Jan/Feb 2006 - Korean War Veterans Association

38
(L-R) John Mitchell (Ch. 38), Deacon Hopkins, Mitchell’s guest, and Mrs.
Hopkins
(L-R) Rich Alexander (Ch. 53), chats with Ch. 38 members Antonio
Romero, Jack Green
LEFT: Cathy Varallo
and Antonio Romero
visit at New Jersey
ceremony
BELOW: KWVA members
and other attendees
gather at New
Jersey Korean War
Memorial
9 DUTCH NELSEN [CO]
Scott L. Defebaugh
LtCol. Ellsworth “Dutch” Nelsen, USA (Ret)., a resident of
Colorado Springs, CO, since 1968, and after whom Chapter 9 was
named, died in Hendersonville, TN, on December 20, 2005. As an
article in the 12/28/05 Colorado Springs [CO] Gazette, p. 4, noted,
“Nelsen was a co-founder of the local chapter of the KWVA. Its
members voted to name the chapter after Nelsen long before he died,
as few others spoke as frequently, or as elegantly, about soldiers and
veterans—especially Korean War veterans.”
Scott L. Defebaugh, a friend and member of Chapter 9, wrote this
letter about Nelsen:
It should be easy to eulogize Dutch, for he accomplished so much
in his lifetime. Yet, the toughest thing for me is to know where to
start. I guess the beginning would be appropriate.
I first met Dutch here at a reunion of the 24th IDA, which he and
Margo organized. I think I met him at the reception desk. He shook
my hand, said “Hello, my friend,” and asked, “Are you a member of
the Korean War Veterans Association?” I wasn’t, for I lived in
Milwaukee at the time and there was not a chapter there.
However, I was to be married that same month and eventually
move to “The Springs.” He convinced me to become a member of
the Dutch Nelsen Chapter KWVA. I have never been sorry.
Dutch was a gregarious guy and loved to tell how our troops in
Korea not only were whipping the North Koreans, but took on the
Chinese hoards that entered the war unexpectedly. He said, “We
chased their butts back to the Yalu.River.”
We are all better persons for having known and loved Dutch. The
US Army is better for having had him serve in it. This community is
better for having had him live in it. And this country is a better country
for having had Dutch Nelsen as a citizen of it.
When my time comes to meet the great commander, I expect to
find that there will be a Dutch Nelsen Chapter Korean War Veterans’
Association of Angels, and Dutch will boomingly be welcoming me,
saying “Hello, my friend.”
I hope that I will have paid my dues.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak.
Scott L. Defebaugh, U.S. Army (Ret), 24th Med. Bn., 24th Inf.
Div. (Korea, Aug. 1951 – Jan. 1952), 1930 Paseo Del Oro, Colorado
Springs, CO 80904
13 BILL CARR [DE]
Russ Cunningham
The chapter is growing considerably. Four years ago, it had seven
active members. Today, w have over 65—and that is after the departure
of eight veterans. Moreover, the members are extremely active.
We have:
• excelled at Tell America programs in schools, libraries, and
civic clubs
• participated in special events at various high schools, including
Jr. ROTC classes.
• formed partnerships with libraries to put on events to honor
January - February F
2006
The Graybeards