�þþ�Ʒ Archives - The �þþ�Ʒ

From Boy Scout to Soldier

Janis — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:31:56 +0000

Cancellation of Saturday, April 11 speaker program

WWII veteran Simon Gurdal, scheduled to speak at the Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ tomorrow, unfortunately had a fall last evening. He will be OK, but we must cancel his presentation for Saturday, April 11.

We will announce a new date if we can re-schedule soon.

Also, another opportunity to hear Simon is coming up June 20. He will tell his story at the Etowah Library at 11:00 AM.

You’ll see complete details here in our newsletter in early June.

Thank you for your understanding.

Simon Gurdal — WWII Belgian Brigade Piron

WWII veteran Simon Gurdal shared his story: “One time, I found myself in a foxhole with two Americans, a Canadian and a Polish soldier. I was wounded but went back into the fight.”

The war began for Gurdal’s family when he was 14 years old. He tells his story:

“The Germans came in 1940 and occupied Belgium. All we could do was hide ourselves. One day our bell rang. It was two ladies with a six-year-old Jewish girl, Annie. One lady said, ‘She’s for you.’ Annie had a piece of paper in her coat pocket which read: I am a Jewish girl. Please take me in and hide me. For four years during the occupation, we hid her in a little room in the basement. She couldn’t go outside. Poor little girl, four years in the basement.

Pictured: Simon (far right) and his Boy Scout friends in Verviers, Belgium.

Let’s Join the Army

“In 1944, I was 17. One of the Boy Scouts in my troop said, ‘Let’s join the army.’ I said, ‘Let’s go!’ Seven of us went to St. Nicolas-Waes and soon…we were in the Army!

After the war

“After the war, I worked in Africa as a fabric designer for a French textile company. Then I emigrated to Canada, got married, and moved to New York. There I owned a design business. I have been an American citizen since 1965. I’m proud to wear the badge of Belgian Brigade Piron. What I tell you comes from my memory, but most of all, from my heart.”

The new book From Boy Scout to Soldier: Simon Gurdal, WWII Belgian Brigade Piron will be available for purchase and signing by Gurdal. Proceeds from the book (on sale for $20) will support the museum’s educational programs. Please call 828-884-2141 or visit the for more information.

From Boy Scout to Soldier, by Janis Allen, will be available for purchase and signing by Simon Gurdal on April 11 at VHMC.

Top Photo: Left, 17-year old Simon Gurdal, Belgian Brigade Piron, 1944
Right, Simon Gurdal with his book, FROM BOY SCOUT TO SOLDIER, 2026

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Let Freedom Ring

Guest Author — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 12:18:14 +0000

On Independence Day, we are grateful for those who risked or lost their lives for American Independence and the freedoms we enjoy today.

A family visits the museum . . .��

��. . . and comes away with stories and lessons

Christy Giusti and her son and three daughters, from Traveler’s Rest, S.C., recently visited Brevard and discovered the �þþ�Ʒ. After their visit, Ms. Giusti shared these comments and answers to our questions, along with photos of the girls trying on real uniforms from the museum’s collection.

“We were visiting Brevard and happened to pass your sign after leaving the Visitors Center, so my daughter suggested we check it out. My daughters are 11, 9, 7 and I have a 3-year-old son. Any time we can interact with history we try to take that opportunity because it makes it come alive!”

Q. What were your children’s reactions to what they saw in the museum?
A. They were amazed! They remarked how the beds [in the Sea Services exhibit] were hard, the uniforms were uncomfortable and at times heavy to carry, which were things they had never thought about before. We regularly heard “Wow look at that!” or “Come Mom, look at this!”

Q. Did you notice certain exhibits which interested them the most?
A. They really enjoyed getting to try on the real uniforms, and then seeing them displayed in each room. It was really neat to see the video of the Army Jeep being hauled in and restored, then seeing the finished product.

My daughter said, “It was so cool that some older men put the jeep back together!” Honestly, their favorite parts of any visit are the stories that we can gain while we’re there, and there were many stories to tell at this museum! From the videos, the printed literature, and the wonderful veteran volunteers themselves.

The kids continued to talk about the WWII veteran on the video who was 101 and his story of survival. This museum is particularly well-done because it takes you through each era so you can see the chronological evolution of war. One child said she really enjoyed seeing the antique weapons displays with the swords and scabbards and guns, because they were so old and interesting.

