Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Paul M. Busek Post 11447

"Post 11447 History"

Chartered:     September 13 1992

Original Location:    Subic Bay, Philippines

New Location: 

Commander-in-Chief:   George R. Cramer 

POST COMMANDERS

AA = All American    AS = All State

 

     History behind the Post Name

Paul P. Busek Post 11447 (Subic Bay, Philippines; chartered 9/13/92)

            VFW Post 11447 in Barrio Barretto, Olongapo, District VII, is named after Paul P. Busek -- (1905-90), a U.S Navy veteran who served his country honorably from 1922 to 1936 and again from 1939 to 1946. Busek was a merchant seaman between his Navy tours, and again after he retired in 1946. He tried to join the Navy again when the Korean War broke out in 1950 but was rejected for being “too old.” 

            Busek was born in Austria on November 11, 1905, the youngest of three sons. His parents immigrated to the U.S. when Busek was just two years old, settling in Everett, Washington. Everett today is one of the U.S. Navy’s newest and most modern port facilities, homeport to many ships of the Northwest fleet. But when Busek’s family arrived there in 1907 it was a small fishing village.

            Busek joined the U.S. Navy in 1922, at the age of 17. He served as a cook aboard several ships in the Pacific, along the way making his first port visit to the Philippines in 1923. Busek said later he never forgot the strong impression of that initial visit, and always felt it was love at first sight. He could not have known a fate was being shaped for him that included close ties to the Philippines that would last throughout his life, and beyond.

            Busek left the Navy in 1936, after 14 years of service. He then worked mostly as a merchant seaman for the next three years. But when clouds of war with Japan began darkening, he rejoined the Navy in 1939. During the Second World War he spent most of his time in the South Pacific, finally retiring in 1946 as a Chief Commissaryman, with 21 years of honorable service.

            Busek was married three times; he had a son and daughter by his first two wives. His longest marriage was his second, to a Filipina named Catherine. It lasted from 1951 until Catherine died in the early 1980s. Busek lived in the U.S. during those years, returning to the Philippines after his wife died. In December 1987, at the age of 82, he married a third and last time, to Elsa Escarsa. Elsa survived her husband, and to this day is still warmly embraced by the American community in the Olongapo area.

            Until his late 70s, Busek remained busy with his hobbies and in community activities. Besides being an avid reader, he was a skilled amateur geologist, often seen roaming the hills around Subic Bay, searching for and finding jade, quartz, and other stones. He also became a talented lapidary, carving and finishing stones into delicate works of art he gave to friends. Although just a hobby, his lapidary creations were not baubles: they were art objects still treasured for their beauty.

             Busek was a legendary figure among the Navy people who visited Subic: Americans and Filipinos alike greatly respected him for his involvement in community activities. There were no VFW Posts while he lived in the area but he was a member of the CPO Association, American Legion, and Fleet Reserve Association; he was also founder and first president of the Olongapo City Chapter of the Retired Uniform Military Personnel Association (RUMPA). In 1985, Busek was bestowed with honorary Filipino citizenship for his social contributions and his love for the Philippines.  

             Busek died on October 20, 1990, at the VA Hospital in Manila, just one month short of his 85^th birthday. He is interred at Clark Cemetery in Angeles City. A good man who served his country and the Filipino community well, Paul P. Busek lives on in spirit in the name of VFW Post 11447, Subic Bay, Philippines.                  

Complied by Tom Elliott

Yokohama Post 9467

 

September 1992

            8 - The initial Post meeting was held at Blue Jeans Bar in Barrio Barretto.   This was the culmination of many preliminary hours of hard work and determination mainly by Rich Groscost and Jerry Bristle.
Presiding over the first meeting and the election of officers were Clifford Wilsey and Joseph Carsley of Angeles City VFW Post 2485.    The first order of business was the election of officers.                     

            13 - Installation of officers was held, also at Blue Jeans.  

