July through August 2003

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Allan P Wolff <apw40@yahoo.com>
Mel <namvet6768@stompit.net>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Libby
Durand, Mich
I was at the 24th Evac from: Ward 5
Association: Corpsman ~~Sept '67 to Nov '68
Just signing in again--been awhile--. Thanks Cindy for starting the site and Ed for continuing and enhancing it. As I was reading the latest signings I came to Dennis Haynes and his comments about Mary Lou Brown. Nice to hear of a former patient contacting a 24th Evac'er. I was green-young-scared when I arrived---Mary Lou was One of several nurses who quickly and professionally showed me the ropes. Dennis it's probable that at one day or another, I and others tended to you. It's GREAT to know you are OK and appreciate your sacrifice for our country. WELCOME HOME TO ALL OF YOU.
- Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 10:32:09 (EDT)

David Hadden <sdhadden_2000@yahoo.com>
Chanhassen, MN USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 69-70
Association: Cast Man
John W. Carder was a close friend. Ltc. Col. Allen Merril was the greatest man I have ever met and is still my hero though I have never talked to him since he left to work in some field. I did go to the first Reunion with Art Marchand who was a Pfc. He is from the LA area. He seems to have dropped out of site. Ray Peterson who was a medic on the Ortho ward died a few years ago from lung cancer. He was a Paramedic Firefighter in Chicago. Also noteworthy I would like to mention the Ortho surgeons Merlin Hammer, Dr Pawsat, and Major Stucker. In 1970 I was diagnosed as Chemically Dependent by the VA. Over the years I have worked as a chemical dependence counselor and presently work with recovering addicts in a college setting. http://www.augsburg.edu/stepup/ http://www.recoveryschools.org/
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 12:27:12 (EDT)

Chicago, IL
I was at the 24th Evac from: Sept 66 - May 67
Association: General Medical Officer
Hard to believe 37 years went so fast. The new site is great! I am still actively working as an otolaryngologist in Evanston, Illinois. My uniform has shrunk significantly but I still look as young as ever in my 24th Evac pictures. I hope everyone had a great summer and wish the best in health to all of you old veterans.
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 00:15:02 (EDT)

Carol Rogers Pitula <cpitula@comcast.net>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Rogers
River Forest, IL USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1970-71
Association: Nurse on ward 5 and ER
Hi everyone! I am going to the vietnam women's memorial 10th anniversary celebration in DC in November - 8-11th. Barb Hesselman Kautz is also going. Who else out there?? Please let me know and/or think about going. I would like to organize a reunion while there. You can get more info by going to website: vietnamwomensmemorial.org. Carol

[ Note: This entry has been added to the Reunion section of the Forum. If you are coming please put indicate it there so we can keep an organized list. /Webmaster ]

- Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 10:42:55 (EDT)

John Baldwin <jnbaldwin@mlode.com>
Twain Harte, CA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 68-69
Association: Surgeon
Congratulations to Henry Powers for the magnificent job of putting together a great series of personal pictures and meaningful text in his "Recollections". I was lucky to have dovetailed with some of those guys like Drs. Dean, John Adams and Jack Brown, along with a few others pictured. Thank you Henry for bringing back those days of our youth. JOHN
- Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 23:33:37 (EDT)

Richard Barden <bluecrane@usadatanet.net>
Tonawanda, NY USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1971-1972
Association: Dietician Specialist
Thanks for the memories...Nice web site. If you need help with it, please let me know.
- Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 01:41:40 (EDT)

Gil Cusson <gcusson@uchospitals.edu>
Chicago, IL USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: June 1966-June 1967
Association: Pharmacy Specialist
What a great group of people the 24th Evac. was made up of, and we were the goofiest when not on duty. I remember when I traded tetracycline for 3x5gallon cans of ethanol and when we ran out of hard liquor we would really tie one on with this stuff.
- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 18:03:31 (EDT)

Dr. John Baldwin <jnbaldwin@mlode.com>
Twain Harte, CA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 68-May69
Association: surgeon
Concerning the entry regarding US POWs coming to the 24th in Jan 69...I remember hearing that these men were coming and had arrived, but it was not a high-profile event, at least at the 24th, but I am sure it occurred, and perhaps one of the internal medical people can comment having seen and examined them. They evidently had no surgical problems as none of our hooch was involved.
- Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 12:26:27 (EDT)

Ski <phill@siriuslabs.com>
Chicago, IL
I was at the 24th Evac from: 68-70
Association: Medic
Well I got up this mornin' and I got myself a beer
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 03:24:47 (EDT)

