Boo Coo News - vva154.comvva154.com/wp-content/uploads/Boo-Coo-News-August-2017.pdf · 2017-07-21 · recipe is a secret one handed down by King Sobieski's cook thru ... VVA Praises

Dave Rocco

Julianne Demorest, Hannah Champine, JustenMinnetti, Emma Bell, Amanda Conlon (June 14)

Jessica Abbate, Peter Young (July 12)

1,611 AmericanStill Missing inSoutheast Asia49 fromMichigan

Boo Coo NewsVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154

VVA154.comAUGUST 2017

WELCOME HOME!VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER

18025 15 MILE ROADCLINTON TOWNSHIP MI

48035-2403586-776-9810 PHONE

586-776-9683 FAX

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS7 p.m. second Wednesday of themonth at VFW Bruce Post 1146,28404 E. Jefferson Ave., St. Clair

Shores

Boo Coo News deadline: previousmonth’s meeting.

To submit items, photos, supporterad copy: email, mail or deliver to

the Veterans Support Center

August Meeting is Cancelled

Because of the VVA national convention in New Orleans, we are cancelling the Augustgeneral chapter membership meeting. Three of the five senior officers will be at theconvention including the president and first vice president. Please inform other

members who may not get our email notification or read the Boo Coo News. We don'twant anyone showing up to a dark meeting hall. Thank you and we'll see you at theSeptember meeting.

2017 Scholarship Awards

At June general membership meeting in June, five of ourmembers’ grandchildren were awarded a Jack ThomasScholarship from our chapter. Dave Rocco, scholarship

chairman, awarded the following: Emma Bell from Dakota High,submitted by Thomas Bell; Hannah Champine from Adams High,submitted by Thomas Duff; Amanda Conlon from Lake ShoreHigh, submitted by Douglas Mathew; Juliane Demorest fromAlgonac High, submitted by Peter & Carol Gernand; and JustenMinnetti from Dakota High submitted by Woody Horne. Twostudents, Jessica Abbate (submitted by Joe Abbate) from L'AnseCreuse and Peter Young (submitted by Ralph Young) fromArmada High could not make our June meeting and wereawarded their scholarships at the chapter general meeting on July 12. Dave would like tothank Steve Bago and Ernie Patton for all the help in his first year of taking over thescholarships. A special thanks to Woody Horne for all the years that he was chairman.

President’s Message # Steve Bago

Well, we are all packed and ready to take off for theNational Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana inmid-August. In early February, it would be a delight to

visit lovely New Orleans but in the second week of August, notso much. Hope the levees hold. We are headed off to witness what might possibly be thebeginning of a new generation for the works of theorganization, or we may witness the beginning of the end. Theconversations begin in August to determine what the VVA isgoing to do in the future. The choices are to open the enrollment to allow other vets tocome and join the VVA (possibly under a new nameplate thatwould be more inclusive) or remain a last man standing club. I think I speak for the chapter when I say that we have donetons of work in 30+ years and I don't want to see it end. Who else does what we do: Three days a week, we have accredited county serviceofficers in our building helping veterans get the answers they

need and to help process their claims. We have an honor guard that performs in excess of 100funeral services each year, plus other civic events. We have the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorialthat travels all around our state to remember the 2,654Michigan sevicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice forour country. Can't forget them. On the second Wednesday of each month we visit with manysick and ailing vets at the VAMC Detroit. The list goes on and on of the good things the Chapter does. Idon't want it to end, and neither should you. I will report next month on the convention and what wasdiscussed. Thanks for our friendships here at home.

Steve BagoPresident

VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident Steve Bago 586-524-38061st VP Gary Purcell 586-243-62932nd VP Dave Schoenherr 586-940-2568Secretary Mike Schneider 586-567-0731Treasurer Mike Jacobi 586-504-0781

Board of Directors Exp. 2018Greg Bowman 586-850-1800Gil Claunch 586-854-7842Leo Lalonde 586-838-9851Ron Squires 586-747-8881Jim Watts 586-524-9705Board of Directors Exp. 2019Glenn Cash 586-709-7502Chuck Charbeneau 586-431-7133Donn Sinclair 586-243-0222Joe Spencer 586-277-8992"Bobby" Steward 586-321-9847

Past President Brian Bobek

Boo Coo News Publisher - The Board of DirectorsBoo Coo News Editor - Brian Bobek

Typesetter - Linda MayThank you to our sponsors!