                        Commander                                          Jerry Bristle  

                        Senior Vice Commander                       Ted "Shorty" Phillips  

                        Junior Vice Commander                        Chester Gross  

                        Quartermaster                                       Joseph "Frenchy" LeBlanc  

                        Advocate                                              Heinrich "Hank" Smith  

                        Chaplain                                               Carl Brown  

                        Surgeon                                                Anthony "Tony" Clarkston  

                        One Year Trustee                                 Marshal Barton  

                        Two Year Trustee                                 Michael "Rooster" Wetzel  

                        Three Year Trustee                                Jimmy "JB" Bryson  

                        Adjutant                                                Richard Groscost  

                        Service Officer                                       Heinrich "Hank" Smith  

                        Three Yr. P.H. Committee                     Jack Lott  

                        Two Yr. P.H. Committee                      Charles Anderson  

                        One Yr. P.H. Committee                       Harland "Sandy" Saunders  

 October, 1992  

             Establishment of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11447, Barrio Barretto, Philippines/st1:country-region> reported in October issue of VFW magazine.  

            14 - Paul P. Busek was selected as the namesake of the Post.   He was a friend and inspiration to many of our members during his life in the Navy and here in the Philippines/st1:place>. His biography is provided elsewhere in this history.  

  November 1992  

             11 - Several members attended Veterans Day Memorial Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by VFW Post 2485.  POW/MIA observation services were held in conjunction with the Veterans Day services.  

January 1993  

             10 - Dave Dunn donated a United States Flag and a U.S. Navy Flag to the Post.   The special "ceremonial” U.S. Flag had been flown over the United States Capital building.  

 May 1993  

             31 – Several members went to Clark Air Base to participate in Memorial Day services.    Tradition of a graveside memorial service at Paul P. Busek’s grave was inaugurated.   This moving tribute also included a 2-Bell ceremony, which was conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.  

  June 1993  

 

            9 - Philippine National Flag, staffs, and stands donated by FRA Branch 367 to the Post.  

 

Post Year Observation 

 

This first year was a very productive year for ideas that surfaced at meetings and were to become traditions and objectives that helped establish the character of our Post.   Among them were:  

 

            50/50 draw with proceeds going to Post Relief Fund.  

 

            Joint efforts with FRA Branch 367.  

 

            Barrio Beach Bash on the 4th of July (which became an annual event)  

 

            Search for a Post Home  

 

1993-94 TERM OFFICERS 

                        Commander                                                   Jerry Bristle  

                        Senior Vice Commander                                 Frank Plumlee  

                        Junior Vice Commander                                 Anthony "Tony” Clarkston  

                        Quartermaster                                                 Joseph "Frenchy" LeBlanc  

                        Advocate                                                        Thomas Anderson  

                        Chaplain                                                         David Dunn  

                        Surgeon                                                          Carl Brown  

                        Three Year Trustee                                          Jimmy "JB" Bryson  

                        Two Year Trustee                                           Marshal Barton  

                        One Year Trustee                                            Michael "Rooster" Wetzel  

                        Adjutant                                                          Richard Groscost  

                        Service Officer                                                 Heinrich "Hank" Smith  

                        Three Yr. P.H. Committee                               Harland "Sandy" Saunders  

July 1993  

 

            3/4 - Inaugural of 4th of July "Barrio Beach Bash". The beginning of a very popular VFW and community tradition.  A weekend of games and events in a carnival atmosphere providing entertainment for many while becoming the major fundraiser for our Post projects.    A residual benefit of the Beach Bash was the magnetic affect it had on the members as they pulled together to assure its success.   Rich Groscost was the first BBB Committee Chairman.  

 

August 1993  

             11 - A building at #14 Del Pilar St., Bo. Barretto was selected to become our Post Home.    Many hours of hard work and transformation ensued to make it a suitable meeting place and canteen.                                                                                          
            Booster organization formed.   This was done to recognize the contributions of those in our community who are unqualified for membership, and to focus their efforts with some guidance from a VFW member advisor.  

