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VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL ** AMERICAN LEGION POST 639

 THE VETERANS VOICE

HOW TERRORISTS WORK THE MEDIA  

By ILANA FREEDMAN 

August 8, 2006 -- THE West - and in particular, the Western media - remains hopelessly naive about terrorist manipulation. My own way of putting it is: "The first story out wins." Hezbollah, Hamas, the various PLO factions and al Qaeda all use this principle to influence world opinion and decision-makers. The latest example is the tragedy at Qana. Seven hours after an Israeli airstrike on a building behind which Hezbollah was firing rockets into Israel , Hezbollah spokesmen reported 56 dead, including 34 children had been killed. Yet the International Red Cross subsequently reported 28 deaths, 16 of them children. Once the news broke, news photographers were invited to photograph the scene. Hundreds of photographs show Hezbollah and Red Cross rescue workers posing with several dead children for over an hour under the hot Lebanese sun, in shocking disrespect for the dead, before unceremoniously leaving their little bodies sprawled and uncovered on gurneys as they waited for burial. Wise media spinners rush to fill the immediate news vacuum. Indeed, they are "miraculously" on the spot when the story breaks. To gain their PR advantage, they are willing to stage events and manufacture stories, which they spin into sensational, headline-grabbing sound- and sight-bites. Then they rush to get their first story out to the broadest possible audience. Another recent example: The Palestinian family of seven killed on a beach in northern Gaza on June 9, making headlines around the world. Hamas was immediately on the scene; its people selectively filmed the site, then quickly sanitized it so no other pictures could be taken. As Hamas told it, an Israeli gunboat had fired on the family, creating a massacre. That story hit the airwaves like a rocket and reverberated around the world for days. The British newspaper The Guardian, for one, reported, "A barrage of Israeli artillery shells rained down on a busy Gaza beach yesterday, killing seven Palestinians, three of them children." But the IDF tested shrapnel fragments removed from the body of one young girl, who was treated in an Israeli hospital - and found that its materials were inconsistent with Israeli ordnance. Further examination of the site from aerial photographs by international explosives experts showed that the explosion's crater wasn't of the kind caused by a rocket or artillery fire. In the end, the most likely scenario was that the explosion was caused by an IED, probably planted by Hamas to protect the beach from Israeli incursions from the sea. But the first version of the story is what is remembered - indeed, has become a staple of anti-Israel rhetoric, supporting Hamas' charges of Israeli brutality. The classic case is Jenin, the Palestinian town subjected to an April 2002 Israeli military operation. Acting to stem the flow of suicide bombers that had killed 151 Israelis in three months, Israeli troops fought door-to-door to avoid harming civilians. But the Palestinian news agency, Wafa, rushed to tell the world that the Israelis had massacred more than 500 innocent civilians - and again, the story stuck. In fact, an independent United Nations commission later determined that Israeli soldiers had killed just 56 Palestinians, most of them combatants. CNN's Nic Robertson, to his credit, has admitted that his July 19 report from Lebanon was influenced by Hezbollah-imposed constraints. "They designated the places that we went to," he said. "Hezbollah has a very, very sophisticated and slick media operation," Robertson has noted. "They can turn on and off access . . . You don't get in without their permission." CBS correspondent Elizabeth Palmer adds, "Hezbollah is determined that outsiders will only see what it wants them to see." In other words, if you want to capture the sights and sounds of the war in Lebanon , it is Hezbollah who will provide your admission ticket.

The strategy has been used for many years. The American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem , for example, long served as an ad hoc press center for the Palestinian Authority. Any journalist wanting access to a sensational story knew that if he didn't write his copy in a way that promoted the Palestinian cause, he would never get another chance. I've heard first-hand from reporters from four countries of journalists who were threatened or forced to leave the region after reporting events in a light unfavorable to the PA. The better we in the West understand how the enemy uses the media, the more effectively we can defend ourselves from the impact of its message. The stories of Qana and Jenin are only two among many. But they send a strong message that our media, which provides instant news coverage around the globe, can also be a force multiplier for misinformation. We must view it with a critical eye, and measure the message with intelligent skepticism and a clear understanding of the dynamics that lie behind it.

Luann Spradling Memorial

Preparations are being made by the Ladies Auxiliary to purchase a picnic table and place it on the hill behind the Post. If you would like to contribute, contact Bev Miller.

