The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) has formally submitted a Statement for the Record to Congressional leadership expressing strong opposition to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Interim Final Rule titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” (RIN 2900-AS49).

The rule, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, allows disability evaluations to consider the effects of medication when determining compensation levels for service-connected conditions.

NCOA believes this approach is fundamentally flawed and inconsistent with the purpose of disability compensation.

What the Rule Does

The Interim Final Rule permits disability ratings to reflect symptom suppression achieved through medication rather than the underlying service-connected injury or trauma.

In practical terms, this means a Veteran whose symptoms are partially managed through medication could potentially receive a lower disability rating than one who is untreated, even though the underlying injury remains unchanged.

NCOA maintains that medication manages symptoms. It does not erase the injury, reverse neurological damage, repair joints, or undo psychological trauma sustained in service.

Our Position

Veterans enter service whole.

Any lasting physical or psychological degradation at separation is service-connected loss. Disability compensation exists to recognize and offset that loss.

Medication is introduced after injury. It does not restore a Veteran to pre-service condition. Treating medication use as evidence of reduced disability conflates management with recovery.

Disability compensation must reflect the injury itself, not how effectively symptoms are masked.

Why This Rule Raises Serious Concerns

NCOA’s formal submission outlines several critical concerns:

1. It Penalizes Treatment Compliance
Veterans should never feel pressure to avoid medication out of fear that symptom improvement could reduce compensation.

2. It Misrepresents Disability
Service-connected disability reflects long-term injury and functional impact, not temporary symptom presentation.

3. It Undermines Trust
The VA system is intended to be non-adversarial and Veteran-centric. Policies that appear to reduce compensation based on treatment erode confidence in that system.

4. It Bypasses Proper Rulemaking Process

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, Interim Final Rules may bypass traditional notice-and-comment procedures only under narrow circumstances. NCOA has raised concerns that those standards were not met.

The Association has urged Congress to exercise oversight authority and call for full rescission of the rule pending proper notice-and-comment rulemaking.

NCOA is submitting its position to leadership of both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees and will participate in the upcoming Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization Hearing.

We are also working alongside fellow Veterans Service Organizations to host a comprehensive disability compensation reform conference in mid-March. That effort will focus on transparent, evidence-driven recommendations that:

• Engage Veterans, clinicians, adjudicators, and policymakers
  
  
• Prioritize trust and predictability
  ​
• Ensure reforms improve Veteran outcomes rather than primarily reduce expenditures

The Interim Final Rule is currently on the public record.

Veterans and stakeholders can review the rule and submit public comments through the Federal Register while the comment period remains open.

Access the rule here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/17/2026-03068/evaluative-rating-impact-of-medication

NCOs have always been leaders in accountability and standards. Those same qualities matter in civic life.

Silence leaves decisions to others.

Participation ensures perspectives are heard.

NCOA remains committed to working constructively with Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that disability compensation policy honors the full cost borne by those who served.

NCOA was honored to attend the 39th Annual TET Reunion hosted by the Abilene Grunts Association and Texas Veterans at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, Texas.

In attendance were Executive Director Sir Joseph Terry, Past Grand Knight Lady Sunny Wirth, and Grand Knight Elect Lady Vicky Hensley. For nearly four decades, the Abilene Grunts Association has organized this annual gathering to honor Veterans from all branches and all eras of service. Originally founded to commemorate the Vietnam War Tet Offensive, the reunion has grown into a meaningful event centered on camaraderie, remembrance, and connection.

During the presentation, Lady Vicky Hensley shared information about the NCOA War Medallion Program, helping attendees learn how NCOA recognizes Service Members and Families for their sacrifice and service. Events like the TET Reunion allow NCOA to connect directly with Veterans and continue our mission of recognizing our past while preparing our future.
​
NCOA extends sincere appreciation to the Abilene Grunts Association and Texas Veterans for their continued dedication to honoring those who served.

The Non Commissioned Officers Association is seeking donations to support the presentation of 100 Vietnam War Medallions during the upcoming Vietnam Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony in San Antonio, hosted by the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families on March 28.

These Medallions will be presented to Vietnam era Service Members and to Family Members of those who served and are no longer with us. Each Medallion costs $25 and includes a commemorative presentation tin and message card. While $25 sponsors one Medallion, donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated.