November 1993  

             11 – Several members attended Veterans Day Memorial Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by VFW Post 2485.   A memorial service followed at Paul P. Busek's gravesite.  This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members also attended Post 2485's annual BBQ in the afternoon.  

             12 - Although meetings had been held there since September, this was the "Official" opening of our Post Home.   It was a memorable day with fun and ceremony in abundance.    The transformation was amazing yet the remaining possibilities became objectives to sustain an attitude of determination and enthusiasm that was to become a dynamic characteristic of our supporting membership. The results indeed were something to be proud of and paved the way for our home to become the focal point for the American presence in the area.  

February 1994  

             9 - Formation of a Pup Tent of the “Military Order of the Cootie - the Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.” was approved by the membership.  

March 1994  

            9 - Fifty Dollar Service Officer’s administrative fund established.
            Post sponsored and provided management of a youth basketball team in the local summer league. 

April 1994  

             2 - Held first annual Easter Egg Hunt for dependents of Post 11447 members and boosters.     All eggs were donated by comrade John T, Brady.  

            12 - Wall of Fame in the back patio area instituted to recognize our current officers and past Post Commanders.    An area was also set up in a "billboard” style to recognize many or our local commercial supporters.   The "Wall” has become a unique showpiece distinguishing our Post Home from all others.  

             19 - A Patriot Day Horseshoe tournament was held in the back patio area.  

            23 - Several members participated in District Meeting in Angeles City.   Post members elected or appointed to District Offices:  

                        Jerry Bristle                             Dist. Commander  

 

                        Dave Dunn                               Dist. Chaplain  

 

                        Hank Smith                              Dist. Service Off.  

 

                        Hank Smith                              Dist. Surgeon  

 

                        Tony Clarkston                        Dist. 1 Year Trustee  

 

                        Sandy Saunders                       Dist. OOD  

 

                        Rooster Wetzel                        Dist. Sgt. at Arms  

 

                        Dale Perce                               Dist. Adjutant  

 

May 1994  

             30 – Several members attended Memorial Day Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by American Legion Post 123. A memorial service followed at our Paul P. Busek's gravesite.   This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members’ also attended American Legion Post #123's annual BBQ in the afternoon.  

June 1994  

             8 - Comrade Frenchy LeBlanc presented with "Top 20" National Membership Award.  

            11 – Several members attended 29th Department Convention in Angeles City.  Pup Tent 11, Kuripots, charter members and officers installed.  

 

                        #1 Keith Walter                                  #10 William Knox  

 

                        #2 Dale Perce                                     #11 Michael Wetzel  

 

                        #3 David Dunn                                   #12 Harland Saunders  

 

                        #4 Joseph LeBlanc                              #13 Richard Groscost  

 

                        #5 Jerry Bristle                                    #14 Thomas Heron  

 

                        #6 Larry Clapp                                    #15 Michael Desare  

 

                        #7 Ralph Milward                               #16 Alan Whittington  

 

                        #8 Melvin O’Briant                             #17 Hank Golightly  

 

                        #9 John Brady                                     #18 John Ford  

 

                        Seam Squirrel                                      Keith Walter  

 

                        Blanket Bum                           Dale Perce  

 

                        Hide Gimlet                            Dave Dunn  

 

                        CCDB                                     Joseph Leblanc  

 

                        Shyster                                    Jerry Bristle  

 

                        Sky Pilot                                 John T. Brady  

 

                        KLR                                        William Knox  

 

                        Pill Pusher                               Ralph Milward  

 

                        Tightwad 3 Yr.                       Alan Whittington  

 

                        Tightwad 2 Yr.                       Michael Desare  

 

                        Tightwad 1 Yr.                       Tom Herron  

 

Post Year Observation 

 

This second year was a very productive year as many ideas came to fruition and new goals were established.  The 4th of July Barrio Beach Bash was a great success, our Post Home is a source of pride for everyone concerned, and Pup Tent 11 is ready to support the Post with great works.  

