Journey To Vietnam

Warriors Journey Home
independent investigation :fall 2011
Laura Fong
www.laurafongphotography.com
http://laurafongphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Warriors-Journey-Home-Vietnam-Journey-2010 G0000qOaWyCZgrj4
*fully searchable gallery of images from the entire project
Im a storyteller. a mother, and a photojournalist; and Ive
come to realize that my job is a small part photography, and a lot
more understanding, patience, and listening. It turns out, the story is
in the details.
I did my undergrad in Visual Journalism at Kent State, and this semes-

ter I returned to begin the Masters in Journalism program at Kent
State University. I was selected to receive the two-year Walt Clark
Fellowship from WKSU radio station; the local NPR affiliate. I work
there part-time reporting and taking photos.
I didnt seek out a project on veterans. I had been working on a

lengthy project on childbirth and womens healthcare in Ohio when
I met Tom Saal; and that changed everything.
I met Tom in the winter of 2007. He hated the war on terror, but
told me he wasnt supposed to talk about it. I was born and raised
in Canada, and I sure couldnt find a good reason for the war on ter-
ror so I was happy to listen. Tom was a Marine who had served in
combat in Vietnam. He enlisted during the Tet Offensive, and had no
idea the experience would change his life forever.
Id never met a Vietnam veteran, and I knew nothing about the U.S.
Military. I did know that I needed a subject for a photo essay in my Laura Fong
undergraduate visual storytelling class, and I wanted to know what KSU Graduate Student
his story was. It took a few tries, but he consented to be photo- Journalism and Mass Communication
graphed.
Walt Clark Fellow
Five years later,Vietnam Toms story has evolved into a giant docu-
mentary project that has a life of its own -- and Im still following
Tom and a group of local veterans around with my pen and my
camera.

I found out later I had met Tom at a huge turning point in his life. Tom had begun treatment for Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and drug addiction. A 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps; he led a 40-man infantry platoon during the Tet Offensive
in 1968 a job that had a life expectancy of about two weeks. At age 22, he came home a different man - with two Purple
Hearts. The war had followed him home to Kent -- it was May, 1970.
Tom remembers when he realized that what he was doing no longer seemed honorable. Despite the accolades, medals and
victories, he can tell you the exact moment his soul detached from him and left his body. The first day I went to his house I
set my camera down on the table and listened to him tell me about his life, dating back to the day he enlisted. I have survived
a lot of difficulty in my own life, but I left in disbelief with the realization of how the war in Vietnam had hurt him so badly, and
everyone who was close to him.
I was instantly compelled to follow the story of Vietnam Tom -- it was a story I realized lived within reach of many Americans,
and so many of my fellow Ohioans.
Tom retired from his career as a high school english teacher and put his full effort into his recovery. His wife left him after 33
years and he persevered like his life dependent on it. He became a founding member of Warriors Journey Home a support
group for veterans held at a church in Tallmadge
The Warriors Journey Home group of veterans and civilians (people of Strong Heart) are living proof that a community can
take responsibility for the people it sends off to war, by welcoming them home and helping them transition to civilian life. I
was persistent, and was eventually allowed to join the healing circle and the healing lodge with my pen and my camera, docu-
menting their stories. I gained their trust and began this collective journey.
In this sacred space my own personal journey as a storyteller is equal to the stories of the other members, and I was able to
examine why I love to tell stories, and why I feel at home in the face of adversity. In December of 2009, Tom told me he was
going to make a trip to Vietnam. I immediately stated my willingness to join him. It was the most courageous idea I had ever
heard of. I was invited to join the group to Vietnam in October 2010.
The Akron Beacon Journal published seven front page stories about our year-long preparation and journey to Vietnam. Stu-
dent Media - the Daily Kent Stater and The Burr Magazine - helped me to tell the stories to the students on the Kent State
campus.
I have become a witness; telling stories has had a measurable impact on the members of Warriors Journey Home, their fami-
lies and their communities.I have become a carrier of their message of how they found a way to come home from the war.
Their stories have reached many veterans and soldiers and community members. Most of all, the experience validated my
instinct to answer the phone, to listen, and document the stories of how war truly affects the heart and soul.
When we returned home, a surge of hope spread throughout the community. Each person who made the trip to Vietnam
came back with resolve to do what they could to contribute to their community and their fellow servicemen and women.
My project had grown to over 12,000 images, countless hours of audio and video, and notebooks packed with scribbles and
phone numbers and stories. So many stories. I knew I could no longer tackle this huge project on my own, and I knew as
long as they kept talking Id keep shooting and writing about them. When years of silence came to an end, I had been there
to experience what came to the surface.
I saw their individual strengths emerge. I sat down to write my thesis on the transformation I had witnessed and discovered
a need for help that I couldnt put my finger on.
I designed a website to help convey their message, and made multimedia presentations to share the groups story with the
many agencies who had heard of the group and wanted to start their own circles. I made a Facebook group and continued
to listen, document, and advocate for the message I heard at Warriors Journey Home; that there is hope after the horrors of
war. A message that is needed now that weve been at war again for over ten years.
I appealed to my thesis adviser Jamie Kennedy, because I realized the task was way too big for one photojournalist. Jamie told
me about Kent States innovative Graphic Design Research classes, and I was given the opportunity to present to them. I
did my best to communicate the overwhelming project I had found myself in, how I needed help, and that I didnt even know
what kind.
Jason Goupil and Aimee Crane volunteered to lend their Design Research skills to the Warriors Journey Home. Their design
research experience lent itself perfectly to studying a group that needed some sensitivity in the approach like veterans do.
And so we began a fifteen week effort to share our individual skills in support of the Warriors Journey Home. I had a gi-
ant amount of writings, audio clips, interviews, articles, still photos and video from my time with the veterans I met through
Vietnam Tom. I spent a lot of my 15 weeks organizing and taking inventory so that what I have accumulated to date would
have meaning and be useful and accessible for myself and for Warriors Journey Home. Jason and Aimee dove right in to the
subculture of our local veterans and began their research.
1968 2011
Vietnam Tom Saal
:THE VIETNAM CREW
(R) Beth Schluep, Tom Saal, Charlie Forsyth, Shianne Eagleheart, Joe Caley, Mona Caley, Ron
Oskar, Laura Fong. (F) Gabz Ciofani, John Schluep, Ralph Knerem, Chuck Victor.
:Table of Contents
The Story...............................p2-3
The Blog.................................p5-25
The Published Work........p26-57

Project Inventory...............p58-68
(stills, video, audio)
Peace be with you, Warriors
by Laura Torchia on October 1, 2010
Charlie Forsyth, the quiet, softhearted, bearded one of the bunch threw
a peace sign as he took the first steps of his journey; with peace in his eyes,
and the biggest smile. A Marine, in the Mike Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine
Division Charlie is ready to go back to Vietnam.
The sendoff on Wednesday was brimming with love and joy for the brave warriors and people of
strong heart who are journeying to Vietnam. Members of the congregation at the Community Church of
Christ, citizens of Tallmadge, and members of Warriors Journey Home gathered at the church to see
everyone off.
Vietnam Veterans to Search for Souls
by Laura Torchia October 3, 2010
Warriors Journey Home is a non-denominational healing circle for veterans and family friends and
members of the community to share the burden of war.
We honor all beliefs, says Reverend John Schluep.
Reverend John brings a sensitivity to veterans in the circle. He served in the military before pursuing
counseling and ministry work. Shianne Eagleheart brings a foundation in clinical treatment of Post-
traumatic stress and traditional Earth Medicine. These elements create a safe and sacred space for
our community to listen, speak, and heal.
John Schluep is the Senior Pastor at First Congregational

Church of Tallmadge since 2000. Prior to his pastoral work,
John was an U.S. Army officer. As a local pastor, John
has worked with numerous area schools in times of crisis.
He has worked as an Assistant Professor at Kent State
University. Dr. Schluep earned a Bachelor of Arts in His-
tory from Ohio State University, a Masters of Divinity at
The Methodist Theological School of Ohio, and a Doctor
of Ministry from Boston University. He was ordained in The
United Methodist Church in 1981, and was received as a
Pastor in Full Connection in The United Church of Christ
in 2004. Reverend Schluep is the author of Souls Cry a
book about how Warriors Journey Home works. Books are
available by donation. www.warriorsjourneyhome.org
Shianne Eagleheart (Haudenosaunee-Seneca) is a

Licensed Independent Counselor and Internationally Certi-
fied Clinical Supervisor, Native American Ceremonial Leader,
Professional Trainer, Ordained Minister, and Executive Direc-
tor and Founder of The Red Bird Center, Inc. The Red Bird
Center for Healing in based in Indigenous Earth Medicine
that honors all faiths and cultures. The Center is located in
the forest in Southeastern Ohio. Shianne has been pro-
viding community training on this Healing Center Model
through out the United States and abroad since 1999. She
is a published author for Children and Youth / Journal and
the author of The Wounded Bear, which offers the blue-
print for community healing . Shianne joined Dr. Schluep in
the co-creation of WJHM and has been instrumental in the
formation of healing practices for veterans and their families.
please refer to www.redbirdcenter.org
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5 Flights and 42 Years Later
: Snaps From The Journey to Viet Nam :
: 1.5 hour flight to Atlanta : 5 hour flight to LA : 13 hour layover-Ramada Inn El Segundo : 14
hour flight toTaipei : 1 hour layover in Taipei : 4 hour flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) :
: highlights from Akron to Sai Gon

: We found the Sunday Edition of The Akron Beacon Journal while getting coffee at the Akron/Canton
airport, Giant photo of Tom above the fold on A1..amazing story, and two more full pages inside! We
made the flight with 3 minutes to spare
: The hotel shuttle (Ramada El Segundo California) left us waiting at the airport for an hour after we
missed it the first time..well, our luggage was in the shuttle, but we didnt make it in the van
: Tom left his camera behind, I left a battery charger behind one trip to best buy and Tom has a new
camera..the search is still on for a charger for the D300s
: Tom meets a Vietnamese soldier, a former Captain, South Vietnamese Army, in line for our interna-
tional flight, hes starting to get excited
: We connect with Gabz and the three of us are ready for Viet Nam
: 14 hour flight to Taipei there are no words to describe a 14 hour-long flight except to say we sur-
vived it!
: Arrived in Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) welcomed by Tony, a former Sergeant in the South Vietnamese
Army
A Second Tour : 42 Years Later
Tom Saal, retired 1st Lieutenant, U.S Marine

Corps, steps foot in Vietnam 42 years after
leaving combat wounded in a helicopter. After
stepping on a landmine, Saal was transported
to a hospital in DaNang (that was under fire
at the time), to Japan for surgery, and on to
Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Tom is also a poet; he wrote this before we left : Our Journey Together
As we move closer to this journey of healing,

may we each be aware of our wishes and of our desires,
of our wish to reconcile, of our desire to forgive,
so that our minds and hearts might be restored,
so that our souls may once again become one with our bodies.
Let us ask our Higher Power,
our source of our spirituality,
to become one with each of us present here this evening.
Those of us going on this journey are searching.
Some of us are searching for ourselves
or a part of ourselves which has been lost.
We are traveling to reconcile the effects of war,
or to help those affected as a result of wars traumas,
or simply to attempt an understanding of who we really are.
Please, may we work together as one during the next few weeks,
to work together in peace and harmony.
May we travel together
so that this journey might be an initiation into a new life,
a life of continued recovery,
a life of forgiveness,
of a healing of our souls, of our minds,
and of our complete selves.
Because the War is Over : Viet Cong Soldier Tam Tien
Tam Tien, who fought for the Viet Cong during the war, gets a
hug from Joe Caley, who was drafted to the U.S. Army Dr. Ed Tick said
the Vietnam veterans from our Warriors Journey Home circle would
be welcomed by the Vietnamese; and he said our American veterans
would be embraced by former Viet Cong soldiers. He was right. Tam
Tien was a Viet Cong soldier. To Americans, the Viet Cong, or VC were
the enemy.
Tam Tien taught seventh graders where he grew up in the Me-

kong Delta, in North Vietnam. The delta is a small, intimate place where
family and community come first. When the school he taught at was
bombed, he had few choices.
The country was divided at war, Tam knew he could be drafted

to the VC, or he could enlist with the ARVN (Army of the Republic of

Vietnam) and join forces with the United States to fight the Viet Cong.

Tien ultimately made the decision to join the Viet Cong because he could stay in the Mekong
Delta and defend his family and his community. His wife was also Viet Cong, they raised a family and
at the same time fought to protect their community in the Mekong Delta.
On a mission with the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), Tam was severely wounded, and left for
dead. He was unable to walk and left with a gaping wound in his abdomen. Tam crawled to a villagers
home where he was cared for until the Viet Cong came to get him and provide him with proper medical
care.
Tam Tien hosts Ed Tick and the groups of American veterans he brings to Vietnam by welcoming
them into his familys home. Tam and his family encouraged our Warriors Journey Home members to
let go, explaining that the war in Vietnam was not the fault of the soldiers. Soldiers on both sides of the
war were put in the roles to fight one another; but they are no longer enemies :
because the war is over.
(R)Charlie Forsyth, John Fisher, Tam Tien, Ralph Knerem, Rev. John
Schluep, Song Tranh
(F) Shianne Eagleheart, Dr. Ed Tick, Joe Caley

The Guys Sing to a Kindergarten Class
Tam Ki School : Mekong Delta
http://youtu.be/QI4jBQ9Xng0
Just so you know, we are having some fun in nam tooin honor of WJH member and Vietnam Vet-
eran Steve Burr, who never misses the chance to break into song.
PFC Stephen M. Burr

2nd Squad Reconnaissance Platoon
Company E, 1st Battalion, 502 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division
On patrol about 13 March, 1970 west of Firebase Birmingham which was 12 km SSW of the city of
Hue and sat along Rte 547 (now Rte 49) and the Song Huu Trach (west branch of the Perfume River).
I was one of 2,594,000 Americans who served in Vietnam and one of 303,704 that were wounded. I
was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with bronze star for the Vietnam
Winter-Spring Campaign of 1970, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal for exem-
plary conduct, efficiency and fidelity, the Purple Heart for wounds received in action 15 April, 1970,
Combat Infantry Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm device for
support of the Army of the Republic of Vietnams success during the Lam Son 719 operation in Laos,
and the Vietnam Civic Action Unit Citation, First Class for military assistance and contributions to the
pacification and development programs in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam.
Reunification Hall and our Guide Song: Saigon ( Ho Chi Min City)

Our first day in Saigon, we visit the reunification Hall, where our guide Song tells his story. Song
is a former ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) who now works for Soldiers Heart. After his time
in the service, Song raised a family and became a teacher of English and other subjects.
Song is our translator, our organizer, our tour guide, our everything. He has been embraced by
our American Veterans on the same journey to heal the wounds of war through storytelling, and pro-
moting peace. This days history lesson brought much reflection to the veterans in the group, for some
learned things about the war in Vietnam they had never known.
10.5 : War Remnants Museum -Speakpeace
The War Remnants Museum used to be

called the Museum of American War Crimes until
as recent as 1993. American Military vehicles and
equipment left behind in 1975 decorate the court-
yard entrance, and much of the exhibits held inside
are dedicated to telling the truth about the war in
Vietnam.
The new room that displays the Vietnamese

Childrens Art Exhibit is an expression of the desire
for Peace for Vietnam, and for the world.
Kent State Universitys Wick Poetry Center brought 22 of the childrens paintings to Kent and
published a catalogue of the corresponding poems written by Americans. A call for poetry submissions
brought over 1200 poems in response to the 22 paintings that have now become a traveling exhibit.
Dr. Ed Tick presented the printed catalogues to

Museum Director Madame Huynh Ngoc Van. This even is
a testament to Soldiers Hearts efforts to build bridges be-
tween the people of Vietnam and America and a sincere
dedication to peace and healing for all.
Museum Director Madame Huynh Ngoc Van is part

of the 4 person delegation who will be joining Soldiers
Heart and Warriors Journey Home at the International
Summit on War and Peace to be held at Case Western
University October 25-30. Dr. Tick is the Keynote speak-
er, and former Viet Cong soldier Tam Tien will also be
attending the Summit.
Find information and register for the Summit HERE

The presentation of the Speakpeace catalogues was covered
by the local paper Tuoi Tre - read/see the article HERE
Hoa Binh is peace in Vietnamese.

It is pronounced (waaah bin)
10.6.10 : Cam Ranh Bay Rons Bridge
Ron Oskar was a Quartermaster. He delivered supplies and crossed this very bridge many
times. Visiting the bridge brought some reconciliation for our group, as we stood on the bridge and
listened to Rons stories of hardship and loss, and also those of the comraderie and the good times
that came to mind as we returned to this beautiful place where he was stationed so long ago.
Heres to new memories in Viet Nam for Ron.
WELCOME HOME RON!

10.09.10 : Ha Noi (Thang Long) : Reconciliation and Healing
Ha Noi was full of some exciting opportunities for healing for veterans of the US and Viet Nam and
everyone affected by this horrible part of both our countries histories. In Vietnam, the war will not be forgotten
but it is in the past. A past that no one wanted. We arrived in Ha Noi during their Millennium celebration, and
the streets were packed with people celebrating and opening their hearts and welcoming Americans making the
journey to Viet Nam seeking healing.
Our friends and partners, Dr Ed Tick, John Fisher, and the

non-profit organization Soldiers Heart work very hard promoting
reconciliation, healing and world peace. They had many great
opportunities arranged for our time in Hanoi. Our first day in Ha
Noi started with a live round table discussion on Vietnamnet on
the topic of peace and reconciliation and healing the wounds of
war. The panel included Dr. Tick, veterans John Fisher, Al Plapp,
and Joe Caley; Professor Minh Thai, Professor of Journalism and
Communications at VNU Ha Noi , Nguyen Phan Que Mai from
the Vietnamese Writers Association, and KSU Wick Poetry Cen-
ter
Our translator Song Tranh, Al Plapp, Joe Caley, Ed
Tick, John Fisher (not seen), Professor Ming Tai, representative Gabz Ciofani.
poet Que Mai, and Gabz Ciofani from Left.
We picked up Mr.Van Hanh, professor Minh Tais father, and headed to visit a Dinh. Van Hanh was a
soldier in the Viet Ming, what was then called the National League, who joined in 1940, and fought for his Viet-
nams independence from France. Mr. Van Hanh took ill with Malaria, and became a singer. He was a singer and
entertainer for the military until he retired. He sang us a traditional Quan Ha (Vietnamese folklore) song on the
bus ride to welcome us to the Dinh; his voice was tender and sweet. At the Village, we stopped first at a Buddhist
temple, a temple of the 8 kings. The ancient deities and the smell of incense is inviting and comforting, offering
a place of refuge
We visited Dinh Bang, a short drive from Ha Noi. Dinh Bang was the birth-
place the first king of the Ly Dynasty who moved the capital of Vietnam to Ha Noi
around 1010. The Dinh was built in 1796, and we had the chance to visit and share a
wonderful, sweet, sticky rice cake wrapped in a banana leaf called Phu The (mean-
ing husband and wife). It is a cake traditionally served as wedding cake, and we were
welcomed by the volunteers to pray in their temple, get a history lesson,
and have a snack and some tea.

