Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 10 25 Regular 501 - Discussion on Selection of Hometown Hero • REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 501 ,n m=ared CITY COMMISSION AGENDA I OCTOBER 25, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 1959 TITLE Discussion on Selection of Hometown Hero SUMMARY Every year the City Commission selects a local veteran to be the City's Hometown Hero. The City's Hometown Hero is honored and presented with an award at the City's Annual Veteran's Day Tribute. This year, two local veterans were nominated: Chief Warrant Officer Gerald 'Jerry" Lewis and Rabbi Commander Maurice Kaprow. Biographical information for each nominee is included in this agenda item. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Commission to review attached information and to provide further direction on the Veteran's Day Tribute presentation. 1057 i r f . � 7 e w! I► : �1 , The Preparation for And Experiences in Vietnam March 1970 — March 1971 By CW2 Gerald (Jerry) Lewis Chief Warrant Officer 1058 1 - Encounter with General Patton was progressing very well in my Primary Helicopter training at Ft. Wolters, Texas. learned how to check out the aircraft before flying it (Pre-Flight), hover, take off, fly the airfield traffic patterns, what to do if the engine quit or the tail rotor failed. Next in the training was navigating on cross country flights using prominent land features to guide each pilot to his intended destination and return back to the departing airfield. The Instructor Pilot (IP) flew with each student pilot on short cross country flights (5 to 10 miles) to teach how to identify prominent land features and how to use them to guide through each mission. The student pilots finished that training well enough that the IP was ready to release his student pilots on their cross country navigation skills test. Dual student pilots in each aircraft — one flew to the mission destination and the other flew back to the departing airfield. The next day all the student pilots arrived at the airfield and given who they were flying with, a map and the destination. My classmate and I arrived at our aircraft, we both performed the pre-flight and everything looked good. We talked about which one is flying which leg of the flight and decided I would bring us back to the airfield. So we strapped into the aircraft, started it up, checked all the systems and they were functioning properly, taxied and then departed for our 100 mile out and back cross country test. We saw the needed prominent land features to guide us and marked our map. We also were required to fly at a minimum altitude and so we monitored the altimeter setting to ensure it was always at the correct barometer pressure setting (the rider was responsible for any setting changes while the pilot flew the aircraft). The flight went very smoothly and we landed at our destination without any issues. We stayed there about 30 minutes and then were instructed to head back. Following our procedures, we checked the aircraft, got on-board, fired it up and then departed. My classmate helped 1 1059 with the navigation and remembered we were going the opposite direction we came and the prominent landmarks were going to be on the opposite side of the aircraft. We found all our prominent landmarks and were approaching the airfield for landing and noticed a number of aircraft approaching the traffic pattern. My classmate/Co-pilot heard the control tower give an update to the barometer pressure and promptly adjusted the altimeter so we would be in the pattern at the correct altitude. As we entered the pattern and allowed proper spacing between our aircraft and the one in front of us, we were approaching the pattern turn point. There was another aircraft coming up on that same point but he was at a higher altitude. Protocol requires one of us to break away from the pattern and re-enter. I decided to continue my turn at the point and let the aircraft that was approaching the point at the wrong altitude to break off and re-enter at the correct altitude. We continued our approach, hovered to a parking pad, set the aircraft down and shut it down. Both my classmate and I were feeling tired but glad to have accomplished that test well. shut down the aircraft and waited for the blades to stop and then exited the aircraft when I noticed someone walking very fast toward us. As he approached I noticed he was wearing a star on his flight suit. "He's a one Star General" I thought. He walked right up and asked very loudly, "Were you flying this aircraft?" snapped to attention, noticed his name badge said Patton and replied, "Yes Sir." "You cut me off in the flight pattern and I'm going to see to it you are cut from the flight program" he replied and walked off. was just put in shock. My classmate didn't know what to say. It was my decision to proceed, not his. We walked into the flight ready room and there was an eerie quietness. We sat and waited for our IP to come and give us our evaluation. When he approached, I was concerned that I might hear him say I was going to be washed out of the flight program. "Tell me what happened" he said. then explained to him that we did everything to ensure we entered the traffic pattern correctly and reset our altimeter to the barometric pressure stated by the control tower. He replied, "Stay here until I get back". z 1060 What seemed like eternity, our IP returned and smiled and then said, "You're free to go to your barracks and will stay in the program. General Patton (George's Grandson) didn't reset his altimeter and that is why he was at the wrong altitude". What a relief I felt. What encouragement I felt in my heart knowing I did the right thing and my encounter with General Patton ended in a good way instead of a very bad one. never saw General Patton again. How gracious God is. He truly does watch over us through various trials and directs our steps. "i know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23 ESV 3 1061 2 - Day the Earth Shrank liked being an Army Aviator over being an Army ground troop. There were some advantages like always sleeping in your own bed, going to the Mess Hall for meals, daily shower, etc. However, there were times when some of the missions seemed very challenging because we didn't have the training for those situations. was given a mission to fly a Battalion Commander out to one of his artillery battery firebases. I didn't know where this firebase was located, so I followed his directions and watched for landmarks and compass headings for the flight home. We headed into some mountainous terrain with very steep slopes. He pointed to the location of the base and it was nestled on top of a saddle between two mountain peaks. nodded my head to confirm our destination and then thought, "I've never been taught how to land on the top of a saddle between two mountain peaks. Lord, I need your help right now!" Then I recalled some techniques from a fellow aviator when he gave me an orientation flight a month earlier of the terrain and flight procedures around the base we were stationed at. Those techniques proved invaluable in this situation and I was thankful for them after we had landed on what appeared to be a postage stamp for a landing pad. shut the aircraft down and the Commander left to take care of his business. remained at the aircraft and checked it over to make sure it will be ready to go when the Commander returned. As I was inspecting it, I noticed an enlisted ranked soldier walking slowly by the aircraft and really looking intently at it. Since the two of us were on the opposite side of the earth from home, I decided to chat with him for a moment. "Hi, how are you doing?" I said. He responded, "Fine, Sir. How are you?" 1 1062 replied, "I am well, thanks. Where is home for you?" "California" he replied. "I'm from California, too. What part?" I asked. "Los Angeles" he said. "What part of LA? I grew up in Hawthorne" I said. With a smile on his face he said, "I graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1967". His response really surprised me. It shook my understanding of the size of our planet Earth. This day is when the size of this Earth shrank for me. responded with a smile on my face, "I graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1965". We parted as the Battalion Commander was returning to the aircraft. However, we parted with both of us realizing this encounter was special, encouraging, and even miraculous how we were brought together for such a brief moment to remember home. How big can God be to bring two strangers from the same state, city and high school together in a small country in Southeast Asia, same region, same base on a saddle between two mountain peaks? He is certainly big enough to accomplish it! "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If i go up to heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalms 139:7-10 N IV z 1063 _ "1•F 3 - Search and Rescue Mission Occasionally we were given a day "Off" from being on duty. One morning I