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This book was not easy to write. The suffering of others – especially when you’ve come to know and care about them – is heartbreaking. George, Ed, Bob, Walt, Sherm, Bill, Valdor, Jim and Allen allowed us to poke into the sorest corners of their hearts. We know how much our questions hurt – and we appreciate their gallant determination to tell their stories. Many other people contributed their memories, ideas, information and kindness to this project – too many to thank each one personally. However, we are going to try. First, we’d like to acknowledge Nadine Yeager, Linda John, Phyllis Slater, Dorothy Henninger, Richard Reid and Marsha Eastep. Their support made it easier for the survivors to endure our endless questions. Special thanks to Oleta Jones who began the long journey to create this book about her beloved husband Sherman but didn’t live to see it finished. All who knew her grieve her passing – and miss her. We spent a wonderful day with Nancy Zeman and her husband David talking about her beloved brother Gene Putzier who never came home from Korea. Shorty Estabrook provided us with information and kindliness. As a Korean War ex-POW – and a survivor of the Tiger Death March in November 1950, his input was intriguing and invaluable. Vince Krepps, the ex-editor of Graybeards and another Korean War Veteran whose twin brother died as a POW in NKPA hands, thank you for sharing your experiences as well. Valoise Armstrong, Archivist at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Randy Sowell, Archivist at the Truman Presidential Library were important sources of original materials including reports and testimonies. Christopher Avery served as research assistant and his contributions were much appreciated. The folks in Branson are integral to this story. Their kindness to the survivors, we expected. Their kindness to two writers struggling to tell what we consider the most important story of our lives touched us. Thanks to the Branson Veterans Task Force – especially Marlyce Stockinger, Steve Weyher, Arlen Lipper, Tom Goldsworthy and Linda Ward. The Branson Chapter of the KWVA and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Branson are steadfast. The survivors – and veterans of all wars and their families appreciate your efforts on their behalf. Our admiration for Joe Bryant of the Veterans History Project, who was a reporter during the Korean War, kept us going time after time. We'd like to thank Marlyce Stockinger for her personal interest in the survivors, her business sense and her willingness to take us by the hand and help us find ways to provide the men with a positive experience in Branson. Steve Weyher, General Manager of the Branson Golden Corral Restaurant, found solutions, offered advice and became a trusted friend over the last two years as we put this book together. Many thanks to authors and Vietnam combat veterans Eddie Beesley (Lucky Enough) and Lloyd A. King (From ‘Nam With Love) for their help during the reunions and other events when the authors were busy with interviews. Our love and appreciation to their spouses too – Connie Beesley and Paula Breaux King. Then there are the entertainers and their staffs. Shoji Tabuchi embraced the survivors on several occasions. The Comets led by Joey Ambrose evoked happier memories of the 1950s. Allen Edwards allowed the guys to cavort on stage with him – carefree if but for a moment. Jim Stafford reached out to them – and encouraged his audience to offer their appreciation to the ex-POWs. These small acts meant the world to them. We’d also like to thank Gus and Hannah of At Your Service Limousine, singer Sharon Robinson and Nancy Smith of The Branson Daily Independent. J.H.Chung, owner and tour guide at Unique Tour Korea (www.uniquetour-korea.com) traveled several hours to take a picture of the memorial near Hadong. 모두를 당신을 감사하십시오 Thanks to Paul and Evelyn Harless for providing a Korean War era jeep for Ed Slater and Sherman Jones to ride in the Branson 2006 Veterans’ Day Parade – and for the use of Evelyn’s marvelous photos of the event. John R. Faulkner spent many hours creating the maps we are using. Everett Avery spent just as many hours taking photos, scanning documents and old pictures, working on the CDs and other assorted jobs. John and Everett kept our everyday lives going while we devoted our hearts and souls to researching and writing this story. Finally, thanks to Philip O’Brien of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) who provided us with major clues to this historical event. He was generous with his time and his ideas. Without his information, this story would not be complete. ~ Pat McGrath Avery & Joyce Faulkner
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Thanks to Branson Celebrities for their many kindnesses.
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