February 2009 -

Global warming missed North Carolina this winter – it was cold. And winter isn’t over yet in Asheboro. This is mentioned because our membership is spread out all over the United States and three other continents. It may be warm where you are, but not at the site. Even with the cold quite a bit has been happening. STMP is a 52-week of the year operation, not just a Memorial Weekend meeting. Since the last newsletter, we’ve been busy.

Delegations from STMP have made several more trips to Washington to try and get the State Department to become active in the refugee causes. There have been smiles, handshakes and promises. So far there has been no action. Of course we’ll keep trying. Attached to this newsletter is a letter which is meant to be sent to your elected representatives and senators. Please make copies or write a similar letter. Whatever way you want to do it, just do it. We have to make OUR representatives aware ANYWAY we can. Making noise in Washington is VERY essential The State Department employees who sit at their comfortable desks don’t seem to know or care about Montagnards. It is their JOB to know about these people, but they don’t do it. STMP has tried to persuade them to do what they are paid to do with no results

Our efforts have gone toward working with elected officials with the hopes that they could get the State Department people to act as they should. Since the last elections there are new Senators and Representatives we must contact. That’s the reason for the enclosed sample letter. All of us need to do this. At the moment these new officials have a lot on their minds. You know – like the economy, terrorism, and re-election. We need to show them how important the Montagnards are to us. Then they may try to get the chair-bound State Dept. to do something. For a start and a good beginning, they could come to North Carolina and talk with the Dega. (It’s not a long trip from D.C.) We all have to stir the pot and get the attention that is needed. Otherwise the Montagnards who hope to get to safety are doomed.

Once again, donated Christmas presents were given to children, only this year they were given out at the Longhouse. In addition to toys, there were cookies, candy and lunch. AND as usual, there was enough for everyone.

The old shed near the picnic pavilion has been burned. It was full of termites right up to the rafters. We had hoped to save some of the wood for other projects but the termites beat us to it. We had been using this building to store donated items and everything useable was given to the Montagnards. SO, please remember we no longer have storage for clothing, furniture, etc. When a new group of Dega arrives, we’ll collect what is needed and give it out quickly. Please hold on to your donations until we ask.

Delegations from Special Forces at Fort Bragg have made several trips to the site. They came to talk to STMP and the Montagnard leadership, see the longhouse and get a good meal. On one visit, they presented certificates of appreciation to Dega who had fought in Vietnam. All in all - a beautiful ceremony!

A road trip (one of many) was made to our computer wizard and collector in Northern New Jersey. Snow, sleet and a blown tire made for a WONDERFUL trip. The twenty-two computers which he refurbished made the trip worthwhile. Over the years, this member has collected and processed over 150 (maybe 200) computers which have been given to Dega families where many of the children use them in the Head Start program.

At the October Board meeting, it was mentioned that both the Special Operations Association and the Mike Force Association were planning memorial sites. The Board expressed a willingness to have either or both of these Memorials on our land, and it was felt that this would be a win-win situation. Since many of our members belong to one or both of these organizations, your opinions would be appreciated.

These memorials were only a few of the thoughts on future land use. Currently, the 100 acres have the picnic pavilion complete with bathrooms, shower, kitchen area and stage. There is an old farm house which has served as a home for various Montagnard families ever since we purchased the farm. The farm house has its own new well, new wiring and a new roof. There is now a new 4-tractor shed, a new work shop building, a 500-600 car grass parking lot - and acres of cultivated land. There is a Dega cemetery and one VERY large completed long house. A second longhouse is planned for this year. Several hundred fruit trees have been planted and a new chicken coop is up.

It’s really good to remember that all of this has been done from scratch in less than eight years. When we purchased the land, it was an abandoned farm. It has been laying fallow for maybe twenty years and all the buildings were near collapse. The well was poisoned, the fields were overgrown and scrap metal was lying all around the grounds. In the eight years, everything that has been accomplished has been done by volunteers - and many were Montagnards. The materials and equipment used are all paid for. We have no bills. We have no loans. None of this would have been possible without the donations you have made. Some people donate time which is just as important as money-they both work together. We received a few small grants for the farming operation. Our sales have brought in some hard-earned money – but mostly we operate on donations. So YOU have made what has been done possible. THANK YOU ALL – EACH AND EVERYONE!! The work is far from over. We have volunteers working to apply for grants and our sales are good.

As a guess, and only a guess, STMP has spent about $500,000 on land and materials to have what we now have. Remember that is in only EIGHT YEARS - and does not count the money spent on Montagnard assistance, scholarships, or many other expenses such as printing and postage. So, as you can see, we have met challenges before.

Now we have another one facing us – the CULTURAL CENTER. The location of the building would be next to the current parking lot on the left of the path leading to the cemetery and longhouse. The projected building is a 6,000 sq. ft. on two levels. The upper floor would be a display, sales and research area. The lower floor would be a general use space. According to an Asheboro architect, this project would be cost around $900,000. This is only a rough guess but quite a lot more than we had thought. In order to get more accurate prices, design work needs to be done.

We are now looking (for the first time) at applying for large grants. Since we are on new ground, wish the grant search people lots of luck – and a prayer would be appreciated. Other than just begging for it, how else can we get the money so that this project is out of the “talking” stage? We could earn some of it. If you’ve been to either of the conventions or a picnic, you know we have things to sell – and like most businesses in this economy, we’re having a SALE. The handmade knives ($100.00) and the Dega flags ($15.00) are special deals, but prices do not include shipping. You can order these and other things from the website

stmpsalesinfo1@aol.com

: by mail (Malcy Solberg, 2433 Bethel Church Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313);

or phone (1-336-685-0722).