Q. Are there other similar activities you like to have your children experience?
A. We like attending any other “living history” events. Recently we also visited the Western NC Air �þþ�Ʒ [Hendersonville] to see the wonderful planes, many of them from the wars which we learned more about at the Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ in Brevard. We also enjoy visiting Hagood Mill Historic Site [Pickens, S.C.] on their monthly event days.

Q. What do you want your children to know about our country’s military history, or about individual veterans?
A. They are learning that there is a great cost to war, that many people pay that cost when it is necessary, so it’s important to learn how to be cautious to avoid it if possible, and to be thankful for the veterans and citizens who have paid the cost to ensure our comfort and freedom.

Their great-uncle is a Vietnam War veteran, so we talk to him often to gain his wisdom and stories. Any time you can talk to a veteran you are gaining a level of wisdom and understanding about real life that is being lost unless we can preserve it in our children’s memories. It’s important for them to see that their own life isn’t the only life that matters. It is part of a long string of history, and they can play an important and heroic part too, even in small ways.

Article by Christy Giusti, edited by John Luzena and Janis Allen

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Volunteerism Flourishes Behind Closed Doors

Michel Robertson — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:04:58 +0000

Volunteers are working hard.

The handwritten sign on the back door simply states: “Closed for Inventory.” Yet, within the four walls of the �þþ�Ʒ, remarkable changes are the order of the day.

New changes to the �þþ�Ʒ’s Exhibits.��

During the museum’s two-month closure beginning on January 1, industrious volunteers, under the guidance of Curator Bobby Kotlowski, have been refitting galleries, building new display cases, refurbishing and adding to existing exhibits, creating spaces for new acquisitions, and cleaning every artifact, panel of glass, countertop, gallery, and exhibit.

“We plan to open on March first with an exciting new look,” said Kotlowski.

“Thanks to the loyal participation of hard-working volunteers who show up each scheduled workday, we’ve accomplished much more than the renovation of our galleries,” he continues. “We’ve changed the traffic pattern to make it easily accessible to seniors and individuals with wheelchairs and walkers. And we’ve designed new exhibits, including a gallery dedicated to the U.S. Air Force.”

Upon entry to the museum, the entire right wall of the long corridor now houses bronze Honor Wall plaques which reflect the sacrifices of our country’s service men and women. Visitors may purchase a plaque in the name of a loved one, living or deceased, who served our country. The other side of the hallway displays photos of local WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans under the sign, “Local Heroes”.

In the lobby, across from the volunteer station, attractive benches have been added to offer a comfortable space where guests may relax, share stories, and converse with our knowledgeable museum docents called Pathfinders.

Volunteerism is the heart of the Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ
of the Carolinas.

There is no paid staff. Yet the benefits of involvement with the museum far outweigh the time and effort donated. In the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

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Egolf Motors Cruises to a Generous Donation for the �þþ�Ʒ

Commander — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:36:41 +0000

Egolf Motors host Antique Car Show��

Egolf Motors in Brevard kicked off the Saturday of Labor Day weekend with their first-ever Cruise-In, a fun-raiser for the car enthusiasts and the community, and a fund-raiser for the �þþ�Ʒ. The registration fees for the event were donated to help the museum fulfill its mission to honor veterans, educate the public, and preserve America’s military history.

A longtime supporter of the museum, Egolf displayed over 45 classic cars alongside a display of historical artifacts brought over from the museum. �þþ�Ʒ volunteers were on hand to show and explain artifacts brought over from the museum.

Egolf’s Lauren Almany said, “I truly enjoyed such a good turnout for the Labor Day weekend event. We’re currently planning many more events in October. So please check out the Egolf Facebook & Instagram information on future events!”Egolf Motors is located at 1161 Asheville Highway in Brevard. Please check out https://www.egolfofbrevard.com/ for information about new and used vehicles and custom orders, or call 82-845-4437.

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It’s Not Just About Golf

Janis — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:12:03 +0000

The Ladies 9 Hole Golf League held a fundraiser and made a generous donation to the �þþ�Ʒ.

Connestee Falls Ladies Golf league president Judy Merrifield wrote for her neighborhood newsletter: “On August 10th the CF Ladies 9 Hole Golf League sponsored a fundraiser to benefit one our own city’s gems, the �þþ�Ʒ. The day didn’t pan out as we expected due to a downpour of rain the night before. But as usual, we came together and had a fun time up in the Clubhouse Cherokee Room.

Veterans share their stories

“Our guest veterans shared stories of their lives in the service as well as life after. Team-building games were played with Kathy Berry being our ringleader and a few board games were introduced. Raffle tickets were sold with some very nice prizes being won during lunch. Conversation flowed throughout the room. Overall, we raised a total of $2000. A check was presented at the museum the following Friday.

