Reader reflects on last battle of Vietnam War
The last military forces left South Vietnam on April 30, 1975. American involvement in Southeast Asia ended at that time. For those of us who were there, one more bloody battle was fought. On May 12,1975, the Cambodian Navy seized an American merchant ship, the S.S. Mayaguez, in international waters off the Cambodian coast. While the ship was being towed to Kompong Som on the Cambodian mainland, word reached the White House.
President Ford insisted that this must not become another U.S.S. Pueblo incident. It was also important to show the world that the United States was not a helpless giant and unreliable ally. However, this rescue would be most difficult. The U.S. had no diplomatic relations with the Khmer Rouge communists who had just overrun Cambodia. U.S. forces in Thailand were inadequate for ground action. There were no U.S. warships in the area. What could be done? President Ford ordered the carrier, U.S.S. Coral Sea, from the Philippines to find the Mayaguez and its crew.
A Navy aircraft located the Mayaguez anchored off Koh Tang Island 40 miles from the Cambodian coast. Monitoring aircraft were hit by fire from the island. A Marine landing team was airlifted from Okinawa to U-Tapao Royal Airbase where they joined my unit, the 56th Special Operations Wing, from Northeastern Thailand on the Laotian border. On the morning of May 15, 1975, the Marines were airlifted by Air Force Special Operations CH-53 helicopters to Koh Tang. They were met by 200 heavily armed Khmer Rouge troops. Three of the first eight helicopters were shot down in the water. The remaining eight were heavily damaged by gunfire. About 100 Marines landed on the beach under heavy fire.
While the battle was at its height, carrier bombing of targets on the mainland convinced the Khmer leaders that they had underestimated American resolve. What happened next surprised all of us. A fishing boat flying a white flag approached the destroyer U.S.S. Henry B. Wilson. Aboard the boat were all 39 crewmen from the Mayaguez. The Marines were instructed to withdraw. However, the Khmer Rouge troops continued to fight. Our Special Ops helicopters flew heavy fire to withdraw Marines and corpsmen. The last of the Marines were not rescued until late night on May 15, 1975. In total, 18 Marines and Airmen were killed in action. Another 23 Airmen were killed in a helicopter crash in route to U-Tapao. The final count was 41 Americans dying to save 39 Mayaguez crewmen. The last names on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. list those brave men.
Col. Glenn B. Hammond, USAF (Ret.)
Troutville
Supports White for supervisor
I read with great interest the letter from Linda Rottman, candidate for the Buchanan Board of Supervisors seat, in the May 7 edition of The Herald. After reading it, I am left with quite a few questions.
What are her solutions? She is quick to point out all of the problems, but offers no solutions. She lists in great detail everything that she is against, but I see no plan, or effort, to tell us how she would solve the problems that she has identified. What is her plan? How will she lower taxes? I have looked in vain for a contact number or a way to reach out to Ms. Rottman to ask her these questions, but so far, I haven’t found anything. Could it be that she is all about talking points, with no real plan?
In contrast, Amy White is forward thinking, and has demonstrated a commitment to our community, and our youth, throughout her time on the board. She is engaged, is active in our community, and is always available to answer questions and discuss concerns.
In addition, I am much more comfortable with Amy, who is a life-long resident of Botetourt, than her opponent, who left a law practice and moved here from California.
Please join me in voting to re-elect Amy Stinnett White to the Board of Supervisors.
Steven Kidd
Fincastle
Holts endorse Terry Austin for delegate
We are writing to endorse the candidacy of Terry Austin for the Republican primary on June 17 for the Virginia House of Delegates. We have had the opportunity to know Delegate Austin for numerous years and to work with him on several matters.
We find Terry to be a highly energetic man of integrity and the highest character, who effectively represents his constituency in Richmond. We appreciate his pragmatic approach to problem solving the issues facing the Commonwealth, protecting personal freedoms, and supporting traditional values by working with legislators on both sides of the aisle – rather than promoting partisan gridlock – while maintaining conservative principles.
Terry’s hard work and perspectives gained through being a lifelong resident of Botetourt County, where he established a highly successful business and has served on multiple local boards, gives him a broad and unique view of and advocacy for people of the 37th District.