Trustees Tim Ignash (2018)Tom Puruleski (2019)John Hages (2020)

VVA State Delegates Brian Bobek Alt. Delegates Steve Bago, Chris Franklin, Mike

SchneiderVVA National Liaison Steve BagoWebmaster Mike Sauger

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEESAgent Orange Phil MichaudHonor Guard Glenn CashFood Pantry Gil ClaunchFreedom Hill & Eastpointe Memorials Dave PorterHospitalized Vets Tom DuffLottery Jim AuitoMembership Larry MayMerchandise Tim IgnashMichigan Traveling Memorial Dave SchoenherrNominating Mike Bilyk, Tom Puruleski, Gary SoxOperation Christmas TBAPOW/MIA Tom DuffScholarship Dave RoccoSpeakers Bureau Ed Zysk

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2017 Page 2

State of the VVA Organization# Submitted by Brian Bobek

At last month's general chapter meeting I gave a report onthe age demographic of the VVA. This was informationprovided by our national office and I thought those of you

that didn't hear it might find it interesting. This information isbased on the roughly 80,000 current members of VVA.

Age Bracket:Youngest (age 59) 239 0.2%60-64 4,960 6.2%65-69 35, 108 43.9%70-74 26,522 33.2%75-79 5,754 7.2%80-84 1,785 2.2%85-90 608 0.8%90+ 153 0.2%

There were 5,206 (6.5%) members that were not identified byage group. This means that 77% of our members are between65 and 74. Where did all those young guys go that we servedwith?

AVVA Member Spotlight# Submitted by Marge Schoenherr

Debbie Stefani was born in Detroit. She is married tochapter member Arnie Stefani. They have one daughter,and one grandson, Colton.

Most of you know Debbie because she has chaired thechapter golf outing in both 2016 and 2017. Debbie also helpsout at Operation Christmas. She joined the associates becauseher husband is a Marine who served in Vietnam, and shewanted to give her time to help those who served for ourfreedom.

Aside from helping us out, Debbie volunteers at the St. Louischurch MCREST and the Michigan Humane Society.

Debbie's hobbies are gambling, traveling, baking, andcollecting figurines of nuns.

Debbie's 7th great-grandfather was King John Sobieski ofPoland. In his honor she makes paczki (a tart cherry filled donuteaten on "fat Tuesday", the day before Ash Wednesday). Herrecipe is a secret one handed down by King Sobieski's cook thrugenerations. Her grandmother gave Debbie the recipe.

Thanks go out to Debbie for being one of the stalwarts for theassociates, always willing to step up and help out.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2017No. 17-29Mokie Porter 301-585-4000, ext. [email protected]

VVA Praises Senator McCain; Wishes Him Well in His Battle Against Brain Cancer

(Washington, DC) – “John McCain is a fighter who endured brutal treatment as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and we know he’ll bea fighter now in his battle against brain cancer,” said John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. “On behalf of the members of VVA, and our families, we offer our prayers and sincere wishes to Senator McCain for as complete arecovery as medical science deems possible,” Rowan said. “His fighting spirit will serve him well now, as it did forty-five years agoin the Hanoi Hilton and other hell holes. “We are saddened to learn that yet another Vietnam veteran has been diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. Vietnam veteransare all too familiar with glioblastoma, which seems to visit our brothers and sisters at a far greater rate than our non-veteranpeers. For years, we have suspected that our exposures during our military service have caused this cancer cluster. Unfortunately,brain cancer is not on the presumptive list for exposure to Agent Orange, despite the efforts of our fellow veterans and theirfamily members. “The Senator’s integrity and determination to do the right thing for America, as well as for his constituents, has been the hallmarkof his more than thirty years as a legislator,” Rowan said. “And we hope that he’ll be able to return to his office and continue his service to America.”


