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John Michael Somero (1967)

Hi, Robert,

Also, my brother Ralph Somero, class of 1969 served in the Army from about 1970 - 1974 or so.  I know he got in late enough that he didn't go to Viet Nam; my best recollection is that he was a cook at Ft. Huachuca in AZ.  He's currently living in Idaho in some kind of care facility, after having decades of problems with his knees and going through several procedures at VA hospitals.

Thanks,

John S.

Don Murdoch (1962)

Robert,

   Also add Joe Salas, Class of '62.  He entered the Navy in Oct. 62 and died during a fire aboard his ship in May 63.  Thanx.

Jim Kiehn (1965)

Robert

Steve Watts served in the same unit as me in Vietnam(68-69). Richard Wetzel served in Turkey in the same time period. Steve Deal also served in the Army in Vietnam during the same time period.

Bill Shinn was shot down over N Vietnam, declared dead but his remains have never been found.

Merry Christmas

JIm KIehn

Greg Kareofelas (1962)

To the Veterans List, you can add Robert Casias, he told me he was with the 25th Inf and he was a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam. To really understand what that was, read a book by Tom Mangold and John Penycate "THE TUNNELS OF CU CHI.

Charlotte Apodaca (Lucero) (1961)

James Calibro (1966)

Craig Mayfield, Very well put. Many veterans are still struggling today, especially due to the result of what we refer to as "Agent Orange".

Jon Neumann (1969)

Bruce Neumann Corpsman USMC I Corps Vietnam 67 - 69, Tet

Jon Neumann (1969)

He was in the "you know what" and has a purple heart and some sort of star for action during Tet; sorry I can't help it; I am proud of him but he thinks all of this glorification is misplaced and never ever talks about it; had to surreptitiously look through some of his closets; he does not display anything, thinks the American War " or "Second Indochina War" (as the Vietnamese call it) was a tragedy and senseless; somewhere between 500,000 (low estimate) and 1.5 million (high estimate) Vietnamese died during our "stay" there and alot of good American men, the youth of our nation. I was a coward and went to college. Enough said. I will stay off this site form here on ought to avoid the hate mail.

Ron Blickle (1963)

For all you Vietnam Vets who spent time "In Country", you need to read the quintisential book on life and death in that senseless war.  The book is entitled, "The Matterhorn".  Even those of us that were fortunate enough to not spend our military time in Vietnam can get a better sense of what our friends and classmates experienced through this excellent read.  We honor all who served, but especially those who experienced combat wherever they may have been!

On a lighter note,  I enjoyed the book by Bill Griffith, Jr and my dear friend and classmate, Ned Hoppin who wrote a novel called "Unintended Consequences".  Both books were well done.  Anyone else publish books?

Robert Cowing (1965)

Ron Pinkston, class of 1967, and served in the U.S. Army has written 3 books:

1. “Loving God in Front of People, Loving People in Front of God”, by Ron Pinkston, AMFM Press, Arizona, 2008, 378 pages; A year long devotional with each day paired with a scripture and a personal commentary;
2. “Our Father” by Ron Pinkston, AMFM Press, Arizona, 72 pages; Personal revelation and examination of Who God The Father is.
3. “Trusting God When You Have Cancer – Help and Hope For The Road Ahead”, by Jerry Cook and Ron Pinkston, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene Oregon, 2009, 48 pages; Jerry Cook describes this short book the best: "I had recovered enough from surgery to begin chemotherapy for colon cancer. . . . then Ron called to tell me his doctors had found a tumor and the biopsy had shown it was cancerous.  He would begin chemo in 2 weeks." 

          "I was devastated. Ron and I had been close friends for many years.  That he would be going through what I was experiencing was almost overwhelming to me. . . . I told him I would write a letter during each of my chemo treatments. . . . Convey our thoughts, emotions, and fears . . .  I hoped our correspondence would encourage him.  Little did I know the healing it would bring to me as well."

          "This brief book contains excerpts from those letters.  It is our hope that our correspondence will lighten your journey and give you hope. . . .  We also desire that these exchanges illustrate a healthy, deep friendship between two men who love God, their families, and each otherr in a world where such friendships are far too rare."

Jerry Cook died late this year in 2014.  Ron was one of a handful who gave a personal euology at Jerry's remembrance. As I sat in the church listening to Ron, I thanked God that I had the privledge to know each man, personally and professionally although regretably, briefly. Ron continues to serve and minister through out the Northwest and Pacific states and remains healthy to this day.  This book of partnership in life, pain and death, will, I believe be a source of comfort and I hope, healing to all  who would avail themselves to the love, grace and faith shared and revealed within this journal.

