Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Latest News Article on Iwo Trip
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/katy/news/5813902.html
An interesting take on my trip to Iwo written by acclaimed correspondent and writer, Rick Weber, of the Houston Chronicle. Click on the link to view the story.
An interesting take on my trip to Iwo written by acclaimed correspondent and writer, Rick Weber, of the Houston Chronicle. Click on the link to view the story.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Host Coach Walker
May 2, I was honored by Ed Klein and Dan Holsberg to be asked to present Jack's story and my visit to Iwo before the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the Naval Academy alumni. Standing before such an elite group of Americans ranks up there with some of the more memorable events of my teaching and coaching career.
No doubt Jack's story is one of inspiration. Thanks to Jay Hickman of Elmore Public Relations in Houston for the documentation of the luncheon's powerpoint presentation.
I am looking forward to the August release of the Leatherneck article regarding Jack's Marine Corps experience - the time and sacrifice that is the cornerstone of the Jack Chevigny story.
No doubt Jack's story is one of inspiration. Thanks to Jay Hickman of Elmore Public Relations in Houston for the documentation of the luncheon's powerpoint presentation.
I am looking forward to the August release of the Leatherneck article regarding Jack's Marine Corps experience - the time and sacrifice that is the cornerstone of the Jack Chevigny story.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Saga Continues
Today, I was notified that Leatherneck - the journal of the United States Marine Corps - accepted my submission.
The article - with the working title of "For the Boys"- accounts for the details and legacy of Lieutenant Jack Chevigny's time in the Marines up until his loss on Iwo Jima.
As I have related to many of you interested readers, Jack Chevigny was an inspirational figure and my purpose in my work is to resurrect the message of his life and his call to duty during World War II.
Thanks to the effort of Jay Hickman of Elmore Public Relations in Houston, Texas as well as the support of the Fund for Teachers, my vision quest is quickly moving toward reality. It is through Jay and the Fund for Teachers that these opportunities such as Leatherneck's invitation continue to arise.
Semper Fi.
The article - with the working title of "For the Boys"- accounts for the details and legacy of Lieutenant Jack Chevigny's time in the Marines up until his loss on Iwo Jima.
As I have related to many of you interested readers, Jack Chevigny was an inspirational figure and my purpose in my work is to resurrect the message of his life and his call to duty during World War II.
Thanks to the effort of Jay Hickman of Elmore Public Relations in Houston, Texas as well as the support of the Fund for Teachers, my vision quest is quickly moving toward reality. It is through Jay and the Fund for Teachers that these opportunities such as Leatherneck's invitation continue to arise.
Semper Fi.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Reflections
A little over a week has passed since I experienced Iwo Jima. When you think that you are able to experience something only once in your life and that moment comes, it seems as if you are in a science fiction movie in which time speeds by you at a blur. It almost seems like I were never there. Now that my opportunity has come and gone, people ask me what it was like.
What was it like? How can you put in words what it is like to stand on one of the most isolated but sanctified places in the world? Somewhere around 100,000 young and mature men knew they would likely not return to their home, yet they embraced their duty without question. Books tell us the Japanese were defending their homeland and the Americans needed an airbase. Sitting on that blockhouse overlooking Green Beach 1, you didn't need a book to know why they were there. Each of those men were there for an intrinsic code - a sense of binding responsibility. All of them - defenders and invaders - faced impossible odds.
What was it like to stand on Suribachi? What was it like to walk on Green Beach? What was it like to look down inside a cave; stand inside a blockhouse; or stare up at Suribachi from the beach?
No mortal can put to words the feeling of treading on the hallowed ground that is Iwo Jima. That feeling deserves more than what words can give.
What was it like? How can you put in words what it is like to stand on one of the most isolated but sanctified places in the world? Somewhere around 100,000 young and mature men knew they would likely not return to their home, yet they embraced their duty without question. Books tell us the Japanese were defending their homeland and the Americans needed an airbase. Sitting on that blockhouse overlooking Green Beach 1, you didn't need a book to know why they were there. Each of those men were there for an intrinsic code - a sense of binding responsibility. All of them - defenders and invaders - faced impossible odds.
What was it like to stand on Suribachi? What was it like to walk on Green Beach? What was it like to look down inside a cave; stand inside a blockhouse; or stare up at Suribachi from the beach?
No mortal can put to words the feeling of treading on the hallowed ground that is Iwo Jima. That feeling deserves more than what words can give.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Back in Houston
Students, your questions are answered in the comments section and indeed every person had a valid comment or question. I am quite proud of all of you.
After the long trip back, Gabe and I are now home. In reflection, the experience on Guam was enlightening. Indeed, World War II history comes from a very different perspective on Guam than here in the states. The entire history of WWII has a more recent feel. The events seem closer to today than what you see in the United States. Here, the events of WWII are practically forgotten. The veterans are aging and dying by the thousands each week. Many of our high school history classes breeze by WWII with a greater emphasis on the cultural aspects of WWII.