A Dinh is in our words a community center. To the Vietnamese, it is a place
of worship, a place to gather, a civil court, and a common space for locals. The civil
court is an example of restorative justice; the process of taking care of disputes with-
in the community before it would need to go to a larger court. This process comes
from a philosophy of peace-making and community, the very principles that are a
sharing a snack of cake part of the foundation of Vietnamese culture.
wrapped in banana leaves
and tea at the Dinh
10.09.10 : Friendship Village The Effects of Agent Orange

I needed to do a special post just for this, because it
was quite an experience for everyone, however difficult, pain-
ful, or joyful the experience. We headed off to Friendship Vil-
lage with some fear in our hearts about visiting Vietnamese
veterans and children affected by Agent Orange.
I went into this visit with some fear and reserva

tion, preparing for a difficult situation, and it was joy that pre-
vailed overall. Dr. Ed Tick, and John Fisher of Soliders Heart
share laughter and high fives with Vietnamese veterans receiv-
ing medical treatment at Friendship Village. John found new
Veterans from both sides gather for a photo together friends in men who were his enemies during the war in the
chanting Hoa Binh! the Vietnamese word for peace. Central Highlands.
Friendship village is an NGO that was started by a US veteran Gerge Mizo. Mr. Mizo had the
idea to make a home for veterans and their children who were affected by Agent Orange. His troubles
raising funds to build friendship village sent him to Germany where he was able to raise funds from
many countries to begin the project, his vision for peace and reconciliation on land that was once ride
paddies, Located in Van Canh commune, Hoai Duc district, Ha Tay province, about 15 kilometers
southwest of central Hanoi.
The Village opened its doors in 1993, and now has beds for 120 children, and 40 veterans, a
school, an organic garden among other facilities. The residents receive medical care, education, vo-
cational rehabilitation, in addition to many other types of rehabilitation to address the different ways
physical, mental, and emotional effects of Agent Orange present themselves; even three generations
later.
The only universal language is pain,

- Joe Caley.
Joe Caley, and Michael Magoo Phil-

lips pose with veterans they met at Friendship
Village who fought in the same battles with in
1968.
10.09.10 : Friendship Village The Effects of Agent Orange
A highlight with the kids was a spontaneous game of kickball in the rehabilitation room with their
rehab balls, plastic balls, and anything that bounced. Smiles and laughter all around. I heard someone
say, these kids may be disabled, but theyre happy with what theyve got.
We were also reminded by our Iraq vets Nate Lewis that chemical warfare in the form of depleted
uranium is being used in in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the two Iraq vets with us in Vietnam, the visit was
also a vision into the future of the long-lasting hurt and conflict this current war will leave behind.
Reverend John Schluep embraces the Dr. who takes care of

the Village residents medical needs. Schluep presented him
with a giveaway cloth marked with the organizations behind
the journey - Warriors Journey Home, Kent Roosevelt High
School, The Red Bird Center, Soldiers Heart, Freedom House,
The Wick Poetry Center at KSU, and the City of Tallmadge
Ohio.
10.10.10 Ha Noi Millenium Celebration
A message to NFL Official John Parry from Reverend John Schluep from Ha Noi on their capi-
tal citys 1,000th anniversary. John Parry is behind the fundraiser for Warriors Journey home raffle
tickets are available for $10 to win 2 tickets to next years superbowl including travel and accommoda-
tions to Arlington, TX A total of 2,500 tickets will be sold, draw will take place Nov.11th.
Contact for tickets: Jane Huffman at 330-633-9628

www.warriorsjourneyhome.org
10.11.10 : Ha Noi : Viet Nam Writers Association : Poetry Reading
If it werent for the war, we would never have gotten the chance to know one another.
Apparently this quote comes from The Women of Troy by Euripides, but it has been said many times
by Dr. Ed Tick when introducing our group and its purpose in Vietnam, its become a bit of a mantra
for all of us.

We were invited to share poetry with
some of the most esteemed Vietnamese
poets at the Vietnamese writers Asso-
ciation. The welcome we received was
warm and many of the poets we met were
veterans of what they call The American
War. It was a chance for both sides to
share stories of how their people were
affected by the war. And a chance to
share the healing power of writing about
and sharing the truth of war.
Dr. Ed Tick introduced the veterans in

our group who came to Vietnam seeking
peace.
Que Mai, a journalist and member of the

Viet Nam Writers Association arranged
translation so they could read each oth-
ers poetry in their respective languages,
so everyone in the room can enjoy their
poems. Thank you again
Que Mai for everything.
Reverend John Schluep represents Warriors Journey Home, and First

Congregational Church of Tallmadge, OH.
Schluep read his poem titled, When the Air Shakes.
10.11.10 : 14 Hour Train to Dong Ha DMZ
{ 0 comments }
This is ground control on the train ride to Dong Ha, also known as the DMZ or De-Militarized
Zone. We arrived in Dong Ha a few hours later than expected because of storms and flash flooding
in Quang Binh province.
Media reports say the floods have claimed up to 66 lives, and left thousands homeless. Ha
Nois Millenium Celebration was scheduled to have fireworks in 29 locations 28 of those fireworks
displays were canceled, and the money was sent to victims of the flooding.
10.12.10 : Montangard Compassion House Dedication
Check out a short video of vets from both sides:

Tom Saal hands out school supplies to the children:
{ 0 comments }
Montangard village, near Dong Ha. The indigenous people of Viet Nam are known as Montan-
gards, or people of the mountain. They live in community, and many were drafted to be soldiers dur-
ing the war. Soldiers Heart donated the money to build this home they call Compassion House to a
young family with six children.
There was toasting with their tradition of homemade rice wine, and our US veterans got the
chance to meet former Viet Cong soldiers who had notmet any Americans since the war.
10:13.10 : The Citadel at Hue
Former President Ho Chi Minh presides over the Citadel in Hue. The guys spent a lot of time
examining the bullet holes and shrapnel marks left in the marble 42 years ago.
The South Vietnamese Army and U.S. Army protected the city of Hue during the Tet Offensive
in 1968. Hue, situated on the perfume river, was also a base for U.S. Navy supply boats.
The battle at Hue began when the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army invaded
despite agreements made between the two sides. The SVA and U.S. Army were unprepared and
what resulted was one of the longest battles of the war in Viet Nam. The city was destroyed, leaving
behind one of the highest casualty counts: estimates vary, stating more than 10,000 Viet Cong and
civilians were killed, Allied forces (SVA and U.S) lost over 600, and almost 4,000 wounded.
The Citadel now attracts foreign visitors wishing to know the history of the country at $55,000
Dong per person; or just under three dollars U.S.
10.13.10 : Firebase Birmingham
Members of Warriors Journey home in Tallmadge, OH gather at the site of the former
Firebase Birmingham home to the 101st infantry to honor member Steve Burr who was stationed
there during the war.
Before we left for Viet Nam we didnt know the exact location. At the last minute we found the
book in this picture a dictionary of locations that the US Military occupied in Viet Nam between
1945 and 1975 the book has an old aerial photo of Fire Base Birmingham on the cover.
With this book and the help of our guide Song, we found our way to Fire Base Birmingham.
Shianne Eagleheart mentioned shed heard Steve say he lost his youth there. When we arrived, a large
group of curious neighborhood children gathered.
WELCOME HOME STEVE!

10.14.10 : Phu Bai, Camp Eagle, and Highland Pass Cloud and Sky
Now were shooting pictures, says Charlie For-

syth about his return to Viet Nam; this time it was a
peaceful journey.
Hi Van Pass is a place the Marines with us remember.
We are close to Marble Mountain, Hill 55, Chau Son

Village, and Dodge City.We are entering into territory
where Tom Saal and Charlie Forsythwere stationed
during the war.
Our driver passed other vehicles and negotiated hair-

pin turns as wesaw some of the most beautiful vistas
of the East Sea,(what we call the South China Sea)
and the lush mountainous terrain.
Its hard to imagine someone decided this was a place

to go to war it is breathtaking as the clouds roll in on
us at 1500ft above sea level.
10:15:10 :Making Headlines while Making new Memories in Nam
Our Visit has brought much media attention in Vietnam. Here are the links I have received so far
(mostly in Vietnamese).
From our broadcast and interview with Vietnamnet:
Theres a photo of Joe Caley who spoke on the panel on the topic of reconciliation between soldiers
and all people of the US and Vietnam.
http://day0909.net/2010-10-12-nhung-nguoi-linh-my-den-viet-nam-tim-lai-tam-hon
The Vietnamese writers association hosted a poetry reading for us and their members many of whom
are veterans (has poetry and Vietnamese translations-they will be adding all of the poetry read that
day)
http://hoinhavanvietnam.vn/Details/tac-pham/giao-luu-tho-ca-viet-my/32/0/2579.star
An Interview with Ed Tick and John Fisher from Soldiers Heart and Professor Minh Tai from Vietnam
University School of Journalism and Communication. Gabz Ciofani, our representative from the Wick
Poetry Center at KSU is mentioned. http://day0909.net/
On another website (we are all named here as a delegation of Americans seeking peace and reconcili-
ation) http://tonvinhvanhoadoc.vn/van-hoc-viet-nam/doi-song-van-hoc/1607-giao-luu-tho-ca-viet-my-
qloi-tho-hoa-binh-tu-hai-phiaq.html
From the Vietnam University Ha Noi Campus, School of Journalism and Communication: (has Gabz
Ciofanis poem Lending a hand to Healing translated in Vietnamese) http://ussh.edu.vn/han-gan-vet-
thuong-chien-tranh-bang-tho-ca/2795
Please tell them that the writers here cant stop talking about them and felt that the reading
was so special. I have been asked by several newspapers to submit the Vietnamese versions of
some of the poems read by your group, for printing on national newspapers. In an email from
Que Mai, poet from the Vietnamese Writers Association, who translated our poems, and helped trans-
late and facilitate the poetry readings to accommodate writers and listeners in two languages.
Sai Gon Paper regarding our meeting with the Director of the War Remnants Museum and the
Speakpeace Project.
http://tuoitre.vn/Van-hoa-Giai-tri/404354/Tien-si-Edward-Tick-Toi-muon-thay-nuoc-mat.html
Another article with photos of our day 10.09.10

http://chuadieuphap.com.vn/content/tintuc_chitiet.php?catid=415&subcatid=0&newsid=1531&lang
id=0
10.16.10 : Mac Dinh Chi Primary School, Thang Binh District
Tom Saal, Marine, and former English teacher in Akron found himself at home in a classroom
8,500 miles away passing out beanie babies and other items to the children at the Mac Dinh Chi
School.
Tom Saals officer class built this school ten years ago the same class of officers that saw the
highest number of casualties in the war in Viet Nam. They arrived in Viet Nam in 1967, shortly before
the Tet Offensive began.
Tom began his reconciliation with the people of Vietnam by donating money to help build the
school. We visited with the children, and Tom was welcomed by the schools headmaster and hon-
ored with flowers. We left behind the school supplies that were donated by Roosevelt High Schools
Project:Vietnam, and members of various communities in North East Ohio, the City of Tallmadge and
the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge.
10.16.10 : Hill 55, Da Nang
Ceremonies were held for Tom, Charlie, and

Ralph, and honoring a member who has
passed - Bradley Huth. This spot is where
the old photo of Tom was taken, and Da Nang
was where the Marines first landed in
Vietnam in 1965. Welcome Home!
10.17. 2010 Journey to Our Hearts : Phm t Quyn- Vit Nam
by Laura Torchia October 17, 2010
Journey to Our Hearts :words from 23-year old

journalist Phm t Quyn (pronounced QUINN)
who spent a week traveling with us.
I lost my soul, somewhere in the forest, the moment I gave the order to my troops to shoot a VC, Tom said. He is one of
the Vietnam Veterans who believe that a part of their soul left them in the war. When they fired at someone, when someone
beside them died, either their buddies or their enemies, it took away apart of their hearts and their souls; the part that be-
longs to innocence, and goodness and humanity was sent forever roaming.
Its so lucky for me, a Vietnamese girl who never walked though any wars, to have had a chance to join a journey of Vietnam
Veterans (called American Veterans for the Vietnamese) led by Dr. Ed Tick of the Soldiers Heart organization. They call this
trip a journey home for the soldiers who return to their old battlefields in order to bring their souls back. But I call this trip the
Journey to Our Hearts.
I was born in the time when my country was changing vigorously from the period of the Subsidy System to the period of
Socioeconomic Renovation. I grew up with the stories of my grandpa when he was a soldier during the war. He fought for
the independence of his country and the happiness of his people. I used to think it was full of glory to be a soldier. That was
when I hadnt realized all the wars were wrong, they were not supposed to happen. And no one in this world was supposed
to be born to become a soldier. Though I am still proud of my grandpa for what he did, he would have had a better life if the
war had never happened. He is a gentle man who just likes reading books, gardening and playing with his grandchildren.
I am the girl who has never believed in miracles, because I thought it meaningless to just stay still and pray for a miracle
to happen to change the world. Every achievement a person gets in his life must be built by his own hands. But to join this
journey, to know these people, and to witness the healing of their hearts is more than a miracle for me.
A miracle is when I see a man who was hurt so badly that he thinks his soul has left him can smile the smiles of healing and
happiness again.
A miracle is when I see two men who used to fight on two opposite front lines hug each other tightly and make fun of them-
selves about the past: If I met you forty years ago you would died for sure. Now the war is over, and we become friends.
A miracle is when I see the happiness shining in the glittering eyes of John, a soldier who was forced to kill to keep from
being killed when he is doing the job of healing and bringing life back to other people.
A miracle is Ralph, an old man with a leg broken by the war that still hurts him as the war still hurts his heart, fall down on
his knees, take a handful of Vietnamese soil, recall the death of his old friends. I couldnt believe it, he said. But Its over.
Let them come home.
Yes its over, the war and the obsession with it. Today all the hearts were healed!
A miracle is that in this world of billions of people, we have a chance to meet each other, to be come friends, brothers and
sisters, father and daughter, to understand and warm each other heart.
A miracle is that you and I were born into this world to witness all of these miraculous things.
To soldiers from whom a part is still left in Vietnam, its time to come back, its time to take it home. Come here and ask every
Vietnamese: Do you forgive me for the things that I did to your country and your people? You will get this answer: You
are forgiven. no, this one: You WERE forgiven and a tight hug. For us, the war is over and now we are heading forward,
so why dont you?
10:19:10 :Almost home
It looks like the plane is going to be on schedule tonight 7:13 p.m. at Akron-Canton Airport.
Welcome home, boys! Kim
10:19:10 :Plane is Early

The plane is arriving about 15 minutes early. Kim
10:19:10 :40 years changes vietnam journey for vets

Story 10-20 a1 4x System AKRE by AASHWORT Time 19:24 Date 10/20/10
A 1 4X Pg. Date 10/20/10 Story: 10-20 a1 4x Topic: 10-20 offer Keyword 10-20 a1 4 Page 1 CyanMagentaYellowBlack by Jim Arnold on October 19, 2010
K
M
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CC Search Edition
AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

WEDNESDAY, October 20, 2010 A B C MO WWW.OHIO.COM Home Delivery 800-777-2442 75
Aultman ordered to pay rival At the end of a two-month trial in

Charles Forsyth slipped into the arms of his
waiting wife.
Judge says Mercy gets $4 million for attorneys fees, taxpayers owed $266,400 June, jurors decided Aultman should pay
Mercy more than $6.1 million in dam-
By Cheryl Powell
Beacon Journal medical writer
Aultman Health Foundation must pay
BeaconFirst What Mercy wanted from Day 1 will
be achieved, because there will be no
more secret payments, Mercy attorney
ages for engaging in a pattern of cor-
rupt activity by influencing brokers
with money.
rival Mercy Medical Center $4 million in Pleas Judge Frank Forchione ruled on Lee Plakas said.
Aultman plans to appeal the jurys de-
Hi, baby, he said, closing his eyes as he

attorneys fees and reimburse taxpayers Tuesday that the court will monitor
$266,400 for secret payments it made to The decisions mark the latest twist in cision, said Allen Schulman, a Canton at-
Aultmans tax returns for the next three what Forchione described as a civil torney representing the health system. If
insurance brokers. years to make sure the nonprofit disclos- war between Stark Countys largest
In addition, Stark County Common es all money it uses to pay brokers. hospitals. Please see Aultman, A4
Crowd at Akron-Canton Airport offers warm welcome BeaconFirst embraced her.

APPLE Witness
BUTTER says she Welcome home, she whispered into his
IS FAMILY did not
TRADITION ear. Ive missed you so much.
FOOD, D1 see firing
of shots In the background, a cheer of U-S-A be-
Fair Finance UA student testifies in trial
chiefs cars
gan echoing off the walls inside the main
of Green resident charged
in parking workers death
on the block By Phil Trexler
corridor of the Akron-Canton Airport.

BUSINESS, B6 Beacon Journal staff writer
CLEVELAND: She was supposed
to witness a Cavs game.
Instead, the University of Ak-
ron student witnessed a homi-
cide.
INDICTED
Allison Breucker, a 22-year-
old psychology major, highlight-
ed Tuesdays first round of testi-
IN KILLING
Forsyth was one of five local Vietnam
mony in the
aggravated
murder trial of
Grand jury makes PHIL MASTURZO/Akron Beacon Journal photos
Well-wishers greet Charles Forsyth as he arrives at Akron-Canton Airport on Tuesday night. Forsyth, a member of Warriors
her friend,
Matthew War-
case against
veterans, all members of Warriors Journey
mus.
Journey Home, was one of five local Vietnam veterans who took part in a three-week-long visit to Vietnam. I n an ex-
Florida man change with a
40 YEARS
Cuyahoga
County assist-
ant prosecutor, Warmus
Jewell Cardwell
B reucker in-
sisted she never saw Warmus
fire the three shots that killed a Home, a ministry of the First Congregation-
CHANGES
Cleveland parking lot attendant
tells a bold story
al Church in Tallmadge, who returned home
April 9.
And despite weekly conversa-
of determination tions with Warmus, in which
they sometimes pray together,
COMMUNITY, B1 Breucker insists they never dis-
VIETNAM cussed the events that led the

Green resident to open fire.
In fact, Breucker testified that
immediately after seeing the dy-
ing body of 27-year-old David
Tuesday night after a nearly three-week-
JOURNEY long visit to Vietnam.
Williams, she asked Warmus
why he shot Williams.
She told the prosecutor on
Tuesday that she still doesnt re-
call her companions answer that
evening.
FOR VETS Vietnam veteran Tom Saal (left) gets a hug from his brother, Larry
Saal, at Akron-Canton Airport on Tuesday night.
I thought the whole situation
was strange, Breucker said of
the events.
Later, she said, I think I was
in shock when this whole thing
was going on.
By Kim Hone-McMahan Journey Home, a ministry of the First when they returned home from war. Warmus, 25, and also a UA
Beacon Journal staff writer Congregational Church in Tallmadge, Its been 40-some years too long, student, intends to testify during
Charles Forsyth slipped into the who returned home Tuesday night af- said T allmadge s J ayann M organ - his trial and tell the jury that he
arms of his waiting wife. ter a nearly three-week-long visit to Brooks, whose brother, Richard Mor- killed Williams in self-defense
Hi, baby, he said, closing his eyes Vietnam. gan, was killed in action in Vietnam in following an argument over the
as he embraced her. Stows Colleen Bowes, one of about 1971. price of parking at the E ast
Welcome home, she whispered 300 who came to the airport to greet Some clutched their hearts, handed Ninth Street lot near the Quick-
into his ear. Ive missed you so much. the men, said she didnt know anyone in the warriors flags and offered hugs as en Loans Arena.
In the background, a cheer of U-S- the group, but felt a need to come any- the men inched their way through the According to witnesses and
A began echoing off the walls inside way. Her son, she explained, was spit assembly of well-wishers. Touched by prosecutors , W illiams placed
the main corridor of the Akron-Canton upon when he came home a few dec- what they were witnessing, people Warmus in a headlock after he
CAVS FIND
Airport. ades ago from Vietnam. This was an laughed and sobbed. Even tough, deco- refused to pay $20 for a parking
Forsyth was one of five local Viet- opportunity to give these soldiers a space.
nam veterans, all members of Warriors proper welcome, one they never had Please see Vietnam, A4
Please see Shooting, A3
RIGHT MIX
IN VICTORY
Win over 76ers
Military alters gay policy
Judge refuses to set aside ban calling dont ask, dont tell unconstitutional
shows how good From Beacon Journal wire services in California refused to set aside Pentagon announced that re-
they could be WASHINGTON: Military officials her injunction halting enforce- cruiters have begun taking appli-
Yahoo news top story!!!! Newsnet5 Video: Hundreds gather to honor Vietnam
veterans!! Kentwired.com!! Laurafongphotography.com!! Vimeo.com!!