Stan Marcieski <stanm@bunt.com>
APO, AE Germany
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1970-1971
Association: Dustoff pilot with the 45th
I was one of the Dustoff pilots who brought wounded to the 24th and the 93rd. I also did back hauls down to Saigon from your pad. In April I was sent up north to the 101st to fly Dustoff there at the end of Lom Son 719. I do remember some fun nights at the club in the 24th's AO. Currently retired from the Army but still associated with it as my wife is the commander of the Vilseck, Germany Health Clinic.
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 05:59:55 (EDT)

Carder, John W (SP5)
Denison, TX USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Ward #1 preop and recovery
Association: Corpsman 10-69 to 4-70
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 17:11:05 (EDT)

Phuoc Germine <Pgermine@aol.com>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Luu
Colton, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1971-1972
Association: Patient
I worked for the 9th Med Lab, Long Binh as a Vietnamese Lab Secretary, Biochemistry Department. I later transferred to 3rd Field Hospital Laboratory working with Dr. Paul Engelkirk and Dr. Cook (Pathologists),I then came to the U.S. in l975. I had some dental works done by Dr. Smith (all I remember)and years later I found that he did the best dental work on my teeth. I also have a cousin who was a Plastic Surgeon at The Children International Relief Group at Barskey Unit,Cho Ray Hospital, Saigon. She had gotten into a very bad automobile accident. She was transferred to the 24th Evacuation Hospital with broken ribs and was there for more than a week before being transferred back to Cho Ray Hospital, Saigon. She is the surgeon who had performed numerous rehab surgeries for the famous burn victim, "That girl in the picture" who got burned from nepal bomb and was on the front page of all the newspapers back here in the U.S. That girl today is living in Toronto, Canada and has had a reunion with my cousin Dr. My Le, and the reporter "Nick Ut" who took the famous picture, along with CNN in Southern California "Little Saigon, VN town". As you know, the 9th Med Lab located next to the 24th Evac Hosp., we had many friends there, but don't remember them all. The 9th Med Lab have had 4 reunions already, we are thinking of having the 5th in Vietnam. Good luck with your reunion. Phuoc Germine
- Tuesday, August 05, 2003 at 21:27:59 (EDT)

Tom Catalano <tom.catalano@climaxpkg.com>
Watertown, NY
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1967
Association: Pharmacy
We sure had a great unit. I will always remember the comraderie of PL & X. It has been great renewing old friendships. Thank You
- Monday, August 04, 2003 at 14:52:43 (EDT)

Carmen C Ciampa Jr. (Champ) <vietman159@aol.com>
East Boston, Massachusetts U.S.A.
I was at the 24th Evac from: Numerous Times
Association: Helicopter Crew Member
I was assigned to the 159th Medical Detachment, (DUSTOFF) in CU CHI from July 68 to April 69. The 159th flew regularly to the 24th Evac. On 1 January 1969, the 159th was involved in a prisoner exchange. The American POWS were taken to the 24th for medical treatment. There is no mention of this any where. If anyone has pictures or info of this please contact me. One POW had my hand and did not want to let it go. There were pictures taken of this event. If you have any info please contact me as this was a very emotional mission for me. I also would like to know the name of the POW who held my hand. All news stations were there covering the story so there must be records somewhere.
- Saturday, August 02, 2003 at 21:30:51 (EDT)

John Baldwin <jnbaldwin@mlode.com>
Twain Harte , CA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 68-69
Association: surgeon
The sign-in a few back by 199th Infantryman Dennis Haines is too modest. He was head-shot, required extensive neurosurgery and was left with complete hemiplegia. Despite that, he came home, finished higher education, married and is a top administrator at Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania. He is a force in Viet Nam veterans' affairs, despite his wheelchair which "only slows him down a little bit". He is one of our patients...and a tremendous man that I am privileged to know.
- Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 21:17:34 (EDT)

Nancy Baldwin Wagner <seoulmates@yahoo.com>
Easton, CT 06612
Association: Daughter of Dr John Baldwin (surgeon) & Jeannie Baldwin (nurse)
I have great recollections of Vietnam when my father was there. He would send reel-to-reel tapes back to us kids and I could hear the frogs chirping. I wore a POW bracelet all throughout my junior high school years -- the lost son of my 8th grade math teacher, Lt. James Plowman of Pacific Grove, tragically shot down and body never recovered. Today, July 27, 2003 the 50th anniversary of the cease-fire with North Korea, it is an honor to be a guest of the 24th Evac and sign in. Thanks for the new website; it's great!
- Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 20:39:12 (EDT)