 

1994-95 TERM OFFICERS 

 

                        Commander                                       Richard Groscost  

 

                        Senior Vice Commander                     Harland "Sandy" Saunders  

 

                        Junior Vice Commander                      Robert Evans  

 

                        Quartermaster                                     William "Fluff" Knox  

 

                        Advocate                                            Larry Clapp  

 

                        Chaplain                                              John T. Brady  

 

                        Surgeon                                               Dale Perce  

 

                        Three Year Trustee                              Ted "Shorty" Phillips  

 

                        Two Year Trustee                                Jimmy "JB" Bryson  

 

                        One Year Trustee                                 Marshal Barton  

 

                        Adjutant                                               David Dunn  

 

                        Three Year P.H. Committee                 Ron James  

 

                        Two Year P.H. Committee                  Jimmy "JB" Bryson  

 

                        One Yr. P. H. Committee                    Heinrich "Hank" Smith  

 

                        Service Officer                                    Heinrich "Hank" Smith  

 

                                S.O. later replaced by Dale Perce  

 

July 1994  

             3/4 - Second annual 4th of July "Barrio Beach Bash".   The second year was even more successful than the first.   Rich Groscost was the BBB Committee Chairman.  

            13 - Rich Groscost presented Department Outstanding Adjutant Award.  

        Jerry Bristle received All-State Hat for outstanding growth in membership.  

 

August 1994  

             10 - Jerry Bristle honored as an All-American Commander.  

September 1994

             14 - Pup Tent 11 held a Chili Cook-off as a fundraiser.  

October 1994  

            12 - Post took on sponsorship of an Amerasian child through the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.
            Post sponsored and provided management of a youth basketball team in the local Fiesta League.  

November 1994  

             4 - Nineteen members made a trip to Angeles City to provide a clean-up crew to assist Post 2485 in cleaning up Clark Air Base Cemetery.  

            11 - Members attended Veterans Day Memorial Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by VFW Post 2485.   A traditional memorial service followed at Paul P. Busek’s gravesite.    This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members also attended Post 2485's annual BBQ in the afternoon.  

 

December 1994  

            10 - Post hosted Council of Administration (CofA) at the Marmont Hotel and Post Home.  

            14 - Post received a $25 award from Department for completion of all programs.  

Post received a $100 award from Department for highest (123%) new/continuous/reinstated membership growth.  

             Received a Life Membership from Department.  

             22 - Held a Christmas party for children of members, boosters and guests at the Post Home.    Santa Clause was in attendance.  

January 1995  

             11 - Post selected a light blue barong with medium blue filigree down the right breast and the Cross of Malta on the left breast pocket as the official formal and semiformal uniform for VFW and VFW attended functions.  

March 1995  

             15 - Post sponsored and provided management for a youth basketball team in the local summer league.  

April 1995  

             12 - First major addition to the Post Home approved.   A roof is to be constructed over part of the patio area.  

             16 - Held second annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Post Home for dependents of 11447 members and boosters.  

             29 – Several members participated in District Convention La Union.
                      Post member Robert Evans elected as District Junior Vice Commander.  

 

May 1995  

            10 - Membership notified All-American Post status had been achieved for membership growth.  

            30 - Several members attended Memorial Day Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by American Legion Post 123.   Our traditional memorial service followed at our Paul P.  Busek's gravesite.  This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members’ also attended American Legion Post 123's annual BBQ in the afternoon.  

 

June 1995

 

            17/23 - Several members attended 29th Department Convention in Angeles City.  Past Post Commander Jerry Bristle was elected Department Chaplain.  