Viet Nam Journey :Media Coverage
http://www.wksu.org/regina/
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/hundreds-gather-to-honor-vietnam-veterans
http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Events+and+Awards/War/Vietnam+War/06OfaYXfGegIn/1
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4916018
Akron Beacon Journal
Oct.20
http://www.ohio.com/news/105317228.html
Oct.3
http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/104229029.html
Oct.15
http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/105091294.html
The Tallmadge Express
The Gateway News

http://www.thegatewaynews.com/news/article/4924220
Truoi Tre (National Vietnamese Newspaper)

http://tuoitre.vn/Van-hoa-Giai-tri/408255/Nuoc-mat-hoa-giai.html
Kent State University Hosts Luncheon and Discussion:
Vietnamese guests and area veterans will participate in an informal conversation, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.,
on November 1 in the Honors College Library, and will be available to meet with students, faculty, and
community members. We hope that you can join us for the dinner and programs on November 1.
These events promise to be unique and important opportunities within our community, fostering cross-
cultural understanding and reconciliation. The Honors College is co-sponsoring this event and will host
a lunch that day for the three Vietnamese guests and the Honors thesis writer, Laura Torchia,.

We invite you to join us from 10:30 -11:30 am for an informal conversation with our Vietnamese guests
and area veterans. We hope that you will be able to attend and make a few comments about your re-
cent trip and experience.
FUNDRAISER: Superbowl Tickets Still for sale until Nov.11

$10 buys you a chance to win: 2 tickets to 2011 SuperBowl XLV Cowboys Stadium, Arlington Texas
Travel Stipend (flight and accomodation for 2)
Drawing Thursday November 11th at Delanies Neightborhood Grille 67 West Ave

Tallmadge, OH 44278-2249 (330) 630-2888
|| drawing will be held at half-time ||

Dear Friends! :a message from Reverend John Schluep
What a remarkable feeling of support and healing as we land from Viet Nam. The journey was an
extraordinary example of the power of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, atonement, and healing. Thank
you for the prayers and the support I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that was there - we felt
your presence!
This Sunday we will have a special ceremony, of sorts, to share with the wider community the experi-
ences of the journey and take the opportunity to express our gratitude. One of our childrens choirs
will be present to sing for us (if Beggars Night does not call too many away) as well as special guests
from Viet Nam and Soldiers Heart. The ceremony will start at 6:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall and a
reception will follow in the Atrium hosted by our Womens Fellowship.
Invitation to all from Reverend John Schluep :
What a remarkable feeling of support and healing as we land from Viet Nam. The journey was an
extraordinary example of the power of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, atonement, and healing. Thank
you for the prayers and the support I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that was there - we felt
your presence!
This Sunday we will have a special ceremony, of sorts, to share with the wider community the experi-
ences of the journey and take the opportunity to express our gratitude. One of our childrens choirs will
be present to sing for us as well as special guests from Viet Nam and Soldiers Heart. The ceremony
will start at 6:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall and a reception will follow in the Atrium hosted by our
Womens Fellowship. All are welcome.
WELCOME HOME!
Map-get directions
First Congregational Church of Tallmadge
85 Heritage Drive, Tallmadge, OH 44278-1420
(330) 633-4931
www.fcctallmadge.org www.warriorsjourneyhome.com
Kent State University Hosts a dinner for us:
Kent State Universitys Wick Poetry Center, Honors College, and the Office of the Provost would like
to invite you to a dinner in honor of three Vietnamese guests to the Kent State community. This dinner
will also celebrate the international collaborative art project, Speak Peace: American Voices Respond
to Vietnamese Childrens Paintings, and welcome back area veterans from their recent healing and
reconciliation trip to Viet Nam. Bringing together nearly 75 campus and community members, this din-
ner will be held on November 1, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 306, Kent State Student Center.
After the dinner there will be a program in the Kiva Auditorium at 7:30 p.m., free and open to the public,
featuring our Vietnamese guests, Mr. Tam Tien, Viet Cong veteran; Mr. Tran Song, ARVN air force vet-
eran and re-education camp survivor; and Ms. Minh Thai, poet and Chair of the Department of Journal-
ism and Communications, University of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hanoi. Other speakers will
include Dr. Edward Tick, director
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SUNDAY, October 3, 2010

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Akron school
Therapist leads former warriors
district crafts its
on expedition to old battle zone class credit policy
Community helps homecoming
to help heal emotional wounds. dreams come true for area teens
COMMUNITY, B1
Conflict ended many years ago,
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
ZIPS SUFFER
but it still lurks beneath surface
Vietnam 50-14 LOSS

TO HUSKIES
veterans Golden Flashes open MAC play
by losing 27-21 to RedHawks
to search OSU 24, ILLINOIS 13

SPORTS, C1
for souls
In todays Beacon Journal:
Up to $193 in coupons
Former Hudson
By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer twins are living the
W hen the soul is so terrorized by what a
person is experiencing, some say, it will
leave the body.
Akrons Tom Saal knows that to be true. His
fled 42 years ago when he was in a rice paddy
dream in Nashville
PREMIER, E1
somewhere south of Da Nang in Vietnam. Today,
Saal will embark on a journey to lure his soul
home.
He was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine
Corps when he ordered his snipers to shoot a
North Vietnamese soldier. When the deed was
done, the men brought the body to Saal. He rooted
through the mans possessions, retrieving photos of
a woman and children.
Thats when I realized we were fighting hu-
LAURA TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal
Above, Vietnam War veteran Tom Saal, 65, a former high school English teacher and Akron
Hospital launches
recycling initiative
man beings, he remembered.
The revelation was agonizing. Exhausted, the school board member, works as a housing specialist at Freedom House in Kent. It is a long-
22-year-old found a place on the ground to rest his term homeless shelter for veterans. Below, U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Saal is pictured more
weary body and re-
BETTY LIN-FISHER
flect. Soon, he drifted
off to sleep.
When I woke up,
BeaconFirst than 40 years ago in a Vietnamese rice paddy south of Da Nang.
Questions answered about
I couldnt believe what I saw. My men had cruci-
fied the guy. Stripped him naked and hung him on credit-card fees and limits
a bamboo cross that they had made, he said, his
voice barely above a whisper. I lost all faith in BUSINESS, D1
mankind that day. Thats when my soul left.
Saal will meet up with four fellow Vietnam vet-
erans and seven others, most of whom departed
from Akron-Canton Airport on Wednesday, with
Warriors Journey Home, a ministry that meets at
First Congregational Church in Tallmadge.
One of the leaders of the three-week expedition
to Vietnam is Dr. Edward Tick, founder of Sol-
U.S. issuing
diers Heart, a veterans healing project based in
New York. A nationally known expert on the psy-
chological, spiritual, historical and cultural aspects
of war, Tick is the author of War and the Soul,
an advisory
writing about others who have returned to former
Please see Vietnam, A8 for traveling
ELECTION 2010
in Europe
Government will urge citizens
Early voting alters campaign strategies with partisan passions and high-pro-
to be cautious as result of threats
By Matthew Lee and Eileen Sullivan
Associated Press
Candidates struggle with need for more volunteers, TV ads to get out their message WASHINGTON: The Obama administration
file offices at stake, early voting is will warn U.S. citizens to be vigilant as they
expected to be more popular than travel in Europe, updated guidance prompted
By Paula Schleis supporters have had to make risky said Tom Speaks, co-owner of the ever.
Beacon Journal staff writer decisions about when to spend limit- Impact Group, a Hudson firm that by al-Qaida threats, American and European
Election officials predict one- officials said Saturday.
The City Club of Cleveland has ed marketing funds: Before the first consults with many local cities , third of voters will cast a ballot be-
voters started heading to the polls school districts and candidates. Such a move could have negative implica-
scheduled several political debates fore Nov. 2, and that, Speaks said, tions for European tourism, business and di-
for October, even though thousands Sept. 28, or when races traditionally
of people in the region have already heat up in the days before the Nov. 2 A full statewide slate has profoundly changed the politi- plomacy if travelers fear theres a possibility
cal landscape. of terrorist attacks.
cast a ballot. General Election. Ohio voters have been able to cast For groups supporting candidates
Many Ohio newspapers have yet No doubt about it, Ohios early early ballots without giving a reason The State Department will issue a travel
and issues, early voting means a need alert for Europe today that advises Americans
to endorse a choice for governor, voting law has turned campaign since 2005, but this is only the sec- for more volunteers, longer commit-
though many voters have already strategies upside down. ond time a full slate of statewide rac- to stay vigilant on the continent because of
ment and sustained enthusiasm. threat information, senior U.S. officials said.
made an irrevocable decision. Those who are not embracing es has been in the mix.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymi-
Meanwhile, candidates and issue the change are missing the boat, With a political season so charged Please see Early, A4 ty, because a final decision has not been an-
nounced.
This travel alert is a cumulative result of
information we have received over an extend-
ed periods, one senior administration official
Todays weather BeaconFirst INSIDE
Dear Abby ................ E2 Crossword ................ E2 Movies .....................E4
said. We are constantly monitoring a range
of threat streams and have monitored this and
Mostly cloudy; Stories labeled "Beacon First" are others for some time.
published in the newspaper before Books ...................... E3 Deaths ................. B5-7 Sheldon Ocker ......... C1 State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley
a shower, appearing online. Breaking news declined to comment on the matter. But he
breezy and still appears first on Ohio.com. Business ................. D1 Editorial ................. A10 Premier ................... E1 said the administration remains focused on al-
Qaida threats to U.S. interests and will take
colder Classified ................. F1 Horoscope ............. F11 Sports ..................... C1 appropriate steps to protect Americans.
A European official briefed on the talks
49 High 42 Low Community .............. B1 Jumble ..................... F9 Sudoku .................... E4
Forecast, Page B8 Crime Watch ............ B4 Lottery .....................B2 Travel ...................... E6 Please see Europe, A6
Advanced surgery that gets you home faster.

Thats more than healthcare. Thats smartcare.
summahealth.org
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www.Ohio.com
Vietnam veterans join circle of healing

Continued from Page A1
war zones in search of their souls.
In his book, Tick tells of a client
who witnessed the moment his soul
left his body during a mortar attack.
It ran faster than me, yards ahead
of me. I wanted to lie down and let
them kill me. But it was like I was be-
ing pulled along in a jet stream. I
couldnt stop. I guess my soul didnt
want me to die yet, the man said.
F or some , healing comes only
when a soldier returns to the place
where his soul was lost. But not all
who are going on the trip believe
theyve left their souls in Vietnam.
My soul is right here, Ralph
Knerem said, the dog tags around his
neck clinking when he tapped his
chest.
Holding the cross
A wooden cross hangs on the wall
inside Knerems Streetsboro apart-
ment. Its nothing fancy; it might
catch your eye because of its simplici-
ty rather than its ornateness.
I slept with that cross in my bed
from 83 to 89 when I was having such
a hard time, said Knerem who was a
U.S. Army infantry soldier. Ive
screamed, had nightmares, flashbacks.
Ive seen Satan and reached out for
Vietnamese in my sleep, but nothing
was there. All the time, I held the
cross.
Knerem and some of the others
have been diagnosed with post-trau-
matic stress disorder (PTSD), which
can cause flashbacks trapping people
in a frightening period of their life, or,
for warriors, an attack in which they LAURA TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal
were injured or forced to kill someone Vietnam veteran Tom Saal recites a poem he wrote about his combat experience as Warriors Journey Home members Anne Carter (left) and Lynette Brown listen.
to save their lives. Left un-
treated, PTSD can fester.
Therapists advice
W ith the help of a
counselor, Knerem, who
served three tours in Viet-
nam between 1967 and
1969 , says his life has
turned around, though it
took years. During the
trip, he will follow his
therapists advice.
On the last day Im
there, I will get on my
knees, scoop up a handful
of dirt, bless it and throw
it over my shoulder, he
explained , tapping his
foot, snug inside a camou-
flage moccasin. The
counselor said that would
complete my history on
Vietnam. It will be over.
Finished. Done.
Like so many others re-
turning from V ietnam ,
Knerem was given less
than a heros welcome. In-
stead, on his way back
from a tour, a brawl erupt-
ed inside a bar at a Chica-
go airport after patrons
called him and a pal baby
killers.
Certainly, the vets, and
those who support them, Shianne Eagleheart holds an abalone shell containing smoking sage and uses an eagle
wish things had been dif- feather to fan the smoke as Vietnam veteran Charles Forsyth enters the healing circle.
ferent, that the warriors
had been respected for their bravery gregational Church of Tallmadge, volved in the group. Healing takes
when they returned to U.S. soil. But S hianne E agleheart , of Haudeno - place through stories, and listening is a
there was another war of sorts taking saunne-Seneca descent, begins the big part of that.
place here. Four students were killed Warriors Journey Home meetings by
at Kent State University and there If we have 50 people in our circle
passing an abalone shell containing . . . 25 of them will be civilians. We
were other protests throughout the smoking sage around the room. In a
nation calling for the war to end. Hav- call them the People of Strong Hearts
Native American tradition known as whose responsibility it is to share the
ing left as adolescents, many soldiers smudging, the participants inhale the Tom Saal, 65, a Marine during the Vietnam War, is reflected in a case containing
returned as shamed and bewildered burdens of what our combat veterans
smoke and sometimes fan the cloud have experienced, Schluep said. his medals, including one of two Purple Hearts that he received. Below, Saals leg
adults. over their heads and bodies. is scarred from a land mine blast. He spent a year at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
When we came back, the inno- Thats because the veterans have sac-
cence was gone, lamented Charles The custom is done to cleanse both rificed on their behalf.
Forsyth of North Olmsted, who was a physically and spiritually, lifting away covery. Working in partnership with
rifleman with the U.S. Marine Corps. all negative energy. At the altar Warriors Journey Home, she is a
We offer our gratitude to our Na- At the center of the circle is a small calming force during the biweekly
F orsyth s buddy , S aal , started meetings. Along with others, she and
school at Kent just a few weeks after tive Elders for preserving these sacred altar. Leaning on the table is the Talk-
teachings so that we may know how ing Stick, borrowed from the Native Schluep listen as the soldiers share
the shootings. their stories tales of war and their
I had a professor call me out of to live, Eagleheart explained. American tradition. The person who
Smudging is also believed to help wishes to speak holds the stick, with a journey to cope and heal.
class and ask what I was doing in Viet-
nam, Saal said. It was embarrassing. heal veterans who are plagued with promise that as long as he is in posses- The men sob when talking about
So I just shut down. PTSD. According to the U.S. Depart- sion of it, he can speak the truth with- watching people die, and chuckle
His body filled with shrapnel, Saal ment of Veterans Affairs, 31 percent of out interruption or judgment. when remembering the Vietnamese
hasnt enjoyed a full nights sleep since Vietnam veterans are afflicted with The Vietnam veterans are in their children they befriended. Some admit
his legs were nearly blown off in 1968, the disorder. 60s now. Theyve earned their wrin- that PTSD and anger destroyed their
when he stepped on a land mine. To help those who are suffering, kles through time and war. Some are marriages, made them turn to drugs
Dr. Tick says that will change, the Rev. John Schluep of First Congre- white or graying, others can grow and alcohol or caused them to go tem-
Saal said, smiling. Thats the deal I gational began the group four years more hair on their chins than the tops porarily insane. They talk about being
return to Vietnam and he promises I ago. Its designed to support veterans of their heads. Some display bumps too ashamed to explain to their par-
will sleep. of all conflicts, including World War just below the flesh, a sign of embed- ents what happened in the jungles and
II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq ded shrapnel. how other people generally dont care
Circle of healing and Afghanistan. to hear the gory details.
M edicine can help ease some Schluep, 59, who was stationed in A calming force Still, with all of that, Schluep main-
symptoms, but sometimes it takes Alaska during the post-Vietnam era as Eagleheart is a chemical dependen- tains that he doesnt hear war stories
more than a pill to treat the pain of an infantry officer in a combat-ready cy counselor and founder of the Red on Sunday nights.
war. unit of the Army, explained its impor- Bird Center near Cambridge; she spe-
Every other Sunday at First Con- tant that nonmilitary folks also be in- cializes in trauma and addiction re- Please see Warriors, A9
WARRIORS JOURNEY HOME