Terry has served in the legislature effectively and has worked to create personal relationships which he uses to serve all the residents of the 37th District. His positions on the Transportation Committee have been a factor in getting funds for the widening of I-81 and the expansion of Amtrak service in the area. His position on the Appropriations Committee has allowed for the funding of numerous projects in the district, while still allowing for returning of state tax dollars to residents.
Terry is an unabashed advocate of local law enforcement, protecting the right to bear arms, and he is a tireless supporter of cutting burdensome government regulation. We applaud those efforts.
Having been born and grown up in Botetourt County, I understand how much the area has changed. Having moved around Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for 40 years, we have seen how this change has impacted other areas and how fortunate the residents of Botetourt and the 37th District are as to how change has been managed here vs. other locations.
Please join us in supporting Terry Austin for the House of Delegates. We believe that he has done much to earn that support.
Ed & Betty Holt
Daleville
Supports Padgett for Amsterdam supervisor
As an Amsterdam resident, I am writing to express my full support for Dirk Padgett in his campaign for the Amsterdam Board of Supervisors seat. Dirk has demonstrated unwavering dedication in service to our country, as an Iraqi War veteran, and I have every confidence that he will serve our county with the same level of care, integrity, and responsible action that he displayed in uniform.
Dirk is committed to fiscal responsibility in our county government. He understands that reducing the $115 million in county debt is essential, and he has a clear plan to achieve this by attracting the right businesses – those that contribute to our local economy and lessen the tax burden on hard-working citizens. His vision is focused, practical, and grounded in common sense.
We need leadership that puts the people first, and tackles the financial challenges facing our county head-on. Dirk Padgett is that leader.
I wholeheartedly ask you to join me in voting for Dirk Padgett on June 17.
Shelia States
Amsterdam
Daleville residents support Austin
This letter is written in support of Del. Terry Austin who is a candidate in the June 17 Republican primary to continue his role as an elected member of the Virginia House of Delegates. As Botetourt County residents, as well as past officers and current members of the board of directors, Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail, Inc., we have worked on the development and implementation of this heritage trail for the past 14 years, for which Del. Austin has offered assistance and support during the last 10. Without Del. Austin, there would not be a Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail. Here is our testimony on his behalf.
In early 2015, as a new legislator, Terry advocated for the Virginia trail when the National Park Service (NPS) was surveying eastern states as potential eastward extensions of the westward Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. He literally walked the halls of the House of Delegates to obtain “aye” votes for his proposed House Joint Resolution No. 566 in which the following sentence is found. “Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, [t]hat the General Assembly designate the portion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail that runs through the Commonwealth as the Lewis and Clark Eastern Legacy Trail in Virginia,” (aka Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail/ VLCLT). Fifty votes were received and the House of Delegates approved the resolution on January 28, 2015 followed by the Senate on February 24, 2015.
About two years later, approximately 30 trail volunteers and state government officials gathered together to decide on the Virginia trail’s future. This was a necessary meeting after learning the NPS’s Eastern Extension Study Committee had not included Virginia (and other states) in its recommendation to Congress to become an official part of an eastward-bound Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The group unanimously opted to move forward with the continued development and implementation of the VLCLT. Del. Austin was present at this meeting. He listened. He cared. He understood, and his later actions championed the trail volunteers’ vision of a Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail that would one day identify the people, places, and other connections in Virginia, would acknowledge these via state signage, and in doing so, would educate the public about this fairly unknown but significant piece of Virginia history.
From 2017-2021, the trail grew. Using William Clark’s “Memorandum 1809” and other primary documented historical sources, volunteers began to research and confirm Lewis and Clark connections to sites, people, and places in their localities. By the end of 2021, eight localities had completed their investigations, and signage needs were inevitable. Once again, Del. Austin was there. He listened. He cared. To help begin the implementation of the Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail, a one-time allotment of money from the 2022-2024 Virginia General Assembly budget was granted. Its purpose was to help manufacture and install eight historical highway markers in localities whose applications had been approved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. One of these is from Botetourt County.