was "off" when a Crew Chief quickly approached me. "Mr. Lewis, we just heard on the radio that a pilot declared an emergency and was forced down. We don't know his position but they're looking for pilot's who can help with a Search & Rescue Mission." "It's my day off, but I can go, I replied." "You need to get to the flight line as soon as you can." rushed back to my Quarter's, changed into my flight gear and headed to the flight line. "Thanks for your willingness to help, Mr. Lewis," said the officer in charge of the flight line that day. "We don't have any idea where the pilot and his passenger went down. So we are going to search by areas' right now. Take the area to the East up to the range of hills." "Yes Sir," I replied. preflight checked my aircraft as quick as I could. My Observer and I boarded, started the engine, departed An Khe and headed East. Since this was a search mission, maintained an altitude of about 500 feet above the terrain. We had flown looking everywhere along our route and assigned area and didn't see any downed aircraft. After we had been in the air about two and a half hours we received a radio call from our base telling us the aircraft was found and we can return to the base. 1 1064 "Roger, returning to base," I replied. As we were returning home I was relieved to hear that the pilot and his passenger were found. After we landed we heard some of the details of what happened. The pilot had an engine failure as they were scouting around some hills not anywhere close to our search area. The pilot successfully landed the aircraft on the slope of the hills. The passenger panicked when the engine failed, and as soon as the aircraft landed safely he jumped out on the downslope side of the hill and started running away from the aircraft. The pilot went after him but he forgot he was on the upslope side of the hill and was killed when he didn't duck low enough to avoid the still rotating main rotor blades. They both were rescued and returned to their base. After hearing those details I felt so bad for both of them, especially the pilot. "in your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me, and save me.YY Psalms 71 :2 NIV z 1065 .r R � k 4 - The Presence One day in my sixth month in Vietnam, as a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Army, I got up early for a mission to support an artillery battery. The morning seemed just like all the others. After breakfast in the mess hall, I went to the flight line for the day's mission and preflight my aircraft. During the preflight checks there was an unusual heaviness on my heart and concern for my safety. I hadn't felt that way before this day. My feelings caught up with me and was feeling lonely because I missed my bride and family. I never thought about how previous situations had affected me; hearing that four flight school classmates were killed in a plane crash prior to shipping to Vietnam, hearing about other classmates killed in action flying into a hot LZ (landing zone), when I was sent on a search and rescue mission to find a pilot and passenger who had an engine failure. The aircraft was landed safely by the pilot, but he was killed by a rotor blade as he was chasing after his panicked passenger. There was a statistic that the Army stated there was a 70-80% mortality rate for helicopter pilots in Vietnam. I don't remember hearing that statistic when I enlisted because all I wanted to do is fly. This specific morning brought me to think and wonder if today was going to be my time. "CLEAR!", I called to let everyone near my aircraft know I was firing up the engine of my aircraft. I watched my engine gauges to ensure everything looked good and started normally. All systems checked, functioning properly and I was ready to depart. "An Khe Tower, this is Red Leg 4." "Roger, Red Leg 4." "An Khe Tower, Red Leg 4 at Northeast pad for departure." 1 1066 "Roger, Red Leg 4, you're clear for departure, winds Northeast at 5." "Roger, Tower, good day." As I'm climbing above the landscape and away from the base at An Khe, the thought occurred to me again. "I wonder if today will be my last?" It was this thought that caused me to verbally ask the question to the only source I knew had the answer. "Lord, are you there?" Immediately, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stick out and then sensed I was not alone in the cockpit of my helicopter. Then a real sense of peace warmed my heart and mind. I no longer wondered of what was going to happen to me that day. I knew there had been a presence that visited me when I needed hope and encouragement. thanked the Lord for showing his love and care for me in such an inspiring way. The Lord Jesus has brought me home from my tour in Vietnam. Through all the ugliness of the war He saw fit to bring me home. He truly has a plan for me. For His visit I'll be eternally grateful. I will never deny His presence. I will never deny the fact that He went to the other side of the earth to be there with me. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31 :6 N IV "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b, N IV 2 1067 +`,6, ` q ILI 5 - A Hole in the Forest One morning I received a notice to take our Commanding Officer, Colonel Forney, and his First Sergeant Major to visit his troops that were conducting an exploratory mission. There had been reports of Vietcong in the area and they wanted to check it out. quickly changed into my flight gear and headed to the airfield where his aircraft was sitting ready to embark. After my preflight checks were completed, they arrived in their Jeep and we boarded the aircraft. "CLEAR!" I announced, so no one was near the aircraft, and started the engine. When everything was running in the green zone on the instruments we were ready to depart. "An Khe Tower, Red Leg 1 ." "Roger, Red Leg 1 ." "An Khe Tower, Red Leg One at Northeast pad for departure." As we were climbing, Colonel Forney gave me the course direction we were going to fly today. I moved the cyclic to the right and turned to the heading he asked. We followed the heading for about 30 minutes and I noticed a very large forest of trees ahead. Colonel Forney got on the intercom and then informed me he wants to locate our troops in the forest ahead and then land so he can meet with his officers'. We continued flying over the dense forest and then we noticed a clearing on our left side. We altered our course and headed straight for the clearing. As we flew over the clearing, it looked like a large hole (the length of a football field). The trees were 150- 200 feet tall. Colonel Forney found the spot he wanted me go. There were no Air Traffic Controller's there, so we had to watch for other aircraft. There was also not enough space to perform a standard approach, so I had no options but to perform my approach to a hover over my landing spot and descend the 150-200 feet straight down to the ground. The Colonel and First Sergeant Major jumped out to 1 1068 conduct their business and I stayed with the running aircraft. They returned 15 minutes later, strapped back into their seats, connected their intercoms and gave me the go ahead to return back to An Khe. A few weeks later, I was told to report to Colonel Forney's office. Most of the time an order like that means one is trouble. However, on this day, Colonel Forney and his First Sergeant Major were in his office. Upon entry, I snapped to attention and saluted. He returned my salute and said, "Mr. Lewis, I called you here to present you with an award". He awarded the Bronze Star to me for my performance during the mission to visit his troops in the forest. My response, "Thank you very much, Sir". "You earned it for a job well done." After dismissal, I was walking back to my barracks and felt so shocked and yet so honored. How merciful God was to protect me (us) from the possible perils of this mission. "Surely God is my salvation; i will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2 N IV z 1069 W t 6 - Rendezvous with Robin was only in country about four months when I found out one of my brother's wasn't too far from where I was stationed (An Khe). He was stationed about 50 miles West of my location at a base in Pleiku. He asked me if we could get together. I told him to get his commanding officer's approval and I'll see what I can arrange. A couple days later he called and told me he had permission. discussed this with my commanding officer and he was all in favor of me going to see him. He suggested I talk with the aircraft maintenance crews to see if they have an aircraft that went through some maintenance and needs a test flight. I thanked him and then talked with the head of the maintenance crews. He said he'll have one available tomorrow. So I called Robin and let him know I'll have an aircraft sometime tomorrow and I'll come to see you. The next day I received a call from maintenance. "Mr. Lewis, we have a bird here with maintenance complete and we need to get some flight time on it before we release it for missions." "I'll be right over", I said. When