Five veterans from the region are returning to Vietnam
Tallmadge ministry helping
Vietnam veterans find peace
A dozen local people with Warriors Saigon, Can Ranh Bay, Hue and Dong Ha,
Journey Home, a ministry that meets at Torchia will update a blog. To view that blog,
First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, visit http://www.ohio.com/vietnamjourney.
are traveling to Vietnam. Among the group
are five Vietnam veterans who will revisit When they return, Beacon Journal staff
areas where they engaged in combat. writer Kim Hone-McMahan will write about
Saal Oskar the veterans trip and the effect it had on
Caley Forsyth Knerem Many veterans remember only the them.
destruction, death and mayhem in the path
JOE CALEY Postwar career: Counselor. Regiment. of war. Returning will Warriors Journey Home meetings are
25th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 1st Family: Married, six children. Age: 65. allow them to replace held at 6 p.m. every other Sunday at the
Cavalry, U.S. Marines. those old memories church, 85 Heritage Drive, Tallmadge.
Home: Akron.
Age: 63. with new vision. While there will be meetings tonight and
RALPH KNEREM Postwar career: High school English Oct. 17, the next session the travelers will
Home: Tallmadge. 8th Maintenance Battalion, 173rd teacher. Traveling with the
veterans are family attend is Oct. 31. Also at that session will
Postwar career: Cook. Airborne Brigade, U.S. Army. Family: Separated, four children.
members, friends and be Dr. Edward Tick, founder of Soldiers
Family: Married, two children. Age: 65. Heart, and John Fisher, senior veteran
Laura Torchia, a senior
Home: Streetsboro. RON OSKAR visual journalism major Torchia liaison for Soldiers Heart. The men are co-
Postwar career: Army, lineman, driver. 1st Logistics Command, U.S. Army. at Kent State leading the journey to Vietnam.
CHARLES FORSYTH
Mike Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Family: Divorced, three children. Age: 64. University. Torchia, 36, will be taking To learn more, visit Soldiers Heart at
1st Marine Division. Home: Springfield Township. photographs for the Beacon Journal. http://www.soldiersheart.net and Warriors
Age: 61. TOM SAAL Postwar career: Labor relations officer. During the three-week mission, which Journey Home at http://www.warriors
Home: North Olmsted. India Company 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Family: Divorced, one child. will take the group to places such as journeyhome.com or 330-633-4931.
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CC www.Ohio.com Akron Beacon Journal d Sunday, October 3, 2010 Search Edition A9
Warriors
Aging veterans return
to former battle zone
Instead, I hear love stories, he
said. Stories about love of country
and love of family.
What it will be like
Joe Caley is nervous about return-
ing to Vietnam. Hes not like the oth-
ers, who are going back to visit a spe-
cific area. As a First Air Cavalry scout
dog handler, he walked point in search
of the enemy. He and Baron, a Ger-
man shepherd whose job included
alerting Caley to booby traps and pos-
sible ambushes, were continually
moving . G enerally , those walking
point saw the carnage first. But with
his wife, Mona, by his side, he will re-
turn, despite his trepidation.
Sometimes acquaintances ask me
why I want to go there. They say that
its stupid and asked why Im taking
my wife, he said, sitting inside Tag-
garts, a restaurant owned by Mona in
Tallmadge. So I sort of get the same
feeling of shame that I had when I
came home from Vietnam when I tell
people that Im going back.
How do you explain why youre
going back when you dont know why
yourself? asked Caley, the only man
among the traveling group who was
drafted. I have a great deal of anxiety
about it, but I guess I just want to put
it to rest.
There was a lot of destruction LAURA TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal
done, but it was by both sides. Im told Veterans and civilians form a healing circle at Warriors Journey Home, a ministry that meets every other Sunday at First Congregational Church in Tallmadge.
now that our search-and-destroy mis-
sions will be replaced with missions of
peace and healing. 1970, he looked over his shoulder and Tears, the man replied, realizing
declared that portion of his life was that he wouldnt be crying if he had no
Significant sites
The group will travel to sites that
over never imagining he would re-
turn.
feelings.
And which part of us feels? Tick Super Bowl raffle will help
pay expenses of Vietnam trip
have particular significance to the vet- But its never really over, ex- asked.
erans, even if it takes hours over rug- plained the 64-year-old from Spring- Stumbling over his words, the man
ged roads to get there, explained field Township, who served as quar- replied, My heart and soul.
Ticks wife, Kate Dahlstedt, who will termaster in the U.S. Ar m y. And who sees the souls of the
not be traveling on this mission, but Reconciling with the enemy is some- dead? Which part of us can see souls? To help offset expenses for those Station Grille, Tallmadge Recreational
has helped guide several other veter- thing I never thought I would be do- Tick inquired. traveling to Vietnam with Warriors Center and some of those connected to
ans back to Vietnam. ing. But, unlike the first time, this is a Only the soul, the man answered. Journey Home, a raffle for two Super the mission, including Jane Huffman at
Oftentimes, we get to meet with journey of peace. . . . I guess I do still have a soul. Bowl XLV tickets is being held. 330-633-9628, or by ordering online at
former soldiers, either those who Now its time to make friends with it Tallmadge resident John Parry, a http://www.warriorsjourneyhome.com.
fought with us or some of the Viet Haunted by memory again. referee for the National Football League, In addition to the tickets, the winner
Cong. So theres an opportunity for In his book, Tick writes about a There has been much planning and is donating the tickets to the game Feb. of the raffle will receive a stipend for
reconciliation. That is absolutely mag- man on a reconciliation visit to Viet- mental preparation by the men and 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, travel. Parry said it could be cash, though
ical, Dahlstedt said. They hug, show nam who was haunted by the memory women who form a circle every other Texas. he and Schluep, with First
each other their scars, laugh and share of a 14-year-old boy he had killed. He Sunday night in the brick church. So The NFL has always been a strong Congregational Church, have asked
food or wine with us. Theres a real told the author about seeing the souls Tom Saal is about as prepared as any- supporter of our military, said Parry, Marriott Hotels, Continental Airlines and
sense of camaraderie like we all sort of the dead when the bus drove past one can be when searching for a soul who is in his 11th year as a referee for American Airlines to contribute the flights
of survived the same hell, so now we the rice paddies. he lost when he was just a kid. and accommodations.
the NFL. This was an opportunity for me
can be brothers. That is the attitude My soul. . . . Its gone. Ive been What will it feel like when your
soul re-enters your body? he was . . . to support a local military The drawing will take place Nov. 11 at
of the Vietnamese. without a soul since the war. I killed foundation as well as support the efforts Delanies, 67 West Ave., Tallmadge. A
The decorated veterans have been innocent people. I killed a boy. I did asked.
Ill let you know, he said, as a and vision of [the Rev.] John Schluep maximum of 2,500 tickets will be sold.
told that they will see a beautiful wrong. I cant feel a thing, the man and his mission. The time of the drawing hasnt been
country that has thrived since the war said. clock in his apartment chimed the
tune When You Wish Upon a Star. The $10 raffle tickets are available at announced, but Parry said it will probably
ended. War-torn villages have been T ick took the warrior s hand , Delanies Neighborhood Grille, First be during that Thursday nights NFL
rebuilt, and people are happy and en- raised it to his face, gingerly nudged We will be ready to listen.
Congregational Church of Tallmadge, Erie game broadcast.
joying normal lives. him to wipe away his own tears, and Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742
The day Ron Oskar left Vietnam in then asked what he had felt. or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL The dirt on hydroponics: Cuyahoga Falls company
COPLEY KNOCKS OFF GREEN 23-13 specializes in growing plants without soil. HOME, E1
Tallmadge rallies against Wadsworth to stay undefeated
Ellet 27, Garfield 21 (OT) .....Hudson 14, Twinsburg 11 .....Hoban 14, NDCL 10
SPORTS, C1, C8
ROADS NAMED FOR WOMEN
Poet laureate, civic leader honored. COMMUNITY, B1

SATURDAY, October 16, 2010 A B C MO WWW.OHIO.COM Home Delivery 800-777-2442 75
Bad titles
Local church
MARLA
RIDENOUR
is making sure at heart
five Ohio vets of new
October visiting Vietnam
housing
will finally come
blunders home to a . . . problem
may haunt Foreclosure-filing flaws
OSU fans
HEROES WELCOME
could haunt buyers who
found bargains in crisis
A lot could go wrong By Dave Carpenter
Associated Press
this Halloween season It seemed too good to be true:
You bought a house in foreclo-
Buckeye fans, be afraid. Be sure at a fraction of the former
very afraid. price. Maybe you even knocked
Not just of Ohio States out a wall or two and remodeled
matchup tonight against No. 18 with all the money you saved.
Wisconsin in frenetic Camp But now thousands of foreclo-
Randall Stadium, although I sures around
can still feel the swaying of its the country FILINGS UP
press box during the Badgers may be invalid
Jump Around anthem in 2003. because of IN SUMMIT
Not just of the No. 1 target bank paper- Foreclosures
the Buckeyes now wear. work prob- rise nearly 48%
Not just that theyre not lems . S hould in September.
projected to be atop the first you worry?
BCS rankings, which are to be A n y o n e Page D1
released Sunday night. w h os pur -
chased a foreclosed property in
the last three years should really
O hio State at be concerned, said George Bab-
W isconsin cock, a Providence, R.I., attorney
Time: 7:15 tonight. TV: ESPN. who represents homeowners
Radio: WAKR (1590-AM). who have been foreclosed on.
They should call the attor-
ney that did their closing and
The meat of the schedule say, Hey, do I have a problem?
starts this weekend for Ohio Bank of America, JPMorgan
State, one of 13 teams still Chase and other major lenders
undefeated, and pessimists have frozen tens of thousands of
abound. Plenty of challenges foreclosures in at least some
remain if the Buckeyes are to states while they review the pa-
play in the BCS National perwork for errors or mishan-
Championship Game on Jan. 10 dling.
in Glendale, Ariz. For homeowners, there are
Sweater Vest Nation several questions to ask. But first,
thought OSU proved something LAURA TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal experts say, they should check
with its Sept. 11 victory over Above, Springfield Townships Ron Oskar (second from left) joins hands with other veterans during a reconciliation trip to that they have title insurance,
then-No. 12 Miami. But the Vietnam. I never thought Id go back, but Im glad now that I did, he said. Top, the group stands on a bridge Oskar crossed which protects the homebuyer
now-unranked Canes were many times while delivering supplies as a quartermaster during the Vietnam War. from any claim on the property
drubbed 45-17 by Florida State that surfaces after the deal has
last weekend and former stars closed.
are questioning the programs By Kim Hone-McMahan spent the last few And when the warriors returned to the Those claims can arise from
leadership. With Ohio State in Beacon Journal staff writer weeks trying to find States, there was no fanfare. unpaid taxes or legal glitches in
T
need of strength-of-schedule he five area Vietnam veterans peace. N orth O lmsted s C harles F orsyth the ownership documents. Most
points almost as desperately as never received a heros wel- On Tuesday, when stepped on U.S. soil in San Diego with people who take out mortgages
touchdowns, the Buckeyes come when they returned they arrive at Akron- a few hundred fellow Marines. Because are required by their lenders to
need the U. to become the U. home from war. Instead, they Canton Airport, the it was such a large group, the arrival buy a policy. For those paying
again. were often ridiculed and ministry hopes to en- was portrayed as a kind of troop with- cash, its optional, but highly ad-
But the issue of Ohio States called names. One was teased for hav- courage the men with drawal , so Forsyth was expecting a visable, especially now.
weak opponents aside, plenty ing his legs nearly blown off by a land a welcome they never Marine Corps band or some type of If youre a bona-fide pur-
of other goblins lurk. mine. Forsyth had. celebration. chaser with title insurance and
Be afraid, be very afraid of A Tallmadge congregation and com- D uring the V iet - Instead, the soldiers were loaded on no knowledge of any irregulari-
the Buckeyes special teams. munity members want to help those nam War, the country was angry. Four buses with military police who were ties in the transaction, courts are
Those who wanted to cover men with their healing as they again re- students who were protesting the war going to be extremely loath to
their eyes in recent weeks turn home from Vietnam, where they were killed at Kent State University. Please see Welcome, A8
during OSUs punts, kickoffs Please see Titles, A9
and extra points are not alone.
Please see Ridenour, A9
FirstWORD
Chapel adds Wadsworth church to fold havent had a concentrated fo- to transform the Wadsworth
Peas in pod? Group Valleyview will become Akron megachurchs third campus by next spring cus. site into the Chapel.
again shadows Keys By Colette M. Jenkins Chapel its third campus. The two locations, we will become T he independent nonde- T he relationship between
Beacon Journal religion writer megachurchs main campus is one church in three locations, nominational church, which at- the two churches dates back to
Akrons own the Black Keys tracts about 6,000 worshippers 1992, when the Chapel helped
seemed to get a nice honor The Chapel is growing again. at 135 Fir Hill in Akron and its said the Rev. Paul Sartarelli,
each Sunday, expects to com- plant V alleyview . A mid the
when their Tighten Up video This time, Akrons largest second site is at 1800 Raber senior pastor of the Chapel. pletely enfold Valleyview by downturn in the economy and
won the breakthrough video church is expanding into Wads- Road in Green. This will help us reach the un- next spring. Until then, leader-
prize at MTVs Video Music worth by making Valleyview Instead of one church in churched in an area where we ship and parishioners will work Please see Chapel, A8
Awards in September.
Unfortunately, when they got
the actual award, it was made
out to the Black Eyed Peas.
This is not the first time
MTV has confused the duo of
Patrick Carney and Dan BeaconFirst Dear Abby ......... B6
Mary Beth Breckenridge
Home ............... E1
Kids Krafts ....... E2 Free financial advice Todays weather
Auerbach with the pop Stories labeled "Beacon First" are Close to Home ...... E1 Lottery ............. B2 Have questions about how to tackle your debt or increase
foursome of will.i.am, Fergie, your savings? Volunteer financial planners and consumer Mostly
published in the newspaper before Business .......... D1 Movies ..............E3
apl.de.ap and Taboo. Billboard credit counselors will help answer your questions. sunny and
reported in 2003 that MTV was appearing online. Breaking news Jewell Cardwell ... B1 Region Briefs .... B3
crediting the Keys Set You Free still appears first on Ohio.com. Classified .......... F1
breezy
Soaps ............... E3 Today, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by
to a Peas CD. The Keys posted Comics ......... B6, 7
the Akron Beacon Journal,
Sports .............. C1
a photo of the award on their the Financial Planning
Facebook page, with a note
saying, We are super proud of
Community ....... B1
Deaths ..........B4, 5
Sudoku ............. B6
TV Listings ........ B8
330-996-3644 Association and the
Consumer Credit
Counseling Service
62 High
Forecast, Page B8
45 Low
fergie!!!
Presented by:
Oct. 16-17, 22-24 & 29-30

Fridays: 5:30 8 pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 3
Join us to get nose-to- nose with the animals
8 pm
trick-or- treat event! Its safe and at the areas favorite
non-sca ry for the kids.
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet
for dinner!
Sponsored by: Bob Evans and Ohio
Lottery
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www.Ohio.com
Welcome ago on a reconciliation visit to

Vietnam.
Suffering from post-traumat-
ic stress disorder , some said
Caravan route
The Vietnam veterans are
airport, should be at the church
at 5:45 p.m. A bus provided by
the Tallmadge Recreation Cen-
ter will transport those who
they were returning to retrieve scheduled to arrive at 7:13 need assistance to the airport.
Group to greet men the souls they lost during battle. p.m. Tuesday at the Akron- T he T allmadge P olice De-
at airport on Tuesday Others went in search of heal- Canton Airport. The route to partment is providing an escort
ing. Tallmadge will be: Interstate to the church for the men, who
Continued from Page A1 T he A kron B eacon J ournal 77 north to Interstate 76 will be riding in a limousine.
wrote of their life journey Oct. 3 east, exiting on state Route I think just having our pres-
bearing batons. and has provided a place on 532. The caravan will then ence at the airport giving
We were all told there were Ohio.com for photos and narra- proceed into Tallmadge, warmth and love will mean
OOPS!
protesters outside the gates and tive from the trip, provided by around the circle, and back more to them than words can
. . . not to react in any way. And Laura Torchia, a senior visual say, said Ann Carter, a War-
journalism major at Kent State to the church at 85 Heritage
to keep our heads down, For- Drive. riors Journey Home member
University.
syth said.
The batons, he recalled, were
to be used on Marines who dis-
I n addition to F orsyth , the
V ietnam veterans returning
Read more about the trip
at http://www.ohio.com/
who is honored to be helping
coordinate the welcome-home WERE OVERSTOCKED
celebration. OUR WAREHOUSE IS BURSTING WITH QUALITY
obeyed. home are Tallmadges Joe Cal- vietnamjourney.
ey, Akrons Tom Saal, Spring- FURNITURE AND MATTRESSES, FORCING US
That was 40 years ago. Laura Torchia contributed to this story. A blog TO MARK IT DOWN AND MOVE IT OUT!!
The men, members of War- field Townships Ron Oskar and with photos and commentary by Torchia is
SAVE 30-60%
riors Journey Home, a ministry Streetsboros Ralph Knerem. available on the Beacon Journals Web site, OFF reg.
there are no delays. http://vietnamjourney.ohio.com/. discounted
that meets biweekly at First Con- AirTran Flight 203 from At- Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330- price
gregational Church in T all - lanta to Akron-Canton Airport Those who want to join the
996-3742 or kmcmahan@
madge, left more than two weeks is due at 7 : 13 p.m., provided caravan, rather than meet at the thebeaconjournal.com.
CUYAHOGA FALLS MON & THUR 10-8
3656 STATE RD. TUE, WED, FRI-SAT
Chapel
10-5:30
(330)923-6108
CLOSED SUN
J02-2763495
Declining attendance
behind church merger Attention all crafters!
the resignation of its pastor three
years ago, leadership at Valley- Get a FREE table at the Silver Oaks
view sought guidance from the
Chapel. At that point, leaders at
the Chapel began giving pulpit,
Place Retirement Community
leadership and financial assist-
ance to its daughter church. Annual Craft Show.
Valleyview was at a cross-
roads. We were experiencing de-
clining attendance and needed to
figure out where do we go from
The craft show will be held Saturday,
here. We explored everything,
from remaining independent to November 13 at Silver Oaks Place,
becoming a campus of the Cha-
pel, said the Rev. Kevin Seager,
interim pastor at Valleyview.
off Horning Rd. next to Kent State
When it was all said and done,
we felt God was leading us to be
University from 9:00am to 3:00pm
part of a larger, regional church.
This will be the best of both PHIL MASTURZO/Akron Beacon Journal photos
worlds, building a local commu-
nity church with a link to a
The Rev. Zac Derr preaches a sermon Sunday at the Valleyview Chapel in Wadsworth. Derr, who served
as family pastor at the Chapel, was named pastor at the Chapels third campus on Wednesday.
If you are interested in reserving a
table call 330-678-5861.
J16_2774979
strong regional church.
L ast D ecember , leaders of
both churches voted to join in an ships. At its peak, and staff on-the-ground at these
engagement with plans to wed V alleyview had sites. Im not a big fan of video
as a church merger. In July, 95 more than 400 sermons, unless its absolutely
percent of the Valleyview con- worshippers. necessary. So, if we add other
gregation voted to become the D uring O cto - sites, those churches will have a
Chapel site in Wadsworth. The ber , fiduciary live person preaching on a regu-
Chapel family voted last week, matters of Valley- lar basis, Sartarelli said. The
by an 88 percent majority, to ex- view will transfer primary reason we are transi-
pand into Wadsworth. to the Chapel and tioning Valleyview into a new
Gary Kisling, a trustee at Val- its employees will entity is because the research
leyview, said the merger is a become members shows that new people are at-
welcome change for their parish- of the C hapel tracted to new churches. And
ioners. It is also an opportunity staff . O ver the our goal is to attract people who
for the Chapel to expand its next several dont go to church in Medina
reach, he said. months , the County.
We have always been associ- W adsworth site All three campuses of the
ated with the Chapel. Our belief will undergo a re- Chapel will offer the same pro-
and value system is the same, so design, including grams, services, preaching and
there will be no changes there, management and ministries. The church offers
Kisling said. But the merger physical changes, more than 300 programs, includ-
will allow for greater outreach in to become a new ing activities for children and
the Wadsworth area. Being church. teens , B ible studies , support
linked to the great resources of A dding the groups and ministries for singles
the Chapel will give us more op- third site is part of and families.
portunities for ministry, for mis- the Chapels vi-
sions and for our members and The Rev. Kevin Seager, interim pastor, sion for the fu- Sunday worship service times
attendees to be served by the announces that Valleyview Chapel in ture , which in- in Akron are 9 and 10:40 a.m.
church. This is just a great op- Wadsworth will be the Chapels third campus. cludes adding up and 6:40 p.m. and 9 and 10:40
portunity to serve and accom- to seven new a.m. in Green. For more infor-
plish the great cause of Christ. worship venues. mation, visit http://www.the-
It also serves more than 175 chil- chapel.org.
On Wednesday, the Rev. Zac Our hope is to infuse the
Derr was named pastor at the dren and youth through its Stu- Chapel DNA into the new ven-
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-
Wadsworth campus. Derr, a for- dent and Childrens Bible fellow- ues and to have a campus pastor 3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
mer University of Akron football
standout, and his wife, Hilary,
OVERSTOCKED SALE
live in Wadsworth with their
two children Jillian Davy, 3,
and Andrea, 1. Your Life. Your Style.
3
Derr, 31, began attending the
Chapel while at the university
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world of professional and semi-
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turned to the Chapel, working
full time with young married
2492 Wedgewood Dr. Akron and receive a
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couples and earning a graduate
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10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat
FREE GIFT
most recently served as family
pastor at the Chapel, overseeing
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the childrens, youth, marriage J13-2770183
and family ministries.
Im really excited to be a
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part of a church that is rooted in

a town but is geographically
based. This is a church that has
SUPERHERO!
an opportunity to be a blessing
to the community of Wadsworth
and the surrounding area, Derr
said. We will work to build re-
lationships. I have a heart to not
only be a pastor of a church but a
pastor in the community. Our
goal is to see people come to GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
faith in Christ and become com-
mitted followers of Jesus.
Valleyview sits on 30 acres at
LIVE UNITED
1391 State Road in Wadsworth. We bring the store
330-699-0100 or 800-967-7969
to your door
The building includes an all-pur-
pose room that serves as the
worship area, classroom space
and offices. The church commu- Locally owned and operated
nity has an annual budget of
DAWSONS CARPET
$530,000 and a building debt of
$1.75 million. Trustees are cur-
rently working on a plan to elim-
inate the building debt.
The church attracts about 250
people to its 10:30 a.m. Sunday
worship service and Adult Bible
Look for United Way 12801 Cleveland Ave. (Canton Rd.) Uniontown
www.dawsonflooring.com
of Summit County on
Fellowships that begin at 9 a.m. www.uwsummit.org
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Financing available with approved credit. Interest accrues from purchase date if not paid by the terms of the agreement. All accrued finance will be added.
Search Edition
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WEDNESDAY, October 20, 2010 A B C MO WWW.OHIO.COM Home Delivery 800-777-2442 75
Aultman ordered to pay rival At the end of a two-month trial in

