I've often dreamed of seeing where my Billy died. If I could only feel that close to him one more time before I pass on.
I've long felt the need to visit where Franklin was killed and to feel his spirit. Maybe then I'd be able to feel at rest.
I've often wondered what my Arthur saw and where it was that we lost him. Maybe, if I could be there, I would be able to release him and free this pain from my heart
Mother is always saying that if she could only be there and see that place she might be able to let go of Danny.
Mom has told all of us that before she died she felt a deep need to be where Antonio was KIA.
We've heard many such statements from the mothers and families of the soldiers that we, and our country, lost in Vietnam. We have heard them at "The Wall" in D.C. and at various gatherings around the country. We, individually and in groups, have wondered and struggled with 'what could be done'. At times we felt inadequate and at loss as to 'how to do this' or 'who could do this'. We knew that it should be done!
-Therefore-
Sponsored by
The National Dusters, Quads and Searchlights Association (DQS)
OGS 2000 trip to Vietnam
Photos by George Nagelschmidt
OGS 2002 trip to Vietnam 
Mothers honored by PBS's 2003 National Memorial Day Concert
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This was attested to by General William Westmoreland in a letter that he wrote to the members of the National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association dated May 16, 1988. The General wrote:
"As Commander, United States Army - Vietnam, from the time you joined the Command in 1966 until I departed in June 1968, I was most impressed with your record in combat. In direct support of the many maneuver battalions throughout Vietnam, you provided important assistance toward the accomplishment of the overall mission.
"Later, as Chief of Staff, United States Army, I was made keenly aware of the continuing contribution you made to the war effort. You have every reason to be proud of those contributions and the sacrifices you made on behalf of our great nation."
Once again the men of the Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association are answering the call, are fulfilling a need, are coming to the aid of and providing support to others. In the manner of our service in Vietnam - providing support to, protecting the safety of and coming to the rescue of others - the tradition continues!
Therefore, The National Dusters, Quads and Searchlights Association (DQS), a non-profit organization comprised of US Army ADA - Air Defense Artillery - Veterans with service in Vietnam, in cooperation with American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (GSM) is honored to announce the following undertaking.
OPERATION GOLD STAR (OGS)
Under OGS, DQS members will raise the necessary funds and make the necessary arrangements to allow the Gold Star Mothers, that wish to travel to Vietnam, to fulfill their dreams and desires. DQS members (at their own expense) will escort these Gold Star Mothers to Vietnam and to the Area of Operations in which their sons served and where their sons died. Gold Star Mothers have told us how they have longed to travel to Vietnam to see and experience the land that their sons knew and to visit the areas where their sons walked their last steps and took their last breath. They yearn for the peace of mind and closure that has eluded them all these many years.
You are invited to join DQS in this worthy effort. Your contributions are needed! DQS cannot do this alone. We have faith in you and your generosity. The Gold Star Mothers are counting on you. Your $$ will go directly to fulfilling the Gold Star Mothers' dreams. The administrative costs of OGS are being covered by DQS & DQS members.
"I strongly believe that taking the Gold Star Mothers to Vietnam to fulfill their dreams is a positive mission. I fully support this and believe that it will be beneficial to both the Gold Star mothers and to the vets involved. God Speed!"
Sammy Davis
Medal of Honor Recipient
2/4 Artillery, 9th Inf. Div.
67-68 Vietnam |
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These ladies have heard many stories, read many books and articles and viewed many pictures; yet none of these have fulfilled their longings and dreams or answered their prayers and needs. They feel the need to see, hear and smell that which is Vietnam; that which their sons experienced and took with them when they left this world. There remains an unfulfilled void that cries out to all of us to help fill for these wonderful ladies. Your contribution can help fill these voids. Send it now!