I got to the maintenance hangar I found out which aircraft (bird) was the one that needed time put on it. I performed my preflight, started the engine, and departed An Khe and headed on a West bearing toward Pleiku. Between our two camps there is a range of mountains with a deep gorge passage that had to fly over to get to the high desert where Pleiku is located. The pass is called Mang Yang Pass and is where a convoy of French Troops were ambushed and massacred. You can't miss it when you fly over the pass. There are several dozen white crosses on the top of the mountains there. Once you get pass the gorge, the land is very flat, the soil is red and desert like. 1 1070 landed at the Pleiku airfield, shut down my aircraft. I proceeded to find Robin's commanding officer. With his permission, I entered his office, extended the appropriate Military respect and introduce myself. I then thanked him for allowing Robin and I to get together for a brief time. He summoned Robin by asking him to report to his office. It wasn't long before he arrived (it isn't usually a good sign when your Commanding Officer requests you to report to his office). He entered tentatively until he saw me. He smiled and tears came to his eyes as well as mine. The Commanding Officer told us to go spend some time together and then told Robin to report back to his duties when you're done. Robin showed me his living quarters and where he worked. We talked about general military things, how he was doing and how much time he had left in Vietnam. "Hey, Robin, do you want to go for a ride and see where I'm based?" I said. "Sure", he replied. We climbed into the aircraft and got buckled in. I started the aircraft and took off, then turned left to an East bearing. We climbed to about 2000 feet and leveled off. We flew over Mang Yang Pass which Robin hadn't seen from that point of view and then came to An Khe on the left side of the aircraft. said, "We're not going to land because maintenance will want their aircraft back and then we'll have to find you a way back to Pleiku." He agreed, so we did a 180 turn and headed back to Pleiku. We passed over the Mang Yang Pass again and over the desert once again. "Hey, Robin, have you ever flown low level before?" I said. "No", he replied. "Would you like to?" I said. "Sure", he replied. lowered the Collective control which in turn lowered our altitude. As we were descending from 2000 feet I decided I would ask him another question. "Robin, do you know what a cyclic climb is?" "No", he replied again. "Would you like to see one?" I asked. "Yes", he said. leveled off our aircraft at 50 feet above the ground and push the Cyclic control forward to increase our speed from 80 Knots (92 MPH) to 120Knots (138MPH). pulled the Cyclic back quickly and the nose of the aircraft was pointing to the sky. At the same time, I pulled the Collective up to increase the lift of the aircraft. We were back at 2000 feet altitude in about 5 seconds and I leveled of the aircraft to maintain that altitude. z 1071 Robin came on the intercom and said, "Jer, can we go back down there and pick up my stomach?" We both laughed. We continued our flight to Pleiku and landed on a field near his barracks. He got out of the aircraft and walked a short distance away. He turned facing the aircraft with a camera and took a couple pictures. One of them is at the top of this paper. We saluted each other and then I pulled the Collective control to increase the pitch in the rotor blades. As I lifted off the ground and headed back to my base I couldn't help but pray for my brother: "Lord, watch over him and protect him!" "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. Psalms 20:1 NIV 3 1072 P 7 - Aircraft Transition was in my sixth month with the 4th Infantry Division and flying the Artillery Division Commander for a while when I received word that the Commander will be getting a new OH-58A aircraft. I had been flying an OH-6 aircraft since I first joined this division in March. That news meant one thing. I had to go to a one week Transition School to learn how to fly it and then pick up the Commander's new aircraft and fly it back to An Khe. Arrangements were made and two Crew chief's and I left An Khe on a transport plane headed South to Saigon and then a ferry flight to Vung Tau, the location of the training base. I heard that Vung Tau used to be a resort area, but it certainly didn't look like one when I was there. An Instructor Pilot (IP) had a few pilots to train and taught us individually how to check out the aircraft before flying it (Pre-Flight), instrument layout on the flight console, hover techniques, take off requirements, flying the airfield traffic pattern, what to do if the engine or the tail rotor failed and land. The whole process was to allow us to get some time on the controls in preparation for the Check Ride at the end of the course. The time came for my Check Ride and we walked through everything: Preflight process, Startup process, Hovering, Taking off, Land to a helicopter pad, land on sloped ground and the big test of land to the ground with a simulated engine failure. IP's are very sneaky guys. They like to pull surprises on you to see how you handle them. As we left the training facility, the IP told me to climb and maintain 500 feet and to maintain the heading we were already going. One of the major points of flying a helicopter is to always be looking for a place to land if you have an engine failure. As we were flying I noticed an open area ahead of us. It was small field with trees all 1 1073 around it. As we flew beside it, I thought IP must have decided that's not to use it. Suddenly, the IP quickly rotated the throttle, on the end of the Collective, to the idle position to simulate an engine failure. Remembering that field right beside us, I pushed the Collective control down to put the blades in a flat position and place us in a controlled fall. At the same time, I banked the aircraft to the left (180 degree turn) to head back to the field. The aircraft now in a freefall glide mode I banked once more (180 Degree turn) to align with the field and select my landing spot. At 50' above the ground I pulled back on the cyclic control between my legs to start my flare to slow down my descent and airspeed. About 10' above the ground I quickly pulled the Collective up to 25% power to provide further speed reduction and leveled the aircraft. As the aircraft settled toward the ground I lifted the Collective slowly to add more lift as we settled to the sandy ground and stopped. The IP leaned out of the cockpit and looked down at the ground. I was then surprised when he unbuckled his harness, stepped out of the cockpit for about 30 seconds and then returned, re-buckled, and then got on the intercom. "Mr. Lewis, your skid mark is only four feet long. Well done!" passed with flying colors. (Pun intended) The Crew chief's and I boarded a ferry flight into an Army aircraft depot in Bien Hoa to pick up the new aircraft and fly it back to An Khe. We reported into the hanger where all new helicopter aircraft were processed after shipment to Vietnam. The Crew chief's thoroughly checked out our new aircraft and gave me the OK to depart. We went through our normal Pre-flight process and then boarded the new OH- 58A Kiowa aircraft. I flipped the battery power switch on and started the turbine engine. We all watched the gauges for a few minutes to make sure all systems normalized and everything indicated we were good to depart. We left with one other flight crew from a different unit. It was about 10 AM when we took off and immediately headed East. Our flight plan was to fly East to the coast and then head North to Qui Nhon and then head West to An Khe. Normal cruise speed for the Kiowa was 80 Knots (92 MPH). When we got to the coastline we turned and headed North. All the gauges were indicating "Normal" and the weather was clear skies and sunny. About 1 .5 hours into the flight we suddenly lost our radios. One of the Crew chiefs was sitting next to me in the left seat. His eyes and my eyes met with the expression on our faces "What just happened?" He turned them off and then back on and everything was working again. Then they went off again. We discussed whether we should go back to z 1074 the Depot in Bien Hoa or continue. We decided to continue because we weren't sure we could find the Depot. It was a time of uncertainty and helpless feeling with no way to communicate with anyone, including the other aircraft we were flying with. There was speculation from the Crew chief's what the cause of our dilemma was. We continued North until the other aircraft had to turn toward their base. We waved to them and then I realized we were now alone. "Lord, help us!" I said to myself. We continued on our North heading through the afternoon and into the evening. As darkness came we made another alarming discovery. No power to the running lights outside the aircraft AND no power for the lights in the instrument panel. We were basically flying "Dark". We were just coming up to