Medallions must be ordered several weeks in advance, and we are working quickly to ensure every deserving Veteran or Family Member is recognized. Contributors will be acknowledged during the ceremony.

This effort reflects NCOA’s commitment to recognizing the service and sacrifice of those who came before us while continuing to prepare the next generation.

How to Support
Donate here: zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference
Learn more about the NCOA War Medallion Program at ncoausa.org/programs
Questions may be directed to [email protected]

Levi Sadr, NCOA Director of Government Affairs, met with Gus Bilirakis to discuss the importance of the Major Richard Star Act and concurrent receipt legislation.
​
To our combat disabled Veterans and supporters of the Richard Star Act, please know this work continues every day. NCOA remains committed to fighting for the full benefits you earned through your service. We appreciate Congressman Bilirakis for standing with our community and continuing to champion this critical legislation.

Greetings!

Conference: Mark your calendars for 21 – 24 July Norfolk, VA. Chapters, plan to send at least 2 Members. 1 Jan 2026 - 31 May 2026 the Chapter that signs up the most new Members will receive 2 Conference Registrations. Chapter must sign up a minimum of 25 new Members to be eligible. Chapters will need to send a roster of the new members for verification to Headquarters. If you know anyone that would like to be a sponsor for the Conference, please send me their contact information.
​
Membership: Giving Back to the Profession
Being part of your professional association is not just about what you can get; it’s about what you can
give back to the profession. Every member has a responsibility to help build up the association by
contributing to its collective success. This includes sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and working
together to uphold ethical standards and advance professional practices.

I am personally asking each of you to encourage someone to join or gift a membership to someone. In addition, the "I Recruit For NCOA" Lapel Pin Challenge is still going. Sign up 2 New Members and receive the Pin and a Decal. Send their names to [email protected] or copy of applications to NCOA HQs. If individual joins online, notify us so we can verify. Also, if a member joins without NCOA Sponsor, the new member can sign up another member and be eligible for the Pin and Decal.

Membership Renewal: Thank you for renewing your membership with us! We truly appreciate your
continued commitment and support. Your renewal helps us further our mission of advocating for our
members’ quality of life and for us to continue providing valuable resources and networking
opportunities to our members. We are grateful for your continued support.

I encourage all of you to help us spread the word about our organization. Invite a fellow Veteran, a
Service Member, Family member or a Friend to join the NCOA and become part of our growing
community. Learn, share more about the benefits of joining Membership Benefits.

Please check out the ADVOCATE, Website, Facebook and other social media to keep informed,

​Joseph Terry
​SGM, U.S. Army (Ret)
Executive Director
Non Commissioned Officers Association

The NCOA Membership Challenge returns for 2026 with a renewed focus on growing our Association and strengthening the enlisted voice nationwide.

This year long challenge encourages members to recruit new NCOA members and help expand our reach, advocacy power, and programs. Membership growth directly impacts our ability to advocate for legislative priorities, support Benevolent Programs, and serve enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Members who recruit two new NCOA members during the year will be recognized for their efforts and contribute to the long term strength of the Association.

Invite fellow Service Members, Veterans, and supporters to join NCOA and help strengthen our collective voice in 2026.

Who can join:
Regular Division: E-1 thru E-9, Active Duty, Retired, Guard, or Reserve
Veterans Division: All other former Service Members
Associate Division: Supporters of NCOA’s mission
International Auxiliary: Family members (18+) of enlisted Service Members

Recruit two new members and submit their information to NCOA Headquarters to participate in the 2026 Membership Challenge. Send names or applications to [email protected].

The Non Commissioned Officers Association remains focused on advocating for policies that protect the rights, benefits, and well being of enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Our legislative priorities are guided by the real needs of those who have served and continue to serve. These priorities shape our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and through our work with The Military Coalition.

Richard Star Act
The Richard Star Act would allow medically retired, combat disabled Veterans with fewer than 20 years of service to receive both full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. These benefits were earned through service and sacrifice and should not be reduced or offset.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
NCOA continues to advocate for expanded access to mental health care, improved support systems, and policies that address suicide within the Military and Veteran community. Mental health must remain a national priority.