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Ladies of Gold
They are stars that shine so bright
But they don't shine just at night
For they are mothers - from near and far
Who have lost a son, in a war
They shine as does a loving smile
And as does the glint of a tear
For they gave the gift
Of one they held so dear
Their dearest treasure was snatched away
So that, in liberty, others might live today
The pain in their hearts; it does ache
They are proud of the stand, their sons did take
To fight for freedom
And to dash tyranny
They did this for you
They did this for me
I, for one, stand ready to do my part
And take each mother into my heart
And let her know, that it is a lie
For not in vain, did her son die
And these ladies
Be they young or old
Are truly worth
Their weight in gold
I'll take them in my arms, their tears on my chest
I'll tell them, he was America's best
My hope, if I may be so bold
Is for the light from their eyes, to shine like gold
A Gold Star Mother
They'll always be
We owe them plenty
Everyone... you, you and me |
Ed Allen
A-4/60 70-71
10/99 |
These mothers, who like mothers before them, have given so dearly to those of us who cherish and enjoy our freedoms. The fruits of their wombs were laid upon the altar of freedom in an effort to keep others free from the chains of bondage and oppression. By freely giving of the fruits of your labors ($$), you can help remove the chains from their hopes, their hearts and their dreams.
**Help us (DQS) to fulfill their dreams! Help us now! For, as you will see, Mrs. Valerie May (a Gold Star Mother) has told DQS, "As we are not getting any younger and age, of course, brings on health problems, the sooner this could be arranged the better."
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"Borrowing from a quote by John Milton: 'It is not only the soldier who must sacrifice, but also those who must sit at home and wait.' The Gold Star Mothers have been waiting for 34 years. Most will wait forever.
"We, now, have an opportunity to at least assuage their pain and grief in a minor way through this project undertaken by the DQS Association. Please participate in helping these ladies find some peace of mind from their long-lived anguish.
"Please find enclosed my contribution to this wonderful effort." |
Col (ret) William A Brant
1st Commander of
4th Battalion, 60th Artillery
in Vietnam 66-67 |
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Allow us to introduce four of the Gold Star Mothers wishing to participate in Operation Gold Star. You can help make their dreams come true!
The first mother is the National President of American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM), Inc. 1999-2000. She is Mrs. Mary E. Wheeler from Utica, N.Y. Her son, Marine PFC. Joseph Keith Wheeler, was killed in March 1968 at Khe Sanh while fighting with 1/9 Marines, 3rd Marine Division.
In her letter dated Dec 4, 1999 Mom Wheeler wrote about traveling to Vietnam with DQS: "I am just so excited that at times I can't believe it could possibly be happening to me." Then she wrote about her son Joe, "I wanted so often to be able to go to Khe Sanh and see where he spent his last few days on earth." |
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 | Our second mom, Mrs. Valerie May from Midland, MI is Past National President AGSM, Inc. Her son, CPL Rollie M. Northouse, was with the "Black Knights" of C Troop 3/5 CAV. 9th Inf. Div. Rollie died on 30 April 1968 in the Khe Sanh Area of Operation (AO).
Mrs. May wrote to us: "I've had the dream of going to Viet Nam, but I guess that is just what it is, a dream. Social Security won't go far enough to cover this, and my little savings had better stay where it is for emergencies. This would clear out my savings and more!" Then, talking about Gold Star Mothers traveling to Viet Nam with DQS, Mrs. May wrote, "As we are not getting any younger and age of course brings on health problems, the sooner this could be arranged the better." |
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The third wonderful woman, Mrs. Theresa O. Davis of Holbrook, MA is also a Past National President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (1997-98). Her son, SP4 Richard Shirley Davis Jr., was with the Army's Special Forces in Viet Nam. He died near the Cambodian Border outside Moc Hoa and earned the Silver Star for his heroic actions in June 1968.
Mom Davis now lives with Richard's brother-in-law & sister who told us that her mom, a career soldier's wife, is always talking about Viet Nam, and has wanted to go there for years. |
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 | Our fourth mother Mrs. Irene Tschan is living in Temple Terrace, FL. Marine PFC Ryland W. Drawdy, her son, served with Company E, 2/4 Marines and died near Chu Lai on August 18, 1965 when a mortar exploded fatally wounding him in the head and chest.