 

1995-96 TERM OFFICERS 

 

                        Commander                                        Richard Groscost  

 

                        Senior Vice Commander                     David Dunn  

 

                        Junior Vice Commander                     John. T. Brady  

 

                        Quartermaster                                     William "Fluff" Knox  

 

                        Advocate                                            Larry Clapp  

 

                        Chaplain                                              Dan Burns  

 

                        Surgeon                                               Melvin "OB" O'Briant  

 

                        Three Year Trustee                              James Carlson  

 

                        Two Year Trustee                               Dennis "Ski" Drazkowski  

 

                        One Year Trustee                                Ted "Shorty" Phillips  

 

                        Adjutant                                              Harland "Sandy" Saunders  

 

                        Three Yr. P.H. Committee                   Ron James  

 

                        Service Officer                                    Dale Perce  

             19 - Post hosted the "Circle” for Subic Bay Hash House 100th run  

July 1995  

             1/4 - Third annual 4th of July "Barrio Beach Bash". The Beach Bash is embraced as a community tradition.  

             12 - Commander Richard Groscost named an All-American Post Commander.   Past District VII Commander, Jerry Bristle named All-American District Commander. 

August 1995  

             Past Post and District VII Commander, Jerry Bristle attended the National V.F.W. Convention in Phoenix, AZ.  

October 1995  

             1 - Post sponsored and provided management of a youth basketball team in the local youth Fiesta League.  

            13 - Navy birthday party held on patio of the Post.  

 

November 1995  

             11 - Several members attended Veterans Day Memorial Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by VFW Post 2485.   A traditional memorial service followed at Paul P. Busek's gravesite.   This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members also attended Post 2485's BBQ in the afternoon.  

December 1995  

            9 - Post hosted Council of Administration (CofA) at the Bye-the-Sea Resort Hotel and Post Home.   In attendance was VFW National Commander-in-Chief Paul Spera.  

            13 - Comrade Jim Carlson received Commanders Outstanding Member Award.  

            19 - Held a Christmas party for children of members, boosters and guests at the Post Home.  Santa Clause presented gifts to all the children.  

 

January 1996  

            10 - Post received donation of $300 from Pup Tent 11 for purchase of a TV for Patio Bar.  

February 1996  

             19 - Members attended Presidents Day wreath laying ceremony at Clark Cemetery.   In attendance was United States Ambassador to the Philippines, John Negroponte.  

 

March 1996  

             13 - Dave Dunn presented Commanders Award for outstanding service and a National Commanders Life Membership pin for recruiting ten new life members.  

             Refurbished Angel Lite School in Subic City                                     

             Provided uniforms and management for a youth basketball team in the Bo. Barretto summer league.  

April 1996  

             7 - Held third annual Easter Egg Hunt at Post Home for dependents of Post 11447 members and boosters.  

             27 - Several members participated in District Convention La Union.   Post members elected to District Offices:  

                        Robert Evans                          Dist. Sr. Vice Cdr.  

 

                        John T. Brady                         Dist. Chaplain  

 

                        Bill Holocher                          Dist. Judge Advocate  

 

                        Melvin O'Briant                      Dist. Service Off.  

 

May 1996  

             1 - Members participated in a Loyalty Day Horseshoe Tournament at the Post Home sponsored by the Cootie Pup Tent 11.  

            30 - Several members attended Memorial Day Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by American Legion Post 123.   Our traditional memorial service followed at Paul P. Busek’s gravesite.   This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members’ also attended American Legion Post 123's annual BBQ in the afternoon.

  

June 1996  

             12 - Comrade Burl Boggs presented his WWII POW Medal for his time spent in a German prison camp to the Post.  

            18/24 - Several members attended 30th Department Convention in Angeles City.  Comrade Larry Clapp selected MOC Grand of Pacific “Cootie of the Year”.    Comrade Dale Perce was selected to be Department Deputy Chief of Staff for District VII. 