COMMANDERS REPORT

It is with great pride admiration and honor that I accept the challenge you have bestowed upon me as your new commander. First, and foremost I would like to thank Phil Richardson for the outstanding job he has done for this Post, for the last Two years. I hope I can continue the professionalism and progress with the same zeal that he has. I am setting some goals of my own for the 2006 / 2007 years. I hope which are very realistic with the help of our membership. First, a large portion of our back parking lot has been repaved and is looking good. Second, our sign is erected and ready for electricity. Those have been two of our past goals that have been completed. Thanks to all the members involved for getting two items completed. My new goals are to pay off our debt and to maintain our 100% membership. To come up with new and be open to ideas that will help to get more of our membership involved, ( I am open to suggestions). A special joint E- Board meeting, (both women’s auxiliary and Post E-Board), was held August 14th. President elect Terry Chandler and introduced our upcoming committee members and chair people to one another for the upcoming year. I am looking forward to working with the Ladies. Our regular E-Board meeting is August 28th, at which time we will start planning for the remainder of 2006, and upcoming 2007. We have a lot of functions coming up: such as POW / MIA Day, September 16th, an Early Bird party and Veteran’s day, just to mention a couple. The dates of these events will be posted in the next News Letter. I look forward to working with our membership to achieve our goals, and insure our events are a success. This is one area that support from the membership would greatly improve comradeship and to meet, and make new friends. For God and Country,

Al Powers

ADJUTANTS MES SAGE

New membership cards for 2007 are in . You can mail your due’s in, or drop them off at the post . Special note!!! State dues for the American Legion Dept. of Missouri (WILL BE GOING UP FROM $20.00 A YEAR TO $30.00 A YEAR ON DECEMBER 31ST 2006)  . So you need to pay your membership dues in December to save $10.00. You may want to look into paying up for life membership before then, to save money. I would like to see our Post get 100% in membership in 2007.  Let’s show them that we can !

J.C.Ponder

LADIES AUXILIARY

Hi Ladies ! My name is Terri Chandler and welcome to the beginning of a great  year. Thank you for your support and encouragement. We have a wonderful group of officers and we are all looking forward to this new beginning working together with all members. I Invite all Ladies to come to our meetings. On the 1st Tuesday of each month we have our fabulous dinners brought to you by the Sons of the Legion.  Ladies please watch your calendars as we have many activities coming up with our kid’s parties, our beloved Mt Vernon Vets and many social good   times which include outdoor entertainment at our Lance Shockley stage. Our yearly October Fest is coming up on Friday, Oct 6th. At the event we will have a silent auction with so many items to bid on ( donations welcome) and our tempting cake walk which all ages enjoy and also a special give away basket. Ladies you must see it and Gentleman you must try to get it for your Lady. Please join us for a fun evening. The hours are 5pm to 10 pm so bring your appetite because we'll be having chili!!  Welcome Commander Al and Post 639 officers! I believe I speak for all the Ladies when I say, we are looking forward  to a productive year .With all of the members working together we can accomplish many good things. Let's get it done!  As you may know, we lost our dear friend and past president, Luanne Spradling. She was one special lady and we wanted to honor her memory with a special gift. We have a round concrete umbrella table with a granite plaque and 2 benches being delivered in the next couple of weeks. Come on out and sit outside visiting with friends, old and new, laughing and joking at Luanne's table. I think she would enjoy it. Thanks Ladies. It is membership time!! Katie McGowan, our vice-president, has taken over the membership and doing a great job!! Let's get our dues paid up early and join the early bird party. It would be great to have 100% paid members. We can do it with your help. Please attend a meeting soon. I look forward to meeting you. Remember to support our troops in your prayers and I'll be wearing red on Fridays! ( it's my favorite color).

Terri Chandler-PRESIDENT

CHAPLAINS REPORT

Brother George Innes’ wife Barbara passed away on July 17, 2006 and Roy Buckners’ mother passed on the 26th.  Please remember these families in your thoughts and prayers. There have been a few bumps and bruises this month but nothing life threatening. Gene and Pat Beattie’s daughter had some complications after the birth of their Grandchild and still needs our prayers. This is a must read. Please remember this story when you’re down. The Eagle And The Storm  An eagle can sense that a storm is approaching long before it breaks. The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us, we can rise above them by setting our minds to our goal and dedicating ourselves to our strength and faith in what we believe in. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can use our own wisdom and strength to rise above them. Our dedication to what we believe in enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. We can soar on our wings like eagles, to freedom, on the winds of the storm.  Remember our military men and women and their families, and remember our POW’s and  MIA’s in your prayers.