ASSOCIATES of VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICAAVVA.ORG

Meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Vet Center

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

AVVA Chapter 154 Minutes JULY 19, 2017

Meeting called to order: 7p.m. Pledge and moment of silencefor those in harm’s way and for our members facing illness andhardship. Membership associates: 96 yearly and 50 life REPORTSFood pantry: 86 families (serving 246 people) Honor guard: 6 funerals and 2 events Traveling memorial: July 24 Oakmont Senior Living in SterlingHeights; Aug. 5 Good Times in Goodrich; Aug. 19-20 SelfridgeAir Show; Sept. 15-16 Overnight Vigil; Sept 18 – 29 AmericanLegion in Sanford Hospital committee: visited 247 patients on July 12 givingaway 450 lbs. of bananas, next visit will be on Aug. 9 leavingthe center at 8 a.m.POW/MIA: WWII: 5 more found, leaving 73,000 still missingKorea: 5 more found, leaving over 7,800 still missing Vietnam: 0found, leaving 1,649 still missing global war on terrorism 126MIAOperation Christmas: start meeting in September at 6 beforethe associates meeting Bowling Fundraiser: Joanne Beste. Date is Sept. 24 at LakeShore Lanes on 31205 Jefferson in St Clair Shores. More info atthe September meeting Quarter mania: Cathy Vaughan. Date is Oct. 14 at SterlingLanes on Schoenherr at 14 Mile Road from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m.MISD is holding this event on Aug. 19 if you wish to check itout. Tickets will be $10 in advance and bring quarters for theraffle/bingo Clothing: black dress shirts for funeral and other functionsavailable for $31; come in either long sleeve or short sleeve.They are 65% polyester/35% cotton. Will have the AVVA logoand name on the front only. (can take up to 6 weeks afterordering) Tim will iron a VVA emblem on shirt you wish toprovide him for a minimal fee Golf outing: Deb Stefani and Mike Collins 35 teams which isthe max allowed. 37 baskets for silent auction, ranging from$50 to $125, four Tigers tickets along with free parking andmeal at Tigers den will be deck of cards auction. Liquorwheelbarrow and cooler full of wine will be separate auctions.Lot of nice gifts for the Chinese auction. General meeting: no meeting in August. Associates will begoing to Bath City Bistro on 75 Macomb Place in MountClemens for an evening of feather bowling from 6 to 8. Pizza,salad and pop will be provided by associates. Any other type ofbeverage will be your responsibility. Please let Marge know ifyou will be attending. Either call at 586-942-3165 or email:[email protected] Points of interest: kitchen will now be referred as the "breakroom.” Marge brought up to members to purchase a new

Bunn coffee maker for $288. Karen Mackanita Puruleski (2nd)to make the purchase. Gibraltar Trade Center is closing and a new place for the carshow is being sought. Sept. 15-16 overnight vigil the associates will be providingTim Horton’s breakfast sandwiches again with Karen Mackagreeing to pick up and bring them. Jim Watts is working with McLaren Hospital to establish aveteran's outreach program. A mobile unit will come to the vetcenter twice a month to examine veterans without insurance.Patients will be sent to the hospital if extensive testing isnecessary. All free of charge. Also, a possible dental clinicthrough Baker College. Just to reiterate: the chapter is run by national bylaws. Allconcerns or requests should come to either, Marge (president);Erin (vice president) or Kathy (secretary); not the front office.Steve, Gary or Dave in private if your issue won't wait. Bob Bonar, Sheila's fiancé will be giving the associates amonetary donation to honor her memory for a plaque withname plates to honor our members who are no longer with usand the balance going to either a shrub, tree or flower. Gold Star Mothers will be holding a banquet on Oct. 1. Aunanimous show of hands agreed to donate $150 toward theirefforts. Open forum: Carlene Cremin informed us of a craft day onOct. 7 from 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. sponsored by Kathy Cook at theMount Clemens library. Do whatever craft you are involved in.Bring a dish to pass and a Christmas gift for either boy or girl tosupport VVA Chapter 154 Operation Christmas. Carlene also informed us that Chris and Sue Franklin of theIndian vet center will be going to the Ann Arbor VA hospital inDecember and wanted to make a donation. After a discussion,it was decided that each associate purchase items on their ownsuch as: word search puzzle books, socks, knit hats and men'swinter gloves. Pat Drdul/Karen Mack (2nd) Karen Mack thoughtit would be nice to have a coat drive also for Chris and Sue.Karen offered her home to store the items until they can bedisbursed. It was suggested that other winter items be includedsuch as sweaters, fleece apparel, sweat shirts, etc. it was alsobrought to our attention at Chris and sue will be holding a"raise the roof" fund raiser on July 30 from 10 a.m. til 4 p.m. attheir location on Lawrence in Center Line. A unanimous showof hands agreed to donate $500 toward their effort. At the September meeting desserts will be provided by:Joanne Beste, Rose Zelenak and Pat Drdul. A signup sheet willbe passed around at this time for future meetings. Motion toadjourn at 8:10 by Phyllis Claunch and Pam Charbeneau