Through his diligent efforts and leadership these past years, Del. Austin has energized the work of trail volunteers, transitioned their vision to reality, and enhanced public awareness of Botetourt County’s multifaceted history with the explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The trail and its volunteers are indeed grateful. Equally important, Del. Austin has helped provide the Virginia with a new heritage trail that reveals an important history that may never have been discovered, and which offers tourism and economic benefits to trail communities throughout the Commonwealth (www.valewisandclarklegacytrail.org).
Please vote for Del. Terry Austin. Let him continue to serve well the people of Botetourt County.
Peggy Crosson
Jim Johnston
Daleville
Reader agrees with Britt’s letter supporting Padgett for supervisor
I agree with Richard Britt’s letter to the editor May 21, supporting Dirk Padgett (Amsterdam District). I also want to express concerns I have for Botetourt County. We are building a new courthouse because previous administrations over the years failed to address issues the courthouse was having. That’s called upkeep and maintenance. So this bill is being reflected in our increased taxes.
With that being said, we have other buildings, such as our schools especially Lord Botetourt, that have issues that have been discussed in the past that have not been addressed. Will Lord Botetourt High School succumb to the same fate as our courthouse and be demolished and rebuilt? What about other county structures? I’m sure people think absolutely not, but who would have ever thought that we would be rebuilding our courthouse?
We need people in our administration that will take care of our taxpayer money and learn to say no to frivolous spending. We need to slow our growth. I didn’t say no growth, but responsible growth in our county.
I think Dirk Padgett would be a welcome addition to our Board of Supervisors. The fact that Steve Clinton endorses Tim Snyder ought to be a concern if you want to see change in the administration. Look at how our county has changed. Route 220 is becoming like 419 in Roanoke or Williamson Road.
Our traffic has become congested. Guess who is on the Planning Commission for Daleville/Amsterdam – Tim Snyder. We don’t recognize our rural Botetourt County anymore. Our Board of Supervisors does not seem to care about keeping Botetourt as the rural gem it is. It’s becoming a nightmare just to make a run to the bank or grocery store.
If you want to see our county continue on this path, then don’t vote. But if you care at all for the generations to come, please vote for a change to our Board of Supervisors and vote for Dirk (Amsterdam District). Hopefully he would be at least one more that we can help turn the tide of the Board of Supervisors.
Terri Frantz
Troutville
Patterson cites Austin’s advocacy for BTEC
I am writing to express my support for Delegate Terry Austin in the upcoming Republican primary on June 17. Delegate Austin’s dedication to education and workforce development, particularly through his unwavering support of Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC), has made a tangible difference in our community.
As a proud graduate of BTEC, Delegate Austin understands firsthand the value of the education and hands-on experience it provides to its students. The skills he gained there laid the foundation for his own successful business, which he founded 47 years ago – a testament to the life-changing impact of its programs. His personal connection fuels his commitment to ensuring that today’s students have access to similar opportunities for success.
One of Delegate Austin’s most recent efforts underscores this commitment. He played a critical role in cutting through bureaucratic red tape in the approval process for BTEC students to build a house in Fincastle. This project not only gives students real-world experience in the building trades it teaches, but also demonstrates the power of technical education to benefit the entire community.
Delegate Austin’s advocacy for BTEC and its programs has helped countless young men and women find gainful employment upon graduation, preparing them for bright futures in high-demand fields. His leadership has strengthened the pipeline from education to employment, helping both individuals and our local economy thrive.
I encourage all voters in the upcoming primary to join me in supporting Delegate Terry Austin. His proven record of service, dedication to education, and commitment to our community make him the clear choice to continue representing us.
Bob Patterson
Fincastle
Writer says White embraces county’s future
I am writing to express my strong support for Amy White’s re-election to the Buchanan seat on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.
Amy is a lifelong resident, multi-generational farmer, small business owner, invested member of the region, and a dedicated public servant. Her leadership is marked by integrity, accountability, and a forward-thinking vision that honors our county’s heritage while thoughtfully embracing its future. She serves an incredible role as a fierce advocate for Botetourt and an ambassador for the local community.
I first met Amy as my microbiology instructor at Virginia Western Community College, where she now serves as Dean of STEM and Workforce Solutions. During her tenure, she has advocated relentlessly for educational opportunities that are accessible to all.