SP4 Dennis E. Haines Ret. <Inf199thBde@aol.com>
Palmyra, PA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Dec. 1968
Association: A patient
I just had a wonderful reunion recently with Mary Lou Kneable Brown, who was a nurse at the 24th Evac. when I was there as a patient. I was wounded from two gunshots to the head and was taken there the morning of 6 Dec 68.I have been in touch with John Baldwin a lot ever since seeing his sign in on the Combat Leadership web site and writing to him. I saw that he was there also when I was there and he put me in touch with Mary Lou. We found out that where I work Tom Rohner does also and I know him well too. He and I have had lunch together and talked of memories of Vietnam and he also was a doctor at the 24th Evac. when I was a patient. I found out from John that he and Tom shared Hooch 2. It's been really great to make contact with all these people who took such great care of me and I know there were many more who did. I hope at one of your future reunions, I'll get to see all of them together and lots more of you who gave the best medical care ever. I wouldn't be here today, had it not been for all of you. Thank you so much for helping put my life back together. Cindy, a great job starting this web site and Ed a great job in continuing to up grade the site and John your interest in making it better. It is a great web site. Keep it going!
- Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 20:03:54 (EDT)

Susan L Backs <sunshine223@mindspring.com>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Lodge
Leavenworth, KS USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: July 70 -July 71
Association: 2nd Lt ANC (first at the POW hosp then back to the 24th)
Have also signed previously but send a hearty "well done to Cindy" and a gracious Thank You to Ed. This is a terrific site and each time I check in there is someone I've been looking for. Since I'm presently working in correctional health, seems strange to remember the POW prison riot caused by the VC MD who believed the VC nurse should care for him not the young VC patient. The ward was trashed and the medics wouldn't trust me alone ever again. Welcome Home
- Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 04:01:29 (EDT)

Matt Davison <kola19_38@yahoo.com>
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Never there.
Association: No association. Just a friendship with John Baldwin
Just a comment to salute John Baldwin and his wife for the good things in life that they've done and the good things they continue to do. I am a Vet (USAFSS) Intercept Operator back in the day...and I still serve our homeless and forgotten brothers and sisters (many of whom are Vietnam Vets) in the South Bay/Harbor Areas of Los Angeles County. Knowing people like John and his wife provides all the motivation I need to do what I do. God bless all of you who served and sacrificed. Welcome Home. Matt Davison, Veterans Advocate
- Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 19:22:06 (EDT)

Lelon Cross <lelon@crosstire.com>
LITTLE ROCK, AR USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: June 1967-Jan. 1968
Association: Medic
Thanks for the great website. It's great to jog old memories, even though age makes it harder to remember. I will never forget working with people like Greta Hawkin, Kathy Costello, Susan Dunn, Dr. Patrick, Bobby Jones, and of course Dr. Renidan. Please keep up the good works you are doing.
- Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 11:43:33 (EDT)

Francis Love <francislove@bigfoot.com>
Harvard, MA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 1967
Association: Patient
I was very impressed by the professionalism, sense of caring and treatment offered by the entire staff. Below is an anecdote you might enjoy hearing about. While I was recovering from multiple fragment wounds from a 60mm mortar round, I developed a persistent fever. The Dr. said he did not understand why I was not responding to the prescribed medication. I told him that if I had a couple of beers a night, I would recover quickly. So he wrote me a prescription for 2 beers a night which I had to take to the 24th Evac club to be "filled". After visiting the club several nights in my hospital pajamas for my treatment, the head nurse had my fatigues delivered to me each night, so I could be more presentable in the bar. After an hour or so I would return to my ward and change back into my PJ's like the rest of the patients. I am not sure if it was the beer, the juke box or the nurses but it worked.
- Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 17:50:21 (EDT)

1Lt. Gary E. Wiedle <gewiedle@msn.com>
Indio, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: March 20, 1970
Association: Patient, with gunshot thru and thru and shrapnel on 3/20/70
I was with Co B, 5th Bn 199th LIB. and would like to hear from the nurses or doctors who helped me.
- Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 01:17:44 (EDT)

Bill O'Dell <bodell65584@earthlink.net>
St. Robert, Mo USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: July 1966-May 1967
Association: Medical Laboratory Tech.
I helped to build the hospital and worked at the 93rd Evac Hospital for a while during the building. I helped carry the first patient off of a dustoff when we opened in 1967. I have a lot of good memories and some very bad memories of the patients there. I wish anyone who may remember me to e-mail me. I'm retired from the U.S. Army now.
- Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 00:31:24 (EDT)

