The Newsletter of the PSYOP Veterans Association
(POVA)
Founded 1988
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President's Letter
HAPPY NEW YEAR
This little blue planet we inhabit has survived yet another trip around the sun......about
585 million miles in 365.26 days
. For those interested in this stuff, that is a trip averaging
67,000 miles per hour
, or
18.6 miles per second.
We won't get into miles-per-gallon.....or speed limits.
2018 was a good year for POVA. Our overall membership continues to grow, the ranks of our Life Members continue to expand, we expanded our contacts and conversations with both our Reserve and active-duty Psywarriors, and have managed to expand our charitable giving efforts in support of our fellow veterans and families in need. Let's not forget....we held a truly memorable Biennial Reunion in Cleveland that brought members from all over the US, Australia, and Germany.
Of true significance for POVA, our first-ever chapter, the POVA-Gateway Chapter, is organizing in the St. Louis, MO, area, and will be activated on 2 March 2019. Spearheaded by Life Member Brett Cox, Gateway will be a huge opportunity for POVA to grow even further.
The New Year has some early objectives: create a relationship with the US Marine Corp's PSYOP unit ; develop our relations with the Canadian Forces PSYOP units in Ontario; establish a POVA Scholarship Fund to make initial awards in summer 2019; and complete visits to at least 60% of USACAPOC's Reserve units that we have not yet visited.
There is much to do, as always. It is easier if more of our members participate, but one way or another we will accomplish these goals. Of course, planning for the 2010 Fayetteville Biennial Reunion will begin in early summer 2019.
Chad Spawr
President
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New POVA Life Members
POVA welcomes new Life Members
Brian Baltierra
, Honor Graduate of the PSYOP Qualification Course at Ft. Bragg in December; Trustee and Board Member
Manny Salazar
;
Randy Whitehead
,
John Markham
, and
Peter Westenkirchner
. You can view our entire Life Member roster on POVA’s website at
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POVA Appoints new VP of Marketin
g
POVA is pleased to announce appointment of POVA member Ilya Nemtsov to serve as VP of Marketing. Ilya will concentrate on a variety of tasks associated with expanding our social media presence, evaluating our communication processes, and help us to continue our successful growth efforts. As a Vice President, Ilya will become a full member of POVA's Board. Ilya's bio is included below:
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Ilya Nemtsov enlisted in the Army Reserves in 2002 and was assigned to 2POG HHC in Parma, Ohio as Information Technology Specialist (MOS 74B). In 2005 after graduating from Cleveland State University with Degree in Business Administrations Management Information’s Systems and completing ROTC program he received his commission as 2LT in Signal Corps. After completing Signal Officer Basic Corse (25A), served as 2
nd
POG Group S6.
In 2009 he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as S6 for 16
th
Psychological Operations Battalion – Psychological Operations Task Force – POTF, Baghdad, Iraq. Upon his return from Iraq in 2010 and completion of Signal Captains Career Course he was reassigned back to 2POG HHC.
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In 2012 he graduated from PSYOP Officer Qualification Course and shortly after deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan where he served as a Radio Chief for Combined Joined Psychological Operations Task Force – CJPOTF, ISAF- Kabul, AFG. Upon his return he was assigned to 13
th
POB - 350
th
Tactical PSYOP Company, Twinsburg, OH as PSYOP Product Development Detachment OIC.
During his time with 350th TPC, he participated and served as PSYOP SME in multiple EUCOM/NATO Exercises that include: Exercise Rapid Trident - 2015 in Ukraine, JMRC - Operation Allied Spirit IV - 2016 in Germany and Exercise Saber Guardian - 2016 in Romania. In 2017 he was assigned back to 2POG and served as Group S5 – FUOPS Officer.
Currently, MAJ Nemtsov is assigned to 13th POB - 319th Tactical PSYOP Company, Arden Hills, MN as Company Commander. He works for Progressive Insurance as a Senior IT Systems Engineer, married, has one child and live in Willoughby, Ohio.
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NEW ST. LOUIS, MO, POVA CHAPTER APPROVED
POVA is pleased to announce that its first-ever Chapter charter application has been approved, and our Association will soon fully implement the new Gateway Chapter in St. Louis, MO. Organized by Life Member Brett Cox, implementation plans are now being developed to anticipate the many issues that must be considered to bring "Gateway" to life.
There are myriad details being organized and resolved to activate the new Gateway Chapter in early 2019. This is an exciting time for POVA, and is hopefully the first of several chapters that will be created in many regions of the country.
POVA anticipates activating the new Gateway Chapter on 2 March 2019.
Any member interested in starting a local chapter should contact Rich Hosier or Chad Spawr for information on our "easy to use" guidelines for Chapter formation.
