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Hello And Goodbye: Just That Quick

By VVAW

Michael Solbrig

Last Spring, VVAW in Milwaukee got a call from an ex-Marine who was interested in becoming active in a vets group after being home 20 years. We invited him to join some of our chapter members in speaking to a youth group.

Michael Solbrig of Spring Grove, Illinois never missed a VVAW event after that Spring day. He told us at the camp-out that he was starting to "feel" again. But, problems sleeping were making him crazy. His memories kept him awake and when he finally did fall asleep, his nightmares woke him. He saw doctor after doctor. Their answer—drugs.

On January 3, 1990 we lost Michael. We will miss his wry, ex-Marine sense of humor and his enthusiasm for vets work (as well as his Marine Corps doughnuts at the camp-out!) He loved nature and longed for peace—in the world and within himself. Mike's struggle just proves once again that VVAW still exists for a reason—and we'll keep going! His wife, Maria, says he would want us to keep on. And, we will.

Florence McDonald

Florence McDonalds, 73, mother of long-time VVAW member and friend Country Joe McDonald, died in late June of cancer.

Florence's activism spanned much of this century. Her first demonstration was at the age of ten against U.S. Marines who were trying to crush Sandino's revolution in Nicaragua. Following her son to Berkeley in 1966 she became a leading member of Berkeley Citizens Action and served as city councilperson and city auditor before being elected to the rent board in 1986. Until recently, she was active on the City's Youth Commission, and volunteered several days a week on the City's Youth Commission.

Florence McDonald had great vigor and energy, which she devoted without reservation to her community, serving poor and working people. VVAW offers our sympathy to her family and her many friends.