Qui Nhon when we made this discovery. We discussed and decided to continue on instead of stop because it was less than an hour An Khe. We were all tired and just wanted to go home. So we made a left turn and headed West. This situation placed me totally outside all the training I received. I was flying in darkness both outside my aircraft as well as inside. The only instrument I had to guide me was the magnetic compass because the numbers glowed. I could barely see some of the ground at times and that helped confirm our orientation was right side up. After we went over a rise of hills we finally saw the lights of An Khe ahead of us. We landed in front of our maintenance hangar without any landing light and shut the aircraft down. It was about 9:30PM. As I walked back to my hooch I could not help saying, "Thank you Lord!" The next morning I went over to the maintenance hangar to check on the status of the new aircraft. The head of maintenance informed me that the voltage regulator was our problem and it had failed. "So do not fear, for i am with you; do not be dismayed, for i am your God. i will strengthen you and help you; i will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41 :10 N IV "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 NIV 3 1075 (D 8 — The Reassignment At the end of my eighth month flying with the 4th Infantry Division I learned that the Division was going to be demobilized and sent back to the US. So I wondered if that meant I would be going home early or be reassigned to another Unit. It was about two days later that I learned, because I had four months left with my tour, that I will be reassigned to a new unit. The next day I was told to pack up and be ready to leave the next day for Chu Lai. will be going to the 23rd Infantry Division. Chu Lai was north of An Khe but right on the coastline. After I arrived at the airfield, there was a driver waiting for me. He asked, "Are you Mr. Lewis?" replied, "Yes, I am". He then said, "Jump in Sir, I'll take you to Headquarters". placed my Duffle bag in the back of the Jeep and sat down next to him. When we arrived at the Headquarters, I noticed a sign above the door that identified the unit as an Aero Scout Company. I reported in and gave the staff member a copy of my transfer orders. I filled out a couple of forms and the same driver took me to the Quonset but that would be my quarters for the rest of my time in Vietnam. "Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." Psalms 31 :3 N IV 1 1076 i y 9 — Admin Mission's When I got all my things settled into my newly assigned Quarter's, I met my roommate and we talked about where we were from and when we arrived in Vietnam. I asked what type of missions the unit conducted. He said, "We are a Hunter / Killer Team Unit. If you have less than four months remaining in your tour, they probably will just have you fly Admin Missions. It takes 2-3 months to train a pilot for the Hunter role." As I went to the Unit Headquarters' to report for duty, I thought about what he said and wondered if it would be true (hopefully). "Warrant Officer Lewis, we've discussed your assignment with us and have decided there isn't enough time left in country for you to be trained and used as a Hunter / Killer team member. So you will be handling the Administrative missions as they come in to us. Right now we don't have any. So you can go back to your Quarter's and we'll notify you when to report to the flight line and receive you mission." Administrative missions were various sorts of tasks like transporting some Red Cross Nurses to different locations where they were needed, or Officer's to wherever they needed to go to perform their non-combat related missions. One such mission left me wondering what was the real purpose of the mission in a country where there was a war going on. Early one morning, I received a notice to report to the flight line for a new mission. "Mr. Lewis, we have a mission to support the Provost Office. You will be picking up a Provost Officer at their Helipad. He will give you further instructions after you pick him up. 1 1077 replied, "Yes, Sir". performed my pre-flight checks on the OH-6 Cayuse I was assigned to use for the mission (same type of aircraft I flew in my last Unit). I started it and then flew to the helipad where I was to pick up my passenger. He climbed in, buckled up, put on his helmet and connected the communication cable, and then strapped a clipboard to his right leg. thought, "Now that's unusual". "Good morning!" he said. "We need to head over to Highway 1 and head South along the highway." "Yes, Sir", I replied. lifted the Collective control to rise above the pad to a hover, checked the instruments and they all looked good. I eased the Cyclic control forward to take off and then changed my heading to fly East. As we crossed over Highway 1 , 1 banked left with the Cyclic control to a South heading. looked over my left shoulder and notice my passenger getting something from his pocket. He pulled out a stopwatch and pen and was very attentive to what was happening on the road below us. We eventually caught up with a US Army convoy. He would start and stop his stopwatch several times. He eventually came on the intercom. "I need you to go ahead of this convoy far enough to land and let me talk to them", He said. replied "Yes, Sir." I saw a good spot to land and set the aircraft on the ground about 20 yards from the road. My passenger unbuckled his seat harness and then rushed to the side of the road. He then waved down the convoy to a stop. sat in the aircraft and left it running as my only point of safety in case we needed to make a hasty departure. I felt very exposed to hostile fire and helplessly vulnerable. couldn't help but think, "We're sitting here in a country at war handing out a speeding ticket?" 15-20 minutes later my passenger returned and boarded the aircraft. He strapped himself in and got on the intercom. z 1078 "We can head back to the base now" he said. "Yes, Sir", I responded. We lifted off and headed North back toward the back following Highway 1 . My passenger periodically timed other vehicles but never asked to pursue anyone. landed on the same pad that I picked him up earlier in the morning. As he left the aircraft and rode away in a jeep, I had one thought. Thank you Lord for your safety and protection in a situation that could have been quite different if there had been some Viet Cong with rifles in the area. How merciful is our God. He does watch over us through dangerous situations and will deliver us. "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us," 2 Corinthians 1 :10 N IV 3 1079 s4 ': 10 — Ferry Mission hadn't flown for a week or two when I received an order to report to the flight line. When I got there my aircraft was already pulled out of the shelter and sitting on the ramp. I received my orders to transport an officer to a base on the other side of the mountains that were North-West of the airfield. I had never been to the location of the base and didn't know how to get there. "The officer knows how to get there and he'll give the directions." I was told. While we waited for the officer to arrive I performed my preflight checks and then was ready to go. He arrived shortly after I was done checking the aircraft. The Captain briefly introduced himself and gave me the Mission specifics of what I needed to know. We boarded the aircraft, strapped in and then started the engine. When all the instruments indicated everything is good, I pulled the aircraft off the concrete and then taxied to a Helipad. The tower cleared us for departure and we left and headed North. "Mr. Lewis, we'll stay on this heading for about 30 minutes and then head West. I'll let you know when", said the Captain. replied, "Yes, Sir". There wasn't much conversation between us. We just kept flying. About 15 minutes into our flight we passed over the city called Hue. I recalled there was some serious fighting done around this city just a few years prior to my arrival. We traveled another 15 minutes when the Captain got the intercom. He said,"Mr. Lewis, we need to head West at this point." replied again, "Yes, Sir". 