Judge says Mercy gets $4 million for attorneys fees, taxpayers owed $266,400 June, jurors decided Aultman should pay
Mercy more than $6.1 million in dam-
By Cheryl Powell
Aultman Health Foundation must pay
BeaconFirst What Mercy wanted from Day 1 will
be achieved, because there will be no
more secret payments, Mercy attorney
ages for engaging in a pattern of cor-
rupt activity by influencing brokers
with money.
rival Mercy Medical Center $4 million in Pleas Judge Frank Forchione ruled on Lee Plakas said.
attorneys fees and reimburse taxpayers Tuesday that the court will monitor Aultman plans to appeal the jurys de-
$266,400 for secret payments it made to The decisions mark the latest twist in cision, said Allen Schulman, a Canton at-
Aultmans tax returns for the next three what Forchione described as a civil torney representing the health system. If
insurance brokers. years to make sure the nonprofit disclos- war between Stark Countys largest
In addition, Stark County Common es all money it uses to pay brokers. hospitals. Please see Aultman, A4
Crowd at Akron-Canton Airport offers warm welcome BeaconFirst

APPLE Witness
BUTTER says she
IS FAMILY did not
TRADITION
FOOD, D1 see firing
of shots
Fair Finance UA student testifies in trial
chiefs cars of Green resident charged
in parking workers death
on the block By Phil Trexler
BUSINESS, B6 Beacon Journal staff writer
CLEVELAND: She was supposed
to witness a Cavs game.
Instead, the University of Ak-
ron student witnessed a homi-
cide.
INDICTED
Allison Breucker, a 22-year-
old psychology major, highlight-
ed Tuesdays first round of testi-
IN KILLING mony in the

aggravated
murder trial of
Grand jury makes Well-wishers greet Charles Forsyth as he arrives at Akron-Canton Airport on Tuesday night. Forsyth, a member of Warriors
PHIL MASTURZO/Akron Beacon Journal photos
her friend,
Matthew War-
case against Journey Home, was one of five local Vietnam veterans who took part in a three-week-long visit to Vietnam.
mus.
I n an ex-
Florida man change with a
40 YEARS
Cuyahoga
County assist-
ant prosecutor, Warmus
B reucker in-
Jewell Cardwell sisted she never saw Warmus
fire the three shots that killed a
CHANGES
Cleveland parking lot attendant
tells a bold story April 9.
And despite weekly conversa-
of determination tions with Warmus, in which
they sometimes pray together,
COMMUNITY, B1 Breucker insists they never dis-
VIETNAM cussed the events that led the

Green resident to open fire.
In fact, Breucker testified that
immediately after seeing the dy-
ing body of 27-year-old David
JOURNEY
Williams, she asked Warmus
why he shot Williams.
She told the prosecutor on
Tuesday that she still doesnt re-
call her companions answer that
evening.
FOR VETS Vietnam veteran Tom Saal (left) gets a hug from his brother, Larry
Saal, at Akron-Canton Airport on Tuesday night.
I thought the whole situation
was strange, Breucker said of
the events.
Later, she said, I think I was
in shock when this whole thing
was going on.
By Kim Hone-McMahan Journey Home, a ministry of the First when they returned home from war. Warmus, 25, and also a UA
Beacon Journal staff writer Congregational Church in Tallmadge, Its been 40-some years too long, student, intends to testify during
Charles Forsyth slipped into the who returned home Tuesday night af- said T allmadge s J ayann M organ - his trial and tell the jury that he
arms of his waiting wife. ter a nearly three-week-long visit to Brooks, whose brother, Richard Mor- killed Williams in self-defense
Hi, baby, he said, closing his eyes Vietnam. gan, was killed in action in Vietnam in following an argument over the
as he embraced her. Stows Colleen Bowes, one of about 1971. price of parking at the E ast
Welcome home, she whispered 300 who came to the airport to greet Some clutched their hearts, handed Ninth Street lot near the Quick-
into his ear. Ive missed you so much. the men, said she didnt know anyone in the warriors flags and offered hugs as en Loans Arena.
In the background, a cheer of U-S- the group, but felt a need to come any- the men inched their way through the According to witnesses and
A began echoing off the walls inside way. Her son, she explained, was spit assembly of well-wishers. Touched by prosecutors , W illiams placed
the main corridor of the Akron-Canton upon when he came home a few dec- what they were witnessing, people Warmus in a headlock after he
CAVS FIND
Airport. ades ago from Vietnam. This was an laughed and sobbed. Even tough, deco- refused to pay $20 for a parking
Forsyth was one of five local Viet- opportunity to give these soldiers a space.
nam veterans, all members of Warriors proper welcome, one they never had Please see Vietnam, A4
Please see Shooting, A3
RIGHT MIX
IN VICTORY
Win over 76ers
Military alters gay policy
Judge refuses to set aside ban calling dont ask, dont tell unconstitutional
shows how good From Beacon Journal wire services in California refused to set aside Pentagon announced that re-
they could be WASHINGTON: Military officials her injunction halting enforce- cruiters have begun taking appli-
said Tuesday they have begun ment of the policy, which she cations from men and women
accepting applications from had ruled unconstitutional. who say they are gay or lesbian.
openly gay and lesbian recruits, Obama administration law- Recruiters have been given
Browns rookie creating a dilemma for many ho-
mosexuals who long have want-
yers are expected to file a formal
appeal with the U.S. Court of
guidance, and they will process
applications for applicants who
Appeals for the 9th Circuit in
demonstrating ed to join the armed forces but
worry their status will be jeopar-
dized if the controversial dont
San Francisco to stop her ban
and allow the Pentagon to con-
admit they are openly gay or les-
bian, said Cynthia O. Smith, a
Pentagon spokeswoman.
his big skills Dan Choi, an Iraq War veteran and West Point graduate, waits
BEBETO MATTHEWS/Associated Press
ask, dont tell policy is reim-
posed.
tinue its internal review of the
policy.
Yet Smith noted that recruit-
ers have been told to remind ap-
With the policy at this point
SPORTS, C1 outside a recruiting office in New York. Also Tuesday, a federal judge legally no longer in force, the Please see Gay, A3
Dear Abby ............... B8

Business ................. B6
Community .............. B1
Deaths ................ B4, 5
Movies ................... D3
Nation Briefs ........... A2
BeaconFirst Mostly Todays weather
Stories labeled "Beacon First" are sunny and
Jewell Cardwell ........ B1
Classified ................ D4
Editorial .................. A6
Food ....................... D1
Sports .....................C1
Sudoku ................... B8
published in the newspaper before breezy 62 High 43 Low
appearing online. Breaking news Forecast, Page B10
Comics ................ B8, 9 Lottery .................... B2 TV Listings ............. B10
still appears first on Ohio.com.
Search Edition
MO
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CC A4 Akron Beacon Journal d Wednesday, October 20, 2010 Search Edition
www.Ohio.com
Justices wife
asks for apology
Anita Hill insists 1991 Thomas testimony truthful
By Mark Sherman Thomas said she did not intend
Associated Press to offend Hill.
WASHINGTON: The wife of Su- I did place a call to Ms. Hill
preme Court Justice Clarence at her office extending an olive
Thomas called Anita Hill to ask branch to her after all these
her to apologize for accusing the years, in hopes that we could ul-
justice of sexually harassing her, timately get [past] what hap-
19 years after Thomas confirma- pened so long ago. That offer
tion hearing spawned a national still stands, I would be very hap-
debate about harassment in the py to meet and talk with her if
workplace. she would be willing to do the
Virginia Thomas said in a same, Thomas said.
statement Tuesday that she was
extending an olive branch to FBI Special Agent Jason Pack,
Hill, now a Brandeis University a spokesman at bureau head-
professor, in a voice-mail mes- quarters in W ashington , de-
sage left over the weekend. clined to comment on the voice-
In a transcript of the message mail.
provided by ABC News, which
ROOF LEAKS
said it listened to the recording,
Thomas identified herself and
then said, I just wanted to reach
across the airwaves and the years Honest, up front, complete pricing.
and ask you to consider some- Cant Afford A New Roof Right Now?
PHIL MASTURZO/Akron Beacon Journal photos

thing. I would love you to con-
sider an apology sometime and
some full explanation of why
GET
THE ROOF TUNE-UP
WERE THE ORIGINALS!

Sue Lyons (right), a member of First Congregational Church in Tallmadge, hugs Beth Schluep, wife of the Rev. John Schluep, the
founder of Warriors Journey Home. The group returned Tuesday night to Akron-Canton Airport after a trip to Vietnam. you did what you did with my
husband. So give it some thought
and certainly pray about this and
Includes
the following $
services starting at: 195 95
Vietnam
SEAL UP TO 3 LEAKS
come to understand why you did 3 YR INSPECTION WARRANTY
what you did. OK, have a good SEAL ALL PIPES, CRACKS & VALLEYS
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REPLACE MISSING SHIN./TABS (30)
When Hill heard the voice FHA CERTIFICATIONS 24 HOUR SERVICE
mail, she contacted Brandeis YOUR WIN-WIN WARRANTY
Trip helps men heal public safety office, which in You may deduct $19595 from one of our
Lifetime roofs anytime in the future.
nonphysical wounds turn informed the FBI.
I certainly thought the call Flat Additions &
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J17-2777423
Continued from Page A1 (Rubbergrd.) $320
worked for Clarence Thomas in
rated combat warriors , like two federal government jobs, Gutters Chimneys
Streetsboros Ralph Knerem, said in a statement released Siding
who served three tours in Viet-
nam, allowed a stream of tears
Tuesday night.
I have no intention of apolo- MURPHY &
to trickle down their cheeks.
I didnt have this when I
gizing because I testified truth-
fully about my experience and I SONS INC.
came home, said Knerem, who stand by that testimony, she INSURED LICENSED SINCE 1965
celebrated his 67th birthday on added. 75% OF OUR WORK IS REFERRAL
Tuesday. This is a helluva
birthday present.
Traveling with Forsyth and
In her statement, Virginia
330-865-7600
SAVE 20
Knerem were Vietnam veterans
$
Tom Saal, Joe Caley, Ron Oskar
and a contingent of seven other
area folks including the Rev.
John Schluep, the founder of
Warriors Journey Home who
was an Army infantry officer
stationed in Alaska during the
post-Vietnam era.
Tune-Up or Repair
The journey was designed to With American flags waving, well-wishers greet members of Warriors Journey Home, a ministry of
help the men heal the nonphysi- the First Congregational Church in Tallmadge, who returned home Tuesday night from Vietnam.
cal wounds left by war. Suffer-
ing from post-traumatic stress
JENNINGS
disorder, some said they were side the airport where two Tall-
madge police cruisers were
returning to retrieve the souls
they lost during horrific battles. Learn more about trip waiting to escort the men back
The Akron Beacon Journal originally wrote of the Warriors to the church.
HEATING CO. INC.
Saal, in particular, shared a
story before the trip about los- Journey Home on Oct. 3. One after the other, friends
ing his soul in a rice paddy More about the trip will be published in upcoming and strangers approached the
somewhere south of Da Nang in months, with photos by Kent State University senior visual men and offered a hug or a pat
on the back.
1671 E Market St. Akron Ohio 44305
Vietnam. journalism major Laura Torchia, who went with the veterans
I have it back, he said,
humbled by the events of the
to Vietnam. A boy, barely tall enough to
reach F orsyth s waistline , $20 $20 330-784-1286
Meanwhile, you can read more about the trip by visiting
evening.
The group traveled to areas
http://www.ohio.com/vietnamjourney. reached out his hand. 1-800-588-1095
Thank you, he said, shyly. www.jenningsheating.com
that had special significance to
the warriors, slept in the home
Forty years finally a worthy $20 $20
welcome home.
of a former Viet Cong soldier,
shared meals and told stories
about when they were just kids
bodies.
The healing and reconcilia-
sides well, there are just no
words to describe it, said Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-
996 - 3742 or kmcmahan @ thebeacon
SOLAR
with weapons strapped to their tion that took place on both Schluep, who made his way out- journal.com.
Satisfaction Guaranteed. No Fine Print OH LC 14067
j04-2770135
Aultman and compelling evidence that
I BUY OLD COMIC BOOKS

the CSP did exactly what Ault-
man intended caused the CSP
brokers to steer their unsuspect-
ing clients to Aultman from
Payments to brokers Mercy-friendly insurance plans,
and once converted, made sure
must be on tax returns they never left, Forchione said.
Continued from Page A1 The judge ordered Aultman
to pay $190,800 to Stark County
the verdict is overturned, the and $75,600 to the city of North
judges rulings will be thrown Canton to reimburse taxpayers
out as well. for secret payments brokers re-
Mercy had been seeking $110 ceived for switching government
million in past and future dam- employees to AultCare.
ages, along with $5.5 million in We felt very strongly that
attorneys fees and another re- the citizens of both Stark County
quest for $1.4 million in expert and North Canton who were
witness fees, which was denied. basically financing and paying
Mercys case centered on bo- for the insurance programs had a
nuses Aultman gave to select right to return of this money,
brokers to switch clients from Plakas said. The money that
other Mercy-friendly plans to was paid should have gone to
Aultmans AultCare. Aultman Stark County and the city of
Hospital is AultCares only in- North Canton, not to secret pay-
network hospital in Canton. ments to brokers who were al-
The brokers could earn as ready on retainer.
much as $200 per new person In addition, Forchione or-
In Need Of
enrolled in AultCare, in addition dered Aultman to disclose all
imum $500
to regular commissions, through payments to health insurance
paying min
the conversion support pay- brokers on its federal tax returns
Some Extra Money?

ment (CSP) program. and forms it provides to self-
E vidence during the trial insured employer groups.
showed that brokers werent al- To ensure compliance, For-
0,000
lowed to disclose the payments
g minimum $1
chione will appoint a certified
to anyone, even the clients they public accountant to monitor
payin
I buy comic books that were
represented. Aultmans tax returns for three
Businesses rely on brokers to years. Aultman and Mercy will
published from 1930-1975.

help them shop around and se- equally share the cost.
lect the best health coverage for
employees and their families. Schulman noted that Ault-
I also bu y comic book and TV

Aultman officials have said man had offered to settle the
the confidentiality requirement case before the trial began by
related toys made from 1930-1975.

was dropped in 2004, well before placing $5 million in a communi-
Mercy filed its lawsuit. ty health fund if Mercy would
match the amount.
In his rulings, Forchione con-
cluded that Aultman used exor- We were willing to enter in
bitant payments from charita- an agreement with Mercy to
help this community, which is
ble funds to create a conflict of
interest for participating brokers suffering economically, he said. Stop by and see us at:
and an unfair competitive ad- In his rulings, Forchione said
vantage.
The CSP scheme, although
the real tragedy is the $20 mil-
lion spent in this inextricable Hampton Inn Akron-South
perhaps brilliant, created a con- maze.
flict of interest by reducing the 3235 South Arlington Road, Akron, Ohio
One can only wonder how
ability of other carriers to com- many lives may have been saved Directions: I-77 take Exit 120 Arlington Rd.
pete with AultCare by reducing or improved if these funds were When: Friday, October 22nd from 10am-6pm.
their access to the market, the geared for new treatments or re-
judge said. search, he said.
He denied Aultmans motion For More Information Call Leroy Harper 270-748-9364 and Ill be glad to discuss your collection with you.
for a new trial. Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 If you cant make it Friday just call me and Ill be glad to set up a private appointment.
Mercy presented substantial or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com.
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CAMP GUIDE Mourners honor

Are you officer hit by SUV
ready
About 1,000 mourners, including 500 police
officers from across Northeast Ohio, poured into the
gymnasium at Lake Center
for the
Christian School in northern
Stark County Saturday
morning to say goodbye to
SUMMER?
Uniontown police Capt. Dan
Stiles.
Stiles was remembered as
Take a look at the Beacon Journals Capt. Dan Stiles
a loving family man and a
annual listing of area camps. leader.
The 46-year-old police officer was struck by an
SECTION D ED SUBA JR./Akron Beacon Journal SUV and killed Tuesday morning while he was
Residents wave flags as they line the route taken by the funeral procession for Uniontown directing traffic at Kaufman Avenue and state Route
police Capt. Dan Stiles on Saturday. About 1,000 people attended the memorial service. 619 near the school. See story on Page B1.
In todays Beacon Journal:
Up to $78 in coupons Heres what you need to know about filing federal income tax returns before April 18. BUSINESS, B7
SUNDAY, February 20, 2011

A B C MO WWW.OHIO.COM Home Delivery 800-777-2442 $1.50
U.S. veterans return to old battleground in search of forgiveness and understanding
CHINA
First in a
four-day series Hanoi
Today: The U.S.

group stays in the
home of a former Gulf
of
Viet Cong soldier. Tonkin
VIETNAM
Monday:
Ceremonies help
LAOS
them heal.
A
Tuesday: One n
n
a Dong Ha
soldier hopes to find m
C
his Freddie. o
r
d
il
Wednesday: The le
Hue
Me
on
r
k
g
veterans visit with a Da Nang
schoolchildren. THAILAND
Central
A journey to find peace Highlands
CAMBODIA
On Ohio.com Nha Trang

