First a little background. Based on Turner Publishing's experience in doing books of this type with groups like ours and the propensity of members of these groups to wait until a deadline approached to begin getting their thoughts together and to put them down on paper and then miss the deadline, we set up deadlines for our effort. We felt going in that we would probably need at least 3 deadlines to before we could consider that all or most had actually sent their articles, Bio's and etc in for the book. (A loose estimate at that time was that it would take 15 to 18 months, minimum to complete the project). DQS did not disappoint. Submittals trickled in as we found that we need to refresh our memories, time to think and remember, time to find the words that conveyed the message and yet we were comfortable with and even time to recover from thinking about our memories. All of this is normal. In some cases we would get lost in our thoughts and remembering and forget to write. Sometimes we were just plain uncomfortable. Some were delving into where they had resisted going. This wasn't easy. Others had visited much that they would be dealing with, but not all at once! They may have been surprised at the depth of feelings they experienced. Some, regretfully, gave up or resisted starting. Again, understandable,

With each deadline extension, more articles would filter in. We knew that others had started, but hadn't finished. So, another extension. In a sense, it was somewhat like giving birth to a baby. Scary, uncertain and maybe painful. Overall, and in hindsight, we may not all, as a group, have been ready for it. Total submissions never did reach the amount we hoped for, you (we) deserve and that we know our members are capable of There is so much more out there (some we have heard at reunions and etc. and other that we have gotten glimpses at during conversations). But, for whatever reason, we did not get these submitted for the book. This is sad. But, what we do have, is good and will make interesting reading in a book we can feel good about. Thanks to all who dug in and sent submittals in. Special thanks to those who did even more and dug for and submitted info about us other than their personal info!

As most know, we are now on our third Editor for the book. Previous Editors left employment with Turner for personal reasons and time would be required for each replacement to get up to speed on our project. There were some missteps on the part of DQS that were not helpful. Some seemed designed to more to prevent the book than to promote the effort. Yet, through perseverance and patience we now find ourselves heading toward a finished product. Yes, finally - at last!

It will take 4 to 6 months after all material has been amassed, including updated Roster, Casualty List, TAPS List, Preface, Dedication and background/explanatory material, (by DQS) and submitted to Turner, for the process at Turner (including our editing/re-editing of their product) to mature into a finished product that arrives in your (our) hands. Present plans are for DQS to complete its portion of the process by the middle of May. This would place the book in your hands during the 4h Quarter of this year. Worst case (DQS misses it's commitment), you will have your book late 4h Quarter/early 1st Quarter. This is not the plan; but a worst-case scenario.

**Some, who made submittals have continued writing their thoughts and memories down. We would encourage all to do so, whether they submitted or not. It is your history. It could be just for you, for your family or you may wish to share it with us. We'd be interested.

Some have inquired about a second book or mentioned that they may submit if we did a second book. By the way, you can still squeeze a submittal in for this book (unofficially), if you hurry. We do not presently have plans for a second book, but will not close the door on the idea. If there is interest within DQS and we were to entertain the idea, we definitely would want a number of submittals 'in hand' before we approached a Publisher. This is one reason to write things now or to continue writing. Who knows!?!?

The VA: AR should pay attention to what is being proposed in regard to the VA and Veterans Benefits. This includes the budget, access fees & co-pays, revamping eligibility criteria, lowering disability payments and the general direction of the VA in the future. Much of the proposed is not positive for Veterans and a lot rhetoric is negative about Veterans and their cost to our country. Get involved! Let your elected representatives hear from you! If not for yourself, for your Brothers!