Status: U Return-Path: Received: from web5201.mail.yahoo.com ([216.115.106.95]) by niles.mail.mindspring.net (Earthlink Mail Service) with SMTP id ta3obm.sud.37kbi1o for ; Sun, 4 Mar 2001 01:32:21 -0500 (EST) Message-ID: <20010304063214.13972.qmail@web5201.mail.yahoo.com> Received: from [64.12.103.28] by web5201.mail.yahoo.com; Sat, 03 Mar 2001 22:32:14 PST Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2001 22:32:14 -0800 (PST) From: MPCgram Subject: MPCGram 271 To: mpcgram@yahoo.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii ==================================================== MPC Gram ==================================================== Covering the Entire World of Military Numismatics ---------------------------------------------------- Series 002-Number 271 Saturday 3 March 2001 Specimen and Proof Note Exhibit to Fest Arrangements have just been made for the another spectacular exhibit to appear for the first time at MPC Fest. The exhibit is of MPC specimen and proof notes. Include in the exibit are the legendary comptroller specimen booklets of series 541 and 591. Both of these are unique. The only known progressive proof set of Series 661 will be on display (all 50! pieces). Other items to be included are classified at this time and cannot be divulged until the fest. The specimen and proof exhibit is planned for Sunday morning approximately 8:30-10:00. Once again, the opportunity to see this amazing exhibit will be sufficient to justify the trip! A Collector from the 1950s by Pat and Ted When I was stationed in North Africa in 1957-58 we used Series 521 for a time and then in early 58 they exchanged it for series 541. I kept an uncirculated set of each and sent them home for safekeeping. We could exchange it for Moroccan money but we would go to Algeria to do that as we could get a better rate of exchange. While I was stationed there I made many trips up into Europe and picked up the local currency at banks for my collection. When I was stationed in Thailand we used American Currency or Thai Baht as the money was stable. When I went to Laos and Cambodia I picked up their local money in exchange for US money. When I made the trips to Vietnam I would exchange my money for MPCs but only exchanged a little. I kept some greenbacks in my socks and would sometimes use them downtown knowing that some of the places I stayed at were run by communists. I never carried a weapon at any time I spent in these countries. I told the people that tried to get me to carry one that I would not kill another person. Because of this I was able to go to town and made friends with people and didn't ask what their political affiliation was. I wanted to meet the common people and listen to their stories. I learned much that our Government wouldn't tell us. I was able to make a complete Thai Collection while in Thailand but ended up selling it when I retired. Now the notes are too expensive to replace. While traveling around South and Central America I picked up old paper money as well as the current ones at the time I was there in 1967-68. I also would go to the antique shops and found many silver dollar size coins of those countries that were from the 1860's and BU. These I also bought. So I was able to get many notes from all these countries to add to my collection. I would go to the local banks and they would be kind enough to look through what they had and give me old notes and Crisp notes that were in use. Another reason for me to learn the languages of all these countries. I treated all with respect and in return was treated the same way. While on the tours in Southeast Asia I traveled a lot on my own into Laos and Cambodia with a pickup truck I bought. We were not allowed to have them so I signed it in the name of a Thai Friend. We traveled many different places as I didn't use my leave time between assignments. That way I had it to use when I was in Thailand. I should have saved some of the MPC I used in Vietnam but I gave it to Thai Kids when I came back from a TDY. Although I was technically in a war zone I was able to travel through these countries without my passport. I would generally know the chief of police of the an area I was in as I paid to put 5 Thai men through the police academy. In this way I also met the military and civilian Governors of the provinces. With letters from them I had no problems traveling around and enjoying what the country offered. I spent most of my trips in the north and Northeastern parts of Thailand as these were poor areas. This way I was able to learn about the old ways they lived. By 1975 we had been there long enough to mess up their way of life which I regret. When I would show up at a village they would all stop work and have a celebration on my first 2 tours there. I lived off base at most of the places I was stationed and lived in the Thai Sections so I could learn the language easier. Laotian and Cambodian languages were close to Thai so I was able to pick their languages up quite fast. I had more of a problem with Vietnamese but did learn enough to get around and listen to their lives also. Many of the Vietnamese would give me old script that had been replaced and I got some of the notes that way. I didn't keep them though but gave them to the children in Thailand. Although we were in a war these were some of the happiest years of my life. I was able to learn many different cultures and also went to the monastery and became a Buddhist. Their way of life was slow and easy and the people were always friendly no matter where I went. Learning the languages made it so for me. I hope that this letter dosen't make anyone mad. It was not my intention in the first place but some took what I wrote the wrong way. For that I hope they will forgive me. Ted is a Teddy Bear I have been carrying around for over 30 years. So I do have someone who understands me. ==================================================== Editorial ---------------------------------------------------- The Chicago show has been tremendous with discoveries, aquisitions, and lots of fellowship. I hope that we can give