In Guam and in the Pacific, it is real and it is currently relevant. The Chamorro remember the concentration camps and the suffering. Other islanders still remember. When we were on Guam, a recreational baseball field was just dedicated that day to a fallen WWII soldier. (That wouldn't happen today in Texas.) WWII sacrifices are still celebrated in the Pacific. No less proof is that on Guam, the largest celebration isn't the 4th of July or even Christmas - it is Liberation Day - the day the Japanese surrendered and the island was liberated.
Patriotism on Guam is at a level we cannot experience here in the states. In the airport are HUGE larger than life headshots of all the Micronesians who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan....and the wall is covered with them. Micronesia and Guam have the highest per capita death rate in our current conflict against terror.
As far as Iwo Jima. I met some incredible people on the trip. Each person had their own vision quest. Some, like the Anderson brothers, had an inspirational story that even Hollywood couldn't duplicate. All had this story or motivation that to me hearing was nearly as important as me as my being on Iwo.
The airport tower on Iwo no longer reads Iwo Jima. It reads Iwo To. No doubt that in the future, Americans may eventually lose the right to visit the island. The rumors are that day is coming very soon. As some of you know, our tour lost a full charter that couldn't visit the island. I was blessed to be allowed on the only American charter to Iwo in 2008. At the rate of only 168 or so Americans a year to Iwo, I will be probably one of the last 500 Americans to visit Iwo Jima...
Fund for Teachers gave me the opportunity and gave all of you students an opportunity to enliven your imagination and minds with your creative questions. For my students, your cooperation in this assignment made the event even more meaningful for me. I know we both learned a great deal thanks to the Fund for Teachers and Military Historical Tours.
After the long trip back, Gabe and I are now home. In reflection, the experience on Guam was enlightening. Indeed, World War II history comes from a very different perspective on Guam than here in the states. The entire history of WWII has a more recent feel. The events seem closer to today than what you see in the United States. Here, the events of WWII are practically forgotten. The veterans are aging and dying by the thousands each week. Many of our high school history classes breeze by WWII with a greater emphasis on the cultural aspects of WWII.
In Guam and in the Pacific, it is real and it is currently relevant. The Chamorro remember the concentration camps and the suffering. Other islanders still remember. When we were on Guam, a recreational baseball field was just dedicated that day to a fallen WWII soldier. (That wouldn't happen today in Texas.) WWII sacrifices are still celebrated in the Pacific. No less proof is that on Guam, the largest celebration isn't the 4th of July or even Christmas - it is Liberation Day - the day the Japanese surrendered and the island was liberated.
Patriotism on Guam is at a level we cannot experience here in the states. In the airport are HUGE larger than life headshots of all the Micronesians who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan....and the wall is covered with them. Micronesia and Guam have the highest per capita death rate in our current conflict against terror.
As far as Iwo Jima. I met some incredible people on the trip. Each person had their own vision quest. Some, like the Anderson brothers, had an inspirational story that even Hollywood couldn't duplicate. All had this story or motivation that to me hearing was nearly as important as me as my being on Iwo.
The airport tower on Iwo no longer reads Iwo Jima. It reads Iwo To. No doubt that in the future, Americans may eventually lose the right to visit the island. The rumors are that day is coming very soon. As some of you know, our tour lost a full charter that couldn't visit the island. I was blessed to be allowed on the only American charter to Iwo in 2008. At the rate of only 168 or so Americans a year to Iwo, I will be probably one of the last 500 Americans to visit Iwo Jima...
Fund for Teachers gave me the opportunity and gave all of you students an opportunity to enliven your imagination and minds with your creative questions. For my students, your cooperation in this assignment made the event even more meaningful for me. I know we both learned a great deal thanks to the Fund for Teachers and Military Historical Tours.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Landing on Iwo
We landed on Iwo in a rain storm. The fun part was that it rained for about 6 of the 8 hours we were on Iwo. I hiked my 330 lbs plus backpack up Suribachi (4 miles). Yes, I am crying.
By the time I got to Suribachi, the main group had moved on to a ceremony on the beach. We stragglers spent time taking photos and such. The Japanese had prevented the main group from running flags up the flag pole- they had taken the pole down. An old guy said a profanity and got a bunch of us to put the pole back up. It was strangely ironic that here we were - about 6 guys - putting up the pole again on Suribachi. I walked off after the pole was up and when I heard everybody cheering; it was the flag going up the pole. I turned and took a photo.
Gabe and I then hiked down to the beach through the brush - Iwo is a primitive place. It was raining and I had left my rain jacket at the hotel because the tour people said they would give us a lighter one. Turns out they ran out of jackets...but it actually kept me cool.
Gabe and I ate lunch sitting on top of a blockhouse ( a concrete structure used to house machine guns to shoot the Marines). The blockhouse overlooked the beach from about 400 yards away.