Cam
Visit www.ohio.com/ Ranh
vietnam to watch Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon)
videos of the five
area veterans talking
Phu Quoc East
about their Islands Sea
experiences in Gulf 0 100
Vietnam. See more of Con Son Miles LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal
photos of each
Thailand Islands Once on opposite sides in a terrible conflict, former Viet Cong soldier Tam Tien and former U.S. Army soldier Joe Caley of Tallmadge stand
McClatchy/Tribune arm-in-arm. Tien and his family welcomed American veterans of the Vietnam War into their home in the Mekong Delta last October.
mans journey; the
I
Rev. John Schluep
Former foes
and Shianne By Kim Hone-McMahan During the war, Tien wanted to remain near his
Eagleheart, who Beacon Journal staff writer family in the Mekong Delta. As a result, he and his
helped the men heal; t had been 40 years since the five combat wife fought for the North, pitting themselves against
and photographer veterans left Vietnam, a country halfway around friends who represented the South.
Laura Fong Torchias the globe where men aggressively defended their During one particularly difficult mission, Tien
favorite images from
the trip.
soil and women sheathed children in their arms
to hide them from soldiers.
But unlike the last time when they set foot in
a war-torn land, this was a mission of peace,
shared with the visiting Americans, he was severely
injured and left for dead. With his intestines spilling
from the wound, he crawled to a villagers home, where
he was cared for until the Viet Cong came for him.
turn friends
in Vietnam
forgiveness and healing. Their first taste of Still, despite the fact that their country was ravaged
redemption came early in the trip. by war, Vietnamese today welcome their former
enemies with open arms.
The realization that they would be guests for a few
From the bottom of my heart, spirit and soul, I am
days of a former Viet Cong fighter was understandably
sorry for what I did to your people, veteran Ralph
unnerving. They believed homeowner Tam Tien
Knerem told Tien, through interpreter Tranh Song.
might be angry with them. After all, the last time they
were in his country, Tien was the enemy. Please see Veterans, A4
Cloudy, a little
wintry mix in
the p.m.
Todays weather
39 High 35 Low Call tax answers
for free
Akrons legal wranglings,
sewers both overflowing
Forecast, Page B10 Have questions about your
income taxes? The Akron Beacon
Journal and the Ohio Society of
INSIDE Certified Public Accountants
once again are
BOB DYER: Columnist writes an open letter to activist sponsoring
and recent town visitor the Rev. Al Sharpton. a tax call-in program. City switches law firms, asks for jury trial. Judge not happy with consent decree
Dear Abby .......... E2 Crossword .......... E2 Lottery ............... B2 Monday and By Bob Downing and the Ohio EPA. Erie Canal after heavy rains and
Books ................ E3 Deaths ........... B4-6 Movies ............... E4 Wednesday Beacon Journal staff writer Adams has said he expects to snow melts.
Business ............ B7 Bob Dyer ............ B1 Premier .............. E1 from 6-8 p.m.
The city of Akron wants a rule on the consent decree by If Adams rejects the consent
Classified ........... F1 Horoscope ........ F11 Sports ............... C1 jury to hear a possible civil trial early March. decree, then a civil trial against
Final session He has said in court he does the city would begin at 9 a.m.
Community .........B1 Jumble ............. F11 Sudoku .............. E6 will be 9 a.m. in U.S. District Court over its 34
remaining sewers that overflow not like the agreement because May 31.
Crime Watch ...... B4 Betty Lin-Fisher ... B7 Travel .................E8 - noon
and has hired a new law firm for Akrons combined sewers will Adams has not ruled on Ak-
Saturday. continue to pollute the Cuya- rons request for a jury trial. The
representation.
BeaconFirst CALL The request for a jury trial
was filed with Judge John
hoga River in Cuyahoga Valley
National Park between Akron
and Cleveland. He said he wants
city has filed a 12-page memoran-
dum in support of its position.
The U.S. Justice Department
Stories labeled "Beacon First" are
published in the newspaper before
330-996-3644 Adams, who first must rule on a
proposed consent decree be-
to see more done more quickly
to solve the sewer problems that
and Ohio Attorney General Mi-
on those days to have your tax chael Dewines office oppose the
appearing online. Breaking news questions answered. tween Akron and the U.S. Envi- foul the Cuyahoga and Little
still appears first on Ohio.com. ronmental Protection Agency Cuyahoga rivers and the Ohio & Please see Sewers, A7
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Story 2-20 a4 System AKRE by MTURNER Time 22:31:57 Date 2/19/11
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www.Ohio.com
A journey to find peace
Veterans discover different Vietnam

Would you forgive me?
Not knowing what exactly to expect,
Knerem, who was a U.S. Army infantry
soldier, waited for the mans reply. To
his surprise, Tien responded by asking
for the Americans forgiveness. As they
embraced in Tiens home, tears
streamed down their cheeks.
It was like we were old platoon bud-
dies, added Joe Caley, who served as a
1st Air Cavalry scout dog handler for the
U.S. Army. Although we fought on dif-
ferent sides, what we did was the same.
Our fear was the same. Our hopes were
the same. Our worries were the same.
Why they went
In search of peace, understanding and
reconciliation, a dozen area members of
Warriors Journey Home, a ministry at
Tallmadges First Congregational
Church, traveled to Vietnam for three At left, U.S. veteran Joe Caley of Tallmadge
weeks in October.
The veterans, some of whom brought reflects on his time in combat in Vietnam
family and friends, returned to areas that while visiting the Citadel in Hue, which still
had special meaning to them. For some, bears scars from shrapnel and artillery fire.
it was a mission that ended in the taming Above, a Vietnamese man offers incense and
of nightmares.
Under the guidance of the Rev. John prayer to a giant statue of Buddha in Hanoi.
Schluep, who formed Warriors Journey
Home in 2006, the veterans had realized
they needed to return to places that
caused them such horrific memories. likes to take to the trails. When he was
There, they would replace images of a planning this trip, he expected to do
war-torn country with new visions. some hiking knowing it would be safe
They visited the Reunification Hall to wander, provided he didnt do so in
in Saigon, the Citadel in Hue and re- areas still peppered with land mines.
joiced with the Vietnamese as they cele- Shortly after the group settled in at
brated the 1,000th anniversary of Ha- the Tien home, he found a path and set
nois founding in Ba Dinh Square. Along out to explore. It was supposed to be a
the way, they encountered strangers meditative walk, but theres a saying
who offered them water, hugs and for- about the best-laid plans.
giveness. Along the trail, fellow travelers Na-
The night before Charlie Forsyth left than Lewis and Mike Blake of Veterans
for the trip to Vietnam, his days spent as Sanctuary in New York joined Forsyth.
a rifleman with the U.S. Marine Corps He was encouraging the young men,
flooded his mind. both veterans of the war in Iraq, to find
I had a very hard time sleeping, healing quickly for their PTSD. Not do-
Forsyth said. I was excited in a good ing so can have devastating effects.
way, but kind of felt that fear creeping While they were talking, an intoxi-
in. cated Vietnamese man approached the
Flashbacks threesome. Because of the language dif-
ferences, the Americans were unable to
For the most part, the soldiers who understand what he wanted.
served in Vietnam were just kids, fight-
ing a war that made little sense and had The man tugged at Forsyths arm,
devastating lasting effects killing mil- mumbling what sounded like gibberish
lions of Vietnamese and more than to the Americans. He picked at the sol-
58,000 American troops. diers, clearly wanting the men to follow
Many turned to drugs to numb the him.
thoughts and visions of war that fol- They had never seen people like us,
lowed them home. Others used drinking a grinning Forsyth said of the size of the
as a crutch. And, according to the U.S. Americans compared to the Vietnamese.
Department of Veterans Affairs, more Inside the mans home, Forsyth
than 30 percent of Vietnam veterans in shared some old photos of himself when
the United States suffer from post-trau- he served in Vietnam as a young, armed
matic stress disorder (PTSD). It can warrior.
cause flashbacks, trapping peoples LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal
Promptly, the Vietnamese man
minds in a frightening period of their Vietnamese students pose for a group photo outside the War Remnants Museum in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City. jumped to his feet and took a karate
life, or, for warriors, an attack in which The museum, a popular tourist attraction, contains artifacts and weaponry from the war with the United States. stance.
they were injured, forced to kill some-
one. We got the biggest laugh out of
that, Forsyth remembered.
We were flashbacking
the whole time during the The noise made by the men dancing
trip, explained Tom Saal, to disco music on the television wafted
who was a second lieuten- through the area. Soon, curious neigh-
ant in the U.S. Marine bors gathered to enjoy the merriment.
Corps. How could you Im sure his wife was wondering
not? why her husband had brought the giant
When you go on vaca- men into her home, he said, laughing.
tion to the same place year Feeling safe after dark, the Americans
after year, you are not wandered back to Tiens home. It was
flashbacking. . . . You are quite an accomplishment for warriors
recollecting. But these who usually fought their enemies after
memories are not like dusk.
[William] Wordsworths But as Caley explained, not all are
poem, emotions recollect- able to trust their emotions after the sun
ed in tranquility. No, Saal sets. Even decades later, the memories of
continued with an uneasy the jungle, firefights and battles linger.
chuckle. They are scary,
emotional memories. If you go out in the woods where
Now the warriors have there is just trees and the rustling of the
pleasant images of the Above, U.S. Army veteran Mike Blake of Ithaca, N.Y., who returned wind, it kind of brings up old memories
country to draw upon . . . and the hair on the back of your
from Iraq as an anti-war activist, visits Vietnam and displays song neck starts to stand up. You become a
when, or if, the flashbacks
haunt them. And knowing lyrics tattooed on his inner forearm. At right is the Hi Van, which was lot more aware of your surroundings
that the Vietnamese dont a dangerous route to Da Nang during the Vietnam War. than you would ordinarily, Caley said.
personally blame them for the atrocities Thats nighttime.
has brought peace. Phosphorus flares. Shadows moving.
The motto of the Vietnamese is The Warriors Journey Home offers support to veterans of all And then you open up.
war is over. Its in the past. Lets leave it conflicts and encourages friends and family to attend the Thats nighttime.
there, said Ron Oskar, who repre- biweekly services at First Congregational Church, 85 Then you count your wounded in
sented the U.S. Army as a quartermas- the daytime.
ter. Heritage Drive, Tallmadge. The next meeting will be at 6
Forsyth, who was a Marine rifleman tonight. For information, visit http:// Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or
during the war and walked patrols, still www.warriorsjourneyhome.org. kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
U.S. Army veteran Mike Blake of Ithaca, N.Y., sits atop the Hi Van pass as a cloud envelops the peak in Vietnam. The English translation of Hi Van is cloud and sea.
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CC www.Ohio.com Akron Beacon Journal d Sunday, February 20, 2011 Search Edition
MO A5
ON THE JOURNEY
The five combat veterans from our area who returned to
Vietnam on the reconciliation trip in October:
JOE CALEY RON OSKAR
25th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 1st 1st Logistics Command, U.S. Army.
Cavalry, U.S. Army. Age: 64
Age: 64 Home: Springfield Township
Home: Tallmadge Family: Divorced, one child.
Family: Married, two children. Postwar career: Labor relations
Postwar career: Cook and housing officer.
specialist at Kents Freedom House.
TOM SAAL
CHARLIE FORSYTH India Company 3rd Battalion, 5th
Mike Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.
JOE CALEY Marines, 1st Marine Division. Age: 65 RON OSKAR
Age: 61 Home: Akron
Home: North Olmsted Family: Separated, four children. TOM SAAL
CHARLES FORSYTH Family: Married, six children. Postwar career: High school
Postwar career: Counselor. teacher, case manager at Kents
Freedom House and volunteer in the
RALPH KNEREM psychiatric ward at St. Thomas
8th Maintenance Battalion, 173rd Hospital.
Airborne Brigade, U.S. Army.
Age: 65
Home: Streetsboro
Family: Divorced, three children
Postwar career: Army, lineman,
driver.
ABOUT THE WAR

T he V ietnam W ar was fought its military involvement in the Vietnam
between the communist North War, and in 1975, South Vietnam
V ietnam and the democratic South surrendered to northern forces.
V ietnam . N orth V ietnam attempted to T housands of Vietnamese began
overthrow South Vietnam and unite fleeing the country. Finally , in 1976,
the country under one communist N orth and South Vietnam were unified
government . T he U nited S tates joined under a communist government and
the war to prevent communism from S aigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh
spreading throughout Southeast A sia . C ity .
T he N orth V ietnamese A rmy ( NVA ) M ore than 58 , 000 A mericans died
and the National Liberation Front (aka in the war, including more than 3 , 000
V ietcong ) fought for the N orth ; the from O hio . T housands more were
A rmy of the Republic of Vietnam wounded . M illions of Vietnamese ,
( ARVN ) , S outh V ietnamese A rmy military and civilian, died on both
( SVA ) and U.S. troops fought for the sides .
S outh . S ource : http : / / www . vietnam - war .
0 catch . com and Laura Fong Torchia
I n 1973 , the United States ended
Laura Fong Torchia, 37, a senior visual journalism

major at Kent State University traveled with the local
RALPH KNEREM combat veterans, documenting their return to Vietnam.
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THIS PLACE, THIS TIME

Rubber workers
are armed, ready
for war in 1936
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AT DAYTONA
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Today and Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.
and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
330-996-3644 Warriors Journey Home member Ralph Knerem of Streetsboro, who was a U.S. Army infantry soldier in Vietnam, sits on the ground in a ceremony with
LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Beacon Journal
on those days to have your tax
questions answered. (from left) Shianne Eagleheart and Charlie Forsyth and Vietnamese journalist Pham Ut Quyen. Touching the soil was part of Knerems healing.
U.S. veterans find healing in Vietnam

Budget clash, by visiting battle sites and participating CHINA
in ceremonies that honor their service
shutdown talk Hanoi
Second in a
four-day series
grow in D.C. Recovering

Sunday: The U.S. group
Gulf
of stays in the home of a former
VIETNAM
Tonkin Viet Cong soldier.
TODAY: Ceremonies help
Parties wont yield on cuts, which LAOS them heal.
long-lost soul
brings memories of 95 impasse A
n
n
Tuesday: One soldier hopes
a
m Dong Ha to find his Freddie.
By Charles Babington C
Associated Press o
rd Wednesday: The veterans
WASHINGTON: Few memories haunt Re-
il
le
Hue visit with schoolchildren.
Me
on
T
ra
publicans more deeply than the 1995-96 par-
k
g Da Nang
tial shutdown of the federal government, By Kim Hone-McMahan
which helped President Bill Clinton reverse Beacon Journal staff writer
THAILAND On Ohio.com
his falling fortunes and recast House Repub- Visit www.ohio.com/vietnam
licans as stubborn partisans, not savvy insur- here are countless ways to kill a person.
to watch videos of the five
gents. Some methods are sudden, like bullets and bombs, and
area veterans talking about
Now, as Congress careens toward a some are slow like substance abuse, or a chronic illness, or Central
budget impasse, government insiders won- their experiences in Vietnam.
a psychological condition that leaves a person in isolation, Highlands
der whether another shutdown is imminent CAMBODIA See more photos of each
and whether Republicans again would suf- writes the Rev. John Schluep in his book, Souls Cry.
Nha Trang mans journey; the Rev. John
fer the most blame. Using the information he gathered about the effects of
Leaders of both parties say they are de- Cam Schluep and Shianne
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on soldiers and Ranh
termined to avoid a shutdown. But they seeking guidance about native healing from Shianne Eagleheart, who helped the
have not yielded on the amount of spending Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon) men heal; and photographer
cuts they will demand or accept. Mean- Eagleheart (Haudenosaunne-Seneca), founder of the Red
while, shutdown talk is rippling through Bird Center in Cambridge, Schluep has watched people heal. Laura Fong Torchias favorite
Phu Quoc East
Washington and beyond. Many veterans who returned from Vietnam 40 years ago Islands Sea images from the trip.
Its good for political rhetoric to talk 0 100
about a government shutdown, but I dont were ridiculed. The lack of validation for their service to the Gulf
of Con Son Miles
know anybody that wants that to happen, country forced some to keep the atrocities they witnessed Thailand Islands
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said on Fox bottled up inside. McClatchy/Tribune
News Sunday. One slow way to kill a person is to alienate them from the
Behind the scenes, Senate officials are
spending the weeklong Presidents Day re- society to which he belongs. Separation and alienation bring
about the death of the soul, a living dead, said Schluep, founder
Please see Shutdown, A6 of Warriors Journey Home in Tallmadge.
Tom Saal, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps,
knows what it is like to live without a soul. He lost his 42 years
Gadhafis son ago after ordering snipers to shoot a North Vietnamese soldier.
After the deed was done, the men brought the body to Saal.
warns Libya He rooted through the mans possessions, retrieving photos of a

woman and children.
The revelation that the person he had ordered killed was a
risks civil war Please see Veterans, A7
A patch and dog tag belonging to Steve Burr of Tallmadge,
who could not make the trip, is buried in Vietnam.
His rambling speech follows

crackdown on demonstrators
By Sarah El Deeb
Associated Press
CAIRO: A fter anti - government unrest
Nurse pumps up heart-health effort
spread to the Libyan capital and protesters
seized military bases and weapons Sunday, Summa official helps national team revise guidelines, weigh risk factors for women ommendations.
Moammar Gadhafis son went on state tele- Hughes was in-
vision to proclaim that his father remained
in charge with the armys backing.
By Cheryl Powell
When it comes to the health of