Thomas Poole <poolet3268@cs.com>
Memphis , TN USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Jan or Feb 1968
Association: patient
SP/5 Thomas Poole, stationed with the 9th Med Lab, Saigon. I had my left eye straightened. Unfortunately I kept waking up from the surgery from the pain. I would like to apologize to the Dr, Nurse and any of the other personnel that made the operation possible. For using all the curse words and made up new ones in my vocabulary I would like to offer my sincere apologies. SFC Thomas Poole (Ret)
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 21:51:30 (EDT)

Steve Bukacek <StefanKTB@aol.com>
Topeka, Ks Good Old USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Sept 66/Mar 68
Association: Medical Supply, and every odd detail my misbehavin' youthfulness could get me into.
Sure are a lot of great and then sobering memories coming out of your guest book. Anyone remembering Bukacek, E-Mail when you get an opportunity. I do have a few pic's for those interested in 66 thru 68. Howdy to you know who in Chester Pa.
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 21:40:12 (EDT)

John Baldwin <jnbaldwin@mlode.com>
Twain Harte, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 68-69
Association: surgeon
Just fabulous hearing from you guys and ladies again...Jody Foss, Susan Dunn, Mary Gayle Beyer, patient Dennis Haynes, copter pilot Ron Madsen...wow, what an active website can do! We DO NOT need $$$ contributions. Thank you anyway. We DO want you to send 24th friends, associates and interested parties the new web address so that we can catch up on accurate information. Have a great summer...JOHN
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 19:39:41 (EDT)

Mary Garrison <marygayle2@onebox.com>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Beyers
Dallas, TX USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Sep 68-Dec 69
Association: I was a nurse assigned first to Pre-op & Recovery then to Wards 7 & 8 (Medicine)
Thanks first to Cindy for putting us on the Web and now to Ed and John for picking up where she left off. I'm so proud the 24th was my hospital, but it was a lucky accident. When I had my interview with the Chief Nurse of USARV, she gave me a choice of any hospital in country. Tired of traveling, I elected to stay on Long Binh--she said the 24th Evac nurses' quarters had single rooms, indoor plumbing and it was centered on post and not likely to take small arms fire--sounded good to me.
- Sunday, July 20, 2003 at 23:53:01 (EDT)

Jody Foss <jefoss@comcast.net>
Littleton, CO USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1969-1970
Association: Nurse
I was a nurse in the ER during my time there. Thanks to John and the others for putting up the new website. It looks great!
- Sunday, July 20, 2003 at 19:29:08 (EDT)

Jill A. Mishkel <jamishkel@cox.net>
Portsmouth, VA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: July '70 to July '71
Association: Nurse Ward 5 & 6
Hi everyone!
- Sunday, July 20, 2003 at 18:37:00 (EDT)

Glenn Ross <GSR060647@aol.com>
Crossroads, TX USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1972
Association: Operating Room Nurse
My wife Rondi Peterson was with me at the 24th. We were at the 8th Field Hospital in NaTrang when we first went in country. Does anybody know if there is an 8th FH site?
- Friday, July 18, 2003 at 23:38:22 (EDT)

Ron Martin <ronmartin@erols.com>
Centreville, VA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1969-70
Association: I was a M.U.S.T engineer at the 1st Advanced Platoon, 32nd Medical Depot at Long Binh
I was involved in closing up and packing the M.U.S.T hospitals (45th Surg, 18th Surg, 2nd Surg, 3rd Surg)in Vietnam during 1969-70. We installed a M.U.S.T surgical unit from one of the hospitals we closed at the entrance to the 24th Evac. in 1970.
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 21:07:21 (EDT)

RICHARD <rkasube@earthlink.net>
My last name while in Vietnam was: KASUBE
SAN DIMAS, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1968 > 1969
Association: CLINICAL SPECALIST 91C
I WAS AN E6, 91C (CLINICAL SPECALIST) WORKING IN THE E/R, PRE-OP, POST-OP AND WARD 5 (NEURO-SRUGICAL)
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 19:02:00 (EDT)

Tom Zebal <tzebal@earthlink.net>
Gurley, AL USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: Feb '72 , 'til it closed
Association: Medical Maintenance
Looking for a "Monte White" the other Medical Maintenance guy there with me at the time. I have been in contact w/ (then) Capt. Griscom - head of the medical supply warehouse (where the medical maintenance shop was located) and Joe Turner - the clerk in the X-ray department. When the 24th closed, I got transferred to the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon and did the rest of my 366 days in country there.
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 12:41:45 (EDT)

