My name is Kim Scipes, and I'm a USMC veteran (1969-73) and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Purdue University Northwest.

A 50-year friend of mine, Alvin Glatkowski, is trying to go to Nicaragua on a Veterans for Peace (VFP) delegation later this month.

His name might not mean much to most of you, but in March 1970, he was a Merchant Marine crewman on a ship called the "Columbia Eagle," carrying napalm to Thailand, ultimately to be dropped on Laos and Cambodia, both neutral countries. Alvin and another crew member, Clyde McKay, mutinied, seized control of the ship, and piloted it into Cambodia, where they surrendered the cargo (napalm bombs) to the Government of Cambodia under Prince Sihanouk, to be held until the end of the war. Unfortunately, the US launched the coup that put Lon Nol, a Cambodian general, into power and, ultimately Al in prison. (Clyde was killed after escaping into Vietnam.)

After getting out of prison, Alvin has been a long-time peace activist, member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (WWAW) and Veterans for Peace (VFP). He's special.

He's trying to go to Nicaragua with VPF to build solidarity ties between Americans and Nicararagans. He lives off Social Security now, so needs some help.

Any money raised above $1,000 will be donated directly to VFP; I will take no money to help my brother out. Would appreciate any help you can provide!