detailed reports in the next few days. Today's gram was delayed because the computer would not work in the room. Marcus Turner figured out how to make it work so we are getting out this "lategram." =================================================== Mail Call --------------------------------------------------- =================================================== Departments --------------------------------------------------- WWII numismatics seminar at ANA Summer Seminar 2001 --------------------------------------------------- Not only does the scholarship fund have an official identity but also has a bank account! Any further donations should be paid to the order of "Military Numismatists Scholarship" and sent to: Military Numismatists c/o Marcus Turner 8103 East US Highway 36 Suite 163 Avon, IN 46123 THE UPDATED LIST OF SCHOLARSHIP BENEFACTORS 2/12/01. These folks have generously provided money or material to finance scholarships to the ANA WWII Numismatics seminar. Your contributions will help promote collecting WWII material and be greatly appreciated. Mr. Anonymous Donor Mike Cummings Sue and Keith Bauman Ed B. Doug Bell Tom Denly, Denly's R. A. Medina Harold MPCKid Kroll Leo "Paymaster" May Mrs. R.C. Matherne Bill McNease Marcus Turner Larry Ski Guido Fred PK6 Joel Shafer World Wide Ventures John & Nancy Wilson Neil Shafer W. E. Yanchick ----------------------------------------------------- MPC Fest II ----------------------------------------------------- MPC Fest is the annual feast of MPC. After some difficulties of coordination we have not changed the dates and tentatively scheduled 9-11 March 2001 for MPC Fest II. Confirmed participants in MPC Fest II Doug Bell, Sam Feeback, Al Glaser, Phil Goldstein, Rod Hardy, Wesley Hardy, Gary Hicks, Harold Kroll, Jack Lippincott, Ian Marshall, Larry Smulczenski, Bill McNease, Leo May, Kevin Maloy, Marv Mericle, Bruce Potter, David Seelye, Nick Schrier, Fred Schwan, Dan Swartz, Warner Talso (and Jane), Marcus Turner, Tom Warburton, William E Yanchick, Dick Freyser (We are well past last year's participation level. We have doubled that level. Can we triple it, more? If you have made a reservation and your name does not appear above, please contact the gram immediately (MPCgram@yahoo.com). PayPal and PayDirect are available, the associated email address is fred@papermoneyworld.com. It works great. We love it. A copy of the schedule of events and other particulars is available from MPCGram@yahoo.com. Remarks: registration is $164, after March 1, $189). This includes two nights lodging (double occupancy, room assignments by first sergeant the only possible exception is married couples), Meals as indicated (Friday evening not included), equipment and amenities. The value of souvenirs and goodies distributed will likely exceed the cost of the entire Fest. Reservations accepted now at MPCGram@yahoo.com, deposits ($50 minimum) accepted at MPC Fest, 132 East Second Street, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. Confirmed reservations will be listed daily in the gram—make your reservations now! Additional information; the Holiday Inn Express is located at 50 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, Oh 43452, you may use one of the online map services to get exact driving directions. DO NOT make your own reservations or inquiries. The best airports in order of distance are Toledo (45 mins), Cleveland (90 mins), Detroit (100 mins). We will try to coordinate ground transportation, but there are no guarantees here. Questions: send your questions to MPCgram@yahoo.com. In most cases the questions will be answered in the letters section of the gram. After all, if you have the question, someone else probably does too. ==================================================== Post/Base Exchange (PX/BX/NEX) Dump your dupes! Your classified advertisement for items for sale will be run here for free. Send your ads to the gram. This service is for everyone, most humble dealer or most advanced collector. The point is to make the gram more interesting. Send in a list of items for sale and we will list them here in the gram. In all cases confirm your order via email first. FOR SALE Retail Merchants Bureau of Boise, Idaho "tokens," $5.00, limit ONE shipped postpaid. (please no checks on this item) WOW!! These are by the way, new, mint, as made, uncirculated or whatever you wish to call them. So in honor of Presidents Day, rush your payment to: Doric C&C POB 911 N Attleborough MA 02761-0911-11 USA Victory Peso - 2 Peso Replacement. Pick 95a in VF serial F00071929*. 100.00. Contact Tom at kochfam@gte.net MPC Series 641 50c CU $21, David Seelye, email for confirmation coinman@rochester.rr.com. US military chits: NCO & EM Open Mess/Cam Ranh Bay 96312 $10 booklet covers with one each 5, 10, 25 (canceled) chits, $35, email for confirmation iam@total.net WANTED Collectors may submit lists of items wanted for their collections for listing here. Dealers and collectors who have these items are then encouraged to list them for sale in the above section. This is a trial, if you like it, send your list. Wanted by a collector: a 481 $5.00 in Fine or better. =================================================== Staff: publisher and editor: Fred Schwan - fred@papermoneyworld.com; assistant editor - Phil Goldstein IWANTMYMPC@aol.com critic: Harold Kroll - MPCKid@papermoneyworld.com; index manager: Ed Beaman webmaster & technical advisor: Doug Bell - (Wiz): doug@papermoneyworld.com; The Boss: Judy Schwan ===== MPC Gram is published by BNR Press and papermoneyworld.com as a free service to the community of military money collectors. Your suggestions, criticisms, complaints, editorial contributions, letters, and even praise are very welcome. The entire contents including linked illustrations are copyright protected by the publishers. In the case of contributors, the copyright is protected on behalf of the creators. Please send all correspondence regarding the gram to MPCgram@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your participation. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/