Operation Rose

Operation Rose - Procedure

We have accepted the mission to honor each and every one of
the Tigers who did not return from Vietnam in a simple, symbolic way:
Place one red rose and the Association logo on the final resting place of our 71 brothers.

This is a generalized MO of what we would like to see happen and some suggestions from our own experiences in locating and carrying out Operation Rose

2.) Locate the last resting place of deceased Tiger:

• a) If you know of any next of kin, contact them first.
  If not, start by checking the phone listings from the "home of record" which we have listed. Just start calling the names until you hit a relative.
• b) If this doesn't get results call the various cemeteries in and around the home of record. Probably, he will have been buried within ten days (+/-) of his death. This will help in locating the burial records by date. Also ask which funeral home performed the service and burial. They will normally have the name(s) and/or address of a relative(s). A lot of families never move too far away, if at all. IMPORTANT: ask for the exact location: Section, Row, Plot, etc. If not, you can spend hours walking around a cemetery trying to find the headstone. ii) If the cemetery offices turn a negative, start calling the area funeral homes. Proceed as with the cemeteries.

Note: When you mention that you want to honor a Vietnam Veteran, normally people become quite helpful (finally!!!).

3.) When you locate a relative:

• a) Let them know that the "HMM-262 Vietnam Association" would like to remember and honor our brother Tiger by visiting his grave, placing upon the grave, one red rose and a color printed copy of our logo. Try to get the name and number of the "senior" family relative (wife, children, mother or father, etc.) and then speak with them and enlist their help in getting the family together.
• b) Set a date and time, inviting any and all of them to attend this very simple but meaningful ceremony.
• c) Set a date and time to meet all of your Sortie. We found that meeting for breakfast or lunch prior to going to the cemetery gives all the Tigers a chance renew acquaintances and/or to get to know each other.
  d) See below for the suggested ceremony procedure.

4.) If not, set a date and time convenient to the majority, if not all, of your Sortie to meet at the cemetery.

Procedure:

• A) Download the file of our Association Logo. Print the full color logo on plain
• white, bond paper. Slip it into a clear plastic document protector (you may
• want to make extra copies for family member who may want one as a souvenir).
• B) Purchase one red rose. It might be a good idea to also purchase a plastic "stick-in-the ground" holder. Purchase one small American flag. If the Wife, daughter(s), mother, or sisters are in attendance, you may want to purchase one red rose for each, at your own discretion.
• C) When everyone is present, place the rose, logo and flag. You may want to say a few words if you knew our brother, ask his family if anyone wants to speak, read a Psalm, say a prayer or simply stand in silence. There is no formality or strict format. Being there and placing the rose is the real homage paid to him.

Please have someone take pictures of the grave site and the attendees. This is for our association records.

Gentlemen, it is a lot easier than it sounds and the rewards to your spirit and soul are endless. Please contact me when you have set a tentative date. We will notify all of our Tigers. A lot of us travel quite a bit and, who knows, we might be in the area and would be proud to attend. If you have ANY questions don't hesitate to contact me.

"The only dumb question is the one that goes unasked" (Quote -unknown)

Semper Fi
Joseph "Jake" Jacobs

Clarence Henry