The Mailbag
Summary: My MIA Facts Site elicits comments from readers. Most of the comments are favorable and supportive and many ask if they can link from their home page to mine -- anyone who wishes to link to my home page or the MIA Facts Site is welcome to do so.
On the other hand, there are folks who have different opinions and who delight in revealing their ignorance. On my home page and on this MIA Facts Site, I have placed my name, identity, and opinions in the open for all the world to see. Because I am completely open about my views and identity, I assume that those who send me e-mail with different opinions have no problem with their opinions nd identities being displayed publicly. After all, free and open debate is a healthy activity. To that end, I have placed on this page some of the e-mail that I receive -- as new messages of similar quality are received, I'll update this page.
Welcome to The Mailbag
The Mailbag was last updated on: 24 December 2007
"I've been toe to toe . . . "
The following is not, strictly speaking, an e-mail message that I received. Instead, it is a bit of foolishness that was posted on the Guestbook of the National Alliance web site. Read this message then I will comment.
QUOTE
Hang in there kids...this is my 2nd post today! 'Afterthougts to my ealier post' I've just read through some of the entries and could NOT overlook joe schlatter's senseless frivolity! I've been toe to toe with this male wolfish representation of humanity in sheeps clothing, at the 94 or 95 family meetings in De Ceit! Had it not been for my son Tony, who pulled me away from the line of fire, I would have drawn blood from his evil devilish mask of a face! I've discovered those who swear at him or call him obscene names, only provokes his insane, deluded, madness! He either suffers from a DEEP SEATED NEUROTIC GUILT SYNDROME, or he was abused as a child in order to have such hatred and resentment directed at those of us who may be merely concerned citizens, family members or Vietnam Veterans who simply want to find out what happened to their loved ones or military brothers that were abandoned in Southeast Asia from the Vietnam Conflict. Our own USG has NOT and NEVER WILL permit any LIVE POW's to return to their homeland for various reasons known only to the various governmental agencies, like the CIA, DOD, DPMO, DIA, etc. etc. etc... so this gives joey boy a good reason to blame the "National Alliance of Families" for not bringing "ONE" back! When someone such as joe schlatter suffers this kind of burden of guilt, the only option is to blame OTHERS for your own shortcomings, and that is what joe has done in his allegedly "truthful" website, which, as the majority of us know, is nothing but biased rhetoric gleaned from the overactive mind of one that is inclined to be criminally insane from being part of the "SPIN DOCTORS" for so many years! BTW...joe...I am NOT afraid to tell the world who I am and I do NOT believe you deserve the respect to be referred to as a "COL", retired or not, in uniform or not, nor do you deserve the respect to have your name written with upper case letters any more than others of the same ilk as you that were cast in stone from the darkside! Those of us who have been around the POW/MIA community for over 35, 40, 50 years or more KNOW the REAL TRUTH! It is NOT forthcoming from highly prejudiced and subjective websites like joe schlatter has up and running. Most of these so called "truthful" sites are full of the same kinds of corruption and garbage spewing that USG has 'generously' permitted us to be made privvy to and truly EXPECT Americans to believe! There are to many to mention here, dealing with one at a time works best in a case like this!! I EAGERLY AWAIT some sort of response, (positive or negative) from "himself!" I am JANICE VILLANI VISCONTI, 36 year (still waiting) spouse of MAJOR FRANCIS EDWARD VISCONTI, USMC, UH-34-D, Sikorsky helicopter pilot, POW/MIA since 22 NOVEMBER 1965! Hey joe..."UN-Accounted For Is Still.....UN-Acceptable!" Can YOU, joe, who was knee deep in the DPMO for years, tell ME...WHY HAVEN'T YOU OR YOUR CURRENTLY ACTING BOSS BROUGHT AT LEAST "ONE" BACK WHEN YOU KNOW THERE ARE STILL AMERICANS ALIVE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA FROM THE VIETNAM CONFLICT? WHY DIDN'T nixon or his cohort kissenger bring out those "1205" they LIED ABOUT IN 1973 when it was stated, "ALL THE POW's from VIETNAM are home", when he KNEW THAT WAS A LIE?? NOW joe, We in the community know these things the same way you do...so why don't you come clean before the Big Guy in the Sky that most of us refer to as GOD and believe in the Scriptures, takes HIS revenge on YOU for hurting HIS children? I place you on the same level of mentality as osama bin laden...an ingrediant, or, perhaps an ally in "THE AXIS OF EVIL!" It was such a sad day for your biological Mother, the day she gave birth to you...I will say a prayer for her so she does NOT feel guilty for the way YOU turned out! Anybody out there want the real truth from a long time family member of a USMC POW/MIA? My email address is included here....feel free to ask questions...CARPE DIEM... GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!