1 1080 banked the aircraft to the left until the compass bearing read 270, which means 270 degrees (West). Ahead of us I noticed we were going to encounter some very tall hills. They looked like green cones with very steep sides (see the picture above). We were at an altitude of 2,000 feet, but they looked like they were around 1 ,500 feet. As we flew past the hills we saw the base ahead and I started my descent and prepared to land. We arrived early afternoon and I was told to standby. The Captain went to meet with his troops and I stayed with the aircraft. I had no idea how long he intended to be on the base. As I was waiting, I couldn't help but notice it was very quiet and peaceful and the mountains steeply jutted up from the ground. You would never know there was a war going on. The afternoon moved slowly while I waited and by late afternoon I noticed some clouds coming above the tops of the hills from the direction I would need to fly back to my home base. As long as they stayed above the tops of the hills I will be good, I thought. Around 5:00 PM I received word that the Captain was going to stay at the base overnight and I was released. By this time, the clouds looked more like ground fog and it was settling below the tops of the hills. I became concerned at this point and had to decide whether to go above it or below it. If I go above it, I would be safe going over the hill tops. But if the fog on the other side of the hills goes down to the ground then would not be able to navigate back to my base. If I go below it, I would have to navigate below the fog and wind my way through the hills and hopefully the fog is not down to ground and I could navigate back to my base. decided what the safest path for me was optimally. I boarded my aircraft and departed. I climbed to the altitude that I could still see visually, about 500 feet. reminded myself to keep an eye on the magnetic compass (my only navigational instrument on the aircraft) and that I always maintain an Eastward heading. As approached the hills, I placed the aircraft main rotor system into the bottom of the fog to help stay as high as I could and still see. I weaved to the left to avoid a hill, then to the right for another and continued that technique while I passed through the entire range of hills. When I came out from the hills and saw I was over the flat coastline, took a deep breath and thanked the Lord for His presence once again. I also noticed the fog had not settled to the ground and I could maintain my 500 feet altitude. eventually flew over the city of Hue and was confident that I was almost back to my home base. It was starting to get dark and I noticed the Chu Lai airfield had their runway lights on. I shot my approach to the same helipad we departed from in the morning and taxied to an open shelter. As I shut down the engine, I felt it's been a long day. How gracious is our God. He guides us through dangerous situations and delivers us. z 1081 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 4:8 N IV 3 1082 11 Ar 11 — Hunter/Killer Team Mission When I entered into the last month of my tour, I felt relieved knowing I was four weeks from going home to the U.S.A. I thought things would start to slow down for the various Admin missions I had been flying. I felt so relieved knowing God had brought me through so much and this last month would be a "Piece of cake". A couple days later received an order to report to the Company Headquarters. The Officer of the Day said, "Mr. Lewis, we have a mission to support the Marines occasionally and they need someone tomorrow. The mission is to be part of a hunter/killer team up in the Da Nang region just South of the demilitarized zone (DMZ). know you're not trained to fly as a hunter, but we have no one else to send. All of our qualified hunter pilots are either wounded or away on leave. You are the only one we have. You'll be gone for a week. Pack your bag and meet with the mechanic on the flight line tomorrow." reluctantly said, "Yes, Sir." As I walked back to my barracks my mind was racing with thoughts like, "What are they thinking" and "This is like sending a sheep to the slaughter." The next morning I arrived at our flight line and a mechanic was already there. I did my preflight and found out the mechanic was going to accompany me. He had been on similar missions to Da Nang and knew where we needed to go. That was a great relief for me. We boarded the aircraft and left Chu Lai heading due North (N- on the magnetic compass). About a half hour later we were flying over Hue and continued on our heading toward Da Nang. As we were approaching the city of Da Nang, there were two Marine Chinook helicopters that passed us like we were sitting still. One zoomed 1 1083 past us on the right and the other on the left. It was a little startling. We continued till we found our base and landed. We reported in at their Headquarters and they took us to our quarters. We had the rest of the afternoon off to settle in and relax. "Mr. Lewis, You have a mission tomorrow morning that you need to be ready to lift off at "First Light". I'll have someone come get you up in sufficient time", said the Officer of the Day. First Light meant they wanted me to take off at early dawn. replied, "Yes, Sir". Suddenly, I felt someone shaking my shoulder. I woke up and the guard was standing over me. I heard the distinctive sound of helicopters flying over me. "Sir, it's time to get up for your mission. We forgot to get you up sooner", he said. jumped up, put on me flight suit and boots and headed to my aircraft. With a flashlight, I did a quick pre-flight. It was still dark but the sunrise was already starting. Another officer showed up. He told me he was my observer. My mechanic stayed on the ground as the officer and boarded the aircraft. I started it and we quickly headed out on our mission. The officer came on the intercom and said,"Mr. Lewis, we're going to head out to an area we need to check out for Vietcong activity. We'll just follow the Command ship and he'll let us know where and when to investigate." replied, "Yes, Sir". As the sun continued to rise, I noticed there were a UH-1 Huey (Command ship) and an AH-1 Huey Cobra (Gun ship) and my OH-6 Cayuse (Hunter ship) in our team. We flew for a while to the North of the base and then turned inland toward some hills. When we got to within a mile of the hills the Command ship released us to hunt along a large stream running down from the hills. My Observer got on the intercom and told me it was time to go "low and slow". Those words were not ones I wanted to hear. Since the time I first set foot on the soil of Vietnam I was told to always fly "high and slow or low and fast". I was very uncomfortable and fears heightened. But that was the requirements for this mission. descended to 50 feet above the ground and decreased my speed to 40 knots. We followed the stream as it wound around and in toward the hills. We noticed a knoll to z 1084 the left of the stream covered with trees. My Observer gives me instructions to fly upstream and then bank left over the trees. aligned the aircraft with the stream and flew right above it. The terrain started to rise up toward the hills and I maintained my altitude to assure we will fly over the trees. My Observer kept his eyes searching along the stream to see if there was any evidence of being recently occupied. As we flew beside the tree covered knoll he motioned me to turn. I banked the aircraft to the left and we slowly flew over it. After we passed it he got on the radio to the Command ship. "MUZZLE FLASHES! I'LL DROP SMOKE!" He immediately got on the intercom and told me to go around and come back the same way as before. So I circled around and flew up the stream and "SLOWLY" over the trees so he could drop his smoke grenade. By dropping a smoke grenade on the target was the standard way of marking the target for the Gun ship. continued my turn past the trees and headed away from the area while the gunship kept firing rockets on the target area. When they finished, the Observer instructed me to return to the target area to see if there were any more muzzle flashes. There weren't any. The Command ship radioed us to let us know the team needs to return to base because they were running low on fuel. After we landed, I checked the aircraft to see if we had taken any bullets. I was so thankful to see no bullet holes in my aircraft or us. flew with the Marines a few more days without any incidents and then headed back to Chu Lai with my mechanic. had three more weeks left and then I could go home. I hardly flew during those last few weeks. At this point of my tour, I wasn't interested in doing any flying unless it was an Admin mission. The Unit Command seemed to honor that. How merciful is our God. He shows us His mercy and love when facing fear in dangerous situations and delivers us. