E-mail On HR 4425

[HARDCORE]

Just received this by e-mail and thought you guys might like to read it. With each and everyone of you guys calling your senator and congressman concerning "HR 4425 - HONOR OUR FALLING PRISONERS OF WAR ACT!" You will have done a great deal in getting this Bill passed and I am sure that each and every POW who died in capitivity would appreciate your patriotic efforts!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

RICK & BRENDA [HARDCORE & MRS HARDCORE]
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Dear Rick and Brenda:

I started out trying to reach "Shorty" Estabrook but ended contacting you instead. I was given "Shorty's" phone number by Ed Moynagh of the Korean War Project, but I've been reluctant to call Estabrook.

I just read the website information posted with respect to the Purple Heart for those who died as a POW. By surfing I've been able to learn most of the information that I was after, with the exception of some "personal" and first-hand information about the above named POW. I'm sure that Estabrook probably could recall something useful to me - but I feel awkward about contacting him.

This is my story. I've developed an increasing interest in the Korean War since learning just a few years ago that my uncle had received the Bronze Star there - the kind of withheld information that seems to be characteristic of those who've been in battle. Back in May I learned, really by accident, about the Korean War Project. Sometime in June I checked out the site and was startled to see a POW/MIA family name that I recognized. Out of curiosity I contacted the Project with some information that I thought might be useful. It turns out that George Srogoncik was the uncle of a neighbor friend with whom I had grown up. Bottom line on it is that the Project contacted him and his aunt was supposed to supply a DNA sample. I don't know how that stands right now, but I do expect that the sample was supplied and I expect to see my friend in about a week.

The issues and circumstances surrounding his uncle's death became an obscession with me, so I needed to learn as much as I can. Actually, Estabrook and Srogoncik were captured the same day in the same area - they were involved in the delaying action during July, 1950. I'm fairly certain that they knew each other well. I started out hoping that Srogoncik was one of the unidentified soldiers buried in the Punchbowl, but I now know that's not likely at all. I now know that Srogoncik is buried ignominiously at Hanjang-ni.

This pains me a great deal, as though we were related by blood. The brutality of Srogoncik's eventual death and the suffering these men endured is riveting. As you might guess, my frustration is heightened by the events that face us every day with respect to the terrorism of al-Qaeda and Iraq. To make matters worse, it was North Korea's aggression that led to the Korean War and North Korea truly continues, even today, to be part of this "axis-of-evil" so aptly described by Bush. I can't relate to how our diplomats can even stand to associate with these people - although I know they must.

I am a Vietnam-era veteran, but I never served in Vietnam. Nevertheless, I am proud of my sacrifice. The POW/MIA flag flies high every day just below the US flag on a pole in our yard. I don't know what I can do for your cause, but there probably is something - the GIs from Korea deserve it. Please send me some information on how things now stand.

Bob Uhrin