War Hero, Olympian Zamperini Dies at 97

Associated Press | Jul 03, 2014

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Louis Zamperini , an Olympic distance runner and World War II veteran who survived 47 days on a raft in the Pacific after his bomber crashed, then endured two years in Japanese prison camps, has died. He was 97.

Zamperini’s death was confirmed by Universal Pictures studio spokesman Michael Moses . A family statement released early Thursday said Zamperini had been suffering from pneumonia.

He is the subject of Laura Hillenbrand’s best-selling book “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,” which is being made into a movie directed by Angelina Jolie and is scheduled for a December release by Universal. Continue reading →

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In 1864 the Union Army established a cemetery on the grounds of Arlington House, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s family estate, which had been seized for use in the defense of Washington.

The first burials took place around the rose garden of the general’s wife, Mary Custis Lee.  Since then, Arlington National Cemetery has become the nation’s premier military cemetery.

Over 400,000 soldiers, prominent Americans and their spouses have been buried there.

The schedule for events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the cemetery can be found at Arlington 150

Army Vet Helps Develop Life-Saving Device for Treating Battlefield Wounds

By Angel Canales | ABC News Blogs

Growing up in Erie, Penn., John Steinbaugh loved the outdoors, guns and hunting, he recalled, so becoming an infantryman seemed a natural fit. So, he joined the Army in 1987 as something to do out of high school. “The plan was to join the infantry, be there for 4 years, get out and go to college,” Steinbaugh said.

While in the Army, he discovered the Special Forces. “When I joined Special Forces, I joined with the intention to be a weapons guy or something tactical similar to the infantry,” he said.

But Special Forces had a different plan for him. After the selection process, he was chosen to be a medic. Continue reading →

The dedication of the restoration of Tim Dineen’s resting place was held Friday, May 16th at 1:00 pm at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Vallejo, CA.

It was well attended by local veterans and Charlie Company was represented by Mike Stokes, Jack and Kathy Chavez, Brent and Bill Boling and Fred Childs.  Bud Roach donated coins that are affixed to Tim’s headstone.

A gathering after the event was held at the Vets Memorial Hall in Benicia.

Click on a picture to view and enlarge.

Charlie Company was represented by Jack Chavez, Mike Stokes, Fred Childs, Bill Boling

Bill Boling, Kathy Chavez, Mike Stokes, Jack Chavez from Charlie Company talking with one of Tim’s boyhood friends.

Tim’s resting place inside the crypt

Tom Minero raised the funds and restored the crypt gives the dedication

Mike Stokes speaks about Tim at the ceremony

Vietnam Veterans who were in attendance

The memorial notice for Tim

Brent and Bill Boling

Kris and her Brother Tom Minero who spearheaded the restoration

Wreath hanging on the gate of the crypt

Tom Minero with special guest Timothy G. Dineen, no relation.

Coins donated by Bud Roach

 Kathy Chavez writes:

The following article appeared in the local Vallejo newspaper for Tim Dineen. The experience was very special for everyone attending, veteran and non-veteran alike. There was an older couple at the gravesite ceremony that came because of a newspaper article. They had no connection to the family or the military but felt they should attend anyway! The gathering after the ceremony at the VFW in Benicia was most meaningful in the sharing of memories of PFC Dineen and the camaraderie of Company C. I feel very privileged to have shared the event.

Much love,

Kathy

Click Here to Read the Newspaper Article

Mary “Edie” McCoy Meeks, ARMY Nurse, speaks at ceremony commemmorating the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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Thanks to Charlie for the link – HooRah