2007 Newsletter

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Wreath-Laying Ceremony
in Remembrance of CWO Sheldon D. Shultz — August 18, 2007

President/Founder, George Montgomery

A beautiful clear day in September was the perfect setting at "The Wall That Heals" replica on the grounds of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Altoona, PA to honor and remember a classmate and comrade arriving in Vietnam on December 5, 1967. CWO Sheldon D. Shultz was assigned to the 176th Aviation Company, The Minutemen.

Missing in action since January 5, 1968, Sheldon and the others on the UH-1D Huey helicopter were brought down by enemy fire while on a Special Forces mission into Laos. The crash site was found in 2002 and remains were recently identified for all on that fateful mission, on August 2, 2007. Sheldon and four other crew members were interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

A horse-drawn caisson carried the group remains of Shultz and four other soldiers shot down during a special forces reconnaissance mission.

A military band softly played "Nearer My God to Thee" as the casket was removed from the caisson.

About 200 attended the interment, which followed a private funeral service at Old Post Chapel in Fort Myer, VA. The interment took place in Section 60 of the cementary, near Bradley and MacArthur drives at Arlington.

During the graveside service, Schultz and his fallen comrades, Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Clark Hamilton,and Sgts, 1st Class Ernest Frank Briggs, Jr., James D. Williamson and John Theodore Gallagher, each received the honors of a 21-gun salute and the sounding of taps.

Helicopers from Davidson Air Field in Fort Belvoir, VA,. flew a "missing man" formation in honor of the crew.

Schultz's name is engraved on "The Wall," at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and its replica here in Altoona.

For a 19-year-old, Sheldon Duane Schultz knew exactly what he wanted to do in life. "He was a determined kid," said his older brother, Ken. Sheldon wanted to go through life on his own. He also wanted to be a pilot and fly helicopters.

"He was a pretty happy kid," Ken Schultz said. "He had a great laugh. He loved to make you laugh. He could find the light, fun side of a situation."

After graduation from Altoona High School in 1966, Shelton joined the Army. He was 12th in his class of 250 at helicopter pilot school in 1967. "When he deployed to Vietnam, he knew what he was doing. His feet were on the ground. His eyes were open. He wanted to serve his country," Ken Schultz said.

It was a distinct honor and privilege to have a local ceremony to pay respect and honor Sheldon for his commitment to the ideals of freedom for all. We imagine the week ws extremely hectic and emotional for the Schultz family and hope that it at last has brought some sense of relief and closure for them. We hope it was pleasing for them to see those that attended the ceremony that we in our own way brought our buddy home. About seventy friends, including family members, classmates from the Altoona Class of 1966, Vietnam Veterans, Veterans of other eras and respected citizens.

"When I think of Sheldon, I think of him playing softball," said Peggy Smith Cawthern of Altoona, who grew up with him. "When I close my eyes, that's how I see him."

"Schultz was a well-liked, intelligent teenager; he was probably one of the most popular kids in the class of over 900," said Gail Montgomery, whose husband George is president and founder of Fire Base Eagle.

For his service to the U.S., Sheldon received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Army Aviator Wings and Expert Marksmanship Badge with Automatic Rifle and Pistol bars.

The Rev. Paul Johnson called the ceremony a positive way to remember Vietnam. "I don't mind Vietnam because it makes me remember someone like him (Schultz)," Johnson said. The ceremony was conducted by Fire Base Eagle's Vice President, Stan Snyder

The legacy of our nation's fallen is passed on from this generation to the next—and onto the generations beyond. As in the remarks by the Chaplain on Tuesday's funeral for CWO Shelton and the other fallen members, don't remember the tears today but remember the laughter. As long as we remember the laughter we will always remember them in our hearts. "I will always remember you Sheldon," said Stan.

A musical tribute of singing "Amazing Grace" by Dick Barr, remembrance prayer by Fire Base Eagle's Chaplain, Paul Johnson, who is also a classmate of Sheldon. A wreath laying was attended at the "The Wall" by the Shultz family, members of Fire Base Eagle, and 1966 class members. Concluding the solumn service "Taps" was rendered by bugler, Donald Goodman, and an appropriate bagpipe selections by Shawn Gority.

We thank everyone who attended to show their respect for Sheldon. I would like to conclude with the saluation that is given by Vietnam Vets to each other: Welcome Home.

—Mark Leberfinger, Mirror Staff Writer

From the Point

By President/Founder, George Montgomery

Greetings everyone. Since the last newsletter several project changes have occurred and the most important document, the business plan, has been finished. Even with all that has been done, the task ahead is still a significant undertaking. With help from many people starting last spring the funds were raised to have the business plan written. To take a phrase from a truck advertisement, the plan is "professional grade." The firm of Gran Sasso Partners LLC of Hummelstown, PA, took the findings of all the necessary studies we had to do and developed the plan to construct and maintain the vision of FBE perpetually. It took a while to get there but we now have a plan to explain this important American history project to prospective partners and supporters.