BeaconFirst sionals to consider and address fac-
tors that keep women from improv-
ing their heart health things such as
vited to review the
guidelines because Hughes
of her role as the
In the regimes first comments about the Associations new recommendations limited finances, lack of access to American College of Cardiologys
six days of demonstrations, Seif al-Islam Ga- women across the country, an Akron for womens cardiac health. fresh fruits and vegetables and national chairwoman of nursing edu-
dhafi warned protesters that they risked ig- nurse knows the heart of the matter. The updated guidelines, released neighborhoods that arent safe for cation and a member of its preven-
niting a civil war in which Libyas oil wealth this month, focus on what works walking. tion committee.
will be burned. Suzanne Hughes, Summa Health
S ystem director of population best in the real world, not just sterile We have to come up with sug- In the past several decades, the
The speech followed a fierce crackdown health, was among several dozen research settings. gestions that will work for them, coronary heart disease death rates
by security forces, who fired on thousands medical experts nationwide who The new report encourages doc- said Hughes, who was among the
of demonstrators and funeral marchers in helped establish the American Heart tors, nurses and other health profes- peer reviewers for the updated rec- Please see Heart, A4
the eastern city of Benghazi in a bloody cy-
cle of violence that killed 60 people on Sun-
day, according to a doctor in one city hospi-
tal. Since the six days of unrest began, more
than 200 people have been killed, according
to medical officials, human-rights groups Rain ending
42 High
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Lottery ..................... B2 BeaconFirst
and exiled dissidents. as wet 15 Low Jewell Cardwell ........... B1
Classified ................. C7
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snow late Forecast Comics ................. B8, 9 Sudoku .....................B8 appearing online. Breaking news
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Veterans pray together, share stories

husband and father was agonizing. Ex-
hausted, he found a place on the
ground to rest.
When he awoke, Saal discovered
that his men had stripped the corpse of
its clothing and crucified him on a
bamboo cross.
Thats when my soul left, he re-
membered.
Baptism of a healed soul
As the warriors traveled around
Vietnam in October on their reconcili-
ation journey, individual ceremonies
to honor each mans service were held
in former operations and battle areas,
and places of special meaning to the
veterans.
During the services, led by Eagle-
heart, the group prayed and the veter-
ans shared stories of the times they
spent there during the war. Some-
times, the ceremonies included honor-
ing a fallen friend.
By the time the ritual took place,
two weeks into the trip, I had already
gotten it back, Saal said. But the cere-
mony, Saal added, was like the icing
on the cake.
In the years that followed his return
to the United States from Vietnam in
the late 60s, Saal was sad, lonely and
depressed.
On the surface, I was OK and hap-
py that I had such a wonderful family;
however, there was always a feeling of
something missing, something not be-
ing right, said the man whose legs
were nearly blown off by a land mine.
The trip to Vietnam restored that
feeling of emptiness and provided me
with a newfound purpose for living.
The tradition and for- LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Akron Beacon Journal
mality of the ceremony Ron Oskar of Springfield Township shares stories on the bridge at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam. During the war, Oskar guarded the bridge while serving in the U.S. Army.
were remarkably emo-
tional.
The mercury hovered
near the 90-degree mark
and the humidity was
miserable. Perspiration
soaked their shirts as
members of the team
climbed off the tour bus
at Hill 55, just south of
Danang, where Saals bat-
talion had served. There,
the friends formed their
circle.
At the conclusion,
Saal asked for water. But
rather than drink it, he
poured it over his head.
Beads of salty sweat
mixed with the coolness
of the fresh water trick-
ling down his face.
As Laura Fong Tor-
chia, a senior visual jour-
nalism major at Kent
State University who was
among the travelers ex-
plained, Saal was like a
newborn baby, wet from
the rebirth of his soul.
A beacon of hope Above, Tom Saal of Akron
The bridge that stood for hope 40 reacts after his healing
years ago was still there. During the ceremony near DaNang in
war, it served as the only land route in Vietnam. At right, Joe Caley
and out of the Cam Ranh Peninsula. (bottom center) attends a
Had it been destroyed, the troops ceremony with his wife, Mona,
would have been without adequate
supplies. at Black Lady Mountain.
It had to be guarded at all costs,
said Ron Oskar, who watched the
bridge when he wasnt on a convoy shoot them. Oskar recalled. Luck- watch.
himself. ily, that never happened. They came to honor him, Tor-
Here, beneath a blue sky and bil- Canine patrol chia said.
lowing clouds, his ceremony of peace While Caley didnt think it odd,
and reconciliation was held. As a First Air Cavalry scout dog Torchia, who heard of the gathering,
When soldiers returning to base handler for the U.S. Army, Joe Caley but wasnt at the event herself, thought
spotted the bridge, they knew they walked point in search of the enemy, the soldiers ceremony held special
were relatively close to safety, he ex- clearing a safe path for others, along- meaning because of the dogs milling
plained. They could relax a bit because side Baron, a German shepherd whose about.
the chance of an ambush was far less job included alerting his master to boo- Perhaps, some of the guys on the
likely once they had crossed the by traps and ambushes. For his cere- trip offered, it was a nod to Caleys ca-
bridge. mony, Caley chose LZ Grant, where he nine warrior.
When people approached the struc- and his dog had been trapped during a
ture, generally by water, they were particularly brutal battle. The end
given three warnings, said Oskar, who Thats called being in the wrong A therapist had instructed Ralph
was a U.S. Army quartermaster. If they place at the wrong time, Caley half- Knerem to find a special spot in Viet-
didnt stop or identify themselves, the joked. nam, scoop up a handful of dirt, bless it
soldiers were ordered to shoot. Today, the area is a man-made lake. and throw it over his shoulder. That,
Jellyfish still make the area their And the nearby Nui Ba Den, or Black the therapist explained to the former
home, as they did four decades ago. Lady Mountain, where a signal relay U.S. Army infantry soldier, would
Oskar remembers watching them operated during the war, is now a park complete his history on Vietnam.
when he was patrolling even at night. with gondola rides to the top. So, following instructions, Knerem
It was far more enjoyable to keep To understand the pain her hus- sat on the ground and scooped up the
watch on the sea creatures than the band had been experiencing over the soil at Hill 55.
humans who might have been lurking years, Caleys wife, Mona, traveled Its finished, he murmured. Its Ralph Knerem of Streesboro throws dirt over his
in the waters. with him to Vietnam. During his cere- done. Its over. shoulder after scooping it up and blessing it. The veteran
Our captain told us, If you see mony, Caley held his wifes hand as now feels that his experiences in Vietnam are over.
somebody at night under the water they dropped to their knees. Curious Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742
who is not trying out for the Olympics Vietnamese gathered to listen and or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
Veterans tap traditions of Native Americans ABOUT WARRIORS JOURNEY HOME

In search of peace, understanding and the bi-weekly services at 85 Heritage
reconciliation, a dozen area members of Drive, Tallmadge. The next meeting is at
warriors we journey for.
Sacred bundles created Very important attention was given
Warriors Journey Home, a ministry that
meets every other Sunday at Tallmadges
6 p.m. March 6.
For information, visit http://
to help with their healing to each veterans heart and his vision
for healing as we journeyed to their ar-
First Congregational Church, traveled to www.warriorsjourneyhome.org.
Vietnam in October on a three-week trip.
on trip back to Vietnam eas of operation. Among the group were five Vietnam
The five veterans on the trip were:
Joe Caley, 64, of Tallmadge, 25th
This is how the ceremony for each combat veterans who returned to areas
Shianne Eagleheart of the Red Bird of our veterans emerged. In the cere- that had special meaning in their lives. Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 1st
Center coordinated the veterans heal- mony we call on the Powers to help Most of the men featured in this series Cavalry, U.S. Army.
ing ceremonies in Vietnam. She de- and heal as we open the bundle. Anoth- Charlie Forsyth, 61, of North
scribes them this way: suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder
er way to say this is calling on the Holy
Spirit as the Creator blesses. The Pow- (PTSD), which can cause flashbacks Olmsted, Mike Company 3rd
Our veterans return journey to Eagleheart
V ietnam , a country considered by ers come and move through the heart trapping people in an emotionally Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine
many as the place of the dead, was a Native communities. and soul. The Holy Spirit knows just frightening period of their lives. Division.
demonstration of their courage and The one who carries the bundle what to do. We trust this and place To help those who are suffering, the Ralph Knerem, 65, of
hearts desire for healing. must care for it every day and receive what is so sacred in the hands of the Rev. John Schluep of First Congregational
Creator. Streetsboro, 8th Maintenance
To get a glimpse into the healing guidance that will support the healing formed Warriors Journey Home in 2006. Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade,
ceremonies conducted in Vietnam be- of those in need. I accepted this respon- We were all honored to witness the Over time, the veterans realized they
gins with the sacred bundle. In our Na- sibility and then brought the bundle to miracle of healing of each of our veter- U.S. Army.
needed to return to the place that caused
tive American tradition, bundles are the Warriors Journey Home circle to ans as we celebrated with them new life them such horrific memories and pain Ron Oskar, 64, of Springfield
created for sacred purpose. A warriors receive the gifts of support from the and infinite possibility for the future. and replace their memories of the war- Township, 1st Logistics Command,
healing bundle was created months be- community. This support came in the Each healing blesses not only the veter- U.S. Army.
fore the Vietnam journey began. The forms of prayers, medicine, military an, but also their family and their com- torn country with new visions.
ancestral teachings that support the patches of honor and other beautiful ex- munity. By supporting the healing of Warriors Journey Home offers support Tom Saal, 65, of Akron, India
bundles creation have been passed pressions of love and comfort. The bun- our veterans, we contribute to the heal- to veterans of all conflicts and Company 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine
down for many generations within our dle also carried the dog tags of the fallen ing of our nation. encourages friends and family to attend Regiment.
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TUESDAY, February 22, 2011

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$3.3 million rerouting

Warriors Journey Home member hopes
of bike trail to start soon trip to Vietnam will reveal what happened
COMMUNITY, B1
to child whose visits brightened his days
BOYS BASKETBALL
JACKSON BEATS Veteran seeks

WALSH, 57-4 5
SPORTS, C1
Federal budget cuts could cost

wartime friend
T
Childrens Hospital $3.6 million By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer
BUSINESS, B6 he boy in the timeworn picture is holding
an American rifle. Each day at dawn, he
and others from a nearby village rushed
County watches
to spend time with the guys in Mike
Company, 3rd Battalion. Sometimes the
child with skin the color of caramel
would clean Marine Charlie Forsyths
Wayne Jones gun.

The two became buddies more like
brothers, Forsyth would later explain.
divorce closely
Sometimes he would give the boy hed
nicknamed Freddie C-rations, also known as
C-rats because soldiers were convinced that
they tasted as bad as canned rodents.
Summit board of elections member claims he was In the daytime, we would run a patrol and
Freddie wanted to come with us. We would tell
never married but common-law wife got benefits him he wasnt allowed and he would be
By Rick Armon pouting when we left, Forsyth remembered,
and Stephanie Warsmith chuckling.
Beacon Journal staff writers
But when the order came for the soldier to
In late 2009, Summit County
B oard of Elections member leave the country, Forsyth didnt have time to
Wayne Jones told the county he say his goodbyes. No time to muss the boys
was married, so his longtime, hair. Not even a moment to tell his pint-size
common-law wife could contin-
ue receiving county health bene- friend what joy he had brought him on days
fits. filled with war.
Summit County was conduct- The last time Forsyth saw his pal, hanging
ing a health-care investigation at Jones
the time, trying to root out peo- Please see Bus, A4
ple who were improperly receiv- to rule on whether the Joneses
ing public benefits. The Joneses were married.
made the cut thanks to their Whatever it is will dictate CHINA
common-law marriage. what we do going forward,
But today, Jones, embroiled in Summit County Law Director
a bitter divorce, is claiming in Deborah Matz said about the Hanoi
court documents he was never judges decision. Once we have

married. He has kicked Dawn that determination, well act ac-
Jones off his county health plan, cordingly . . . Were all in a Gulf
arguing it would be insurance holding pattern.

of
Tonkin
fraud to keep her on it. VIETNAM
Political gadfly Bob Smith
The about-face has county raised the question of Wayne
leaders watching the divorce LAOS
Jones health-care coverage for
closely because the couple might Dawn Jones in light of his
A
n
n
have been receiving public bene- claim he was never married in a
m Dong Ha
fits improperly for years. a letter to the elections board last C
o
rd
Medina County Domestic Re- month. The board forwarded his il Hue LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Akron Beacon Journal
lations Judge Mary R. Kovack, le
Me
on
ra Above, Charlie Forsyth of North Olmsted meets children near Da Nang,
k
g Da Nang
who is handling the case, has yet Please see Divorce, A5 Vietnam. The former Marine, 61, has fond memories of a boy nicknamed
THAILAND
Freddie, top, who used to visit with him and would now be about 50 years old.
Cleveland at center CAMBODIA

Central
Highlands
On Ohio.com
Visit www.ohio.com/vietnam to watch
videos of the five area veterans
of spending battle Second in a four-day series

Nha Trang
Cam
talking about their experiences in
Ranh Sunday: The U.S. group stays in Vietnam. See more photos of each
Ho Chi Minh City the home of a former Viet Cong soldier.
(Saigon) mans journey; the Rev. John
Monday: Ceremonies help them heal.
philosophy on which it relies. Schluep and Shianne Eagleheart,
Obama in town to tout The American economy should Phu Quoc East TODAY: One soldier hopes to find his who helped the men heal; and
investment, while GOP update itself Cleveland-style, he
believes, and the federal govern-
Islands
Gulf 0
Sea
100
Freddie.
photographer Laura Fong Torchias
advocates fewer rules Wednesday: The veterans visit with
ment should nudge it along with of Con Son Miles
favorite images from the trip.
smartly placed investments.
Thailand Islands schoolchildren.
By Christi Parsons Republicans, such as Speaker
McClatchy/Tribune
and James Oliphant John Boehner, an Ohioan, be-

Tribune Washington Bureau
lieve quite differ-
CLEVELAND: The narrative that ently. They main-
haunts Cleveland, former empire
of iron and steel, shipping and
rail, has followed it for decades:
the collapse of the manufactur-
tain C leveland s
success owes to
innovation by
business, and that
Gadhafis regime crumbling in Libya
ing economy, the erosion of jobs, the best way for out of the passenger side door, he told an
the exodus of residents. government to Defiant leader appears on TV interviewer that he had wanted to go to
But, in fact, Cleveland has help is to get out Crude prices jump as oil industry worries
weathered this recession much
Obama
of the way in
in effort to show hes in charge about major protests in Libya. Market also
the capitals Green Square to talk to his
supporters, but the rain stopped him.
better than past slumps, as local budget terms, by cutting spend- watches Algeria, Bahrain and Iran. A3 I am here to show that I am in Tripoli
By Sarah El Deeb and Maggie Michael
industries have retooled and re- ing and taxes. and not in Venezuela. Dont believe those
invented themselves. Old shops Associated Press
Each mans plan appears to be misleading dog stations, he said, referring
and factories have embraced partly responsible for C leve - CAIRO: Deep rifts opened in Moammar World leaders expressed outrage Mon- to the media reports that he had left the
new technologies. And for the lands fortunes, and each is push- Gadhafis regime, with Libyan government day at the vicious forms of repression country. The video clip and comments
first time in a while, there are ing his own approach. Obamas officials at home and abroad resigning, air lasted less than a minute unusual for Ga-
grounds for optimism. used against the demonstrators.
budget for 2012 ups investments force pilots defecting and a bloody crack- dhafi, who is known for rambling speeches
That new story line is what in infrastructure, technology and down on protest in the capital of Tripoli, The mercurial leader appeared briefly that often last hours.
draws President Obama to the education. Boehners House last where cars and buildings were burned. Ga- on TV to dispel rumors that he had fled. P ro - G adhafi militia drove through
city today, as he works to sell his dhafi went on state TV early today to at- Sitting in a car in front of what appeared to
new budget plan and the broader Please see Cleveland, A8 tempt to show he was still in charge. be his residence and holding an umbrella Please see Libya, A3
Call Have questions about your income taxes? Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.
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tax answers Community .... B1 Region Briefs . B2
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www.Ohio.com
Bus draws crowds of Vietnamese

Below, retired Marine Charlie Forsyth says he didnt have time to say
goodbye to children he befriended when he left Vietnam the first
time. At right, Forsyth poses with the children he met during his
return trip to Vietnam with other veterans in October.

around a foxhole near Hill 55 in Vietnam,
was four decades ago.
Earn $100
By sharing information about
All these years, Ive carried him with
me and wondered what happened to him, your hospital visit
he said, tapping the spot over his heart.
Forsyth is one of a handful of local Viet-
Stays/visits that may qualify:
nam veterans who returned to the country Overnight Stay Physical Therapy
in October with Warriors Journey Home. Maternity CT-Scan
Some went to find peace and forgiveness. Emergency Visit X-Rays
Others went in search of their souls. For- Surgery Sleep Test
syth went back, in part, to find Freddie. Colonoscopy Other
Forsyth had planned to show Freddies FlexPoint Health
picture to the people who lived in the vil- Open 7 days per week
Research
lage. Perhaps someone would recognize
him and the two could reconnect. But (440) 248-9768
somewhere along the way, a leader in the Toll-Free 855-353-9768
group told Forsyth not to do it, that Viet-
nam was a communist country and show- www.flexpointhealth.com
ing the photo of the youngster holding the
gun might put Freddie in jeopardy, even if Call us or visit www.flexpointhealth.com
the child was now 50 years old. LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Akron Beacon Journal
No personal information necessary. Only the costs of
The last thing I wanted to do was get A girl gives the peace sign to Charlie Forsyth as he takes pictures at a school in Vietnam.
anybody in trouble, he said at Kents Free- your stay or visit will help us complete our research.
dom House, where he works as a counselor For every qualifying Explanation of Benefits document
here that they would honor Burr for his to beg. Yet he gave me that marble, For-
helping other veterans. I think I could (and its corresponding hospital billing document) from
b02_2800244
sacrifices. syth said, pausing to get his emotions in
have found him, though. check. My little Freddie. 2010 that is received, FlexPoint will pay $100. Please
The group traveled the country inside a As the group stepped off the bus, a gag-
gle of children from a remote village envel- Forsyth rushed to the bus and found an call us to determine if your stay or visit qualifies.
tour bus with others who belong to Sol- eagle carved out of wood that Shianne Eag-
diers Heart, the New York agency that or- oped the travelers. Among them was a boy No Medicare/Medicaid patients needed for our research.
who was the spitting image of Freddie. leheart, of Haudenosaunne-Seneca descent,
ganized the trip. The sight of such a large had brought on the trip.
vehicle in a nation jammed with motor- The boy had bent over to pick some-
bikes often drew a crowd. thing up off the ground and stuck it into his He hurried back to the boy, placed the
gift in the childs hand and folded his tiny
MAKE ROOM IN
At Firebase Birmingham, home to the pocket. Though they were unable to com-
Recon Platoon, Co. E (502nd infantry, 101st municate, Forsyth pointed to the childs fingers around it. The boy was thrilled. THE GARAGE. BUICK LACROSSE
pocket. Reaching deep inside, the young- Tears filling his eyes now, he mur-
Airborne), the bus pulled to a stop. It was mured, barely above a whisper You see,
here that Steve Burr, a member of the sup- ster pulled out three dirty marbles. The
veteran pointed to one that he liked, and I found my Freddie. 2 011 BUICK LACROSSE CXL
port group who was back in Tallmadge,
was stationed. It was in this place, he told a the boy handed it to him. Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or LOW-MILEAGE LEASE FOR WELL-QUALIFIED LESSEES
349 39
friend, that he had lost his youth. It was The children, who have nothing, have kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com $ per for $395 DUE AT LEASE TERMINATION.
NO SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED.
month months* Tax, title, license and dealer fees
2,429
extra. Mileage charge of $.18/
$ due at signing after
ABOUT WARRIORS JOURNEY HOME

mile over 39,000 miles. At
all applicable offers participating dealers only.
In search of peace, understanding and Journey Home in 2006. Joe Caley, 64, of Tallmadge, 25th Infantry
FEATURES
reconciliation, a dozen area members of Warriors Over time, the veterans realized they needed Platoon Scout Dog, 1st Cavalry, U.S. Army.
Journey Home, a ministry that meets every other to return to the place that caused them such POWER, HE ATED,
Charlie Forsyth, 61, of North Olmsted,
Sunday at Tallmadges First Congregational horrific memories and pain and replace their LE ATHER-APPOINTED
Church, traveled to Vietnam in October on a memories of the war-torn country with new Mike Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, FRONT SE ATS
three-week trip. Among the group were five visions. 1st Marine Division. BLUETO OTH
CONNECTIVIT Y**
Vietnam combat veterans who returned to areas Warriors Journey Home offers support to Ralph Knerem, 65, of Streetsboro, 8th
that had special meaning in their lives. veterans of all conflicts and encourages friends Maintenance Battalion, 173rd Airborne SEE YOUR NORTHERN OHIO BUICK DEALER
Most of the men featured in this series suffer and family to attend the bi-weekly services at 85 Brigade, U.S. Army. *Example based on national average vehicle selling price. Each dealer sets its own price.
from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which Heritage Drive, Tallmadge. The next meeting is at
can cause flashbacks trapping people in an 6 p.m. March 6. Ron Oskar, 64, of Springfield Township, Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXL with a MSRP of
$32,875. 39 monthly payments total $13,611. Option to purchase at lease end for an
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termination fee. Lessor must approve lease. Take delivery by 2/28/11. Mileage charge
To help those who are suffering, the Rev. John www.warriorsjourneyhome.org. Tom Saal, 65, of Akron, India Company of $.18/mile over 39,000 miles. Lessee pays for excess wear and tear. Payments may
be higher in some states. Not available with some other offers. Residency restrictions
Schluep of First Congregational formed Warriors The five veterans on the trip were: 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. apply. **Go to gm.com/bluetooth to find out which Bluetooth phones are compatible with
the vehicle. 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick Buick emblem LaCrosse
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WEDNESDAY, February 23, 2011 A B C