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NEW POVA GATEWAY CHAPTER PRESIDENT APPOINTED AS ARA AMBASSADOR
Brett Cox, who is currently organizing our new St. Louis, MO, chapter has a long and active background involving our US Army Reserve forces in Missouri and the region. He shared the following note:
I have some pretty exciting news that I wanted to share with you both. Back in August, I was nominated to become the new Army Reserve Ambassador for Missouri and I received notice, and a letter from LTG Luckey, that I have been chosen for Federal appointment (a volunteer position) to be the new ARA. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s very similar to the Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army but focused on the Reserve component and it’s a 2 star equivalent rather than the CASA 3 star protocol (one level below the top officer’s rank). This is going to help get even closer to the units and it’s going to be a lot of fun
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"Dining Out" with 346th Tactical PSYOP Company
On 1 December, POVA President Chad Spawr served as guest speaker for the 346th TPOC annual "Dining Out" event, held in Worthington, OH. Approximately 90 Psywarriors, wives, friends, and guests were present for a fine dinner, the full "Dining Out & Grog" celebration, and excellent fellowship with a very experienced group of PSYOP soldiers. At right, Company Commander CPT Jacob Stimson presented Chad with a token of the company's appreciation.
Chad Spawr spoke to the unit about its long history, beginning with the 246th PSYOP Company which was originally deployed to Viet-Nam in 1965. He made the clear linkage of that war's earliest PSYOP capabilities with today's very advanced 346th professional skills and capabilities. "You are carrying on and growing the traditions we started in Viet-Nam. We are very proud of you!"
POVA made a donation to the 346th's Family Resource Group (FRG) which provides support and assistance to the families of our fellow Psywarriors when needed. In addition, POVA donated several of our distinctive Challenge Coins to be awarded by the Company Commander and First Sergeant to members of the Company.
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All members of the 346th were encouraged to join POVA, and several have done so already. Sincerest thanks to POVA member Rob Nadeau for the invitation, and to Company Commander CPT Jacob Stimson and First Sergeant Tyler Parks for the warm and most sincere welcome.
At left, CPT Jacob Stimson, Chad Spawr, 1SG Tyler Parks, and COL Justin Stieglitz.
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321st PSYOP Company Family Holiday Party
On 9 December, POVA President Chad Spawr attended the 321st TPOC Family Holiday party in Kentwood, MI. Approximately 90 Psywarriors, wives, friends, and guests were present for lunch, good time with fellow soldiers and families, and a Christmas visit from Santa Claus. At left is Santa with a 321st soldier and family at the Holiday Party
The 321st was one of the first Reserve PSYOP units to enroll large numbers of its soldiers as POVA members, and has maintained a high level of contact and support with our Association. Approximately 70% of the Company are currently POVA members.
POVA made a donation to the 321st's Family Resource Group (FRG) which provides support and assistance to the families of our fellow Psywarriors when needed. In addition, POVA donated several of our distinctive Challenge Coins which were awarded to some of the Company's top performing soldiers.
Many thanks to Company Commander Raphael Trujillo, First Sergeant Ryan Higdem, and SSG Miles Atwell for the invitation and warm welcome to the Holiday party.
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Bill Morzov has been a member of POVA for over 20 years, and has attended several of our Biennial Reunions. Having served in Viet-Nam with the 4th PSYOP Group, Bill is a proud veteran.
Bill has experienced declining health in the past few years, but wanted something to commemorate his Honorable Military Service. POVA was able to work with a vendor to create a special member card for Bill, affirming his Honorable service and Discharge. Bill's lovely wife Suzann assures us that Bill was very pleased to receive his card.
Welcome Home, Bill!
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2018 POVA Charitable Activities
As we know, POVA was approved in 2017 as a charitable/educational organization under provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). This means that we are able to accept charitable donations and make donations to deserving organizations on a tax-preferred basis.
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We have worked hard in 2018 both to raise funds but also to identify deserving organizations for our donations. While we came up "short" of our fund-raising goal, we were able to raise funds to support our fellow veterans and their families in need, while also having sufficient funds to support our legitimate business expenses. Here is a roster of those deserving organizations that received nearly $3,000 of POVA's assistance in 2018;
Milk & Honey Farms: farm owned/operated by POVA Life Member Tim Wallace; grows and provides food to food banks and shelters in Central Pennsylvania. Over 1.5 tons of food were raised and donated with POVA's assistance in 2018.
American Red Cross: provides support and assistance to people in need as a result of disasters and larger-scale tragedies.
Phoenix Mission: charitable organization helping homeless veterans living "on the street" with living, health, and other supplies.
Family Resources Group (FRG), 346th Psychological Operations Company: organization helping families of soldiers with wide range of needs, especially those whose soldiers are deployed or experiencing family difficulties.
Family Resources Group (FRG), 321st Psychological Operations Company: organization helping families of soldiers with wide range of needs, especially those whose soldiers are deployed or experiencing family difficulties.
