessons of life: Stand up for what you believe in.
When presented with a family emergency. She approached her Chief and said with or without his permission, she was going home. Her chief said, “Hold on Airman, we’ll get you home.
home.” Her second lesson of life: Know when to make a stand.
In 1995, while aboard the Lady Lincoln, halfway into San Diego Harbor, they discovered they were in the middle of the America’s Cup! Someone responsible for scheduling didn’t.
David Platt provided fellow members of Post 735 VFW with a brief autobiography on April 21, 2021.
In 1965, David Platt enlisted in the US Air Force at Salt Lake City, Utah, where upon he traveled to San Antonio, Texas, for basic training. On August 1, he was sent to Wichita, Texas, at Sheppard AFB Texas where he trained as a jet aircraft mechanic. He next spent 16 months at Suffolk County AFB, New York, where he worked in air defense (F101B voodoos). He next traveled to Tripoli, Libya, in 1967, where his plane (F100C) towed targets for European alliance fighter pilots. He was discharged from the Air Force in 1968.
David then joined the Air Force Reserved for 3 years at Hill AFB (C-124) and was discharged in 1973.
He returned to Pocatello where he worked for FMC.
He rejoined the Air Force Reserves in 1979, where for 5 years he flew every month from Hill AFB to McCord AFB(C-141B). He transfered in 1984 to the 419FW at Hill AFB to work on F16’s. He was sent to Tyndall AFB for one summer camp where he trained for missile qualifications. He also went to Turkey for Operation Northern Watch three times (1997, 1999 & 2000). David retired as a Master Sergeant (E7) in 2002.
Throughout his career, David Platt traveled the world, visiting many foreign countries and US States.
April 22, 2021
Post 735 Veterans of Foreign Wars presents ROTC Awards at
Idaho State University
From Left to Right:
VFW Sr. Vice Commander: Gerrad Montgomery
MSI – Cadet David White
MSII – Cadet Wilfred Idemudia
MSIII – Cadet Sierra Paulk
MSIV – Cadet McKenzie Messick
VFW Commander Richard Hollingsworth
Kermit Morrison provided friends, family, and fellow members of Post 735 VFW with a brief autobiography on March 17, 2021.
Kermit grew up in Buhl, Idaho, graduated from High School in 1963 and was immediately drafted for a physical in Boise, Idaho. He was then sent to Fort Ord, California where he underwent US Army basic training and progressed to Fort Rucker, Alabama where he qualified as an aircraft mechanic for the twin-engine Caribou. At Fort Benning, Georgia, the 92nd AVN Co was assembled for Vietnam.
The Caribou aircraft was very popular in Vietnam has it had a 6,000 pounds payload and could negotiate unimproved and short runways. Acting as Crew Chief for one of these aircraft, Kermit was instrumental in providing ammunition and other supplies to Special Forces and Green Beret outposts.
On completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, Kermit returned to Travis AFB, California where Vietnam protesters were burning US Flags and spitting on and yelling at returning servicemen. Moving on to Fort Eustis, Virginia, he successfully wrestled in the US Army internal program for his remaining term of enlistment.
He returned to Pocatello, Idaho where he attended ISU, became licensed as an Aircraft Mechanic, and wrestled for ISU for 2 years while working for Rowland’s Dairy. After ISU graduation, Kermit has remained active in local athletic programs and various other community activities. He is currently an active member of Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Kermit displays a quilt representing the milestones in his life.
Exemplary Citizen Award
Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has created an award to recognize unsung heroes of our community.
Mr. Darwin Morrison is shown with Richard Hollingsworth, Commander of Post 735 VFW.
Mr. Darwin Morrison is the first recipient of this Exemplary Citizen Award. The award was presented to him on March 17, 2021 to recognize his unselfish contributions to the welfare of our community. His willingness to put others needs before his own makes him a model Good Samaritan and an example of citizenship for us all.
On Saturday, December 19, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 735 had the honor of assisting the Civil Air Patrol in placing Wreaths Across America at the Mountain View Cemetery at the Veterans Memorial. The Civil Air Patrol members, placed over 400 wreaths at military burial plots. Veterans of Foreign War members, Ms Debra Harman, Mr Owen Buffaloe, Mr Clint MacLeod, and Mr Richard Hollingsworth provided the firing of the volleys and taps was sounded.
The Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard provides Military Rites for deceased veterans.
Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard
Phone: (208) 221-0077
Patriot Guard Riders receive recognition by Post 735 VFW and the PVHG.