Glenn Cash CommanderJohn Mohan Vice CommanderGary Stephens TreasurerTed Szymanski Armorer/Property OfficerRon Drdul ChaplainGeorge Ortwein Assistant Chaplain

HONOR GUARD # Glenn Cash, Commander

Report Submitted by Glenn Cash:

Since last report the honor guard has done 6 funerals: 3 Army, 1 Navy, 1 Air Force and 1Marine. They are as follows:

James Agattas Army WWIIJames Shelton, Jr. Army WWIIHarry Barner Army KoreaMandy Harlan Navy Post VietnamManny Litvin Air Force WWIIDonald Vandenbrouck Marines Vietnam

We also did 2 other details and they are as follows: We had the Young Marines assist us with bringing in the colors, did a 21-gun salute and sounded Taps for the Patrick WisniewskiMemorial "Ride for Freedom" at Wolverine Harley-Davidson We marched in the New Baltimore Fish Fly Parade, carried the colors accompanied by rifles, two vehicles and our POW cage

Chapter 154 Honor Guard# Submitted by Leo Lalonde

The chapter's honor guard, officially known as the "PointTeam" was formed in 1987. They provide a variety ofservices for our veteran community as well as the

community at large. Unfortunately, a huge portion of their timeis taken up in providing funeral services for veterans. GlennCash, the chapter honor guard commander, says they are ontheir normal pace to perform over 100 funerals this year. Lastyear the number was 135, down considerably from earlieryears when the members were younger and more able to keepup a more aggressive pace. "We perform funeral services for veterans at churches,funeral homes and local cemeteries" said Cash. "We will haveour chaplain do a reading, typically followed by a rifle volleyand the sounding of Taps. If the military branch of the veteran'sservice doesn't provide representatives we will also fold andpresent an American flag to the family.” Again, because of advancing years, the honor guard has paredits participation in parades down to three events: the NewBaltimore Fish Fly Parade, the Romeo Peach Festival Paradeand the Mount Clemens Santa Parade at Thanksgiving. The honor guard also participates in many community andcivic events. "We recently did an event for the WalmartAcademy in Clinton Township. We did the annual ceremony atGlen Peters School for special needs children in MacombTownship. We also present colors at the Safari ClubInternational fundraiser dinner in Detroit. And the list goes on,"says Cash. "We work closely with Resurrection Cemetery throughout theyear at their various veteran's events as well as conducting ourannual 24-hour POW/MIA Vigil there in September. Wesupport Cadillac East Cemetery during the Wreaths AcrossAmerica event. Our "dance card" remains pretty full

throughout the year as a means of showing our support oforganizations that do a lot to support us.” Participation in the honor guard has rewards that aresometimes hard to define and explain. For that reason, I felt itwould be fitting to get personal opinions from honor guardmembers as to what their motivations are for being part of thisgroup: Glenn Cash, USMC: "I joined the chapter in 2012 and thehonor guard shortly thereafter. I joined because it seemed likea worthy thing to do. I figured I would try it out. Then I gotaddicted and I'm glad I did. Performing at military funerals isvery fulfilling. I feel like I have done something special. You cansee that the families are grateful we are there at their time ofloss. It gives them closure.” Ron Mexicott, US Navy: "I joined the chapter to be part of thehonor guard. I have started two honor guards in otherorganizations and wanted to continue serving this chapter aswell. I like to watch the expressions on people's faces when weconclude a service. It's humbling to see the look in their eyesand know that you've touched someone.” Jim Watts, US Army: "I joined the honor guard to give back tothe community and to veterans. I felt many veterans wereshort-changed by what was due to them. I felt that I could help.Pride and a sense of caring is what I get out of being an honorguard member. During the time I was commander I receivedmany letters of appreciation from families. That made me feelgood to know we made a difference.” Mike Schneider, US Army: "I joined to make sure veteransreceive military honors. I wanted to represent the chapter in adignified manner at various functions, and I always take away asense of pride in what we do.”