Love Lives On Act
This legislation would remove the remarriage penalty for surviving spouses, allowing them to remarry without losing survivor benefits earned through their loved one’s service.

NOPAIN for Veterans Act
The NOPAIN for Veterans Act supports expanded access to non opioid pain management treatments within the VA healthcare system, giving Veterans more options for safe and effective care.

Veteran Toxic Exposure
NCOA supports continued accountability and oversight related to toxic exposure, ensuring Veterans receive timely health care, recognition, and benefits for service connected illnesses.
​
These priorities represent our commitment to protecting those who have served and ensuring their voices are heard. Stay engaged with NCOA advocacy efforts by maintaining your membership and responding to legislative action alerts.

NCOA is seeking volunteers to represent our Association on the Personnel Committee within The Military Coalition (TMC). TMC is a group of 35 Military, Veteran, and Uniformed Services Organizations working together to protect benefits and support the well being of those who serve, have served, and their Families.

Being part of The Military Coalition strengthens NCOA’s ability to advocate for enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Through coordinated advocacy and unified legislative priorities, TMC helps amplify the voices of more than 5.5 million members and their Families nationwide.

At this time, NCOA is seeking one or two volunteers, including at least one Family Member if possible, to serve on the Personnel Committee. Volunteers will participate in discussions and review legislative issues related to Military pay, benefits, readiness, and quality of life.

As NCOA looks ahead, increasing member involvement in legislative advocacy is a top priority. Serving on the Personnel Committee is a meaningful way to directly support that effort.

About The Military Coalition Committees:
​The Military Coalition operates several standing committees that meet regularly to review legislation and coordinate advocacy efforts. While NCOA is currently seeking volunteers only for the Personnel Committee, members may find it helpful to be aware of the full committee structure.
​

• Guard and Reserve Committee
• Health Care Committee
• Personnel Committee
• Retired Affairs Committee
• Survivor Committee
• Taxes and Social Security Committee
• Veterans Committee

Members interested in volunteering for the Personnel Committee should email [email protected] and include “TMC Personnel Committee Volunteer” in the subject line.

Two members of the Air Academy Chapter shared write ups on their experience supporting TAPS Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill. Their voices shed light on the realities that surviving Families carry every day and remind us that advocacy does not end when the event concludes.

Ashley Gardner, USAF Reserve Veteran from Colorado Springs, wrote about joining survivors and fellow advocates for two full days of meetings across the House and Senate. She shared how listening to the stories of surviving spouses changed the way she views legislative work and how meaningful it was to support survivors as they spoke about the challenges they face. Ashley also highlighted Service Members who traveled with the chapter and left inspired to continue advocating for others.

MSG Johnson, Active Duty Service Member and new member of the Air Academy Chapter, wrote about the responsibility he felt walking alongside surviving spouses and speaking on behalf of Families who no longer have a voice. He shared that the experience was deeply personal and reinforced that caring for surviving Families is a responsibility that continues long after leaving the uniformed ranks.

Ashley and MSG Johnson’s accounts reflect an important truth. TAPS Advocacy Week may take place once a year, but survivors live with their loss every day. Their needs do not wait for the next event, and their stories must continue to be shared. NCOA is proud of the Air Academy Chapter for showing up, listening, and carrying this work forward with compassion and purpose.

If you are interested in volunteering with the NCOA Legislative Resolution Team and helping shape the future for enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, join the team that stands up for those who serve. Whether you are Active Duty, Retired, or a Veteran, your voice can influence real policy on pay, benefits, and accountability.

Send an email to [email protected] and add “Legislative Resolution Team Volunteer” in the subject line.

November marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who defend our freedom and the families who support them. Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is not free.

The NCOA War Medallion Program offers a meaningful way to say “thank you” to the Veterans in your life. Whether it’s a parent, coworker, mentor, or friend, presenting them with an NCOA War Medallion is a powerful gesture of appreciation and respect.

Each medallion represents a chapter of military history and the service of those who lived it:

World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Cold War
Persian Gulf / Global War on Terrorism

These medallions can be presented at home, during community ceremonies, or through local organizations. NCOA can also assist in coordinating presentations to ensure each Veteran receives the recognition they deserve.

