Psychological Operations Veterans Association

President's Message

Not much news has been forthcoming. That is my fault. Even though I am retired and getting older, I find my days completely full.

Probably the most important new information is that of our 2008 reunion which will be held in the Orlando Florida area. The exact dates and Hotel have not been finalized at this time. You can expect it to take place in early October. My Florida contacts inform me that the heat and humidity are decreased at that time. Though the hurricane season is not officially over until November, the chances of a windy event is greatly reduced at that time.

I expect the updated information to be finalized before the first of the year.

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Please Help. We still need a treasurer. It is not as difficult as you may expect. The work will be minimal for at least the next year, then, as the reunion nears will pick up. Any volunteers, suggestions or nominations?

Keep foremost in your minds that we are still planning our next reunion in Florida in 2008 at a time and place to be announced later. I have one source working on that. If anyone from the Florida area has any ideas on this, please contact me or your Vice President. We need input on this and fresh ideas will be gratefully accepted.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.

Arlo Despain

Psychological Operations Soldier dies in Iraq

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

   FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USACAPOC News Service, Jan. 04, 2007) — An Army Reserve psychological operations Soldier died Jan. 1, near Babil Province, Iraq, from injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device there.
   Sgt. Thomas E. Vandling, 26, a psychological operations specialist assigned to the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, Oakdale, Pa., a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), died while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A resident of Pittsburgh, Vandling entered the Army Reserve in the same city, Aug. 10, 2001. He arrived at the 303rd POC July 12, 2002.
   Vandling deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the spring of 2007, and was promoted to a non-commissioned officer on Sept. 18, 2006.
   He was also a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.
   Vandling's military awards included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and numeral “2,” Army Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Marksmanship Qualification Badge and the Navy Achievement Medal.
   He is survived by his parents Thomas and Dianne, of Pittsburgh. Vandling is also survived by his brothers and sister, James, Michael and Elizabeth, of Pittsburgh.

PS:Lest we forget, we still have severely wounded recuperating in the US. If you'd care to donate please look at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

As explained elsewhere, CAPOC is no longer in the 4th POG's Chain of Command ---The Reserve POG's will report to CAPOC and then to a Reserve command and the 4 th POG reports to USASOC.

We have SGT Drake and SSG Neuman on the mend here in the States. Contact them via http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

RELEASE NUMBER: 060719-01
DATE POSTED: JULY 19, 2006

PRESS RELEASE: Psychological Operations Soldier killed in Iraq

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

FORT BRAGG , N.C. (USASOC News Service, July 19, 2006) — A U. S. Army Special Operations Soldier based here died July 17, from wounds sustained while engaging enemies of the United States in Ar Ramadi, Iraq .

Staff Sgt. Michael Anthony Dickinson II, 26, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, here. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2005.

A native of Michigan , Dickinson graduated from Harper Creek High School , Battle Creek in 1998.

Dickinson entered the Army in June of 1998 and completed initial entry training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After completing advanced individual training as a psychological operations specialist, he was assigned to the 9th Bn., 4th PSYOP Group here. During his Army career, he served in various positions with the 6th and 9th PSYOP Battalions. In August 2005, his last assignment took him back to 9th Bn., as a team leader.

Dickinson 's military training includes the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Airborne Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, and the French Language Course.

Dickinson 's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist badge.

Dickinson is survived by his wife, Glorygrace of Fayetteville, N.C., and children, Genesis, Juan, Jennifer, Angel and Abigail. He is also survived by his mother, Vicki Dickinson, of Battle Creek , Mich.

-usasoc-

Staff Sgt. Michael Anthony Dickinson, 26, was a psychological operations specialist assigned to 9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group, here. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2005.