“If you have never taken the time to browse through this particular museum, I highly recommend it. It is a travel through our country’s history through the eyes of those who made all our freedoms possible. You will hear the stories from those who can tell it with knowledge and compassion in their souls. You will leave with a humbled heart and a sense of gratitude for all of those who have sacrificed for our country. This is history you can’t learn from a textbook.”

The Ladies Golf League raises $2000

Representing all the golfers on August 18, Judy Merrifield, Jaynie Whitcomb, Lynn Reeves, and Michelle Slatkow presented their check to veterans and volunteers at the museum. This is the second year the golf club has selected the Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ to receive the money they raise. The golfers explained why: “Brevard is fortunate to have this wonderful museum. We bring our children and grandchildren here when they visit. You don’t learn this in school.”

For a group tour, to purchase an Honor Wall plaque to honor your veteran, or more information,
please call 828-884-2141.

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Stories of Marines in WWII-Pacific

Mike Bazinet — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:11:50 +0000

Pogiebait’s War

On July 29, Jack H. (“Nick”) McCall Jr. will talk about his book, Pogiebait’s War, chronicling the story of his father’s journey from a small town in Tennessee to World War II combat service with the US Marines in the vast Pacific from Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands to Guam and the Marianas. Jack McCall Sr. earned the nickname “Pogiebait,” from the Marine slang term for his fondness for candy.

But Pogiebait’s War (University of Tennessee Press, 2022) goes beyond memoir to provide a highly detailed study of the US Marine Corps and the understudied Ninth Defense Battalion. Interestingly, the pre-World War II defense battalion structure serves as something of a historical predicate to the current and controversial ongoing reorganization of the Corps known as Force Design 2030. McCall will discuss the Marine Defense Battalion history and employment.

Jack H. (“Nick”) McCall, Jr. is an attorney, writer and teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee. A former Regular Army officer, he retired in 2021 as a Senior Attorney and Deputy Designated Agency Ethics Official from the Tennessee Valley Authority. He received his B.A. cum laude from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. with honors from the University of Tennessee.

He is the author of various articles on legal, foreign policy and historical topics and several books, including (with John Romeiser) The East Tennessee Veterans Memorial (University of Tennessee Press, 2020).

McCall served on the Boards of Governors of the Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations and Legal Aid of East Tennessee, among other honors, activities and community service roles. Before joining TVA in 2006, he was of counsel with Hunton & Williams (1994-2003), and was General Counsel and Secretary of CTI Molecular Imaging, Inc. (2003-2005).

“We are pleased to welcome Nick McCall to Brevard to talk before one of the best informed and most appreciative audiences for military history and veterans’ experiences that any writer or historian is likely to find anywhere. We expect to see a good number of Marine veterans from our region at what will be a fascinating talk.”

David Morrow,

Board President , �þþ�Ʒ.

Top photo: US Marines manhandle a 155mm Long Tom artillery piece through the mud on Rendova Island.

Jack H. (Nick) McCall

Jack McCall, Sr., nicknamed Pogiebait

Jack H. McCall, author and Guest Speaker on July 29, 2023

Jack H. McCall, author of Pogiebait’s War, will be held on July 29 at 2 p.m. at Brevard College in the McLarty-Goodson Hall, Room MG-125, in Brevard.

McLarty-Goodson Hall is the first building on the right after the main entrance to the Brevard College Campus. Signs and museum volunteers will direct attendees. Room MG-125 is a comfortable theater-style class room on the building’s first floor.

The program, sponsored by the �þþ�Ʒ, is free and open to the public

Pogiebait’s War is available for purchase at 36 West Main St., Brevard. The author will autograph books for those who bring their copies.

By Mike Bazinet

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The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11

Janis — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:31:35 +0000

CIA Senior Intelligence Officer David Tyson will share his experiences leading the CIA response to the 9/11 attacks

Tyson was instrumental in helping the US get its first foothold in Afghanistan after 9/11. He was the partner of Mike Spann, the first U.S. casualty in Afghanistan and was working closely beside Mike when he was killed. They were assessing and questioning prisoners at the time, one of which was John Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban.”

Firsthand account of the deployment into Afghanistan

David Tyson will give a firsthand account of the deployment of CIA’s Team Alpha (8 men) into Afghanistan immediately after September 11, 2001. The team was inserted behind enemy lines to link up with Afghan warlords and prosecute the war against Taliban and al-Qaida forces.