Kevin Perrier <kevperr@yahoo.com>
Mpls, MN
I was at the 24th Evac from: Sept-1970
Association: Happy Patient
Served with E-Recon 2/7th & B-2/5 1st Cav. I was medevaced to the 24th on Sept 26 '70 with FUO. Stayed in a nice clean bed for about ten days. Happy to see the 24th Evac web site active again. "Tip O' the Hat" to Cindy for all her hard work on it and thanks to the new crew for taking the task. "Peewee"
- Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 18:47:47 (EDT)

David Olson <davidolson6@abe.midco.net>
Aberdeen, SD USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 66-67
Association: A neighbor- a CRNA at the 93rd Evac. Hospital
I used to transport a few patients to the 24th from the 93rd. I enjoy your web site. Wishing you all a great reunion.
- Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 17:25:14 (EDT)

Susan Dunn <SDunnRNP@aol.com>
San Mateo, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 1967-1968
Association: Nurse
I've signed in several times before but like to check it out and say a new welcome and hello to all. I'm also now on line with a group called VietNam NursesHaven and invite nurses who wish to network with other nurses who were in country to request to join. You need to be approved by two of the founders or invited to join but if interested contact judbw@aol.com or CBANIGAN@aol.com or damsandyp@attbi.com. Let them know when and where you served. Sorry, nurses only for this!
- Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 03:03:34 (EDT)

SP4 Dennis E. Haines Ret. <Inf199thBde@aol.com>
Palmyra, PA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: December 1968
Association: A Patient
I was a squad leader in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade from March to Dec. 1968. Our company was on a night operation that began the night of Dec. 5 and in the early morning hours of Dec. 6 was severely wounded when two gun shots hit the right side of my head. This night would forever change my life. I was medically evacuated to the 24 Evac. that morning. I don't remember a lot about my time there, but hope someone that was there at this time might still remember me. My wounds would leave me permanently paralyzed and cause left visual field loss in both eyes. I was medically retired from the Army in March 1969 with a 100% disability rating. I wanted to attend your 1993 Reunion in DC, but physically was not able to on my own. I've been in touch with John Baldwin, Tom Rohner and Mary Lou Kneable Brown recently, all who were there when I would have been a patient. I hope to hear from others and plan to attend your next reunion. Great job Ed and enjoyed talking to you from where I work this week. A great web site.
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 21:20:21 (EDT)

David M. Will ( Skip) <derwill@cox.net>
Santee, Ca. U.S.A.
I was at the 24th Evac from: March 1966 to Jan. 1968
Association: Dental Assistant and Maxio-facial scrub tech.
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 01:19:32 (EDT)

Louis <luiggi11@yahoo.com>
My last name while in Vietnam was: Ciaglia
Upland, ca USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 67-68
Association: 104th KD Maxiofacial Surgery/Medic
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 11:01:01 (EDT)

Ron Madsen <rmadsen@ltlink.com>
Twin Falls, ID USA
I was a Helicopter Pilot CW2 May 65 to May 66 with the Thunderbirds, 145bat 118th co. I had the chance to meet John Baldwin when he was here to visit a mutual friend that he had put back together. It was great to meet someone that was involved in such wonderful work. Many went home because of all of your efforts. GBU - Ron
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 11:45:52 (EDT)

John Baldwin Md <jnbaldwin@mlode.com>
Twain Harte, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 68-69
Association: Surgeon
With the site now up and the address changed: please notify all you friends and former 24th personnel of the new site so we can gather the data for mailings, reunions and fond memories. JB
- Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 22:07:05 (EDT)

Ken Butke <kbutke@cox.net>
Springfield, VA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: 69-70
Association: Registrar
New e-mail address
- Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 19:14:31 (EDT)

John N. Baldwin MD <jnbaldwin@mlode.com>
Twain Harte, CA USA
I was at the 24th Evac from: May 68 to May 69
Association: Surgeon
I want everyone to know how hard Ed Fortmiller has worked to put this web site up and activate it again. Many of us have sent contributions of money to maintain this connection. If any of you wish to help keep this open, and now, active as a place to find old friends and colleagues, let Ed know at his webmaster site. We have an account to place the dollars and believe me, all will go to keeping this current and interesting. NO ONE gets paid. It will be done with love and graciousness for what we learned, who we served and what we accomplished. Thank you Ed Fortmiller for your dedication and expertise. John Baldwin MD. Thoracic, General and Vascular surgeon...68-69.
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 01:09:37 (EDT)

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Updated: November 3, 2003