A portion of every medallion purchase supports the NCOA Scholarship Fund, which helps provide educational opportunities for the children and grandchildren of Service Members.

To learn more or order medallions, visit ncoausa.org/programs.

For assistance with a ceremony or bulk order, contact [email protected].
​
This Veterans Day, honor a hero in your life with a symbol that carries the weight of gratitude and the spirit of service.

As the government shutdown continues into its second month, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) stands with The Military Coalition and other Veterans Service Organizations in support of the Pay Our Troops Act, a bill designed to ensure that Service Members continue to receive pay during any lapse in government funding.

Temporary measures have allowed the Pentagon to issue pay during this shutdown, but there is still no permanent safeguard for future funding gaps. The Pay Our Troops Act would change that by guaranteeing that military personnel and their families are never left in financial uncertainty because of political gridlock.

The ongoing shutdown has had wide-reaching effects across the military community. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and essential quality-of-life programs such as mental health, behavioral health, and family support services have been disrupted or delayed. Veterans’ programs including cemetery maintenance, transition assistance, and suicide prevention efforts have also been affected.

NCOA believes those who defend our nation should never have to question whether their next paycheck will arrive. We are calling on Congress to pass the Pay Our Troops Act and end the shutdown.

Resources for Service Members and Veterans Affected by the Shutdown

Military Aid and Family Assistance
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Army Emergency Relief
Air Force Aid Society
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Military OneSource
Armed Services YMCA
United Service Organizations (USO)

Financial Services Offering Assistance
Navy Federal Credit Union
USAA
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
PenFed Credit Union
United States Senate Federal Credit Union

​Department Contingency Plans
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Defense
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Health and Human Services

Now more than ever, it is time for our leaders to act decisively and protect those who protect us.

The NCOA is excited to invite all members to the NCOA Member Engagement Roundtable on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST. This virtual event, hosted via Zoom, is designed to bring together NCOA members, chapter leaders, and key representatives from across the country for an important conversation about the future of our Association and our shared mission.

As we work to strengthen our voice and increase our impact on behalf of Enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their families, this roundtable will be a key opportunity to engage directly with NCOA leadership, learn about current initiatives, and discuss how we can all contribute to NCOA's continued growth and success.

Why Should You Attend?
This meeting is open to all members, but we strongly encourage Chapter Leaders and Representatives to participate. You’ll get a firsthand update on NCOA’s strategic goals, including membership recruitment, the Medallion Program, upcoming conferences, and more.

Agenda Highlights
- Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and NCOA Creed
- Welcome and Remarks from NCOA Leadership
- Headquarters Update: An overview of the latest initiatives
- Membership, Conference, and Medallion Program Updates
- Open Session: An opportunity for members to share their ideas and feedback
- Closing Remarks

This event will provide a collaborative space for members to engage with NCOA leadership, voice their thoughts, and be a part of shaping the direction of the Association. We value your insights and look forward to making real progress together.

How to Participate: Click here to join! And make sure to mark your calendars for July 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST!
​
Link to Zoom:  https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID:  939 2423 0483
Passcode:  421119

​Rogue Chapter member Dave Burnette assisted by Trustee David Haines presented Vietnam Medallions to Crystal Beachler on behalf of her father, Army veteran Walter Ray Helgedalen and her uncle, Marine veteran Kent Nelson. ​

The Major Richard Star Act, named in honor of a combat-wounded Veteran, is a pivotal piece of legislation designed to correct an unjust pay offset that impacts thousands of medically retired Service Members. The act aims to ensure that Veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries can receive both their full disability compensation and retirement pay without offset.

How Are Veterans Being Penalized?
Under current law, Veterans who are medically retired due to combat-related injuries do not receive their full retirement pay from the Department of Defense (DoD) if they are also receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This creates an offset, meaning their DoD retirement pay is reduced by the amount they receive from the VA, resulting in some Veterans receiving no retirement benefits at all.

The Benefits of the Major Richard Star Act
The Major Richard Star Act offers Veterans the option to receive both their disability compensation and full retirement pay. Veterans will be able to choose whether to stay in the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program or opt-out and receive both VA compensation and the full DoD retirement pay. This choice will provide Veterans with the flexibility to select the best option for their individual needs.

