KSV News: Short Round 054
The following is an excerpt from The Khe Sanh Veterans 2018 Membership Directory (edited).
For dedicated service above and beyond: Chaplain Ray W. Stubbe
Ray W. Stubbe served as a chaplain for the 26th Marine Regiment at the Khe Sanh Combat Base, from July of 1967 until the siege was lifted in 1968. When Ray returned to life in the United States, he never forgot the men who fought and died during their tenure at Khe Sanh. He had a dream that all those brave men, from whichever branch of service they had served in at Khe Sanh, should always remain as a family, to maintain the bond which will always and forever keep them in each others hearts.
Ray also believed that a new organization was needed to promote the renewed fellowships of those who survived the Khe Sanh and RVN experience.
Ray’s other goals included:
– Collecting and preserving an accurate history of service in and around Khe Sanh
– Honoring and preserving the memory of those who were either lost at Khe Sanh, later killed in action, or later died of wounds received there
– Reaching out to the loved ones of those who died, so that they might better understand the nature of their loved ones’ service at Khe Sanh
– Promoting research and understanding of the Khe Sanh experience to help heal battle wounds, both physical and mental.
Rumor has it that the new organization started at a local watering hole in 1983, when Ray provided other members with a list of 19 other Khe Sanh Veterans. That group of Khe Sanh Veterans formed the Khe Sanh Veterans Association. They elected a board of directors with, of course, Ray becoming President, and Earle Breeding being elected Treasurer. When asked how he was chosen, Earle will tell you that when they passed the hat around for donations; they used his hat.
From that list of 19 names, more were networked and contacted, resulting in more new members. By the following year, membership had doubled. In February of 1986, the first newsletter was mailed out to 350 members. These 350 men reached out to other Khe Sanh veterans they had known, and the list rapidly grew.
On September 1, 1988, the Khe Sanh Veterans were legally incorporated. Through the continuing efforts of Ray Stubbe and many, many others, we now have a membership of over 3,000.
Rev Ray had not only reached, but exceeded every goal he had set to accomplish for our organization. He is, and will always be, the heart, soul and guiding spirit of our Khe Sanh Veterans Association.
May God bless The Rev and his prodegy Association.
Ray’s birthday is celebrated on every August 15th. Please add his address below to your contact files and send him a birthday greeting every year on that date. STARTING NOW!! I am sure he will forgive you for being late, but just this once!
Rev Ray Stubbe
The Lutheran Home
7500 West North Avenue
Wauwatosa WI 53213
SF
Bob Koury: Website & Digital Manager