It certainly is true that one never stops learning. The past few months we have had the opportunity to learn and realize things that we had not thought of and just how important this project is and can be. Through Tom Gray, a veteran friend involved in a reenactment group locally, we were introduced to a special person locally who has expertise in historic recreation. Several of our members met Roland Cadle who operates Village Restorations and Consulting, and spoke for several hours about what is important to develop first. We left the meeting with a good bit of advise and information to consider for the development of FBE.

Presently Mr. Cadle is involved in constructing outside exhibits of American Wars at (AHEC) Army Heritage Education Center at the War College in Carlisle, PA. What then transpired was Mr. Cadle arranged for Chaplain Paul Johnson and myself to meet the staff concerned with planning the exhibits. We traveled there on 10 July a special moment at the Vietnam War exhibit being constructed; the hanging of the Huey. Everytime any of us see or hear a Huey it excites those undeniable feelings and memories. But on this day it was a good feeling to witness something that will impact everyone in a positive manner and foster understanding.

Paul and I were pleased to have the opportunity to speak with and learn from Colonel James Nannos, Director Museum Programs and Collections, Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Torrence, Deputy Director and Roger Durnam, Director. Our time with them was very valuable in providing a different insight into how we should proceed. So we will be planning a few positive changes in the near future.

As always the members of FBE would like to thank everyone who has supported the vision of FBE to present to future generations the story of those who served during the Vietnam War. We respectfully ask for your continued support for FBE and for those who currently serve our nation in our Armed Forces. Welcome Home!

—George

Fire Base Eagle

Fire Base Eagle's main purpose is to emphasize the importance and clarify the impact of the Vietnam War for all veterans, their families, and society, now and in the future. Fire Base Eagle's mission and purpose will be achieved upon completion of a strategically planned education center. Fire Base Eagle will be a full-scale replica of a Vietnam War fire base. It will capture the soldier's true experience including the sights, sounds, and smells of American ground combat during the daily operations of the Vietnam War.

Fire Base Eagle's mission is to

Read our Mission Statement. To learn more about how you can help, click here.

It's time for Vietnam Veterans to stand up and be counted. Your stories and "Tour of Duty" need to be told and honored for generations to come. We look forward to keeping the friends of FBE updated on the development of this historic project. With each new membership you will receive our membership card and decal. For additional information, click here.

Additional contributions of any size can be made. Anyone can become a member and your donation is tax exempt. Your help is needed in making the vision of a National Vietnam History War Center a reality to honor Vietnam veterans.

VVA Post 974 Continues Their Support

We are happy to acknowledge among our valued supporters comrades of VVA Post 974 Clearfield, PA. Each year since 2000 we have received a donation for project FBE. Their commitment each year mirrors our commitment to pass on the experiences of those who served, and to educate future generations about duty, honor and country.

Honorary Chair

Fire Base Eagle is in a national search to locate an Honorary Chair to advance our project. It is extremely crucial to find an influential, knowledgeable and prominent individual to be the Honorary Chair for the building of the Fire Base Eagle Vietnam War History Center. Bob Hope proudly honored the Vietnam Veterans as Honorary Chair of the Vietnam Memorial, and Tom Hanks spearheaded the WW II Memorial.

We need a "Bob Hope", "Tom Hanks" or "You" to be our Honorary Chair for this History Center.
Read our Mission Statement.

FBE Annual School Visit to Huntingdon

As in the past six years we have had the opportunity to speak to Mr. Knable's classes at Huntingdon Area High School. Mr. Knable and the school adsministation have always been very helpful and supportive in giving their students the opportunity to speak with veterans and learn from their experiences.

As preparation for our visit, the students were able to view an oral history DVD that was finished last fall involving FBE members. We are pleased to be able to talk with the students and give them a first hand point of view of the Vietnam Experience. We are also grateful for the donation given in support of our project from the Huntingdon Area School District. We look forward to being able to help the students hear and learn a little more first hand experiences than what has been written in their history books concerning the Vietnam War during future visits.

Rolling Thunder Car/Motorcycle Run to the Wall 2007

Pennsylvania Chapters of Rolling Thunder came to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center on 7 July to present a car/motorcycle event. It was a pleasant warm sunny afternoon with chrome and paint shining on the parking lot site. If one wanted to escape the sun the pavilion nearby provided shade and a spot to strike up friendly conversations.

The event started at noon and ran to three o'clock with trophies awarded for first, second and third place in both car and motorcycle categories, judged by VA patients. Everyone enjoyed the event and looks forward to next year. State President Larry Spencer and all who helped are to be congratulated for a well-organized and well-attended event, and for their continued support to the patients.

Updating Fire Base Eagle Website

Coming soon the current website will be back online with some needed changes. We are well aware of the ability that is presented on the web to inform veterans and others about our project. We intend to use our updated website to take advantage of this tremendously important media source. All of us know to find something on a computer, it may be best to ask our grandchildren.

In our case, we have put this updating in the capable hands of Bill Hassinger with the local web development company Ionzoft, Inc.. Bill has the understanding from a military and historical point of view, being an Air Force veteran. We are confident that these changes will have a positive effect for project FBE.