 

1996-97 TERM OFFICERS 

 

                        Commander                                        Robert Evans

  

                        Senior Vice Commander                     John T. Brady  

 

                        Junior Vice Commander                     Michael "Rooster" Wetzel  

 

                        Quartermaster                                     William "Fluff" Knox  

 

                        Advocate                                            Jerry Bristle  

 

                        Chaplain                                              Dan Burns  

 

                        Surgeon                                               Phillip Eisman  

 

                        Three Year Trustee                              Keith Walter  

 

                        Two Year Trustee                               James Carlson  

 

                        One Year Trustee                                Dennis "Ski" Drazkowski  

 

                        Adjutant                                              William Devers  

 

                        Service Officer                                    Dale Perce  

 

                              (Replaced By)                               Melvin "OB" O'Briant  

 

July 1996  

            4/6 - Fourth annual 4th of July "Barrio Beach Bash".  A welcome banquet and Fil-Am Day parade were added to the festivities.  Each year seems to be better than the previous one.  Over $2000 was earned to support our Post projects.  "Ski” Drazkowski was BBB Committee Chairman and Jerry Rowe was Parade Coordinator.  

            7 - In cooperation with local Barangay officials, the Post provided funding to enable seventy indigent children to attend school.  

 

August 1996  

             5 - Post rallied to assist victims of a neighborhood fire that included eleven families with 29 children.  Contributions included food, clothing, bedding, cook stoves, cooking and eating utensils, schoolbook bags and materials.

             14 - Post cosponsored with FRA Branch 367 painting of crosswalks in San Antonio, Zambales.  

             21 - Post held an ”Oldies But Goodies” dinner/dance on the back patio.  

September 1996  

             11 - Post voted to provide accident insurance for Barangay Tanud for on-the-job injuries.  

             20 - Post held a POW/MIA Day ceremony on the back patio.   Participants included representatives from FRA Branch 367, American Legion Post 10, and the Australian Returned & Services League (RSL).  

 

October 1996  

             16 - Post held another "Oldies but Goodies” dinner/dance on the back patio.  

November 1996  

             11 - Several members attended Veterans Day Memorial Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by VFW Post 2485.   A traditional memorial service followed at Paul P. Busek’s gravesite. This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.  Members also attended Post 2485's annual BBQ in the afternoon.

             19 - Post participated in local Fiesta Parade, organized by comrade Jerry Rowe in cooperation with barangay officials.  

 December 1996  

             14 - Post hosted Council of Administration (CofA) at the Marmont Hotel and Post Home.  In attendance was Past VFW National Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney.  

             23 - Held a Christmas party for children of members, boosters and guests.  Comrade Dale Perce was Santa Clause.  

March 1997  

             30 - Held fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt for dependents of 11447 members and boosters.  

April 1997  

             26 - Several members attended District Convention in La Union, participated in Loyalty Day observation, and joined in ANZAC memorial ceremony.
            Post member Robert Evans elected as District Commander. 

May 1997  

             30 - Members attended Memorial Day Services at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, hosted by American Legion Post 123. A memorial service followed at Paul P. Busek's gravesite.   This included a 2-Bell ceremony conducted by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 367.   Members’ also attended American Legion Post 123's annual BBQ in the afternoon  

June 1997  

             16/20 - Several members attended 31st Department Convention in Angeles City.    Past Post Commander Jerry Bristle elected Department Surgeon.  

1997-98 TERM OFFICERS 

 

                        Commander                                       Harland "Sandy" Saunders  

 

                        Senior Vice Commander                    John T. Brady

  

                                Replaced By                               Ted "Shorty" Phillips

  

                        Junior Vice Commander                      Ted "Shorty" Phillips  

 

                                Replaced By                               Melvin "OB" O'Briant  

 

                        Quartermaster                                     Dewey "Lee" Hodge

  

                        Advocate                                            Lloyd Weathersby  

 

                        Chaplain                                              Don West  

 

                        Surgeon                                               Melvin "OB" O'Briant  

 

                                Replaced By                                Wilson Massey  

 

                        Three Year Trustee                              Jerry Trimm  

 

                        Two Year Trustee                                Robert Wright  

 

                        One Year Trustee                                Gary Hudson  

 

                        Adjutant                                              Frank Redmond  

 

July 1997  

             4/6 - Fifth annual 4th of July "Barrio Beach Bash" and Fil-Am Day Parade.   Over $1500 was earned to support our Post projects.  Jimmy Bryson was BBB Committed Chairman.  

August 1997