What is CRSC?
The Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. To be eligible, Veterans must have at least a 30% disability rating and be retired for a combat-related injury. Veterans can choose CRSC or, with the passage of the Major Richard Star Act, opt for the full retirement pay with VA disability compensation.

The Importance of Advocacy
Veterans who qualify for this benefit need our collective voice to get this bill passed. The NCOA is proud to stand with The Military Coalition and organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project in supporting the Major Richard Star Act.

This bill is a long-overdue fix that would give Veterans the benefits they earned and deserve. It's time to correct this injustice and ensure that combat-wounded Veterans are not penalized for their service.

What You Can Do to Help:
We encourage all Veterans, their families, and supporters to take action and contact their legislators to show support for the Major Richard Star Act. Click below to easily send a message to your representatives.

​Happy May, NCOA Family,

First, I would like to thank all of our members who submitted input and provided recommendations for our new Medallions. A huge shout-out to our amazing headquarters staff for their hard work on our new programs.

I hope you're enjoying our new social media presence as we continue to expand and connect with more of our community.

As we take the month of May to remember and honor our Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice, I encourage you to pick one day each week to reach out to someone you served with. Your outreach can make a difference and may even save a life.

Our Annual Conference is just around the corner! I hope you're as excited as I am for the event. Norfolk is ready for you and looks forward to showcasing all that the Hampton Roads area has to offer. I’m planning to announce a special "President’s Gift" before the conference... possibly a special raffle!

Today, I had the honor of presenting the NCOA Vietnam War Medallion to Seaman Louis Voorhies aboard the Carnival Valor. Seaman Voorhies served in Operation Eagle Pull, the U.S. Military’s evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on April 12, 1975. This was a poignant reminder that we have heroes all around us.

Enjoy the month of May, and I’ll see you on the seven seas!


Strength in Unity!®

​Garry A. McClure
FORCM, USN (Ret)
NCOA President

Rogue Chapter members stayed busy presenting NCOA Medallions as attested by the presentation photos below.

Additionally, while on a vacation cruise, Rogue Chapter Chairman Terry Haines presented World War II Medallions to a family member of Navy veteran Russell James and Army veteran Charles Middleton. He also presented Korea and Vietnam Medallions to Navy veteran Lewis Fierke. Finally, he presented Vietnam Medallions to Army veterans Dewayne Rancourt and Robert Tell, Air Force veterans Vince Mee, Jan Tolson, Va Xiong, Paul Eckert, Tom Pettit, Joe Ealazzolo, and Gaylon Arisman. Pictures from the presentations on the cruise were unavailable due to the size of the crowd and the time constraints placed on our gathering by the cruise line.

​Spring has sprung! At least it has here in sunny California. Spring is a time of fresh beginnings, hope for a good harvest and hearty growth. What a great segue into the heart of our Association - Membership!
 
Every organization I am involved with is struggling with growth. NCOA is no different, or are we? A lot of us are in the winter of our bloom which means we need to till the fields, plant those seeds, and fertilize and care for our current members. Then we can watch their growth as members and leaders. We all know someone who will benefit by being a bigger part of their communities, by volunteering when called and truly making a difference to our Veterans, past, present, and future. At the same time providing a network for their families with information, scholarships, grants, support, and friendship.
 
Spring is also a time when many of us "Spring Clean."  To that end our local chapters have a new and exciting project this year. We have partnered with a Veterans Homeless Shelter run by Volunteers of America (VOA). We asked what their top three needs were and the answers were surprising. First Need is new men's underwear. Wait, what? We always think of donating warm clothing, like coats, hats, gloves, socks, etc. During the intake process, the VOA provides a welcome bag with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products. Second Need is men's new or used clean jeans. Again, wait, what? We scour local Goodwill’s, thrift and charity shops (and our own closets) for these.  Third Need is coffee, sugar, and creamer. This one made sense as many of these folks have drug and alcohol addictions and if you have ever attended an AA Meeting, a lot of sugared coffee is consumed. Our local chapters meet the first Wednesday of every month and we have all agreed to bring and donate one of these three items before the meeting. I live close to the shelter and can deliver the items the next day. This year as you "Spring Clean" consider donating those jeans, hoodies, sweats, etc., to a homeless Veterans shelter, or for that matter, any homeless shelter.
 