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5 N IV "Peace i leave with you; my peace i give you. i do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV 3 1085 12 — Final Mission After I completed my mission with the Marines in Da Nang, I realized there were only two more weeks before my tour was finished. I wasn't given any missions to fly. could actually relax a little. Although I was somewhat guarding my feelings because anything could happen and I would be called to fly. To keep my mind off that scenario focused on completing my final mission: prepare, pack and leave Vietnam. When I had all my gear packed and ready I had time to reflect on my time in Vietnam, the other men I served with, various missions I'd flown and distinctly beautiful varying terrain I was able to see. I thought about my Bride I was finally going home to see again and be with. Oh, how I missed her, but so glad she was not here. I was so blessed to be able to spend a few days with her on my week of Rest & Recuperation (R&R) in Hawaii one and a half months prior to this moment. The days seemed to drag while I waited for my orders to travel back to the U.S. Into my last week I was getting concerned why I hadn't received my orders. Five days left to my proposed departure and then I was told to report to the Unit Headquarters. dropped what I was doing (which wasn't much) and quickly walked to our Headquarters. "Chief Warrant Officer Lewis, reporting as ordered", I said. The Officer of the Day replied,"Mr. Lewis, wait one moment; I have new orders for you. You leave tomorrow for Tan Son Nhut to out-process and go home. Congratulations." "Thank you, Sir", I replied. He handed the paperwork to me and I saluted him, turned and left the Headquarters for the last time. The next day my duffle bag and I arrived at the terminal. For some reason I held onto my orders tightly. I presented them and allowed to sit in the waiting area. The C-130 aircraft arrived and unloaded, then we boarded and strapped in for the flight. The engines started and we taxied to the end of the runway. Then the roar of the engines and bouncing down the runway surely indicated we were on our way. As we started to climb and then turn to a South heading and couldn't help but have the thought, "Thank you Lord for being with me", and then said goodbye to Chu Lai. We landed at the Tan Son Nhut Airbase that afternoon. We got off the aircraft and got onto a bus that took us to the processing center. When we arrived at the processing 1 1086 center we were given our housing assignment. We settled in there and wandered around the compound. I met one of my flight training classmates and we briefly exchanged some of our experiences. He told me of a classmate that was killed in the second month of his tour. This was a time to decompress from the previous year. It was the moment we could actually exchange our military clothing to civilian clothes. The next day we continued our hanging around the compound. Waiting for the flight home was hard. I was so ready and anxious to go, like everyone of course. The following day, we were informed that our departure flight home would be tomorrow. Everyone was happy and so cheerful at that news. There was an exhilaration feeling when we got up the next morning. We finally are going home. After breakfast we grabbed our bags and stood in formation as our names were called out to board the bus. It seemed like such a long ride back to the Tan Son Nhut Airbase. We boarded the jet airliner and grabbed an open seat. No one cared where they were sitting. As the aircraft lifted off the ground everyone voiced their own form of approval. Cheering, whistling, clapping hands, etc. Then everyone let out a sigh of relief that we were done. The flight to McChord Air Force Base, WA, was about 15 hours. Our posteriors were pretty tired of sitting. As the aircraft landed there was once again a form of approval expressed just like when we left Vietnam. We then boarded a bus that took us to Ft Lewis, WA. This was an Army base that was right next to McChord AFB. We filed into a building to process our return to the U.S. The Army Specialist I was standing in front of said,"Mr. Lewis, the Army has an abundance of Warrant Officer Aviators' at this time due to the downsizing of forces. So you have a choice whether to stay in the Army or to get out. If you decide to stay in the Army, you then understand you'll go back to Vietnam for another tour. What is your decision?" thought about the options just presented to me and replied, "I'll get out." I had no interest or desire to return to that place. That afternoon I caught transportation to the Seattle-Tacoma Airport and caught a flight to LAX. I called Donna before I left and told her of my decision I had to make before could leave Fort Lewis. I'm not sure she really heard what I decided because she was excited to hear I was flying into LAX that afternoon. I heard the boarding call for my flight, so I hurried to the gate. As the aircraft nose lifted and I felt it leave the runway I said to myself, "I'm going home!" z 1087 How real is our God? He shows us. He protects us. He leads us. "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:1-6 N IV "I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies." Psalms 18:3 NIV 3 1088 Maurice S. Kaprow P.O.Box 195233,WINTER SPRINGS,FL 32719 (407)415-3322 • MKAYEI@ARTBLINK.NET EDUCATION Ed. D. in Educational Leadership May,2018 University of Central Florida Dissertation Title: A Comparison of Student Achievement in Florida Charter Schools with Not-for-Profit and For-Profit Management Models Committee: Jerry Johnson (Chair), Gordon Lee Baldwin, Kenneth T. Murray, Janet M. McGee Diploma May, 1999 U. S. Naval War College College of Command and Staff MA in Educational Administration January, 1972 Columbia University Rabbinical Ordination February, 1968 Yeshivat Ateret Yaakov BA in Sociology June, 1966 Yeshiva University BHL in Hebrew and Education June, 1966 Yeshiva University CHAPLAINCY EXPERIENCE Chaplain 2011-2021 VITAS®Healthcare, Maitland, FL • Flex Pool Chaplain visiting patients in Hospice settings • Lead grief support groups • Present CME programs on Jewish End of Life care in various settings Chaplain 1990-2010 U. S. Navy • Provided Religious Ministry in various settings • Served as Staff Chaplain, Chaplain Instructor, Deputy Fleet Chaplain, Force Chaplain, and Command Chaplain • Wrote curriculum for Naval Chaplains School • Developed ethics and values presentation for military members 1089 Military Assignments • Staff Chaplain, USS SARATOGA(CV 60), 1990-1992 • Staff Chaplain,Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, 1992-1995 • Battalion Chaplain, H&S Battalion, It Force Service Support Group, 1995-1996 Training and Operations Chaplain, It Force Service Support Group, 1996-1999 Assistant Basic Course Officer, Naval Chaplains School, 1999-2001 • Deputy Fleet Chaplain, US Sixth Fleet,2002-2004 • Deputy Fleet Chaplain, US Fleet Forces Command, 2004- 2006 Command Chaplain, PCU GEORGE H W BUSH (CVN 77),2006-2008 • Command Chaplain, Center for Information Dominance, 2009-2010 Chaplain 1985-1989 Orlando Jewish Community and Orlando Regional Medical Center • Visited Jewish people in healthcare settings and in correctional facilities • Chaplain at ORMC trauma center and assigned to Labor and Delivery, OB-GYN, and NICU providing services to patients and their families TEACHING EXPERIENCE Consultant 1985 Florida Department of Education • Investigated certificated educators accused of misconduct Teacher 1984-1985 Orange County Public Schools • Taught First grade Director (Principal) 1981-1984 Hebrew Day School of Central Florida • Served as Headmaster of a parochial school Grades K-7 Assistant Superintendent of Schools 1976-1981 Berkeley Township (N. J.) School District • Supervised curriculum and instruction in a three-school K-5 public school district • Acting Superintendent of Schools (1980) Supervisor of Instruction 1972-1975 2 1090 Howell Township (N. J.) School District • Supervised all instruction in Grades 4 and 5, Librarians, and Home Economics in an eight-school K-8 public school district. Teacher 1967-1972 P. S. 89 Queens,New York City Public Schools • Taught science to all Kindergarten, and non-graded primaries (Grades 1-2) FACULTY APPOINTMENTS Instructor 2018-present Volunteer Faculty University of Central Florida College of Medicine PUBLICATIONS Kaprow, M. S. (2003). For those who defend our liberties. The Forward, May 16, 2003. Kopacz, M. S., Feldstein, B. D., Asekoff, C., Kaprow, M. S., Smith-Coggins, R., &Rasmussen, K. A. (2016). How Involved Are Non-VA Chaplains in Supporting Veterans?Journal of Religion and Health, 55(4), 1206-1214. Kopacz, M. S., Feldstein, B. D., Asekoff, C., Kaprow, M. S., Smith-Coggins, R., & Connery, A. L. (2016). A Preliminary Study Examining Chaplains' Support for Veterans at the End-Of-Life. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 22(6), 300-302. Kopacz, M. S., Feldstein, B. D., Asekoff, C. A., Kaprow, M. S., & Smith-Coggins, R. (2016). A look at Israel's next generation of spiritual and pastoral care providers. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 70(4), 291-293. Kaprow, M. S. (2019, February 25). Chaplains and Healing [Web blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/story/chaplains-and-healing Kaprow, M.S. (2021, March 26). Seminole schools must look ahead after superintendent debacle. Orlando Sentinel, pp. A15. CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS "Serving Those Who Serve,"National Association of Jewish Chaplains Annual Conference, 2008. 3 1091 "The Need for a Professional Chaplaincy," National Association of Jewish Chaplains Annual Conference, 2011. "Common perspectives, core commitments, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the future of spiritual care," Partners in Strengthening the Future of Spiritual Care Symposium, October 17, 2017. "Embracing Difference: Enhancing Care for Diverse Communities,"National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 2019 Leadership and Advocacy Conference, April 2019. "Spiritual Health: A Vital Component of the Whole Person," Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, 2019 Mid-Year Seminar, September. 