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The Last to Let you Down
This information was submitted by POVA Life Member and Trustee Hammond Salley. Here is his note on this outstanding information:
As I was watching part of President Bush's funeral, I was wondering how the service members were selected and trained for this duty. This clip answers some of those questions. I thought everyone might find it interesting. Many of our citizens were no doubt watching the incredible memorial services for President George H. W. Bush this past week and had several opportunities to watch the U. S. Military perform it's world famous precision as part of our country's State Funeral process and tribute to its highest-ranking officials. The timing of having this video being circulated now is perfect.
It is entitled "The Last To Let You Down." This is absolutely AWESOME; a military unit --U S Marine Corps here -- we don't think about often enough.
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Combat PSYOP in Action...sort of....
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POVA Life Member Marc Wayman sent a reminiscence of his time deployed to Afghanistan. It offers glimpses into security, situational awareness, threat recognition, audience analysis, message development, mission planning, and successful mission execution........
I
n June (or July) or 2011, I was on a mission providing combat support, to an intel collections agent, who was responsible for gathering certain electronic data. I was responsible (along with one SEAL) for providing firepower and tactical and situational awareness, as well as for conducting "interviews" of certain personnel who were looking to join the then fledgling Village Stability Operations (VSO) program and determine the feasibility and vetting of potential recruits for the Afghan Local Police Program.
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We had flown to a location, proceeded to the local Afghan Army Base, and began the process. At one point, I caught a known terrorist sneaking around the building we were in. I apprehended him immediately, and determined that he had planted mini-IED's around the yard. I also determined that he had buried the bones of several feathered victims nearby, and that he was conducting training with others of his like, with plans to raid the kitchen and steal food. Lastly, I determined that he was attempting to weasel his way in to the camp by pretending to be interested in cuddling soldiers, playing fetch with them, and tricking them into stepping on one of his mini-IEDs.
During this interrogation, I was forced to physically restrain him and use belly rubs to get him to comply and provide me with the critically needed intel. Throughout his interrogation, he fought back, scratching, and attempting to bite me during the 10-15 minutes we had him under our control. He eventually broke free, but I made a command decision to let him be since he currently posed no further threat, and he was technically a child. We had the locations of his IEDs and we won his heart, soul, and belly over with some well placed treats - so, threat eliminated!
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Blood on the Water
Life Member Hammond Salley recently sent information about a new book detailing the story of the USS Liberty, a US intelligence ship attached by Israel during the 1967 6-Day War. Here is Ham's note on the book:
Don Pageler is a friend who was on the USS Liberty when it was attached by the Israelis on 8 June 1960. He was one of the wounded survivors. Very few Americans are aware of that incident but a new book is just out: "Blood in The Water." if you are interested.
Ham
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Veterans Helping Veterans.....it is a big community and a big need!
POVA received a note from Mike Miller who are working to help provide information and assistance to veterans who are in a transition of one form or another. Mike's email address is:
michael@themilitaryguide.org.
Please contact Mike directly if you might be of assistance, or can help his organization to spread this information to others. Here is Mike's note:
Hi there,
I’m Mike at
themilitaryguide.org
.
My crew and I are a group of veterans and family members trying to help those who’ve served. I noticed you are also providing valuable information to the community. I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you.
Oddly enough, the hardest part of military life was my transition away from it. And I’m not alone. Depression, addiction, joblessness and the worst problems that affect the community can all be combatted through adequate help and resources as a service member begins to transition to civilian life. Please consider doing what you can by sharing these resources on your
page
:
Thanks,
Mike
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2019 POVA Budget Approved
POVA began a structured budgeting process in 2018 to assure timely and accurate management of our finances, and to assure that we are continually operating in "good taith" as required by our IRS tax exempt status as a charitable/educational organization. For 2019, our budget has been developed by VP Finance Rich Hosier and Trustee Hammond Salley. Their unique talents and experience have given us a budget that should help POVA continue its good work for our fellow veterans and families in need and allow us to wisely spend our money. We have budgeted revenue (from all sources) of $24,144 against anticipated expenses of $23,985.
There is little margin for error, but we have become effective at carefully managing scarce resources. Of course, any donations and contributions will be carefully managed and totally appreciated.
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**POVA CONTACT INFORMATION **
PRESIDENT & NEWSLETTER EDITOR
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT/CHAPLAIN
VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE
VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP
VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE
HOWARD PATRICK on temporary leave of absence
VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING
ILYA NEMTSOV
ILYA.NEMTSOV@GMAIL.COM
PRESIDENT EMERITUS & BOARD MEMBER
POVA HISTORIAN
POVA ARCHIVIST
POVA TRUSTEES
PSYOP Regimental Association Website.....www.psyopra.com
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