      NCOA's annual conference will be here before we know it! The conference is in Norfolk, VA - 14-18 July 2025. I look forward to the conference every year. It is a time to learn about the annual events of NCOA, learn from a variety of speakers, renew old friendships, make new friendships and further our commitment to our Veterans. Plan to attend and I'll see you there!

Tammy Sullivan
International Auxiliary President
916-718-7750
www.ncoausa.org

With 50 people in attendance, Cpl. Robert “Bob” Jack Calvillo was honored with the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Korean War Medallion presented by NCOA Central Valley Chapter Chairman CMSgt Jim Sullivan, USAF (Ret) at Carlton Senior Living Orangevale.
Additionally, the offices of Rep. Kevin  Kiley CA-3, Assemblyman Josh Hoover AD-7 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California gave special certificates of recognition to Cpl. Calvillo – who belongs to Folsom VFW Post 6604 – acknowledging his heroic sacrifices serving in the Korean War and unfortunate subsequent capture as a Prisoner of War. Special guests in attendance included Senior Vice Commander of the VFW Department of California SFC David Kuta (Ret), Placerville VFW Camerado Post 10165 Commander US Army CSM Lenny McAdams (Ret) and VFW Auxiliary Post 6604 Chaplain Kelle Hernandez.
Calvillo, the second of eight children, was born Aug. 21, 1929, in Oakland. He joined the US Army in 1948 for a three-year enlistment. In August 1950, he boarded a troop ship to Korean. Once in country, he was attached to IX Corps, 2nd Infantry Division Field Artillery, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, Bravo Co., as a Private First-Class field cook. Calvillo found himself on the main battle lines in North Korea.
On an extremely humid, blustery cold Korean Peninsula Day, in the early hours of Dec. 1, 1950, performing his job as a field cook and not knowing of his future plight or US Army Forces predicament in the coming hours, Cavillo and his company band of brothers were behind enemy lines. By mid to late afternoon, they were suddenly overrun by North Korean and Chinese soldiers, with and without weapons, as he remembers, swarming down like a crashing wave from the mountains.
Calvillo found a rifle in hands during the chaos. He encountered a Chinese soldier in a foxhole and remembers vividly the moment when he stared at this “scared, young kid.” As his finger was squeezing the trigger, he released the pressure just below the 4½ pounds needed for the firing pin to hit the cartridge releasing the full metal jacket, only to let the enemy go. He could not shoot an unarmed enemy combatant. Afterward, “I hid in the bushes with another soldier close by to two lifeless bodies of North Korean soldiers. I was thinking they were going to shoot us when they caught me. Blame us for killing them,” Bob said.
The overwhelming numbers of the enemy were too much for US forces to repel and subsequently the soldiers were quickly surrounded by the North Korean and Chinese armies. Calvillo was captured in the early evening hours at the Battle of the Ch’ongch’on River, becoming one of many Prisoners of War. According to Robert, “When they surrounded us and captured me, I thought it was the end. I thought they would kill us. After the enemy came marching down and surrounded us, all I had was a field shirt, trench coat, boots and scarf. I lost my steel helmet. They took us captive, marching us north.”
They now led the demoralized American Battalion deeper into North Korea on a long, cold trek, village to village, house to house, shack to shack, finally to where they were only sleeping under a canopy of stars. En route north, Calvillo saw a mass enemy Army march in large groups past him heading south toward entrenched US forces with the captives not knowing their fate. The Chinese and North Koreans were advancing against the US Army and pushing the battle lines further back with the Americans in fast retreat. However, Robert’s predicament would only worsen the longer he stayed alive.
Calvillo remarked on his overall feeling of his time as a POW, “It was terrible. terrible. The North Koreans were mean.” He remembered while on his journey north, “I went outside this house they had us in to (urinate). I was forced by a North Korean back into the house or they’d shoot me. If you didn’t do what they say, the North Koreans will shoot you. Sheltering outside, sleeping under the frigid cold blanket of the Korean winter was terrible.”
One of Calvillo’s most horrible memories described in few words, “One guy I knew tried to escape running up a hill after (our) capture and (the North Koreans) just shot him without saying anything. He was a nice guy.”