The Cultural Center is needed to preserve the culture of the Dega people. That need to preserve was the original reason for our founding. There is not going to be a Montagnard Cultural Center in the SRV. There won’t even be a Montagnard culture there soon. The largest group of free Dega is in the central North Carolina area. They are the reservoirs of their culture and they hope to be able to share it. Those in SRV cannot. It seems to be more sensible to have the Cultural Center somewhere near the majority of Dega.

This central North Carolina area used to be a farming, mill and furniture production area. All three of these industries have fallen on hard times in recent years. Drive around and you can’t help notice this. Randolph County (where Asheboro is located), has worked hard to attract tourists to fill the gaps. The county has expressed great enthusiasm about having the Cultural Center in the area. That should make it clear why the Asheboro area would be a good choice, but why should STMP build it?

That’s what we have always promised to do. That’s what we’ve been working toward. Things have gone slowly at times and it may be easy to forget why we took the steps we did – why we had to buy and pay for the land (all 100 acres of it). We have the location. We have the people. We have the desire. We DON’T have the money. Many of you have given generously over the years, so why isn’t it built yet?

The answer is simple and yet quite complicated. Much of the money we’ve received since we paid for the land was ear marked for the refugee rescue. That money is still there and we’re still waiting for the State Department to get off the fence. There are also the small bills which continually add up – like insurance, taxes, electricity and postage.

In this mailing there are two books of 7 raffle tickets and this year there are only cash prizes. BUT that’s not all folks! Anyone who sells more than $500.00 in tickets gets their choice of either a handmade Sedang knife or a sterling silver bracelet. The individual who sells the most tickets over $500.00 will receive both items. The Cultural Center supporters hope you sell lots of tickets. The drawing will be held on Dega Day (which is usually around September 20). You have time to sell your enclosed tickets and then call or write to me for more.

Postage and printing have increased as has everything else. And the focus has to stay on the goal of the farm and the Cultural Center. If you have been an annual member but haven’t renewed your membership in the last two years, there is a pink postcard in your envelope. If you wish to continue receiving the newsletter, renew now (annual dues are $35.00 and $17.00 for Dega). Even if you don’t want to be a member, perhaps you would just consider a donation. If you made a donation in the past and you’re still on our mailing list, you will also get a pink postcard. Please return it if you wish to continue getting the newsletter. BUT - If I don’t hear from you in some way, then it’s been good to know you and thank you for your past interest.

There is a effortless way anyone can contribute to STMP. It won’t cost you a cent. This can be done through the Food Lion Shop and Share Program. STMP is now registered with the program. In order to take part you need to send your Food Lion MVP card # (12 digits), your name and daytime phone number to me. That’s all. I have to register each person – you can’t do it at the store. THEN, each quarter Food Lion sends a check to our Treasurer. Anyone can join so ask your neighbors, relatives and friends if they will share their information and let me know.

It seems that there was a lot in this newsletter and much of it was about money and the ways STMP is trying to raise it through grants, raffles, sales, Food Lion, etc. How you respond depends on how you are able. Regardless of your financial condition, there is one important thing you can do. Get those letters off to your representatives in Washington.

The Memorial Picnic is our annual membership meeting. Many members can’t get to the meeting, so most nominating and voting is done by mail. Nominations can be made now for the upcoming election in May. All four Officers’ positions are up for election and three director positions. In order to nominate someone you must be sure that:

1. The person being nominated is a current paid member.

2. They would be willing and able to fill the position. You will be getting your ballot in the next newsletter – so make sure your membership is paid. All nominations must be received by April 1. If you have any questions about membership status, etc., call me. A nominating committee has been formed but any member nominations are welcomed.

George Hadeler, Secretary, 481 Almond Drive, Luray, VA 22835-3521 (540) 743-2943

P. S. The following letter was sent from a long-time Montagnard advocate in Greensboro, NC. They asked if this request could be included in the newsletter. Many of you read about this young man in a previous newsletter.

Y ‘Yop Enoul, a Scout from Greensboro NC needs our help to attend the “High Adventure” Boy Scout program at Philmont, New Mexico. He and his troop are working fast and hard to meeting the registration deadlines; however, funds and times are tight.

Y’Yop was eight when he and his parents fled Vietnam to the UNHCR refugee camp in Cambodia. After one and a half years at the camp, Y’Yop and his parents arrived in Greensboro where he entered school and later into Scouting. He is now an honor roll student and a Star Scout progressing toward Eagle rank.

While living in a low-rent apartment complex with many other refugees, Y’Yop stood up against a gang of thugs who “attacked” the complex and its inhabitants. Women and children were bullied, assaulted and robbed. Personal property was destroyed. Y’Yop worked to identify the thugs and testified against them, even while the people (especially Y’Yop) were being threatened. Most of the inhabitants cowered and hid since they feared both the thugs and the police based on experiences in their native lands.

Later the city police honored Y’Yop for his example which inspired community participation in law enforcement efforts. The Boy Scouts of America awarded Y’Yop a Certificate of Merit for Meritorious Action. The American Legion awarded him with Certificates of Citizenship and Valor.

The Montagnard community has benefited from Scouting and Scouting has certainly gained from Montagnard participation. Many STMP leaders and members appreciate the opportunities in Scouting and encourage Montagnards to have their children involved. We can open the door to Philmont for Y’Yop and others like him. We can open the door to Philmont for Y’Yop and others like him. We can take pride in developing the children of today into the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. This is part of the dream of Montagnards who come here, hopes shared by STMP and the children themselves.

Your donation of $5.00, $10.00 or any amount will be one of the best investments you’ll ever make! Please send your donation check to George Hadeler, Secretary, 481 Almond Drive, Luray, VA 22835 and make notation - Y’Yop” or Scouting.