WWW.OHIO.COM Home Delivery 800-777-2442 75
PRESIDENT OBAMA SALUTES LOCAL COMPANY DURING TRIP TO CLEVELAND. B1

Lisa Abraham unearths
year-round potato garden
FOOD, D1
Thousands
denied access
to Statehouse
Kasichs officials call action a precaution
By Julie Carr Smyth can Gov. John Kasichs public
Associated Press safety agency said was a neces-
COLUMBUS : T housands of sary precaution.
union protesters were denied ac- The Ohio Democratic Party
cess to the Ohio Statehouse for had joined forces with unions
hours Tuesday as they tried to and union-friendly groups across
LAURA FONG TORCHIA/Special to the Akron Beacon Journal voice opposition to a bill that the state over the three - day
would abolish collective bargain- Presidents Day weekend to mo-
Retired Akron teacher Tom Saal visits the Mac Dinh Chi school in Quang Nam, Vietnam, which was funded and built by his ing rights for state employees. bilize large crowds of bill oppo-
Marine Corps officers class. Below, Vietnamese pupils rush through the rain to meet U.S. veterans arriving by bus in Tam Ky. nents. The measure, designed to
As crowds chanted outside, help plug a hole in the state
Democrats inside mustered their budget, undoes Ohios nearly 30-
political and legal resources to year-old collective bargaining
Cultural differences fade as veterans fight what they called an undem-
ocratic lockout, which Republi- Please see State, A6
conclude spiritual journey to Vietnam
POLITICAL FIGHT: Wisconsin legislators take
up bill that would strip power from unions. A3
Daring mission
JOHN SCHLUEP ends in peace
C
CHINA
By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer
Hanoi
hildren rushed through the driving rain to greet the A journey to find peace
tour bus carrying the five combat veterans. It was only
Fourth in a
Gulf the second time the youngsters at the school in Tam Ky four-day series
of
Tonkin had laid eyes on Westerners. Sunday: The U.S. group
VIETNAM
When Ron Oskar opened an umbrella, the children stays in the home of a
LAOS eagerly gathered beneath the canopy. The suitcases former Viet Cong soldier.
A
n
n
pulled by the visitors contained school supplies. For the Monday: Ceremonies MIKE CARDEW/Akron Beacon Journal
a
m Dong Ha students, it was akin to an American Christmas. help them heal. Don Cirelli of Canton, a retired city worker, joins in a protest
C
Tuesday against Senate Bill 5 near the Memorial Civic Center.
o
r
d
il
Inside, Oskar took a seat behind a boy and girl who Tuesday: One soldier
Union supporters
Hue
le
were sharing a desk. Occasionally, the girl turned to hopes to find his
Me
on
r
k
g a Da Nang
look at the group, her eyes wide with wonder. Oskar Freddie.
THAILAND
grinned as he explained that folks from the United TODAY: The veterans
States look different from the Vietnamese. visit with schoolchildren.
CAMBODIA
Central
Highlands
With her index finger outstretched, she tenderly
poked Oskars belly.
Yeah, it moves, he said, motioning for her to touch
On Ohio.com
Visit www.ohio.com/
protest in Canton
it again. vietnam to watch videos were from area tea party groups.
Nha Trang
Cam Buddha, the little girl said. of the five area veterans
While governor attends T he counterprotests were
Ranh
Intrigued, her desk mate gave it a try. talking about their dinner, groups outside spurred by an appearance by
Gov. John Kasich at the annual
trade opinions on bill
Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon)
Big Buddha, he said, giggling. experiences in Vietnam dinner meeting of the Canton
A few feet away was veteran Charlie Forsyth, who and to see more photos Regional Chamber of Commerce
Phu Quoc East
By Nancy Molnar at the civic center.
Islands Sea
has a gray-and-white beard that stretches down his of the trip. Special to the Beacon Journal Hes wrong on every frack-
0 100
Gulf
of Con Son Miles
chest. Eagerly, the youngsters took turns stroking it and CANTON: Opponents of a bill ing issue, said a sign worn by
Thailand Islands running their hands on Joe Caleys downy arms. Hairy that would curb public employee Kent State University student
McClatchy/Tribune
bodies are a novelty in Vietnam. unions rallied outside Memorial Micah Miller, 22, of Canton. The
Civic Center early Tuesday eve- sign referred to the governors
The kids were so respectful to us, Oskar said. ning. support of a controversial natu-
Theyve left a lasting impression on my life. ral gas drilling practice called
A smaller number of propo- fracking.
At another school in Mac Dinh Chi, Tom Saal stood nents of Senate Bill 5 also waved The McKinley High School
Please see Vietnam, A4 signs, expressing their support
along Market A venue . M any Please see Canton, A6
Not as cold
with
Todays weather
40 High 31 Low
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once again are at industrial park, creating 120 skilled jobs by 2013 Airport
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on those days to have your tax city. will be paid less and others more Akron Beacon Journal
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www.Ohio.com
Vietnam veterans complete journey
LAURA FONG CALEY/Special to the Beacon Journal

Army veteran Joe Caley of Tallmadge (left) relaxes in a bus with his wife, Mona, and Marine veteran Tom Saal of Akron. Travelers on the Vietnam journey retreated to the back of the bus for comic relief.

proud. His officers class, which had
suffered the highest number of casual-
ties in the war, funded a school in
memory of the lieutenants who died.
It is the only thing I ever built in
Vietnam, said Saal, a retired Akron
schoolteacher whose face beamed with
pride. Instead, we [U.S. forces] spent
. . . years blowing things up in that
country.
Antics and keepsakes
The tour bus that transported the
warriors and their group across Viet-
nam was sometimes similar to a school
bus the mischievous bunch sitting in
the back.
I tickled Joes face with my feet
while he was sleeping, said Saal,
snickering like a mischievous boy.
It was a spot where tomfoolery
helped soften the emotional trials of Writing poetry can be a tool for healing. Veteran Tom Saal says he benefits
the day; where all the overgrown kids, from writing about his experience leading a platoon of Marines in Vietnam.
including the Rev. John Schluep of
Warriors Journey Home, could act like
snot-nosed adolescents; and where the
veterans could debrief and ease diffi-
cult memories.
While some of the men destroyed
their military certificates and medals
after returning home to an unwelcom-
ing country some 40 years ago, there
were a few things they saved some-
times not on purpose.
Caleys son, for instance, recently
found some awards Caley had received
and forgot to dump in Lake Erie with
the rest of his things from the war.
But some of the mementos are
more macabre.
During a visit to his home, Ralph
Knerem dug out his old uniform and
helmet to show a reporter.
Thats an ace of spades, he said,
pointing at the card stuck in the hel-
met band.
Placed in the mouths of the dead, it
was his battalions calling card.
Though Caley was required to give
his helmet back to the Army, he re-
members it well.
He asked a talented soldier to draw Army veteran Ralph Knerem of Streetsboro still owns the helmet he wore in
an Ohio map on it. Inside the map, Cal- Vietnam. The band holds a cigarette pack and an ace of spades, the calling
ey sectioned off 365 blocks to represent card of his battalion. Soldiers placed the card in the mouths of the dead.
the number of days he had to spend in
Vietnam. Each day he marked out one University of Vietnam professor Pham Xuan Hang holds the hand of U.S. Marine
of the blocks until there was none. a man who cant dance, or the Celtic during the war realizing now that veteran Tom Saal of Akron after they exchanged poems about their combat
saying, You cannot pick up the sword they were simply following orders. experiences during the war in Vietnam. The sentiments were eerily similar.
Expression through art until you have picked up the drum. They know the people of Vietnam are
Writing poetry is good for the soul. A true warrior has a spiritual side understanding and gracious. They
While some of the men wrote while and awareness that is often expressed have paid their dues. And as difficult as the burdens of what the combat veter- stretched, he shook his head.
serving in Vietnam, others started af- through an art form, be it poetry, it may be, they deserve to have joy in ans have experienced. Initially, some Thats not me in years past. I was
ter they returned to the States. The painting, sculpture or pottery. their lives. said they had no desire to go back. never that happy or liberated. That
ability to do so, and do it well, sur- During their visit to Vietnam, the Since his return, Caley has joined Forsyth admitted that he was some- tells me so much about how Ive
prised even them. men had the opportunity to share their Saal and Forsyth to help the folks who what fearful of returning to Vietnam. changed, said the generous man, who
War and battle are an inversion of poetry with others including former live at Freedom House in Kent, a tran- But traveling with the group made him refused to bargain with street vendors,
spiritual intimacy. Battle is an odd enemies. sitional shelter for homeless veterans. feel safe. believing that he owed them every
dance between two people; in fact, We were reading peace poetry They all continue to participate in the In a way, it was like I was going cent for what the Americans had done
many of the dance steps for ballroom with people who we tried to kill 40 biweekly meetings of Warriors Jour- with a spiritual unit instead of a mili- to their country.
dancing are rehearsals for fighting years ago, Saal remembered. ney Home. And they encourage other tary unit that was going to control with I was definitely beginning to get
hand to hand or in close quarters, said Vietnam veterans to return to the violence and guns, he explained. This better, but now I catch myself laughing
Schluep, pastor of First Congregational Forgiveness country. unit had peace and healing in mind. right out loud.
Church in Tallmadge and a vet who There are many stories about how It took the men years to prepare Like Forsyth, Saal began to heal An outward sign of a healing soul.
was stationed in Alaska during the the trip has affected the veterans lives. themselves to return to Vietnam, with some time back. But when looking at a
post-Vietnam era. There is an ancient They have been able to forgive them- the help of the People of Strong Hearts photo of himself from the trip, stand- Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742
eastern saying, Never give a sword to selves for some of the things they did those in the support group who share ing in the East Sea with his arms out- or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
The five area veterans who returned to Vietnam

on the reconciliation trip in October ON THE JOURNEY ON OHIO . COM
Visit www.ohio.com/vietnam to watch videos of
each man talking about his experiences in
Vietnam:
Ron Oskar reflects on his return trip to
Vietnam and how he feels more at ease and
has found peace of mind.
Charlie Forsyth calls his second tour a
complete success, and says the glow of the
welcome-home reception has not yet worn off.
Ralph Knerem talks about the power of
forgiveness and his eagerness to go back to
Vietnam.
Tom Saal describes the spiritual healing that
JOE CALEY CHARLIE FORSYTH RALPH KNEREM RON OSKAR TOM SAAL has taken place in him since the trip in
25th Infantry Platoon Scout Mike Company 3rd 8th Maintenance Battalion, 1st Logistics Command, U.S. India Company 3rd Battalion, October.
Dog, 1st Cavalry, U.S. Army. Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st 173rd Airborne Brigade, U.S. Army. 5th Marine Regiment. Joe Caley talks about befriending those he
Age: 64 Marine Division. Army. Age: 64 Age: 65 fought against 40 years ago, and how he has a
Home: Tallmadge Age: 61 Age: 65 Home: Springfield Home: Akron greater understanding of Vietnam.
Family: Married, two Home: North Olmsted Home: Streetsboro Township Family: Separated, four
children. Family: Married, six Family: Divorced, three Family: Divorced, one children.
Postwar career: High school Find photos, including more photos of each
Postwar career: Cook and children. children child. mans journey; the Rev. John Schluep and
housing specialist at Kents Postwar career: Counselor. Postwar career: Army, Postwar career: Labor teacher, case manager at Kents
Shianne Eagleheart, who helped the men heal;
Freedom House. lineman, driver. relations officer. Freedom House and volunteer the history of the Vietnam War; and
in the psychiatric ward at St. photographer Laura Fong Torchias favorite
Thomas Hospital. images from the trip.
Search Edition
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CC www.Ohio.com Akron Beacon Journal d Wednesday, February 23, 2011 A5
Photographer reflects
on travels in Vietnam
KSU student Laura Fong Torchia documents trip
A Q&A with Laura Fong know a lot about their stories peace. They wrote poems about
Torchia, 37, a senior visual jour- and the things they feared most. love and loss. We discovered
nalism major at Kent State Uni- The night I arrived, we dined that the former enemies wrote
versity who traveled with the with a former Viet Cong soldier the same poems, the same
local combat veterans, docu- at the table with . . . U.S. com- words, the same stories. Time
menting their return to Viet- bat veterans, and there was al- and time again, we were told
nam. ready a noticeable brotherhood that Vietnam had forgiven the
Q: Why did you go to Vietnam? between them. Through transla- U.S. We were honored and re-
tor Tranh Song, the storytelling spected guests in their country
A: I eventually understood I that took place between the vet-
needed to go to Vietnam to tell erans helped the men under- Q: Did the trip change your life in
the story of the kind of recovery stand they were both just doing any way?
that is possible for veterans to their jobs in combat, they both
help tell the story of this group suffered greatly (as did their A: As a photojournalist in the
from Tallmadge who were wives and families), and both current news environment, its
brave enough to face the fear, did not want to do the jobs they hard to see where the future lies
guilt and shame of their time in did while in combat. We learned for a storyteller like me. From
combat in Vietnam. that neither sides people want- the never-ending days lugging
They all want to serve veter- ed the war, but both fought for gear in unbearable heat on a
ans who suffer the wounds of their country. fast-paced, travel-heavy sched-
war, and the act of telling the Former Viet Cong soldier ule to the support I received
story of their return to Vietnam Tam Tien said it best. He said, from the Beacon staff, it was a
to heal themselves through pho- From now on, the people of the truly validating experience. It
tos and words became extreme- United States and the people of was validated that there is a
ly important for me. As a Cana- Vietnam must be lips and market for what I am passionate
dian, Id never experienced so tongue of the same mouth, tell- about, and that a news organiza-
many people affected by war. It ing the same story. tion recognized my passion and
seems like most citizens of Ohio We attended poetry readings commitment enough that they
have family or friends in the where veterans from both sides would offer their support and
service. wrote poetry about war and assistance.
The story of what happened
in Vietnam for these five men
has already touched so many
people, and its only just hap-
pened. The evidence in their
lives, and continuing to share
their healing experiences as they
unfold will continue to show
they have benefited by looking
the enemy in the eye and mak-
ing peace, which in itself can
heal other veterans.
Q: What were some of the most
meaningful events that you wit-
nessed during the trip?
A: The interaction between vet-
erans from both sides of the war
was truly remarkable. . . . We
spent a year in preparation for
the journey, getting ready physi-
cally, emotionally and spiritual-
ly. I had the chance to get to
know the group quite well, and
watch them gather the willing-
ness to go back to Vietnam,
even though some of them
didnt really understand why.
Over time, they acquired the
willingness and faith that was
required to make this trip, and
through this process, I got to
Best Student Work Show 2010-2011
Gallery show in the First Energy lobby at Franklin Hall

Laura Torcia
Senior, Visual Journalism / Masters, Journalism Convergence
Personal project (Honors thesis)
The long-term effects of war can compel a person to search for answers, search for healing. For five With the help of The Warriors Journey Home, the veterans traveled to Viet Nam in October 2010
Akron-area veterans, their search led them to back to Viet Nam and the origins of their conflict, 42 and found themselves face-to-face with the very people they fought so long ago. What they found
years later. was a shared brotherhood of veterans who also did not want to go to war. The country that was
willing to forgive them and its citizens offered the veterans the opportunity to make amends for the
The veterans found each other through a local Native American healing circle called The Warriors atrocities of war.
Journey Home, where the members meet regularly and share their personal stories of war. They
discovered a community of people who understand and a place where they can share the burdens Each of the men have their own war stories, but now, each have a new story to tell about their
they have carried for so long. return to Viet Nam.
SPRING 2010 THE BURR 27
www.warriorsjourneyhome.org
independent investigation :fall 2011
Laura Fong
www.laurafongphotography.com
http://laurafongphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Warriors-Journey-Home-Vietnam-Journey-2010 G0000qOaWyCZgrj4
*fully searchable gallery of images from the entire project

Journey To Vietnam

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Journey To Vietnam

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Warriors Journey Home

independent investigation :fall 2011

I did my undergrad in Visual Journalism at Kent State, and this semes-

I didnt seek out a project on veterans. I had been working on a

The Published Work........p26-57

We honor all beliefs, says Reverend John Schluep.

John Schluep is the Senior Pastor at First Congregational

Shianne Eagleheart (Haudenosaunee-Seneca) is a

by Kim Hone-McMahan on October 4, 2010

the Beacon Journal. In the event you are over-

hearing that something special may be taking

place upon the warriors return, apparently

be able to take fle eary r-o vel he r I re . ions, dy to n th s to . M l

story. e gro xh gh los Fla

twi rmer n coup

: Snaps From The Journey to Viet Nam :

: highlights from Akron to Sai Gon

Tom Saal, retired 1st Lieutenant, U.S Marine

As we move closer to this journey of healing,

Tam Tien taught seventh graders where he grew up in the Me-

The country was divided at war, Tam knew he could be drafted

(F) Shianne Eagleheart, Dr. Ed Tick, Joe Caley

Tam Ki School : Mekong Delta

PFC Stephen M. Burr

The War Remnants Museum used to be

The new room that displays the Vietnamese

Dr. Ed Tick presented the printed catalogues to

Museum Director Madame Huynh Ngoc Van is part

Find information and register for the Summit HERE

Hoa Binh is peace in Vietnamese.

WELCOME HOME RON!

Our friends and partners, Dr Ed Tick, John Fisher, and the

I went into this visit with some fear and reserva

The only universal language is pain,

Joe Caley, and Michael Magoo Phil-

Reverend John Schluep embraces the Dr. who takes care of

Contact for tickets: Jane Huffman at 330-633-9628

Dr. Ed Tick introduced the veterans in

Que Mai, a journalist and member of the

Reverend John Schluep represents Warriors Journey Home, and First

Check out a short video of vets from both sides:

WELCOME HOME STEVE!

Now were shooting pictures, says Charlie For-

Hi Van Pass is a place the Marines with us remember.

We are close to Marble Mountain, Hill 55, Chau Son

Our driver passed other vehicles and negotiated hair-

Its hard to imagine someone decided this was a place

Another article with photos of our day 10.09.10

Ceremonies were held for Tom, Charlie, and

Journey to Our Hearts :words from 23-year old

10:19:10 :Plane is Early

The plane is arriving about 15 minutes early. Kim

10:19:10 :40 years changes vietnam journey for vets

AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

Aultman ordered to pay rival At the end of a two-month trial in

Hi, baby, he said, closing his eyes as he

Crowd at Akron-Canton Airport offers warm welcome BeaconFirst embraced her.

corridor of the Akron-Canton Airport.

VIETNAM cussed the events that led the

by Laura Torchia on October 20, 2010

Akron Beacon Journal

The Tallmadge Express

The Gateway News

Truoi Tre (National Vietnamese Newspaper)