Continued on page 8


HOSPITAL REPORTS# Submitted by Tom Duff

Join the hospital committee!

On July 12, John Hages, Carlene Cremin, Linda Baisden, DonCremin, Judy Haag, Joe Spencer, Bobby Steward, Kathy Vaughan,Judy Haag, Harry Wisniewski, Gary Purcell and I went to the VAHospital. We went to wards A-4north and A-3 north, thesubstance abuse ward and thedialysis ward. We also visitedpatients in the dental anddermatology departments,prosthetic and sensory aidsdepartment, rehab, audiology and speech departments, respiratorycare, cardiology, mental health, Firm D and Firm A, pharmacy,chemo, appointment check-in and floor travel. We visited with 247vets. We passed out flag stars, personal items bags, magazines,crossword puzzle books, blankets, lap robes, 450 pounds ofbananas, pretzels, Hostess products, candy and suckers, cookies,crackers & cheese and granola bars. We had a great time and mostof all we let at least 247 vets know that we care and they are notforgotten. The next visit will be August 9, 2017 leaving the Vet Center at 8a.m.

VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER18025 15 MILE ROAD • CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403

Free Services 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday 586-776-9810

* * * HELP WANTED: Volunteers to staff the Vet Center and work on the food pantry * * *

SERVICE OFFICERS from the Macomb County Veterans AffairsOffice file claims and answer questions.

• Mary Barrette, Tuesdays walk-in service• Rachel Simons, Wednesdays walk-in service

• Lisa Marie Edwards, Thursdays appointments only

Call ahead as sometimes a service officer's schedule changes on short notice.

Please take advantage of this expanded coverage with any questions you may have

regarding the Veterans Administration.

SICK CALL & CONDOLENCES# Contact Ron Drdul [email protected] or 586-899-7112 If you know of an illness or death of a chapter member or their family,please notify Ron Drdul so that we may get the information out via email and in the newsletter in a timely manner. All the kindthoughts and prayers offered up by our members are truly appreciated and help people through tough times. Keep them coming.

SICK CALL

• Pat Drdul, wife of chapter member Ron Drdul, ishome recovering from some recent surgery. Itwill be a gradual process and Ron has expressedtheir thanks for the kind thoughts and prayersduring this difficult time.

• Dave Rocco had eye surgery and is recovering.

TAPS

William Sears, the son-in-law of Allen and NancyRogalski, was involved in a fatal accident over the Fourthof July weekend. Honor services were conducted by theWolverine Harley HOG and Great Lakes HOG chapters.Chapter 154 members attended in support.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++June 2017 Emergent Mental Health Care for Former ServiceMembers with other-than-honorable administrativedischarges and urgent mental health needs Effective July 5, all Veterans Health Administration medicalcenters are prepared to offer emergency stabilization care forformer service members who present at the facility with anemergent mental health need. What this means is that formerservice members with an OTH administrative discharge mayreceive care for their mental health emergency for an initialperiod of up to 90 days, which can include inpatient, residentialor outpatient care. During this time, VHA and the Veterans BenefitsAdministration will work together to determine if the mentalhealth condition is a result of a service-related injury, makingthe service member eligible for ongoing coverage for that condition. A former service member may decide when he/she is in distress andrequires emergency mental health care. A VA provider will assess the patient to determine whether it is a true mental health emergency andrequires immediate attention. Former service members may enter the system to use this benefit by visiting a VA emergency room or Vet Centeror by calling the Veteran Crisis Line. ormer service members may be treated using VA's tentative eligibility authority, but will still need to havetheir claim reviewed by the Veterans Benefits Administration. If it is determined that the former service member is ineligible, a bill may bereceived for services.


mailto:[email protected]

Minutes of General Membership Meeting 7/12/17 ~ Submitted by Mike Schneider

Meeting called to order by President Steve Bago at 1900 hours. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silenceobserved. Motion by Ron S, seconded by Bob S to suspend regular business to present scholarship awards to JessicaAbbate and Peter Young. Motion to return to regular business by Bob S, seconded by Ron S. Introduction of new member

Debbie Opalewski, Signal Corps, 73-79, welcome home Debbie and welcome to the chapter. Introduction of officers. Motion byLeo M, seconded by Gary P to accept minutes as published in the Boo Coo News. Reading of motions passed at the board meeting,approved by members. Mike Jacobi report that chapter funds are up due to the income from the car show and various otherdonations to the chapter, keep up the good work boys and girls. Motion by Ron S, seconded by Terry D to accept treasurer'sreport.