Jan Orrick Cowing, class of 1965 has written 2 books:

1. “Five Smooth Stones", by J.E. Rose (Jan Orrick Cowing), self published, 1989, 109 pages, Out of Print; A book of five parables;
2. “Bits and Pieces”, by J.E. Rose ( Jan Orrick Cowing), Illustrated by Anne Barlow Webster, self published, 2009, 14 pages, copies available from author by request; An illustrated children's book 5-12 years;

Ned Hoppin, class of 1963 has written two books:

1.  "Unintended Consequences," by E. C. Hoppin MD (Dr. Ned Hoppin), Self published in 2013, 2014 publisher: Createspace,  ISBN 10: 978-0-615-77163-2;  ISBN 13: 9780615771632

"The death of a middle-aged woman who works as an Army base general’s maid sets off a regular whodunit tale about her demise, the death of the general’s daughter and how the woman’s son might be connected.  It’s all part of the “web of lies and deceit” in the new novel by local retired physician and hospital administrator Edward C. “Ned” Hoppin, who said he fulfilled a longtime dream with the publication of “Unintended Consequences.”

2.  "The Joy of Cancer", by Dr. Ned Hoppin; publisher and date unknown;

Bill Griffith, Jr. Class of 1960 who served in the the U.S. Navy wrote one book:

1.   "Go Play Outside", by Bill Griffith, Jr., Creatspace Independent Publishing Platform, May 16, 2014,  ISBN - 1495276678, 9781495276675,  214 pages;

A three heart-part personal journey by the author about: (a) Woodland California and Yolo County history, (b) the author's childhood in Woodland, California and (c) an eulogy to his father, William Griffith.

Walter J. "Wally" Summ (1967)

As I told Ron Pinkston recently...."You are one in a million, my friend!"  Our friendship goes back over half a century.  We've been playing music together that long also. 

Ron's books are a true inspiration.  He speaks the truth from deep in his heart.  We  could use a lot more Ron Pinkston's on this planet.  I feel truly blessed to have Ron in my life.  If you need help and you are his friend...he's there.

We recently met at fellow classmate Buz Evicci's house in Sacramento.  After a delightful day of good food and conversation, we settled into the evening to do a "few songs".  One oldie lead to another and long story short....I didn't get to back to Woodland until 2:30am.  A good time was had by all.

Left to Right:  Ron Pinkston, Susan Logue Pinkston, Buz Evicci, Lauralynn Evicci, and Judy Smyth Fann

Aileen Jull (Martinez) (1964)

I had the priviledge of attending Ron and Susan's church in Winters, named Gateway in reference to its location as Winters is the gateway to Lake Berriesa.  I went to their church from about 1986 to 1992 when we moved to Roseville.  I have never attended a church with such great leadership.  Susan and Ron are such caring people with beautiful hearts and a deep love for God.  I wasn't aware that Ron had a bout with cancer.  I had to order his book, "Trusting God When You Have Cancer – Help and Hope For The Road Ahead”, by Jerry Cook and Ron Pinkston, Harvest House Publishers.  I found it on Amazon.  I'll bet everyone knows someone who can use it.  Thanks Ron.

Tuni Gravink (House) (1964)

Tom Stewart,

My uncle Tom Gravink said he did know your dad. He said they worked with a team for the welcome wagon in Woodland, and played cards alot. He said that was in the 60's. Tuni Gravink House.

Robert Cowing (1965)

Dr. Ned Hoppin, December 2014, Class of 1963

Gary Wegener (Wegener) (1966)

Vern Larson (1960)

Gary, What a fantastic motorcycle trip across Russia. I enjoyed reading your experiences and viewing the photos you posted. What a great diplomat you have been for America!  We are all so proud of you!

Sherry Bailey (Westland) (1968)

Kudos to you Gary - what an accomplishment!  Well written and journaled. Memories to last a lifetime and such stories to share with your grandchildren.  Anytime we step out to do something out of the norm, it leaves us so much richer than before.  I stepped out of my comfort zone last year and did something amazing for me.  I also learned some life lessons, which I will be sharing with my granddaughters.  Thanks for sharing your trip, Gary! 