Jan Visconti <>
Orlando, Fl USA - Saturday, February 16, 2002 at 16:35:49 (EST)
END QUOTE
Well, now, isn't that amazing. For a couple of weeks after reading this message, I tried to remember an incident such as the writer described. Let's read again her description of how she got in my face. She says: " I've been toe to toe with this male wolfish representation of humanity in sheeps clothing, at the 94 or 95 family meetings in De Ceit! Had it not been for my son Tony, who pulled me away from the line of fire, I would have drawn blood from his evil devilish mask of a face!"
At the time I read this item on the Alliance guestbook, I did not recall any such event. After thinking about it for several days, now I recall the incident. Here are the facts.
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The author of this message, Jan Visconti, is the wife of a missing USMC helicopter crewmember. When I was in the DPMO, we would often receive copies of long, rambling letters from her to the Marine Corps, written in ALL CAPS. |
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The incident she described occurred at the National League of Families annual meeting in 1994. I recall the date because it was my last League meeting. This is what happened: |
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I had never met or spoken with Ms. Visconti -- just read a few of her letters. |
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I was approached in one of the hotel lobbies by two ladies, one of whom introduced herself as Jan Visconti -- then she said (quoting now): "Colonel Schlatter, I just want you to know that you are pond scum." |
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The two guffawed loudly and walked away, still laughing. That's it. No one's son pulled anyone away, in fact, Ms. Visconti was accompanied only by another woman, not by a son or anyone else. |
Oh, well, just another "MIA activist" revealing her inability to keep the facts straight.
Tracy Usry Speaks
One of the dimmer bulbs to flash across the MIA issue was a retired Army warrant officer named Tracy Usry. I met Usry once, heard quite a bit about him folks who dealt with him, and saw his work. I would not accuse him of being much smarter than a bag of rocks. Usry was inserted by Billy Hendon onto Senator Jesse Helms's staff. In May 1991, Senator Jesse Helms, acting in his position as senior minority member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a report titled An Examination of U. S. Policy Toward POW/MIAs; Usry was one of the authors of this report. In November 1991, Usry was exposed as having falsified and misrepresented most of the information in An Examination of U. S. Policy Toward POW/MIAs. (Hearings Before the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, Part I of II, Nov. 5, 6, 7, and 15, 1991, pages 443 - 447.) In January 1992, Helms' new chief of staff, a retired admiral (Nance) who knew a clown when he saw one, fired the whole gang. This came after several Republican members of the Committee, who had not been consulted before the report was issued, urged Helms to clean house.
To read more about Tracy Usry, see these two articles:
Mr. Usry has now discovered the MIA Facts Site. On 12 January 2001, I received two e-mail messages from him. I have reproduced both message below, complete with his spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
QUOTE FIRST MESSAGE FROM TRACY USRY
I was strolling through the POW issue and saw your remarks regarding the Helms Report and the fact that my facts were shown to be disproven. Since I don't have a copy of the wonderful report by the Senate Select Committee that you reference, wold you be so kind to let me know where I could find the report? Even better, if you have those particular pages, I would really like to read them.
I find it hard to understand how all of that was either made up or wrong, as the information was documented and footnoted at the time, so if you would be so kind as to explain that I would appreciate it. If it was disproven, then the only thing that could have disproven it was more DOD/CIA information, which if your department had been more forthcoming, we would have received from you!
As far as the few questions that we asked when visiting your shop ( oh, by the way, I don't believe you were present, as it was not your shop yet) it was somewhat hard to understand some of the issues as there was never a straight answer given by the DIA members. My only regret is that DeStatt was a CWO, oh well it was an MI billet and one knows about the honesty of that branchbor those that served in it.
If you can't or won't provide those pages, I will understand. To site the POW/MIA Senate Select Report is quite interesting as that sure was anaccurate report!
END FIRST MESSAGE
QUOTE SECOND MESSAGE
Should have read the rest of the article before I closed out the e-mail to you. Never leaked any information to the newspapers. After I left the Senate, was required to take polygraph for NRO (two types) passed both regarding release of information and life style. Cold you? Probably not as you were a Col. in MI, something about consential relations with a relative?