Amy’s commitment extends beyond education. She actively participates in professional committees and community groups seeking all perspectives so her decisions as a leader are informed for today and years down the road. Amy crosses county lines, traveling the I-81 corridor to make sure her home, Botetourt County, is equally represented in economic development, community and industry ecosystems – because she genuinely cares. Amy adds value by supporting others and relentlessly advocates for their needs first. Her dedication to small businesses, public services, and thoughtful growth is exactly what Botetourt County needs during these uncertain, divided times.
We must consider a future where our children can live and learn in Botetourt County, where they can dream and thrive – finding passions that drive them to be involved members in the community.
Amy White is a leader who listens, acts, and consistently puts the community first. I urge fellow residents to support her re-election for the continued prosperity of our county.
Taylor Spellman
Troutville
Buchanan resident supports Amy White for supervisor
I’ve seen signs around the county calling for lower taxes. The notion of “lowering taxes” seems like a generic cop out instead of substantive action. I’m not sure which taxes need lowering since we have so many: real estate, personal property, business, manufacturing, machinery, mobile homes, wind farms, prepared foods/meal tax, public utility and transient occupancy taxes.
Nobody really wants to pay taxes but, as my dad told me, there are two things we all must do once we’re born and that’s pay taxes and die. Taxes are part of life. Tax rate data is available through local government websites and Virginia Department of Taxation sources.
Since I’ve worked with and for most of Botetourt’s contiguous counties, I looked at real estate tax rates for our county compared to our neighboring counties. Our county charges 70 cents per $100 assessed value for real estate. Alleghany charges 73, Bedford 41, Craig 52, Roanoke $1.04 and Rockbridge 61cents. Botetourt real estate tax rate is neither the highest or the lowest and second lowest for personal property taxes. We have excellent and appropriate county services and, based on my 25+ years of professional experience developing budgets for the district health department, Botetourt’s budget process is never based on last year’s allocation. Each year, I needed to justify, in line-item detail, the amount of dollars required by state law and the amount not required but requested to provide critical services to Botetourt County citizens. Some years were harder than other years and the process was professional, transparent and I knew my allocation was based on the needs of the entire county, not just my wheelhouse.
I’m voting for Amy White in the current primary for Buchanan’s representative to the Board of Supervisors. Amy does substantive work in all walks of life. I see Amy working the carnival concessions, like the rest of her constituents. She attends our Town Council meetings and I’ve watched her apply sophisticated research to county-wide needs and Town of Buchanan challenges. I’ve known Amy since she was in high school and she consistently stands out as a person of high integrity. She knows and supports Buchanan, and is forthright and capable of navigating complex challenges with wisdom, compassion and humor.
Molly O’Dell
Buchanan
Rottman clarifies that she’s from Wisconsin
Sorry, but I’m not from California.
I believe that a candidate’s voting record is fair game in an election. If you don’t have a voting record, your platform is fair game. Of course.
But what’s not fair game is attacking a candidate personally with a claim that simply isn’t true. In this election, what’s not fair game is the fake claim being spread by my opposition that I’m from California and want to impose California values on Botetourt.
I prefer to discuss the issues that matter to voters, but my detractors want to reduce the election to fake news. So let me be crystal clear. I’m from Wisconsin in that I was born, raised, educated, and employed there. Most Wisconsinites, including me, have the same conservative values that the people of the Buchanan District have. I’ve taken my conservative values with me wherever I’ve lived, including California, and for the last 11 years, Botetourt County. I’ve seen the demise of California first hand, and there’s no way I would support policies that would lead to the destruction of my chosen retirement home.
The incumbent’s supporters would like you to decide who to vote for based on whether they’re “local” by virtue of being born here or an “outsider” who wasn’t. But I have to ask the Buchanan District residents this question: you have a sixth generation “local” in office right now – how’s that working out for you?
If the answer is not so hot, please take a look at what I’m actually proposing – eliminating wasteful spending, reducing taxes, reining in irresponsible development, and actually listening to the residents. Compare my platform with the incumbent’s voting record. And vote accordingly.
Linda Rottman
Buchanan
