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Remembering

By Annie Bailey

Not many of us had seen much of Walter lately. We all knew he was sick, struggling with AIDS and its many side effects. So when Christy called us to say he was nearing the end, we weren't surprised, but the news sent us all scampering to the VA to say goodbye. For this opportunity, we are eternally grateful for the "heads up."

All members of VVAW, past and present, aware or not, have been affected by Walter's influence on the organization and on every one of us who knew him. Walter contributed a focused energy that was contagious. He was as crazy as the next guy, from all the chaotic effects of the Vietnam experience, but despite the crushing pressures of economic and social crisis, Walter always kept his "eyes on the prize." Imaginative, open-minded and childlike, Walter would do anything crazy, dangerous, or even illegal, if it meant getting our point across in a big way. Consequently, Walter always had the best adventures - like taking over the Statue of Liberty!

Takeovers were a popular VVAW tactic, and we did lots in Milwaukee. Walter was one of the "Bee-Boop Squad" that masterminded an election day fifteen-minute takeover of the Committee to RE-Elect the President (CREEP) offices in November 1972. They took over the phone bank, and they were telling people what Richard Nixon was really about - criminal mass-murderer of the Vietnam War. The "Bee-Boop Squad" was in and out of there before any authorities arrived! It was non-violent and fun, and it certainly got the point across! John has always said that Walter was a quick study. He wasn't in town for our first VA takeover; he had missed all the strategy meetings and logistical planning, so we sort of had to bring him up to speed. It took twenty minutes, and he succeeded each time he planned something like that after that.

Scrounge?! Man, could that guy scrounge. Even if he had the money, he would try to squeeze it out of some poor liberal sympathizer and we'd be able to use the money for something else. He believed in justice, and we set up many a defense committee office based on a steadfast belief in justice and his uncanny ability to scrounge an entire office.

Walter was a total history buff, which helped us a lot. And hey - he could cook. He actually went to chef's school. He was good at so much, and he was a genuinely kind person. As you can see, he influenced us in immeasurable ways. We'll miss him. Bye, Walter. We love you.

Walter Klim left two sons when he died March 25, 2000. His younger son Caz is now 12 years old. Caz had no contact with Walter for the last five years, so his memories of his father are limited. I would like to put together a package of material about Walter for Caz, so he will have something concrete to hang onto over the years. Anything people could send - articles, written memories, letters, photos - about Walter would be appreciated. I hope this will give Caz a better idea of who his father was and what he accomplished.

Thanks,
Christy Klim