SAVE THE MONTAGNARD PEOPLE (STMP)

 

Summer 2011

So much has happened since the last newsletter that there won’t be space to ask for money. Sorry about
that.

MAY 2011
The largest event and the most work involved was our 25th anniversary gathering picnic. Almost
everything went smoothly even though we had 5,200 people go through the gate. That’s more than ever
before. Even the weather cooperated. It would be hard to have a better event – but we will try.

The area was clean and neat and the presentation area relocated to some trees and away from the pavilion
so everyone could attend. Our members who died this year were remembered. Awards were given to
some members for their continuing volunteer work. Visitors of note were introduced. GCMA’s (now
STMP) first elected president, Jim Kerns; BG Edward M. Reeder, CG SF Command; Ron McCan, SFA
President and Jeff Hotujec, VP SFA were all honored as well as the leaders of the Montagnard tribes.
Speeches were given in English and Rhade. AND all of this happened before lunch.

Lunch was not slow but for the first time, we ran out of cooked food before all 5,200 folks got some. It’s
always hard to judge how much to make when you don’t know how many to prepare for. We were very
fortunate in that we had a lovely lady who prepared “made-to-order” Thai soup from her well-stocked soup
cart. All proceeds from her soup sales went to STMP. It was delicious and a type of food you would not
find anywhere other than Southeast Asia. After lunch, attendees could enjoy the music as it continued
in the presentation area. The sales table was busy – and it was a good time to sit, talk or walk the area.
Many visitors went down the new trail to the cemetery and longhouse. Some continued on to the farm and
farmhouse (more about that later).

Many of us spent quite some time looking at the Huey and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters transported to the
site by the South Carolina Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. We cannot thank them
enough for all their hard work in the restoration, and bringing the two helicopters to the land.

In mid-afternoon it was time to draw the raffle winners for the Harley and the Browning. BG Reeder drew
the winning tickets. Both prices were won by people from North Carolina. The winners were notified and
received their prizes shortly afterward. AND THAT WAS ALL ON SUNDAY.

On Saturday, the day before, we had our annual general membership meeting. Everything went smoothly
and quickly. After the meeting, we had a variety of activities such as archery and telling stories and
LUNCH.

APRIL 2011
In mid-April, STMP took part in “Celebrate Freedom” activities in Columbia, South Carolina. Our group
consisted of 57 Montagnards plus some children and round eyes. It was a 2-day affair with a day’s travel
each way. SFA Chapter 34 made much of our part in the celebration possible. Among other events held,
the Montagnard choir and three dance troops gave several performances. A platoon of Dega in camo
marched in the large parade and there was also a Montagnard village set-up. All of these activities were
designed to introduce people to the Dega as well as allowing the Montagnards to share their culture. At
the same time and place, there was a regional S. F. Convention. It was a very busy weekend and one that
required a lot of energy and planning on STMP’s part.

JUNE 2011
There were two activities on the same weekend. The largest was the National Special Forces Convention
in Orlando, Florida. The convention lasted four days, not counting driving time for the six of our members
who worked at the information and sales area which was busy and profitable. Our main reason for going
to these affairs isn’t money. We try to keep the mission of STMP and the Dega in front of people who
care. Making enough at the sales desk, or from donations, to cover expenses is always good. Having a bit
extra is even better.

The second meeting was only a one-day affair at our land, but it was a very important one. Six members
of the S. F. medical team from Ft. Bragg met with eight STMP members (included were four Board
members). The purpose of the meeting was to plan S.F. involvement in Montagnard health issues. Some
of the health problems were discussed at great length and what could be done. The first phase will be
screening which will start very soon. What actual treatment and how it can be done will start shortly after
the screening.

1WELCOME – Twenty-five new Dega have been welcomed to the U. S. They were bailed out of the
SRV by family members who are already here. This is very expensive and is another way of showing the
cost of freedom and the strength of family ties. Various church groups in North Carolina are “adopting’
Montagnard families. This provides the families with much-needed support in many ways.

At the STMP 25th Anniversary celebration, we had people from all over the country visiting the site. Many
were members coming for the first time, many joined after they saw what we’ve managed to do. This is
a good sign, but it also highlights a problem for STMP. We are a community service organization. The
community is the DEGA. Unlike other groups such as Rotary or a church group, our members are not
local. For example, STMP has 12 members in California and nearly as many in Colorado.

This far-flung membership is very supportive but they cannot be expected to appear at the land on
Saturday or to help on work days. This leaves a heavy burden on those who can and do come. There
are only about 12 round-eye members within a one-hour drive. Just about the same number of members
who live in California. Fortunately, there is a large group of Montagnards who come from various parts
of the state to work the land. That’s only fair, after all it is THEIR land and their culture we’re trying to
help them preserve. If you do get to the land, please congratulate them on what’s been done. If you have
suggestions, please make them. We are too few not to work together to be effective.

COMING UP
• The annual Dega Day picnic on September 17th is a Montagnard planned and executed affair.
A very pleasant, relaxed day for some of us. If you plan on attending, the Comfort Inn is still
offering their special $65.00 rate. To reserve a room, call 336-626-4414 and indicate you are
with STMP. They have smoking rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

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We will be at SOAR in Las Vegas again this year and it will be on September 19th, 2011. This is
always a good time and as usual, we’ll have a sales table. Please stop and say hello if you’re there.

STMP members will address the Missouri State American Legion on July 8th and 9th, 2011.

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We will be participating in the Veterans Day Parade in Fayetteville, North Carolina on November
12, 2011.

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If that isn’t enough to do, there is always the recurring work at the land. The garden is very
extensive and nearly weed-free. Corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, rice and che berry
bushes. Other things also need constant attention like the 12 goats and a large free-range (that
means you can’t count them) mixed flock of chickens, ducks and geese. The garden has been
fenced to keep the goats out. Power was lost to the well pump for some time. The problem was
identified and should be fixed by now. GARDENING IS SO MUCH EASIER WHEN YOU
HAVE WATER!

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Our computer guru has recently collected and serviced forty computers which have been delivered
to North Carolina. BUT there are more – anyone traveling in the North Jersey area could do
everyone involved a huge favor by picking up some from him and getting them to N. C. Call me if
you’re going to be in that area.

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SFA members in Utah and North Carolina are beginning to collect winter coats for STMP to
distribute. They will be very welcome come fall.

There are many short term jobs available. These include mower repair, chimney work, artifact
documentation and shed construction. If you and a friend would enjoy a few days in the country,
call me for details.

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Please check out the website www.montagnards.org. It is under new management and gets updated
quite frequently.

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George Hadeler, Secretary, STMP
481 Almond Drive, Luray, VA 22835-3521 (540) 743-2943