We walked some of the beach but it was just like the books say. Your feet sink down to about the top of your shoes in some places - past your ankles in others. I directed Gabe to run up the terrace just like the Marines did. He did it but I crawled up behind him. My feet kept sinking in the sand as I moved up the terrace.
Gabe went inside two caves. The caves still have ammo and rifle racks and other such things. The Japanese don't put things in museums; it just stays where it is. He also found a circle of ammo casings washed down to just below the terrace.
As we walked back to the hangar, we were running out of time and it was a driving rain storm. The time was around 2:30 Iwo time and we had been there since 7:30. We were hoping to go to the northern end to see Kuribayshi's command cave but a jeep came up on us and an old Iwo vet said, "Get your asses in the jeep." A major storm had come up and we were in danger of getting stranded so they were rounding up stragglers.
Turns out the main group that rode the vehicles were on the beach for a ceremony when they were notified of the approaching storm. The Marines forced everybody to get into the truck and wouldn't let anybody get and black sand (volcanic ash) off the beach. It was a real downer for the tour.
Since Gabe and I were on foot, we were able to get our 4 water bottles of black ash. I got some extra and put it in my lanyard pocket. When I saw some of my tour friends didn't get any ash, I gave them my black sand. We still have some left but at least those guys got something.
The storm was a driving rain storm as we boarded the plane. I boarded with Admiral French from Guam Naval Base. As it turns out, his son plays football - so we talked about high school football. Admiral French was a pretty neat guy. Both he and his wife gave up their first class seats to some veterans. And Admiral French is a really tall guy. He also refused to ride on the shuttle so he could walk and talk with me in the rain. (I see why he is an admiral.)
Iwo was one of the loneliest looking places I had ever experienced. I thought how sad it must have been to leave all those Marines behind in those graves for 3 years - then come back and get them. It truly felt like an isolated cemetery.
We leave for Houston at 1:00 AM Guam time. - that is about 7:00 PM your time. We will arrive in Houston at about 7:00 AM your time.
See you all after spring break.
By the time I got to Suribachi, the main group had moved on to a ceremony on the beach. We stragglers spent time taking photos and such. The Japanese had prevented the main group from running flags up the flag pole- they had taken the pole down. An old guy said a profanity and got a bunch of us to put the pole back up. It was strangely ironic that here we were - about 6 guys - putting up the pole again on Suribachi. I walked off after the pole was up and when I heard everybody cheering; it was the flag going up the pole. I turned and took a photo.
Gabe and I then hiked down to the beach through the brush - Iwo is a primitive place. It was raining and I had left my rain jacket at the hotel because the tour people said they would give us a lighter one. Turns out they ran out of jackets...but it actually kept me cool.
Gabe and I ate lunch sitting on top of a blockhouse ( a concrete structure used to house machine guns to shoot the Marines). The blockhouse overlooked the beach from about 400 yards away.
We walked some of the beach but it was just like the books say. Your feet sink down to about the top of your shoes in some places - past your ankles in others. I directed Gabe to run up the terrace just like the Marines did. He did it but I crawled up behind him. My feet kept sinking in the sand as I moved up the terrace.
Gabe went inside two caves. The caves still have ammo and rifle racks and other such things. The Japanese don't put things in museums; it just stays where it is. He also found a circle of ammo casings washed down to just below the terrace.
As we walked back to the hangar, we were running out of time and it was a driving rain storm. The time was around 2:30 Iwo time and we had been there since 7:30. We were hoping to go to the northern end to see Kuribayshi's command cave but a jeep came up on us and an old Iwo vet said, "Get your asses in the jeep." A major storm had come up and we were in danger of getting stranded so they were rounding up stragglers.
Turns out the main group that rode the vehicles were on the beach for a ceremony when they were notified of the approaching storm. The Marines forced everybody to get into the truck and wouldn't let anybody get and black sand (volcanic ash) off the beach. It was a real downer for the tour.
Since Gabe and I were on foot, we were able to get our 4 water bottles of black ash. I got some extra and put it in my lanyard pocket. When I saw some of my tour friends didn't get any ash, I gave them my black sand. We still have some left but at least those guys got something.
The storm was a driving rain storm as we boarded the plane. I boarded with Admiral French from Guam Naval Base. As it turns out, his son plays football - so we talked about high school football. Admiral French was a pretty neat guy. Both he and his wife gave up their first class seats to some veterans. And Admiral French is a really tall guy. He also refused to ride on the shuttle so he could walk and talk with me in the rain. (I see why he is an admiral.)
Iwo was one of the loneliest looking places I had ever experienced. I thought how sad it must have been to leave all those Marines behind in those graves for 3 years - then come back and get them. It truly felt like an isolated cemetery.
We leave for Houston at 1:00 AM Guam time. - that is about 7:00 PM your time. We will arrive in Houston at about 7:00 AM your time.
See you all after spring break.
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