2019. Spiritual Health: A Vital Component of the Whole Person," Grand Rounds, Largo Medical Center, Largo, FL, February 6, 2020. "Welcome and Introduction," Spirituality near the End of Life, Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work,November, 2020. OTHER PRESENTATIONS Jewish End-of-Life Care, VITAS'Healthcare, numerous presentations, 2011-present. Professional Chaplaincy Organizations, VITAS®Healthcare, numerous CPE Didactic presentations, 2011-present Jewish End-of-Life Care, Orlando Regional Medical Center, December 20, 2017. Jewish End-of—Life Care, Winnie Palmer Hospital, December 27, 2017. Jewish Spirituality as We Grow Older, Jewish Community Center, Maitland, FL, June 11, 2018. Judaism: How It Affects Military Service Members, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Patrick AFB, FL, 2018-present. Jewish End-of-Life Care, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital, August 1, 2019. Hospice Benefits: What They Are and How to Obtain Them, Jewish Pavilion, Altamonte Springs, FL, September 9, 2019. Jewish Issues in Death, Dying, and End-of-Life, UCF Jewish Medical Students Organization, September 8, 2020. 4 1092 LECTURES "Spirituality and Medicine," University of Central Florida College of Medicine, once annually 2014-present. "Older Adults, Death, Dying, and Bereavement," University of Central Florida College of Medicine, once annually 2019-present. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS The Rabbinical Assembly, the association of international Conservative rabbis • Corresponding member, 1990-2011 • Regular member, 2011-present Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (formerly National Association of Jewish Chaplains), 1990-present. Association of Professional Chaplains, 2013-present. Phi Delta Kappa, Honorary in Education, 1971-present. Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Associate Member, 2021-present. Greater Orlando Board of Rabbis, 1985-present. Chicago Board of Rabbis, 1993-present Greater Miami Board of Rabbis, 2010-present PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES Board Certified Chaplain,National Association of Jewish Chaplains, Certificate number 26, 1995-present. Board Certified Chaplain, Association of Professional Chaplains, 2013-present. State of New Jersey, Permanent Teacher and School Administrator certificate. State of New York, Permanent Teacher and School Administrator certificate. 5 1093 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Executive Director 2019-present Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains Member, Rabbinic Career Development Committee 2018-present Rabbinical Assembly Immediate Past President 2018-2020 Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains • Serving on the Executive Board and Chair of the Nominating Committee. • Serve as Chair of the Placement Committee. • Serve as a member of the Personnel Committee. President 2016-2018 Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains • Served as President of a 600-member professional Jewish chaplaincy organization. President-Elect 2014-2016 Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains Treasurer 2010-2014 Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains Board Member 2006-2010 Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES Board Member, Pathways to Care 2011-2021 • Pathways to Care, an entity of Catholic Charities of Central Florida is an Adult Living Facility for medically-needy homeless and veterans. Board Member,Jewish Pavilion of Greater Orlando 2017-present Hearing Officer, Seminole County Prosecution Alternatives for Youth 2013-present • Prosecution Alternatives for Youth is a court diversion program for at-risk youth. Member,Jewish Community Relations Council 2014-present An entity of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando • Vice President, 2020 Member, City of Winter Springs,Triennial Redistricting Commission 2013,2019 6 1094 • Vice Chairperson, 2019 Member, City of Winter Springs, Code Enforcement Board 2013-present • Vice Chairperson, 2019- • Hear code violation cases as a member of the seven-member Code Board. Member, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,Flotilla 070-17-11 2017-present • Auxiliary Chaplain Support program Trooper, Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary 1987-1993 HONORS AND AWARDS SALUTE —National Veterans Academic Honor Society 2018-present Chatan Torah, Congregation Ohev Shalom 2017 Guest Chaplain, US Senate Sept. 29, 2008 Guest Chaplain, US House of Representatives May 5, 2004 Master Training Specialist, U. S. Navy 2000-present Military Medals • Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards) • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) • Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation • Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation • Navy Unit Commendation (3 awards) • National Service Defense Medal (2 awards) • Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 awards) • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal • Armed Forces Service Medal • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4 awards) • Navy and Marine Corps Oversea Service Medal (2 awards) • Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) • Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait) • Navy Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon Rhode Island Pluralism Award, Naval Chaplain School February, 1990 7 1095 REFERENCES Available upon request 8 1096 t �I-boirriander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL to LIEUTENANT MAURICE SHALOM KAPROW CHAPLAIN CORPS UNITED STATES NAVY RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION : "For professional achievement in the superior performance of nis duties while serving as Jewish Chaplain in USS SARATOGA CV 60) from January to March 1991 while deployed to U. S. Naval Forces Central Command in support of Operation Desert Storm. Lieutenant Kaprow ' s exceptional personal involvement and dedication to duty resulted in extensive Jewish Chaplain coverage for the entire Red Sea Battle Force. During Desert Storm, he maintained an aggressive and ongoing ministry onboard SARATOGA while providing an active "Holy Helo" schedule of visiting 14 ships under wartime conditions, Additionally , he assisted in providing around-the-clock ministry to aircrews and night - watchstanders at a time of heightened tensions; and anxiety. Lieutenant Kaprow ' s exceptional professional; performance reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. " For the Secretar he:_Navy ear m ra J, S. Navy w% , 44 rr t . 1097 Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL (Gold Star in lieu of the second award) to LIEUTENANT MAURICE S. KAPROW UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in 4� ng CITATION: "For profe _ onal 2 e hperi �� erformance of his duties wh '. se p a RAT �; (CV 60) from February 199 0 2 . ena � apro onsistently performed "��s g d i an ary d highly profess' manne hi s — irtg�,,, in multi nctional chaplain' rol , h exh3-1;it�t }" utstant,lihg uns 1 ing ex tise to theCommOdin 1,Ofic s neralff J fr $5h ha l�ai eeting the nee xs 0 he 'Bat " G � ' His s e Bio ,. rs n ma gement skills for ibute� to a ighl c s mmand Religio IT 491"'Ordinating 36 weekly r iou se is x,, with a grea _y ��¢�lim nis _ staff, e'.helped br the minis, y to SARATO soft DES TORM exp ri6nce also hit ww' the founda ' ons-dor his .que past0al' *tyle of ilio ,n-o a counNel to sailor anma ine ' AAs a resul of this sol mit, nis r , q C � lain Kaprow 'ade a ire did positive impact on le d*r�ea ess. Lieute t ap ,ow's�": ptional leadership �E ' tia 'van "loyal dedicat n d ty r i ted great ,credit u hi ms f "and re in keeping it tz ig ""a" traditions of lay"" Tn't t - Naval Service. ' F e Secr tart the s �a D : ar Admxra , SW. Nav 1098 NAVAL TRAINING CENTER GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to MA URICE SHALOM ,KAPROW LIEUTENANT, CHAPLAIN CORPS UNITED STATES NAVY RESERVE or service as set forth in.the.f ollowtn CITA TION.• i "For meritorious service in thesu rior-perfor e of his duties while serving as a Staff Chaplain at Naval Tratningenter; G eat kes, Illinois from December 1992 to March 1995. lieutenant, aprory s unparalleled resourcefulness and exceptional skill in implementing the Coif maann _Religion`Program helped meet the spiritual needs of over `'S0,a00 recrutis,: students,,, an�staff. Displaying strong P 4 Y initiative and superior leadership, lie expertly-performe ,rs4he divisional Scheduling Officer during a period on major-expansion and iransittoti ;while Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.;became the Navy s single recrui fining site increasing to an on board populatron�of 12,000 from 4,500.'