Bob Carroll

From The Editor

I would like to thank everyone who has helped with anything concerning the newsletter & mailing in the last year. Thank You can never be said enough for any project at the Post sooooo…...THANK YOU.

Gene Beattie

New Bar Manager-Al Powers

Commander Al Powers has assumed the position of Bar Manager at Post 639. Any questions about employees, hours, or anything associated with the Bar & Kitchen should be brought before Al. Al is also heading up the house committee so anything concerning building & grounds and repair can be brought to Al’s attention.

ALR-Chapter 9   www.alrmo9.com   

Septembers’ BIG ride is Beale St. in Memphis , TN.    We meet at Post #639 at 7:00 A. M. on September 16, 2006.

Our next regular meeting date is September 13, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. There is going to be a  Poker Run on September 16, 2006.  It is sponsored by Roadhouse Restaurant and Bike Shop so contact me or go to the website for questions or for more information.  Remember….Ride Safe!

Harvey Williams-Director

Don’t forget to be at the Post BBQ on the 16th of September, around 2:00pm. Good vittles and live music on the new Shockley stage. Be here and enjoy your Post!

NEW POST 639 COMMITTEES HEADS

Finance…..Tom Mabrey

Bingo…….Bill Seelye

House Committee…..Al Powers

Membership…..Mick Dunn

Entertainment…..Sam McGowan

Americanism/Children & Youth…..Gary Bockman

Veterans Affairs/Rehabilitation…..Bill Walker

National Security…..John Bross

Grave registration & Memorials…..Bob Carroll

Public Relations…..Bill Roark

Sons Of The Legion Representative…..Phil Wolford

VAVS …..Maurice Walls

Ceremonial / Foreign Relations…..Bill Evans

Accountability…..Jay D’Andrea

Commanders Goals for 2006/2007

1. Complete The Parking Lot Repair

2. Complete The Road Sign

3. Improve Membership and Enrollment

4. Improve Bingo Program (Workers & Players)

5. Promoting The Stage

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"The best way to keep your word is not to give it." 

"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk.  That will teach you to keep your mouth shut"

"Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right or better"

                                  Beverley Miller

Lydia Fellwok………………17th

Peggy Baker………………   24th

Remember, If your name isn’t here then It wasn’t on the Birthday

Calendar at the end of the bar.

Dictionary Definition of hooah

hooah (hoo ah) adj., adv., n., v., conj., interj., excla. (Orig. unknown) Slang. 1. Referring to or meaning anything and everything except "no". 2. What to say when at a loss for words. 3.a. Good copy. b. Roger. c. Solid copy. d. Good. e. Great. f. Message received. g. Understood. h. Acknowledged. 4.a. Glad to meet you. b. Welcome. 5. "All right!" 6.a. I don't know the answer, but I'll check on it. b. I haven't the foggiest idea. 7. I am not listening. 8. "That is enough of your crap; sit down!" 9. Yes. 10. "You've got to be kidding me!" 11. Thank you. 12. Go to the next slide. 13. You've taken the correct action. 14. I don't know what that means, but I'm too embarassed to ask for clarification. 15. Squared away (He's pretty hooah.) 16. Amen! ..And now you know the rest of the story!

Army Helicopter Crash

While practicing auto rotations during a military night training exercise a Huey Cobra screwed up the landing and landed on the tail rotor. The landing was so hard that it broke off the tail boom. However, the chopper fortunately remained upright on its skids, sliding down the runway doing 360s.As the Cobra slid past the tower, trailing a brilliant shower of sparks, this was the radio exchange that took place...Tower: "Sir, do you need any assistance?" Cobra: "I don't know Tower, we ain't done crashin' yet."

My Good Deed, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, is leading the effort to establish September 11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity, and compassion. People everywhere are encouraged to set aside some time every September 11 to help others in need. In this way, we can keep alive forever, in our memories and actions, the spirit of giving, and selfless service that unified our nation following the terrorist attacks. To volunteer in the Springfield area, go to: 

http://www.servenet.org/vltr/sql_vltr_adv_mtch.cfm  for a list of organizations and charities.

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.  Charles Dickens                 

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius, and a lot of courage, to move in the opposite direction.
Albert Einstein