The team also brought in a U.S. Army Special Forces detachment and together with the Green Berets and Afghan allies, Team Alpha moved and fought on horseback from the mountains to liberate the city of Mazar-i Sharif. Later, team members helped put down the al-Qaida prisoner uprising at Qalai-i Jangi.

Tyson’s presentation includes detailed accounts regarding individual Afghan warlords, combat cavalry operations, and other daily activities in Afghanistan. It is accompanied by photographs and video footage.

David Tyson retired from CIA’s Clandestine Service

David Tyson retired from CIA’s Clandestine Service in 2020 after a 25-year career. The majority of his service was overseas; most of his postings and deployments were to Central Asia, the Caucasus region, and South Asia where he was a Chief of Station twice. He led/took part in paramilitary and counterterrorist operations in war zones, often working closely with U.S. Special Forces and foreign intelligence services.

Tyson began his intelligence career as a linguist and interpreter, achieving fluency in Russian, Uzbek, Turkmen, Turkish, and Farsi/Dari. He is a recipient of CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Cross, the Agency’s equivalent to the Medal of Honor, and the Agency’s Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.

Prior to working for the Agency, David Tyson served in the U.S. Army, both enlisted and as an officer. He has a BA in International Relations and Russian Language from West Chester State University, and two master’s degrees from Indiana University; one in Central Asian Studies and the other in Russian Studies. He taught Uzbek and Turkmen languages while at IU and authored several articles and books on language and culture.

��CIA Senior Intelligence Officer David Tyson, Guest Speaker

On Monday, May 15, retired CIA Senior Intelligence Officer David Tyson will share his experiences leading the CIA response to the 9/11 attacks.

He will speak at 7:00 PM in the Rogow Room at Transylvania County Library at 212 South Gaston Street in Brevard, NC. Admission is free, presented by the �þþ�Ʒ.

You may purchase the book First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11 at , 36 West Main Street in Brevard. You are invited to bring your copy of the book on May 15 for Tyson’s signature.

��

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Let Them Eat Cake – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Michel Robertson — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:26:10 +0000

Let them Eat Cake! Honoring Vietnam era Veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Vietnam era veterans and family members gathered at the Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ for coffee, cake, and conversation on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The museum’s meeting room was festooned in red, white, and blue, thanks to the decorating talents of Maggie DiRocco, spouse of U.S. Special Forces Vietnam War veteran Michael DiRocco. Michael was a museum board member and active volunteer until his death in June 2022. “I’d like to help with this party,” his wife said. “It’s a very meaningful day for me.”

March 29, 1973 was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, it marks the day the last of the known 591 POWs left Hanoi. David Grant, who dropped by with his wife Betsy, commented, “Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the day I flew home from the Hanoi Hilton.”

Honoring Vietnam Veterans

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. More than 5,400 veterans serving during this period reside in Transylvania and Henderson counties (12.6% of Transylvania County’s population, and 9.4% of the population of Henderson County).

Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ

To honor all those who served during this period, the Veterans History �þþ�Ʒ held an open house for Vietnam vets and their families, with coffee from Cup & Saucer and a patriotic sheet cake declaring “Thank you for your Service, Vietnam Veterans” from

Vietnam Veterans,
Thank You for Your Service

“This informal get-together was our way of saying thank you to all who served during the Vietnam era,” said museum board member Michel Robertson. “To anyone who did not realize March 29th is a day of recognition for Vietnam era veterans, it’s never too late to say ‘thank you for your service.’”

Craig, Bobby, Mike, Carl, and Ron

Joe Sansosti, Larry Chapman, Jill Chapman R

James Boatright, Pippa, and Maggie DiRocco

Art Cole, USAF, and cigar humidor.

Phl, Dave, Steve in Vietnam Gallery

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Three North Carolina D-Day Veterans Return to Normandy After 75 Years

Janis — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:40:25 +0000

See the Documentary The Last Gathering:
75th Anniversary of D-Day

April 17 at 7 p.m.

at the Co-Ed Theater

Located at 79 West Main St. Brevard.

��

The Last Gathering: 75th Anniversary of D-Day

Mark Hager, a US Army veteran, historian, teacher, and award-winning filmmaker, will present the documentary The Last Gathering: 75th Anniversary of D-Day on April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Co-Ed Theater, 79 West Main St. Brevard. Following the screening, Hager will talk about the film and his book, The Last of the 357th Infantry: Harold Frank’s WWII Story of Faith and Courage.

The filmmaker’s video will be for sale during the event for $15 (cash or check only).You may purchase this book ahead of time at , 36 West Main Street in Brevard, N.C.