Mrs. Tschan has turned her son's death in Viet Nam into a blessing for many of America's Veterans. She volunteers four hours a day five days a week as a greeter near the emergency room at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
Mrs. Tschan is also the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. National Hospital Chairwoman. She is their Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services (VAVS) Representative and the National Certifying Official for Volunteers. |
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These are examples of the Gold Star Mothers who, like many others, have made such a precious sacrifice for our country. Each continues to serve America's soldiers and veterans through many hours of volunteer work and service, which is the trademark of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. We now have an opportunity to give back to those who, through their service and sacrifice, have given so much to us, our country and the world. Together (through our contributions), we can fulfill the dreams of and bring closure to these most deserving ladies!
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"Dear Fellow Vietnam Vets,
"I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to support Operation Gold Star being conducted by the National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association. What a great way to show our love for our brothers that gave their lives fighting at our side. DQS's idea of taking the most honored women in our country back to where their sons last walked, felt the love of friends and gave their lives for all of us, is as worthwhile an idea as any group of vets can bring to life.
"I hope you will join me in supporting Operation Gold Star in any way possible."
Col. V. J. Tedesco, Jr.
(R) US Army
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"The program looks like a very worthwhile undertaking. I will send my contribution. I encourage others to do likewise."
Col. John House, III - US Army-Retired
Commanding Officer 1st Battalion 44th Artillery
67-68 Vietnam
Honorary Colonel 44th ADA Regiment
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WHAT CAN YOU DO? HOW CAN YOU HELP?
CONTRIBUTE YOUR DOLLARS - HOLD FUND RAISERS - RAISE MONEY IN YOUR COMMUNITY - INFORM YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, FELLOW VETERANS, CO-WORKERS AND OTHERS ABOUT THIS EFFORT AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTE AND SUPPORT THIS EFFORT
**This is a continuing effort that may take 3 to 5 years (or more) to complete, so there is time to contribute to the effort initially and to organize and hold fundraisers (possibly yearly) to help see the effort through for all of the desiring Gold Star Mothers.
If you would like additional information on or have questions about Operation Gold Star; or if you, your group or organization would be interested in sponsoring a trip (Point of Departure, USA to Point of Return, USA) for one Gold Star Mother or a complete OGS Trip (minimum of 4 ladies), please contact one of the following for details and to discuss possibilities.
WHAT DO THE GOLD STAR MOTHERS TELL DQS
ABOUT OPERATION GOLD STAR?
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"I am the National President of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., and I am very interested in 'Operation Gold Star' and it has my complete endorsement.
"I am sure all of the mothers would benefit from a trip to Vietnam and would certainly appreciate all that you do for them.
"Thank you so much for working so hard to see that a few of us might be able to fulfill a dream of seeing the place where our son spent his last moments on earth."
"Friendship & Peace"
Mary E. Wheeler
American Gold Star Mothers Inc.
National President
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"As Past National President of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., I am very interested in 'Operation Gold Star' and it has my complete endorsement.
"The idea of sending Mothers to Vietnam will be very beneficial to the mothers.
"I do hope many organizations and individuals will support this project in any way possible."
"Love One Another and SHOW It"
Valerie May
American Gold Star Mothers Inc.
Past National President
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Please join in the effort and lend your support to ease the minds of and fulfill the dreams of these wonderful, deserving ladies. Only through your generous contributions and those of others like you, can Operation Gold Star be successful in giving back to these mothers who have given so dearly.
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"I would be hard-pressed to think of anyone more deserving of our time, effort and generosity than Gold Star Mothers. I feel extremely blessed to be able to actively participate in 'Operation Gold Star'. It will be an honor to escort these ladies and to help fulfill their dreams. With your help and generosity the mission (OGS) will be accomplished! Please be generous! Do it today!"
Ed Allen, President
National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association
A-4/60 70-71 Vietnam
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May your generosity represent your respect for the sacrifices of these wonderful ladies and your appreciation of the freedom that you enjoy!
Show these ladies that YOU care and that THEIR sacrifices are not forgotten!!
CONTRIBUTE NOW - HERE'S HOW
You may make a direct contribution to the special account that has been set up solely for the support of OPERATION GOLD STAR. (A receipt will be issued for income tax purposes upon request.)
Check or Money Order
Please make the amount payable to Operation Gold Star and send to:
National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association
c/o Mr. Clyde Larsen
353 Dartmouth
Elgin, IL 60123
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