They left the unknown soldier for his family to never truly know his fate. This memory reel still plays over and over in his mind, Bob said. He and the US Army prisoners were marched further north toward the Yal-Lu River during the coldest part of winter, without winter gear, arriving at the border between North Korea and China. The American POWs ended up in “Prison Camp 5,” where he was kept for more than two years under atrocious living conditions and severe inclement weather. The prison camp was manned by Chinese guards, where they separated the officers from the enlisted with other separate groups.
Although the Chinese captors were much better hosts than the North Koreans, Calvillo recalled, “Two guys escaped from the Chinese camp and were never seen again. The Chinese told us if you get captured by the North Koreans, we can’t be responsible for what they do.” The Chinese captors from time to time would tell them they were being set free, only to suffer under the false pretenses of hope being mentally tortured.
“We didn’t have shelter. When it snowed, me and two other prisoners would cover ourselves with a mattress to try to keep warm. That was the only warmth not to die,” he said. By this time, Robert only had his field coat during his time as a prisoner lucky to have boot wear. American POWs were not supplied anything extra since their capture. Said Calvillo, “Once a day, they fed us, (and) all they gave us (was) simple things and rice. Fed usually mid morning with a cup of rice. Most times, the meal of the day was known as ‘soupy soup.’ ”
At times, the wardens would force Robert into a 35-gallon barrel for at least 30 minutes at a time to be unusually cruel. He said he would tell his captors he couldn’t fit into the barrel. It was made clear if he did not fit himself into the barrel, he would be killed, so he made himself fit into the barrel and sealed up in the unimaginable limited space no human should endure. The physical torture, combined with constant spiritual degradation, mixed with emotional turmoil, coupled with mental abuse, his captors again and again would toy with their American prisoners, telling them they would be released soon, giving them false hope as the months and years dragged on.
There were many times he faced serious health conditions that could have cost him his life, as well as having the hardship of losing many of his friends, but Bob, as he is known by close family and friends, kept with his faith, determined to live.
In the spring of 1953, after two years in a POW prison camp, PFC Calvillo was abruptly taken on an unknown journey. Robert thinks back to his release, saying, “They had all of us load up into their trucks. They drove miles and miles through the forests. I thought they’re going to shoot us, they had guns. When they would stop for a break, (they would be) surrounding us, I thought, ‘This is the end.”
The day came for his repatriation. Operation Big and Little Switch were in full operational swing repatriating Americans and UN members. Bob was transported to Freedom Village for his complete repatriation, where he received medical treatment, food, shower and fresh uniform. He then boarded a ship back to America with other troops and prisoners. Calvillo described his release into American custody as a lackluster affair.
After returning home, Cpl. Robert Calvillo soon separated from the Army, later attending the Academy of Art College. He met his wife, Carmine, at Kay Jewelers, where he worked in the display department. He owned a couple of businesses with his two younger brothers. He is a humble, talented artist and enjoys sketching and listening to big band music. He still enjoys spending time with his wife of 62 years, with his only child, Melissa, and son-in-law Greg Deal being actively involved in his life.
Robert Calvillo is a hero, having endured more than most soldiers being a captive of the enemy. Surviving against the odds of captivity, lack of clothing, food and shelter, and the basic necessities of survival, he made it back alive but forever scarred. He showed true stoicism during the interviews, sharing with me his horrible memories from more than 70 years ago as a Prisoner of War. Robert suffers from Post Traumatic Stress, at times, staring into the distance with quiet intensity as he told his horrible experiences, unable to hide back his emotions no matter how hard he tried to be in the present moment.
In September 2018, the Pentagon finally awarded Bob his long-deserved medals. His nephew, Corporal David Penaflor, presented Bob with five military medals, including the National Defense Service, Korean Service, United Nations, Prisoner of War, and Service medals (Korea).
Excerpts of interviews with Bob Calvillo were also contributed by David to place Bob’s story into the halls of perpetuity.

Article by S. Moncalieri, Gold Country Media. (Feb 26, 2025)
​Photo Credit: Courtesy

The NCOA Rogue Chapter hit the ground running in 2025 presenting NCOA Medallions at a number of events.