The film details the stories of three courageous North Carolina Normandy Campaign veterans and their return to Normandy, France, for the 2019 gathering to commemorate the largest amphibious invasion in history while the book covers the inspiring story of one of those veterans. The April 17 event is the western North Carolina premiere of the 50-minute documentary.

Hager, who is also president of the Forks of the Yadkin and Davie County History �þþ�Ʒ in Mocksville, N.C., has spoken widely about his book on Harold Frank. He chronicled Frank’s story from his boyhood years growing up during the Great Depression on a North Carolina farm, through his training and landing with his battalion on Utah Beach as a Browning Automatic rifleman through his fighting in the hedgerow country of the Contentin Peninsula. There, in a nine-hour firefight, Frank was wounded and captured by German forces.

In the film, the audience is also introduced to Kenneth “Rock” Merritt, who won the Silver Star as an , and James Deal, who fought with the , , landing on Omaha Beach.

David Morrow, �þþ�Ʒ Board president said, “We seek to honor the service and preserve the stories of all Carolina veterans, so it is a privilege for us to welcome author and filmmaker Mark Hager to Brevard to share the tremendous contribution he has made in presenting the stories of three American heroes from a different part of our great state.”

Jim & Harold

Mark Hager

Kenneth “Rock” Merrit

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WWII Kamikaze Survivor Chooses �þþ�Ʒ Visit for his “Make-a-Wish”

Commander — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:49:40 +0000

Joe Cooper, receives�� “Make-a-Wish”

When WWII and Korean War veteran Joe Cooper, age 100, received the “Make-a-Wish” honor at the North Carolina Veterans �þþ�Ʒ in Black Mountain and asked for his wish, he answered, “A trip back to the Veterans �þþ�Ʒ and a ride on a train.”

He’ll get his train ride this fall. His trip to the �þþ�Ʒ in Brevard will come on this year’s opening day—March 1. At 10:30 AM in the courthouse gazebo, �þþ�Ʒ Founder/Curator Emmett Casciato will introduce N.C. Veterans �þþ�Ʒ Administrator Kylie Conkin, Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof, and Transylvania County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jason Chappell, who will speak to honor Cooper’s service to our country. Transylvania County Honor Guard Chaplain Craig Adams will offer the benediction.

Cooper will talk about WWII and Korean War��

Immediately after the gazebo ceremony (until 12:00 AM), Cooper will be available inside the museum to talk with visitors, tell his stories from WWII and the Korean War, and sign free copies of his complete story for visitors. Other local Korean War veterans will join him to sign the book which honors them, The Forgotten War Remembered and several WWII veterans will also be present to sign their books “We Shall Come �þþ�Ʒ Victorious.” (Books are $20, proceeds go to the museum.)

He served in the US Navy in the Pacific in WWII

Joe Dayton Cooper served in the US Navy in the Pacific in WWII. While Cooper was serving as a gunner on aircraft carrier USS Ommaney Bay in The Philippines, a Japanese kamikaze dove into the center of the ship. After initially attempting to throw ammunition overboard to avoid further explosions, the crew was ordered to abandon ship. Cooper, without a life jacket, jumped 65 feet into shark-infested water and was given a life jacket by another sailor. The ship burned and sank.

Around 297 of his shipmates were killed. About five hours later, Ommaney Bay survivors were picked up and taken to safety. Cooper then served as a gunner on the USS Minneapolis for five months. He has served in the US Navy from December 27, 1941 to December 28, 1945.

When WWII ended, Cooper was honorably discharged. Back home in Brevard, he wasn’t able to find a good job, so he joined the US Army. He initially served in Germany during the Berlin airlift, then volunteered for combat when the Korean War started, serving with a recon unit at Heartbreak Ridge and The Punchbowl. He served in the US Army from 1948 to 1953.

The USS Ommaney Bay blows up after being attacked by a kamikaze. Photo courtesy Joe Cooper.

Japanese Betty on fire. Photo courtesy Joe Cooper.

Back in Brevard again after the war, Cooper worked as a mechanic at Olin Corporation (later Ecusta Paper Corporation) and worked there until his retirement.

In case of inclement weather, the 10:30 ceremony will be held in the upstairs meeting room of the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce at 175 East Main Street. Signs will be posted at the museum’s front and back entrances if the ceremony is moved. Please arrive early if the weather is iffy, to allow yourself time to get over to the Chamber of Commerce.

The public is invited to celebrate the service of Joe Cooper and admission is free.

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