=He impCeme ,ted a revised Chaplain training module for prospective 'Recruit_.Compariynders, training over 150 new company commanders He conducted weekly vis it o recruit members in their compartments, increasing parrisoner participation.;by over 300 percent He worked with all segments of the community, strengthening nooved relationships between the civilian and military Jewish communities";and,positively impacting on mission accomplishment and unit cohesion.t Lieutenant-`Kaprow's exceptional professional ability, initiative, and loyal devotion-{tot.tf-reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. " For Ilse Secretary of the Navy, MACK C. GASTON Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy N-NTC-GL 1650,60(Rev 7-e9) 1099 cA J The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL to LIEUTENANT COMMANDER MAURICE S. KAPROW UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Training and Operations Chaplain, 151 Force Service Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific from November 1995 to January 1999. Lieutenant Commander Kaprow's knowledge, organizational skills, and determination transformed the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program into one of the best within the Department of Defense. He developed a suicide awareness and reduction program in 15, Force Service Support Group. Due to his efforts, the Group led I Marine Expeditionary Force in using the individual Training Standards for Chaplains and Religious Specialist personnel, ensuring the highest personnel readiness. Lieutenant Commander Kaprow was crucial in developing three unique values-based programs and related audiovisual presentations for 1st Force Service Support Group that will be used Chaplain Corps wide. He was essential to the training of Chaplain Corps subject matter experts on ministry in the Fleet Marine Force. Additionally, he coordinated and led the best Jewish Lay Leader training to date, and as a member of I Marine Expeditionary Force and Chaplain of the Marine Corps panels, revised numerous training and doctrine publications. Lieutenant Commander Kaprow also transformed the Jewish worship programs at Camp Pendleton and Twenty-nine Palms, increasing participation by 100 percent and building close relationships with the Jewish civilian community. Lieutenant Commander Kaprow's untiring efforts to carry out his demanding tasks with unfailing good judgement, effectiveness, and total devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. For the President, C. W. FULFORD, JR. LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDER, MARINE FORCES PACIFIC 1100 v� WG. FQ .-1 ao � ° F > P-A z � C) z WF AOzxaw• "agz z AG �O a H . � � � x O V A Qw � w av EW w d " gzo W A a SFW > o A � ez ® dgHH U c o • Ao m � dd Q a x � UU � r� x � z a � � Eox � Q > u E--1 o z v O V wVaz Ox W W zH xz�sHz % 11 V1ax ° wzazcn E-o N � Oa a U d � U � > v U v � z � ao � z u Nux zo 0 d w z � w ° OxpA � x A H W0 "oF ° � � CSG E.; z W '-� a U x O w v� WVU F oaa ,x W an A WW w z 5yw � a� , mQ Uaw. E. AUA (A z � o _ m o ; o < a Z N 1101 Commander United States SIXTH Fleet The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award) to COMMANDER MAURICE S . KAPROW UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For outstanding meritorious service as Deputy SIXTH Fleet Chaplain from December 2001 to February 2004 . Commander Kaprow was a leader in transforming the operational focus of ministry within the SIXTH Fleet area of operations . He developed a fleet- wide chaplain plan during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, ensuring every platform in the Mediterranean was provided chaplain support . He demonstrated exceptional staff officer skills in numerous religious ministry operational plans including the participation in joint planning groups, operational planning teams, which included drafting joint standard operating procedures, consequence management plans and operational orders . Commander Kaprow developed three major General Military Training courses on moral and core values, historical roots of conflict , and Islamic extremists . Additionally, he developed presentations given to over 3 , 500 SIXTH Fleet Sailors detailing the moral and ethical argument that Operation IRAQI FREEDOM was a Just War. By his exceptional professional ability, personal initiative, and total dedication to duty, Commander Kaprow reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . For the President, C H. G. ICH Vice Admiral , United States Navy Commander, SIXTH Fleet 1102 Ungteb *tater ffleet jf orce.5 Commanb beabquarterg of the Commanber THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TAKES PLEASURE IN PRESENTING THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF THE THIRD AWARD)TO COMMANDER MAURICE S.KAPROW CHAPLAIN CORPS,UNITED STATES NAVY FOR SERVICE AS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING CITATION: FOR OUTSTANDING MERITORIOUS SERVICE FROM MARCH 2004 TO OCTOBER 2006 AS DEPUTY FLEET CHAPLAIN ON THE STAFF OF COMMANDER, U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND. COMMANDER KAPROW'S VISIONARY LEADERSHIP EXPANDED THE DELIVERY OF MINISTRY TO SAILORS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND RETIREES THROUGHOUT THE FLEET. CHALLENGED WITH REDUCED CHAPLAIN AND RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST MANNING, AS WELL AS INTENSE WARTIME REQUIREMENTS, HIS INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP BROADENED AND DEEPENED THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE SPIRITUAL AND PERSONAL CARE TO FLEET SAILORS AND THEIR FAMILIES. OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE, HE LED THE DEVELOPMENT OF NAVY MISSION ESSENTIAL TASK LISTS FOR RELIGIOUS MINISTRIES AS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT WITH FLEET CHAPLAINS, NUMBERED FLEET CHAPLAINS, TYPE COMMANDER CHAPLAINS, AND THE U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND CAPABILITIES AND RESOURCE INTEGRATION DIRECTORATE. HE EXPERTLY COORDINATED THE U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND RELIGIOUS MINISTRIES REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC FLEETS AND DEVELOPED THE OPERATIONAL MINISTRY CENTER CONCEPT FOR THE ENTIRE NAVY CHAPLAIN CORPS WHICH RESULTED IN SAILOR CONNECTIVITY TO CHAPLAINS THROUGHOUT THE NAVY. COMMANDER KAPROW'S DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SELFLESS DEVOTION TO DUTY UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE. FOR THE PRESIDENT, Qx'-K,-��/J �CJSGFF VICE ADMIRS.NAVY , DEPUTY COMMANDER U.S.FLEET FORCES COMMAND .•�,,1;.11( .°«,',/„IF�\ . 'n�• 1 ltb 1103 WA W W P4 Q F O z z 00 C E) Z p Q � Gwr. �jZPu". 0 ox "" ° UUA � Jx W U W x w O p A F opwF ca pz - F �WE� W � x noU x W ZcGo � x WllaE°P" Er � W F �l w N 04 w ° U >Q EI o0Ad00U0 z 'S u z 'm o A Ncnz � ou� OgE l- 4z RS � UUW 0O �DQ W � 0.W1FW � w � C7a �C O iia A O OZWv� zzzU ro A OWE � dzc a3dz o � C) � c E- d w W.� �� � Q UF¢ wJ 1.� b A4 W raW � Oz0 � a U Ey N Vq .Wa z aZo 1 x adw :� p � ' A �� Ga ¢ F U rte ' zzdz wA 0 �r W �jXa i F E W p � zz � Aa ¢ H �ac , <O E W � -< 5 > 45 o C7 � .a y, viwO � U. x0 c.i F zox x p u � u ° � >- � 0 a x W � pp ..aW � � -- E4 V ZQvai � vFiU � O E4 v QW � Qz � Wxw w M p Q W U0U � w 004W W a' 0 v� W Q � � au� FW ° W z >CoUazF O � W W W 'azo zZU d W W a Q ° Z a W01. H 4 W A EA E, xQ ¢ Oa0aQa z fl cl) az ¢ zz '' ow `' > W z Ww A A d A x nw xw �. oF. FdaxHa � o � w � W OWs N m r 01 O IL � J d a > O a a 1104 )P,�4 Commander Naval Educatiou and TrainingCommand The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (Gold Star in lieu of the Fourth Award) to COMMANDER MAURICE S . KAPROW CHAPLAIN CORPS UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For outstanding meritorious service while serving as the Command Chaplain, Center for Information Dominance Detachment Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida, from February 2008 to October 2009 . Commander Kaprow' s visionary leadership expanded the delivery of ministry to 20 , 000 Soldiers , Sailors, Marines, Airmen., and Coastguardsmen along with their family members in this essential schoolhouse environment. Although challenged with limited Chaplain and Religious Program Specialist manning, his innovative leadership both broadened and deepened the beneficial effects of the spiritual and personal care available to service members and their families . Among his many accomplishments, he rewrote comprehensive instructions for Religious Ministries to include a policy of martial requirements for staff and students under the age of 26 to help prevent needless domestic issues . He oversaw 58 , 000 hours of community service, a Religious Offering Fund of 43 ,000 dollars , and an expansion of the Chapel staff to meet the needs of students and staff alike . He worked tirelessly to ensure that Sailors had numerous opportunities for healthy off-duty activities by publishing a weekly flyer with free-of-charge or low-cost activities . Commander Kaprow' s dynamic direction, keen judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty culminated 20 years of dedicated service, reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . For the President, r J. F. KILKENN Rear Admiral, U. S . Navy 1105