Comrades Continued Support of Fire Base Eagle

Since the original traveling replica of the "WALL" was obtained by donations from the community and efforts to build a Vietnam War History Center was presented, our comrades of the Viet Nam Veterans Motorcycle Club, 2nd Brigade, have given their continued support to FBE. Each year members solicit businesses and individuals throughout their communities to become Friends of Fire Base Eagle.

This year the names of donors were obtained and we were very pleased to be able to personally thank them for their generosity. These comrades are very special to us and have over the years continued to believe in the goal of educating future generations about those who served and the impact of the Vietnam War upon our nation that continues to this day. Words can't express how grateful we are to our comrades for their annual commitment to this monumental history project.

National News

Viet Deaths Near Korean Total

WASHINGTON (UPI) - U.S. battle deaths in Vietnam have reached almost the same total recorded for the Korean War at the same time truce negotiations began on July 10, 1951. Pentagon figures showed today. This number of battle deaths for Korea before the truce talks began was given as 20,929, as compared to 20,775 killed in action in Vietnam as of March 30, 1969. (Article taken from The Patriot Ledger, Friday, April 5, 1968.)

2006 Roar in the Mountains

During September of 2006 the first Roar in the Mountains event took place in Altoona. Motorcycle enthusiasts from our area and outside areas came to the Jaffa Shrine facility and other sites throughout the community. It also gave us the opportunity to conduct a survey in support of the business plan being developed at that time. The survey respondents gave the project a full 100% support. During the event on Saturday morning we had a poker run dedicated to our Iraqi veterans. The morning started out wet but shortly after kickstands up it improved. A leisurely ride through scenic areas of Blair and Centre counties with a stop at Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant in State College and the Spruce Creek Tavern gave everyone a chance to refresh before going on. The final destination was Lakemont Park for a chicken BBQ dinner and entertainment. We thank all the riders who participated and look forward to the next run in 2007.

Altoona Area High School Students Earn Third National Video Award

Altoona Area High School's Mountain Lion Television program has earned yet another national Telly Award. The high school received a Bronze Telly Award for "Vietnam: A Soldier's Story," a 28 minute production which featured interviews with local residents who served in the war. This video has aired numerous times on local public access channels. Students enrolled in AAHS broadcast journalism courses shot and edited the video with the assistance of their teacher, Douglas Sipes and Patrick Adachi, a WTAJ-TV 10 videographer. An Educator in Residence grant from the Altoona Area School District Foundation covered production costs. Members of FBE felt very privileged to be able to partner with the school and students to complete this video. We feel sure that those who view the video will come away will a different understanding than what they had before of a Vietnam veteran. We thank everyone involved for their efforts on behalf of all veterans.

FBE Member Spotlight

Glenn J. Davis

Glenn Davis arrived in Altoona via New York City where he was born on December 4, 1949. After graduating from high school in 1968, he had already served in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve at Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn, New York. Glenn proudly served his active duty aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid (CVA-11). His tour aboard ship involved two tours of duty in the Gulf of Tonkin working on the flight deck handling jet aircraft. After coming back from these 2 tours, he became a Photographers's Mate 3rd Class aboard the ship's photo lab.

After active duty, he was honorably discharged from active duty as a Photograper's Mate 2nd Class. After a few years he reenlisted in the Naval Reserve and became a drilling reservist at the Naval Reserve Center, Bronx, New York City. With this enlistment he drilled as a Signalman 2nd Class and did tours aboard the U.S.S. Puget Sound (AD-38), Clifton Sprague (FFG-16), and the Normandy (CG-60). Glenn came to Altoona in 1990 and affiliated with the Naval Reserve Center, Altoona. He drilled at this naval facility until it closed. He was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserve in 1994.

Glenn retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections as a SGT. He has worked for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency as an armed security guard and working for Quest Diagnostics as a Route Service Representative. He operates a freelance photography business and works as a Disc Jockey in the area from time to time.

As well as being a member of Fire Base Eagle, Glenn is serving his second term as Commander of James L. Noble Post No. 3, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Altoona, PA. He is also a member of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association. He presently is taking classes learning American Sign Language to communicate and learn about the deaf community. Glenn is single and lives in Altoona, PA.

FBE: The National Vietnam War History Center

It has been 33 years since the last American soldiers were evacuated from South Vietnam, but the Vietnam War that killed over 58,000 Americans is far from over. Many Americans still do not know or acknowledge the personal trails and sacrifices of the thousands of American men and women who served, fought, were wounded and died in Southeast Asia. We as a nation have not yet healed the wounds that forever changed the face of war and nearly tore the United States socially and politically apart.

The National Vietnam War History Center will educate those who were too young to experience the Vietnam Era (1959-1975), and help to heal the collective psyche of those who experience that dark time. The facility will utilize the full range of presentation techniques with a heavy empahsis on "first-person" interpretation to bring the pesonal stories of the US ground forces and support service to life.

Through understanding and appreciation for those who gave so much of themselves we hope to help bring closure to this extraordinary period of our lives.

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