National Association of Medics and Corpsmen

May 2007

Newsletter

Contributing Editor: Doc Calef

Publisher: Doc Hawkins

From the Commander: Usually by this time, the snow has ended and spring flowers begin to bloom. This has been no ordinary winter as parts of the country are still getting snow into late April. So much for the Easter Egg Hunt in the park. Four years later and we are still at war with more soldiers being killed in battle with no end in site. We have lost 148 medics and corpsmen and over 3400 troops have died. We need to pray for the families that have loved ones still serving for the 2^nd and 3^rd time.

Our reunion will be here soon and I am looking forward to seeing you at Branson, MO. There is still plenty of room for you all to come.

Once again, there is bloodshed on another American campus with 34 lives lost at Virginia Tech. The stories are beginning to come in about ordinary people becoming heroes. The one that touched me the most was of Liviu Librescu, a 79 year old Aeronautics Engineer Professor.

As a young man he survived the holocaust in Romania. After the war he went to Israel and came to America in 1985 to teach one year at Virginia Tech. Because of his love for his students he stayed for 22 years. He died trying to keep a gunman from shooting his students in the killing spree at Virginia Tech. He saved the lives of several students by using his body to barricade a classroom door before he was gunned down on that Monday massacre, which coincided with Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Here we have a man who had seen so much and done so much. However, we find that his life was meant to save some students at Virginia Tech.

As we look at our own life some of us have lived a full life and others of us are creating memories still. Just know that each of our lives have a purpose, may you find yours.

Kerry “Doc” Pardue

NAMC Commander

From the God Squad: AS we go into the season of family gatherings, good weather and the like, let us not forget the most important days on the up coming calendar. Deepest in our hearts is Memorial Day, dedicated to all that gave their all, and to those of us who were able to return. Memorial Day is the most hallowed day of the veteran’s calendar, and rightfully so. It is the ONE single day when our nation pauses t recognize past sacrifices.

Shortly, the 4^th of July will be on us. Hot weather, hotdogs and family fun, but not the reason of the day. Again let us not forget the reason for this day and why it is celebrated so strongly by the military.

Finally, many of our members will be on the road in the next few weeks. There is the National Gathering at Branson, MO and the Annual Texas BBQ in central Texas. Drive Safely and return home.

“Doc” Stone

NAMC National Chaplain

HEY BIG HAPPENINGS IN TEXAS: The 4^th Annual Texas State NAMC BBQ is at hand. The Texas State Chapter of NAMC has teamed up with the Texas State Chapter of AMRA to host our 4^th Annual State Meeting and Cookout on May 12^th, 2007 in Belton Texas. If in the area come on down. Trust us, you will not be hungry when you leave. There will be a short meeting at 10:00 am, and food will be ready by 11:30 am. This is open to all members and families. Check out our Texas hospitality, Texas comradeship and of course our Texas heat. The event will be well attended. We will have the following vet groups with us: NAMC, AMRA, VFW, DAV, Cooties, 40/8ers, Army Navy Union, both American and Canadian Legion, National Sojourners, TREA and MCL.

Held at VFW Post 4008, Belton, Texas. At the Belton Expo Center, adjacent to the Ford Dealership on IH 35 South.

“Doc” Ron Sharp

Past National Commander, NAMC

THE BRANSON GATHERING: The First National NAMC gathering in Branson, MO is well on its way. June will see the people gathering from all over the nation for this fun comradeship filled blast in the heartland. There will be medics, corpsmen, nurses with their family and friends enjoying the digs and the shows over this 3 days stand down. The attendees will span from WWII to present. A wonderful time is in store. Come one and come all! Get on

line and see the agenda and get off your duff and join us. WWW.MEDICS-CORPSMEN.ORG

The newsletter crew will be there to We want see ya all TOO! Come on “DOCS” have a great time with old and new “life savers and care givers”, it’s our 3 days to shine and enjoy.

FROM THE MARINES: OK DOC’s! How many of you have heard of the Marine Corps League? This is a veteran organization made up former active duty Marines and the “Corps of the Corps” the corpsmen that served with them. If you have 90 days of service with a Marine Corps Unit and you were 8404 or any other newer specialty, you are eligible for membership. It has been only the last few years that we have been able to join as a regular member. And they are looking for us. If you are not a member already and would like to find out more information about the League and find a detachment near you, go to www.mcleague.org and click on detachment. This is a great organization and one that like NAMC that you already belong, wants us. Tell them I sent you from the Albert Schwab Det #857 from OK. Semper Fi.

Bob “Doc” Brandt

NAMC

FOR ALL YOU MOMS OUT THERE and some of you that need to remember: (A commentary by the editor)

The real story of the three bears, a far more accurate account of events that fateful morning:

Baby bear goes down stairs, sits in his small chair at the table and he looks into his small bowl. It is empty. “Who’s been eating my porridge?” he squeaks.

Daddy bear arrives at the big table and sits in his big chair and he looks into his big bowl and it also is empty. “Who’s been eating my porridge?” he roars!

Mummy bear put her head through the serving hatch from the kitchen and yells ”For God’s Sake, how many times do we have to go through this with you idiots?”

“It was Mummy bear who got up first.

It was Mummy bear who woke up everyone in the house.

It was Mummy bear who made the coffee.

It was Mummy bear who unloaded the dishwasher from last night and put everything away.

It was Mummy bear who went out in the early cold morning air to fetch the newspaper and croissants.

It was Mummy bear that set the table.

It was Mummy bear who put out the bloody cats and cleaned the litter box, fed them and watered them.

And now that you decided to drag your sorry bear asses downstairs and grace Mummy with your grumpy presence, listen carefully, because I will only say this once………

I haven’t made the damn porridge yet!!!”

“Doc” Calef

Editor

OK Brothers and Sisters, that is the short of it for this month. Don’t forget Mom’s Day and we’ll see ya all at Branson!

By the grace of God and our fellow comrades in arms , we are here to remember. Let us not forget.