Harrison Jack (1964)

As a fellow Veteran, my thanks to Robert and all those who have upated the status of our Veteran classmates; your awareness and sensitivity is appreciated.  I happen to be in multiple positions associated with Veteran Health & Wellness that may be able to make a difference in the lives of our Veteran classmates, spouses and family members.  Battlefield trauma, or any trauma for that matter, takes its toll, often times at the expense of loved ones who care and are close to the traumatized indivdiual.  Most of you are familiar with my "story", best thing that even happened to me in that it foreced me to face the consequences of combat and deal with them constructively and not as a victim. 22 Vets a day are committing suicide, most come from our age group. Most are victims of PTS, "shell shock" from WW II .Like many of you, we grew up with fathers who "wouldn't discuss what happened" during the war - and it wasn't easy; our family still wears scars from those formative years.  However, the good news and the main reason I'm posting, is that any form of trauma like Post Traumatic Stress( PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Military Sexual Assault (MST) can be very effectively addressed today WITHOUT DRUGS!.  I have spent the last 7 years experimenting with every type of treatment modality, technology or skill that could help restore balance and minimize/end trauma symptoms with some amazing finds. I get calls from Vets of all ages from around the country who want to get off the "VA drug cocktail" train of life-long prescriptions. Medication has its place, its just doesn't solve the problem, long-term.  The bottom line is that although trauma manifests itself through emotionality of all types, it is in fact a natural physiological response associated with the survival instinct and can therefore be treated physiologically.  You will not find this in medical journals, yet - I'm working with MD's and practitioners from around the country who are on the cutting edge of treatment research and experimentation.  One, a retired Colonel, psychologist, has treated over 1,000 Vets without any form of medication.  Another, retired Navy Commnader, MD ER trauma physician treats her patients, mostly rape victims, and neutralizes the effects of trauma within a matter of minutes to hours. You may find this hard to believe but it is state of the art medical practi ce that is not tied to pharmaceutical-medical treatment of symptoms (a Vet is worth $1.2-1.4M over his lifetime association with the VA); these folks are out to solve problems and return an individual's quality of life to them ASAP.  They have made a significant difference in my life as noted by my good wife Carol (former Carol Longee) and the personal changes that hvae taken place in our lives since 2007.  For those interested in specifics, you are welcome to post to me privately or call personally, 530.662.6902. I still live in Woodland and have resources throughout N CA and the country at my disposal to share. Thanks for your appreciation of service rendered - let's reach out to those Vets whose quality of life is much less than it could be with resources that are now available, I think they'll appreciate it even more.  PEACE, from within.  

Gary Wegener (Wegener) (1966)

Harrison, thanks for sharing, but first, thanks for exploring that lonely, confusing road until you came up with viable answers.  You are a local treasure.  

Have you (anyone?) ever attended or helped at a 'North Bay Stand Down' at the Dixon Fairgrounds (typically mid Oct I believe).  I haven't yet, but would like to. Would be nice to get a Woodland vet contingent from the 60's decade for the next one?  Am sure they could use the help.

Gary Wegener (Wegener) (1966)

Vern, the trip sure put the current situation in Ukraine in an interesting light.  I think the average Russian has way too much national pride tied up in Putin, and he seems to have no face saving way out of his mess.  

Theresa Eve (1964)

Harrison Jack, thank you for opening the door to all those experiences for us to open our eyes.  Gary, you have also done a great deal with our Forum and travels shared, we have grown with your words, pictures and thoughts.  A Happy New Year 2015  to all, and a great Thank you to all the Vets.  Blessings  in Appreciation!!

Theresa Eve (1964)

Mr. Robert Cowing, I am sorry I did not list you as a major player in creating the great listing of Woodland Service Personnel.  It is just amazing to read all the names who have given for our freedom.  Thank you so.

Louis M. Dinwiddie (1966)

I thought I'd catch up with the forum today and I'm so glad I did. It did my heart good to see that Janet Long Levers confirmed that the rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated. I think 2015 will therefore be a great year. I'll also post some photos and memories of the Dinwiddies of Woodland from 1947 to 2013. 

Many many thanks to those that served our country and those that made this forum a great place to reminisce and reorient. 

Lou Dinwiddie, '66

Dan Schroyer (1967)

Howard Neal (1964)

We were so busy getting ready to host our NYE party yesterday, we forgot to bring in the mail.  I was delighted to learn today that our 50-year Reunion Book had arrived.  Great to relive all the fun we had at the "Historic" Hotel Woodland on September 20, 2014.

Thank you (again) to our reunion committee:  Eldon & Shelly Larson, Smokey Rico, Jack & Judy Andrade, Anita Morales, Sharon Armus, Mahala Wegener, Art Fortis, Joyce Tauzer, Dan Kindelt and Theresa Eve.