COMMITTEES

Hospital, POW/MIA, color guard tofollow. No reports on scholarship,Agent Orange, speakers bureau,merchandise or state council.

Food PantryThere were 86 families and a totalof 246 people who were served.

Monthly RaffleMoney going out and Jim thankedthe sellers and his help for theirhard work.

AssociatesGolf outing July 22, report tofollow. R & R day at Karen Mack's.Bowling fundraiser in Septemberand quarter mania in October.

Car ShowGibraltar Trade Center will closeAugust 27, we will try to hostanother car show next year,possibly an outdoor venue. OnSeptember 2 a car show will beheld at the Dixieland Flea Market inWaterford with canned goods andproceeds to the food pantry. Pleasetry to attend.

MembershipLarry reported that as of May 31we have 760 members, 637 life.The Associates have 96 members,50 life.

Golf OutingWe have 30 teams registered andmany prizes and hole sponsors.Debbie and Mike thanked all fortheir hard work and a report willfollow.

OLD BUSINESS

McLaren Hospital will have a van at the vet center to help veterans who have health issuesand are without insurance. Baker College will provide some dental assistance in conjunctionwith Detroit Mercy Dental School. More to follow.

NEW BUSINESSLeo Miller stated that, at the 100th anniversary of Selfridge ANGB, there will be a reunionof Security Police who served there.

Bill Theut stated that his brother, who is a member, has serious lung and heart problemsand surgery is iffy. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Joe Abbate stated that while on the campus at U of M he was surprised to see a show ofpatriotism from some young people and was quite impressed that some of them still get it.

Harry W told about a ride from Selfridge to benefit Wreaths across America on July 29. Wehave new red T-shirts at the vet center. They are for "RED Friday" which is a reminder toRemember Everyone Deployed in our military.

Gary P said that the Hall Road crew needs to get in shape for the POW/MIA RecognitionDay on September 15.

On Thursday at the vet center the vet rep works by appointment, please do not take it uponyourself to break in on someone's time with questions. Ask at the front desk to speak withher.

We have 3 electric wheel chairs at the vet center and you should ask Gary Purcell if youneed one.

Gary apologized to Ron Squires for the way the board and executive board handled theremodeling of the break area, we felt that his plans were kind of thrown by the waysideand a total remodel is in effect.

The American Veteran Traveling Tribute, the 80% wall was in Yale from 7/27 to 7/31.

Kaul Funeral Home will sponsor a seminar concerning veteran's death benefits. The VVAnational convention will be from August 8 thru 13 and 3 executive officers will attend. Theboard has voted to cancel the August general membership meeting.

We may start the Operation Christmas dance earlier in the evening this year, more tofollow.

50/50 ticket #056964 winner John Bommarito. Motion to adjourn by Harry W, Seconded byGlenn C


POW/MIA ReportsSubmitted by Tom DuffWelcome Home!1,611 Missing49 from Michigan

REMEMBER THE POW/MIAfrom MICHIGAN for AUGUST

Richard Allard, ChesaningMIA 8-24-1967

South Vietnam, Army

“I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured ---even prepared to be killed. I was not prepared to be abandoned

by my country.” – Former POW U.S. Navy Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel

•A man is not dead until he is forgotten. We will never forget.

Welcome Home!•

“When one member of the armed forces is not worth the effortto be found, then we have lost our honor.” ~~ VVNW

* * *Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag. Display aPOW/MIA decal. If you need a POW/MIA decal for your car,

truck or bike, or certificate of appreciation for flying a flag, seeTom Duff. If a company or homeowner is flying a POW/MIA flag,

let Tom Duff know so we can give them a certificate.

WWII1st Lt. George Betchley, Army/Air Force, missing 3-22-1945 inPoland. Accounted for 6-9-2017.PFC George Murray, Marine Corps, missing 11-20-1943 inTarawa. Accounted for 6-9-2017.Pvt. Archie Newell, Marine Corps, missing 11-20-1943.Accounted for 6-12-2017.Staff Sgt. Gerald Jacobsen, Army, missing 7-15-1944 in France.Accounted for 6-9-2017.PFC Gerald Wipfli, Army, missing 11-4-1944 in Germany.Accounted for 6-23-2017.

