V V S D - History
VIETNAM VETERANS OF SAN DIEGO--History
In 2011, Phil Landis the current CEO of VVSD asked if I would speak at the Christmas Party of the Organization and share how we started this in my office back in 1981.
VVSD has become the Gold Standard for Community based Service Organizations in America and is the recipient of scores of Awards and well-deserved recognition. We had no idea that this incredible Organization would be what it is today back when the 5 of us began in order to lift ourselves up. There has been powerful and gifted leadership and a continued focus on a Mission that has not wavered. In addition, VVSD is in San Diego--a truly Military and Veteran friendly city that is home to 300,000 Veterans and a large active duty population. |
Father Mahedy Remembered
EULOGY for FATHER BILL MAHEDY
Father Mahedy (Uncle Bill to us) was an Augustinian Priest who was an incalculable and beneficial influence on the Vietnam Veteran generation and movement in San Diego as well as nationally. He served as a Chaplain with the 1st AirCav in Vietnam and after the War left the Catholic Church, married, became an Episcopal Priest, and ultimately worked for the VA in both LA and San Diego. There are no words spacious enough to hold the goodness of this man. He was instrumental in saving my life and the lives of scores of Combat Vietnam Veterans. His perspective was vast and his grounding in love and life unshakeable. He was able to speak with anyone---he was classically educated but also related to the most humbly educated of us.
Prior to his death , he asked if I would speak at his Funeral and Life Celebration. This was yet another blessing from my mentor, my friend and my Brother. I am not sure what a Saint is or what the qualifications are---but for us, the hundreds he helped and who still call him their "best friend", Father Bill Mahedy was a Saint who walked amongst us and remains with us. |
Brothers in Arms
BROTHERS IN ARMS
In November 1988 I was invited by Father Mahedy to join a mission of "people to people" diplomacy to the Soviet Union during a time of transition for that Country under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev.
The idea was for Combat Veterans from our War in Vietnam to journey to Kazakhstan and interface and share with the Soviet Veterans (the "Afghanzi") returning from their War in Afghanistan. The journey lasted for just three weeks but was of enormous importance and meaning. The film documents our interaction with the Soviet troops. The key teaching from this trip for me is that Combat Stress and Post Traumatic Stress are a human condition and are present in all wars on all sides. Certainly this was true for the Soviet soldiers who are remarkably just like us--I felt completely safe during my stay and very welcome. The film has an overtone of working for peace---remember this was 1988 and before 9/11--which remains a most worthwhile and ultimate goal---but make no mistake, these young men were Warriors---just exhausted and disillusioned. |
Careers In Media
WOUNDED MARINE; CAREERS IN MEDIA
This was an effort back in 2008 to assist the severely impacted Marines in a transition into a career in the media sector of private business. It was a very high visibility effort with first rate instructors and equipment and was endorsed at the highest level of the USMC. The Marines were taught all aspects of the possible careers to include screen writing, sound, cinematography, still photography and set design.
Each Marine had to write and produce his individual piece. In the end, the class produced this video entitled " A Time Served" which pays tribute to Vietnam Veterans. The Co- Producer Josh Frey (a two Purple Heart recipient from "phantom Fury" in Falluja) asked me to gather some Veterans who were legitimate and Randy Way, John Baca and Al Slater stepped forward. They were joined by one of the instructors Levy Isaacs, and this short film is the result. I am proud of these Wounded Warriors. |