ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

                                        By

Bonnie and the Late Joe Bourque, USMC Age 14   b 1942 d 2010

Once we began our work on this book we knew we would need help and guidance to bring this project to a conclusion. We would like to express our appreciation to the following people for their contributions, their time and talents.

I would like to thank each one of the members who have contributed their life story to be entered into this volume. Bonnie and I would like for you know the respect we have for each one of you. Your stories have been recorded as historical facts and we feel that your families will cherish these accounts for years to come. We are reminded as to the need for our United States Government to continue showing respect for and assistance veterans.

We would like to thank Dr Wm "Bill" Morgan, who serves the VUMS Organization as the National Vice Commander. He was instrumental in obtaining some of the VUMS stories for us. The time spent on telephone as well as all of the other contributions he has made to help Bonnie and me to be able to complete this book.

Dr Ray Jackson has been of great assistance to me. I inquired of him concerning permission to use some inserts from one of his books. He readily agreed providing proper credit would be given.

Our Minister, Brother. Jack D. Harris contributed the poetic works in which evidence is shown concerning how war changes individuals.

My wife, Yvonne, whom I call Bonnie, agreed to help me with this project, which has often been quite worrisome. Our computer has consistently proven to be troublesome, especially in the bad weather conditions etc. We have had printing problems and have suffered the loss of the things we desired to keep. On two different occasions, she had to enter the hospital, but through it all, she never lost sight of what we were trying to accomplish. I deeply appreciate her help and the fact that she .has shared this editorship with me.

Note, form Commander Bill Morgan

Joe Bourque passed away from cancer just a few months after the book was printed. He maintained the fight to finish the book and with the help of God and his wife Bonnie the book became a reality. Joe was 68 years old. You have heard of a “Big Man”, Joe was that in more ways than one. He was 6’ 7” tall. Yes, he played football and coached it for several years.  Read his story on page 29 in Book IV. His wife Bonnie kept the book moving with the help of Larry Wise of Wise Publications through the several months of hospitalization between Texas and Louisiana. Thank You Bonnie the book is a reality. I am sure that the posterity of those in this books will appreciate it for many years to come.

A few of these books are still avail, call his wife(Bonnie) to order 1 337 824 0865  price $20