END SECOND MESSAGE
Mr. Usry's two messages reveal an individual with some real deficiencies in basic use of English, not to mention his obvious inability to reason. His second message is not worth a response. I do have some comments on the first message; that message is repeated below with my comments inserted in green typeface.
QUOTE WITH COMMENTS
(Usry's message in black, my comments in green.)
I was strolling through the POW issue and saw your remarks regarding the Helms Report and the fact that my facts were shown to be disproven. Since I don't have a copy of the wonderful report by the Senate Select Committee that you reference, wold you be so kind to let me know where I could find the report? Even better, if you have those particular pages, I would really like to read them.
I will decline to provide Mr. Usry with a copy of the relevant pages from the SSC report. The report is available on-line. Further, Usry is supposed to be a hotshit investigator; he is a darling of the MIA cult who look upon him as some kind of an expert. I find it difficult to believe that a true expert would not have in his files a copy of something as basic as the SSC report. They were given away free.
I find it hard to understand how all of that was either made up or wrong, as the information was documented and footnoted at the time, so if you would be so kind as to explain that I would appreciate it. If it was disproven, then the only thing that could have disproven it was more DOD/CIA information, which if your department had been more forthcoming, we would have received from you!
"Documented and footnoted" are not the same as true and accurate. Bullshit can be footnoted and documented -- as Usry did in the "Helms report." Usry also tries to shift the blame. He is saying, "Well, if you guys have given us what we wanted, we would not have lied about it." Puke.
As far as the few questions that we asked when visiting your shop ( oh, by the way, I don't believe you were present, as it was not your shop yet) it was somewhat hard to understand some of the issues as there was never a straight answer given by the DIA members. My only regret is that DeStatt was a CWO, oh well it was an MI billet and one knows about the honesty of that branchbor those that served in it.
I met Usry. He visited my office along with a couple of other staffers from Helms's staff. I still have his business card in my files -- it identifies him as a staff investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The remainder of this paragraph is not worth a response.
If you can't or won't provide those pages, I will understand. To site the POW/MIA Senate Select Report is quite interesting as that sure was an accurate report!
Interesting comment here, Usry. You state that the SSC report was "an accurate report." And it was that same "accurate" (your words) SSC report that found that you "falsified and misrepresented" most of the information in An Examination of U. S. Policy Toward POW/MIAs. (Hearings Before the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, Part I of II, Nov. 5, 6, 7, and 15, 1991, pages 443 - 447.) Yes, it certainly was accurate.
END QUOTE WITH COMMENTS
Thus ends the Tracy Usry e-mail saga. He may send some more -- if so, I'll add it to the mailbag. Should anyone wish to correspond with Mr. Usry, here is his e-mail address, snipped from the messages he sent to me:
Bev gets it wrong
QUOTE
Had you TRIED...you could not have chosen anyone more reviled by POW/MIA families and organizations than JOE SCHLATTER whose
MISINFORMATION site this is!
Joe uses his misinformation as damage control because he and his previous employer (DPMO) have been the source of the majority of
cover-ups, lies and pain for the POW/MIA families and community in general! He has been PROVEN time and time again to be a liar of the
highest ilk, has been successfully sued several times for his blatant lies and cover-ups! If you will carefully read some of his messages
at this site you will discover many flaws and many instances of " I am not sure, or positive or I will post the substantiating report on
my site later, and on and on! You will also see an extraordinary number of references to "I" or "me"....he is a sad little 'wantabe'...
he wants desperately to be important! He wants his 5 minutes of fame more than anything in the world! He was fired at DPMO and was retired
shortly there after into oblivion! He is the classic example of: "I coulda been a contender" syndrome!
Bev
END QUOTE
I don't know who "Bev" is nor do I know what her problem is, other than she appears to be a member of the MIA activist cult. She has two major lies in her claim.
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"He has been PROVEN time and time again to be a liar of the highest ilk, has been successfully sued several times for his blatant lies and cover-ups!"
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"He was fired at DPMO and was retired shortly there after into oblivion!"
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Her description of my site is far off-base. I know of two places where I stated that I would post documents later. In both cases, I did so after obtaining the documents. Yes, I do use the word "I" on this site - it's my site and I relate a lot of my experiences. Perhaps "Bev" could suggest another word?
