Annie Bailey – Just the name is making me count mental cadence…and nobody EVER counted louder or with more conviction than she did! When I became part of VVAW’s NOSCAM in 1973, Bailey was already legendary, and I met her (and John) when the Chicago chapter and the Wisconsin folks joined forces for a VA demonstration – don’t ask me which one because there were so many. Annie stood out for her willingness to lead, for the depth of her commitment to VVAW and veterans, and for her audacity; she was not afraid to get directly in the faces of bureaucrats, VA or otherwise, and she could become a human bullhorn at a moment’s notice – boy, could she ever! I can still hear that unique voice echoing in my head…
She also had a wonderfully quirky side to her…at one of the Wisconsin camp-outs she intimidated the kids, who were running wild, by eating the eyeballs of the roasted pig on the spit; THAT definitely caught their attention and made them behave a bit more! When we were on our couples’ Vietnam tour in 1991 we happened to be in Hue for her birthday in early December; she celebrated (with Edie Zutz) by ordering lobster, and then the two picked up their lobsters and held them like puppets, making voices to match!
AB, I’ll miss you, but I’ll also remember all the good times we shared and your dedication to VVAW and veterans. I know that you’re ‘opening channel D’ and doing a grand Plan 47 with all the friends who’ve preceded you to that Ott/Fechter campfire…

There are so many memories and Annie Bailey was such a presence that it is hard to know where to start. The campouts as noted by Annie L were unbelievable.

I remember the National meeting in NJ when Annie and John and Sukie and Barry and Bill Davis all stayed at my place. My poor husband had never seen a crew like that. Annie came in the house and proffered him a pack of joints to choose from and stunned him silent for a time. After that meeting I drove the John and Annie back to Newark Airport. Also in the car were my mom and an 80 year old aunt of mine. When John was getting the luggage out of the back of the Suburban a big ass Cadillac was inching up to him and nearly (or maybe even really) touched him. Annie erupted out of the car and balled up her fists and whammed a big dent in the hood of the caddy. She banged on the window and bellowed "Next paycheck buy brains" . The Cadillac fled. My 80 year old aunt hid under the dashboard til we coaxed her out. My mom applauded.

Then one year at Kent State we needed to gather the bunch and so Annie started Country Joe's cheer that starts "Gimme an F". The bunch gathered and the assorted students froze in place til they joined in.

Annie B is in some heaven with lots of weed. Great looking guys. Great food and wicked humor.

I'm sure I will think of lots more so I ill be posting more soon.

Bailey's last years were hard to watch. Her body was totally contracted, hands, limbs, to the point where they were unusable. She was totally dependent on others.

She had lost most of her hair. Her mouth was also effected so she talked like she had a stroke. Lots of honks, and drooling all along.

During the last VVAW anniversary party in Milwaukee, Bailey instructed me to tell others to not visit her. She didn't want them to see her condition. She didn't want pity.

She'd likely bitch me out for posting this, but I know we'd still be able to work together for veterans.

Ah, Annie. Over time, we shared brownies and I think one lover -- and managed to live wonderfully long lives. Thank you for your service as an activist and lifelong supporter. Wish I had known you better.

I still remember spring and summer 1973.
Rest Easy

Though I did not know Annie as well as most, I shall always remember her great laugh and her strong, raspy voice. Rest in Power, Comrade!

I first met John and Annie in Milwaukee 1980, I got to meet many people like Muriel Hogan, and Dennis Kroll and then the next year, I was homeless, but John and Annie took me with them to DC for the AO conference and some demonstrations.
I didn't have any money but never was hungry. Annie was an awesome leader and she always took care of her people!
I have met many great people in the VVAW like Jim and Sukie Walktendonk who also help save my life at a later date of which the VA and other vets turned their back on me, members of VVAW were always ready to help! I'm sorry I didn't get down to see you this past years but always sent well messages through Skip! (Mike W) was one of your best friends and still is today! R.I.P. Sister, See you when the morning comes! ;) ♦

I scarcely knew Annie Baily the day she came to my door and said, "We're looking for somebody who can go to the library and look up stuff about Agent Orange." My life changed that day! Helping VVAW find information on dioxin became my Number One priority! I tagged along with Annie to a hearing in Madison, where we met another remarkable woman, Sukie Wachtendonk. Sukie's husband and kids had been damaged by Agent Orange. Sukie took us home with her and we got to meet Jim, ReeAnne, and Zachary. Jim and I played music for each other. Discovering his songs was like finding a clear hidden spring. Annie and I were floored by Jim's poetry, his compassion, and his militant pissed-off-edness. In those years when the Left had begun eating its own, VVAW gave my partner Fred Wallace and me a political tribe to belong to. Annie, I'll always be grateful!

I remember Annie as a shining light, a vigorous fighter for veterans and for peace!

My condolences to all who knew the incredible Ann.