Here is an update on what has happened regarding my brother
Lance Corporal Ronald Louis Powell

The government finally sent me the papers on what happened to my brother and here is what the military records postmarked February 24, 2015, have to say:

Died 24Aug65 Hong Kong China when the US Military Transport on which he was a passenger en route to Danang Republic of Vietnam from Hong Kong China crashed into the Harbor immediately after take-off. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING

THE WALL IN D.C.

Lance Corporal Ronald Louis Powell
Killed in Action August 24, 1965
Cause: Plane Crash over Hong Kong River
Assigned: 3rd Service Battalion, 3rd Marine Division
Name is listed on Wall in Washington DC
Detroit News ran the story August 27, 1965

So there it is – the information I have been waiting for and what do I find out? That he died an accidental death. It’s bad enough that the Vietnam war was so unpopular that they won’t even remember these men who died that day, but it’s even more horrific that his death was an accident – pilot error while returning from active duty for rest & relaxation (R&R).

I found out a couple of weeks ago that the men and women who died and were from the State of Michigan will be remembered at the Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial to be held on June 6, 2015 at the Ferndale Public Library. Hours are from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

I learned about it in the Oakland Press the daily paper in my hometown.
I paid the library a visit and was re-directed to Garry Taylor at the Ferndale Historical Museum. After I explained to him who I was and what my mission is, he was very happy to get all the information I had on my brother; and he confirmed that he is listed among the Michigan vets. So I should possibly see him on the Vietnam display coming up.

When Mr. Taylor discovered that I am an author and saw my books, he immediately purchased 2 copies of Our Lady of Victory, the Saga… and 1 copy of Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge!! to put on display at the museum. They are planning on doing a write-up of me and my brother in their newsletter. They are always looking for people to tell their stories and hearing mine was just the “icing on the cake” for them.
I went over to the Royal Oak Public Library and the only thing they offered was to try and see if they can find any stories in their newspaper archives.

So that was a start in my quest to get recognition for my brother. The next step will be to try and get the print and media on board to do a long overdue story about all of it.

Keep watching to find out more about this issue.

Thank you for stopping by!

Shirley Harris-Slaughter