I would also take issue with her claim that I am reviled by MIA families. I met and maintain contact with many MIA families. Except for a few on the fringe -- who are still on the fringe -- I received a warm, friendly reception and still do. The families of whom she speaks are a tiny minority and constitute the lunatic fringe -- as Bev seems to be.
walterpowelljr
This love letter floated into my e-mail inbox on Sunday, August 20, 2000. The return address and signature were "walterpowelljr." Mr. Powell needs remedial classes in spelling and grammar.
QUOTE
FROM: "walterpowelljr" <[email protected]>
TEXT:
YOU MUST BE PAID VERY WELL FROM THE GOVERMENT,,I READ THE STUPID ARTICLE AND WAS NOT IMPRESSED.EVERY JOB ALWAYS HAS THAT BUTT LICING BROWN NOSE TRYING TO SCORE BROWNIE POINTS AND I SEE YOUR ONE OF THEM.SO PLEASE KEEP YOUR LIES TO YOUR SELF, AND I ALSO BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUSE TOO
END QUOTE
"Doc" Stewart
QUOTE
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck *Doc* Stewart <>
To: <>
Date: Sunday, October 04, 1998 3:42 AM
Subject: Your Web Site, Views and Opinions
>Wow Joe, I was just made aware of your site at https://miafacts.org/
>and I must say that this is the most fun I've had since the last Clinton
>joke I received. I am assuming that your site and what you say on it is
>all in jest. No rational thinking American could possibly believe that
>the crap you have on your site could be anything but a joke. If you are
>for real and you really think this way then I must say how very sorry I
>am for you. I will say a prayer for you Sir because you are quite ill. I
>can't remember when I've read such a bunch of crap in my entire life but
>I do want you to know that I enjoyed it. I haven't laughed this much in
>quite some time. It's not unusual for me to shed tears when I visit a
>site about our POW/MIA's but the tears I shed after reading your page
>are from laughter. Keep up the good work Sir. I have you bookmarked and
>I now know where to go when I need a good laugh.
>
>Now I have to find a way to explain to my family that I am a member of a
>CULT. But you know??? I'm a damn PROUD member of the POW/MIA cult SIR
>and I will remain a member until every one of my brothers are accounted
>for. And you Sir, with all due respect.... can go straight to HELL.
>
>Doc
END QUOTE
"Gary Matt"
QUOTE
Subject: What ???
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 13:13:39 +0900
From: "Gary (Matt(" <>
To: [email protected]
I just found your site by mistake. I suppose that Gen. Eugene Tighe,
Col.Millard Peck and their peers new nothing on the subject of POWs. I
remember that your crowd got bold AFTER your buddy Charles Larson
consolidated (SHREDDED) the files at the Bangkok embassy. You are a
liar, a coward and a traitor. I have despised you for many years.
Sincerely Gary M. Mitchell,(MSgt Ret.)
END QUOTE
COMMENT: Thank you, MSgt Mitchell. I do not recall having met you so I am confused at your comment that you have despised me for years. Whatever. Admiral (four-star) Charles Larson was the Commander in Chief, US Pacific Command, the senior military commander in the Pacific. He had no contact with any files at the embassy in Bangkok and certainly did not spend any time standing over a shredder.
"Steven Terrell, Sr."
QUOTE (two messages)
Subject: Re: I Smell A Rat
Date: Mon, 01 Jun 1998 20:46:12 -0500
From: ArmyVet <>
To: Joe Schlatter <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: alt.war.vietnam, alt.war.pow-mia
References: 1
Yup Schlatter I smell the same rat. YOU!!!
Subject: Re: Who is stump1? Who cares?
Date: Tue, 09 Jun 1998 23:24:24 -0500
From: "Steven Terrell, Sr. (ArmyVet)" <[email protected]>
To: Joe Schlatter <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: alt.war.vietnam, alt.war.pow-mia
References: 1
You seem to care. You also seem to enjoy making fun of everyone who doesn't kiss your ass. Kiss mine Schlatter.
END QUOTE
"asiaangel"
On May 29, 2000, I received the following e-mail message from an anonymous person, signing the name "asiaangel." Here is the e-mail address should anyone wish to correspond with "aisaangel:"
QUOTE
"You are without a doubt a total jerk who should have been left behind if you even served in any war. I hope you and your fine spring day enjoy each other. I proudly, but sadly wear a POW/MIA bracelet with the name of a friend's father on it. no wonder this country has 'tried' to forget those left behind with someone like you involved in the POW/MIA. CAN YOU SAY 'I AM AN IDIOT?' You and slick willie are two of a kind ..ASSHOLES!!!!!!!!!! "
END QUOTE