There are more than 73,000 missing from WWII

KoreaCpl. Edward Borders, Army, missing 2-13-1951 in North Korea.Accounted for 6-5-2017.PFC Albert Atkins, Army, missing 5-23-1951 in South Korea.Accounted for 6-13-2017.PFC Charlie Hill, Army, missing 12-2-1950. Accounted for 6-21-2017.Cpl. Thomas Mullins, Army, missing 11-2-1950 in North Korea.Accounted for 6-21-2017.Master Sgt. George Housekeeper, Army, missing 12-12-1950.Accounted for 6-21-2017.

There are more than 7,000 missing from Korea

VietnamNo new recoveries.

There are still 1,611 missing, 49 from Michigan

Cold WarThere are 126 missing

GWOTThere are 6 missing from Iraq and Afghanistan

Chapter 154 Honor Guard, The Point Team, continued from

page 5

Rick Yaeger, US Army: "As the guard's newest member I feltmembership in the guard would allow me to contribute morethan just being a member of the chapter. We make a differencein people's lives.”

Chuck Charbeneau, US Army: "I joined to honor veterans whohave passed. It's a small means of giving back to people for theirloss of a loved one. I get gratification from knowing I havecontributed to honoring their family member.”

Bruce Storace, US Air Force: "I joined to honor veterans like mydad. I lost a lot of buddies in Vietnam. I get a sense of pride inbeing a member. The families know we haven't forgotten themin their moment of grief. We are giving them the honor theydeserve.”

As you can see, the reasons for being part of the honor guarddiffer greatly among its members. But one thing that continuesto attract and motivate the members is the knowledge that allof them get more out of their participation than what they arerequired to put in.


Renovations at the Vet Center

If you've been bythe vet centerrecently you may

have noticed thatsome dust has beenflying again,although somethings may not beobvious to thecasual observer. Wehad the windowsreplaced along theentire front of thebuilding, plus acracked one alongthe side. The oldwindow seals weredeteriorated,resulting in the glassbeing fogged upbetween the dualpanes of glass.

Additionally the weather stripping surrounding the windows wasmissing or fractured, resulting in water being able to get pastthe glass into the wooden structure of the building. Since thatcould lead to black mold, a decision was made last year toreplace the windows. The chapter had approved a motion tospend up to $10,000 for repairs, but 1st Vice President GaryPurcell did a commendable job of soliciting bids from severalcompanies and got the final price down to the $3,000 pricerange. We held off on the replacements until the nicer weatherthis spring and the job is now done. The new windows make abig difference in the appearance of the vet center and theunsightly condensation marks are gone. A major improvementin our facility.

The second improvement is in the kitchen area where a majorrenovation is underway. Currently the entire kitchen area isgutted, awaiting all-new cabinetry, granite countertop, new sink,new ceramic tile floor and new ceiling tile. As the materials andlabor for the major items were donated by outside "friends ofthe chapter", the cost to the chapter amounted to very little,only some of the more incidental items. There was some "sweatequity" required of several of our members who always pitch inand go the extra mile. The countertop people provided acontinuous granite backsplash around the entire counter areawith water-jet engraved emblems of the five service branchesetched into them, truly a first-class touch.

When the kitchen is back in showable condition, we'll publishsome pictures of the "before and after" kitchen. But you'll haveto personally stop in and see if for yourself to truly appreciate it.Rumor is, since it will be the most attractive room in thebuilding, President Bago may relocate his office in there.

Ride for Freedom and New Baltimore Parade

Again this year our color guard presented colors, fired a riflevolley and sounded Taps for the beginning of the 2017Patrick Wisniewski Ride for Freedom out of Wolverine

Harley Davidson. This was a fundraiser benefitting both theRecreational Services group at the Detroit VA Hospital and theVets Returning Home transitional housing group in Roseville.They had a record turn out of motorcycles and a wonderful dayfor the ride.

Following theceremonies atWolverine, the colorguard hustled out toNew Baltimore forthe annual Fish FlyParade. We arrivedat the AmericanLegion post shortlybefore the bikesfrom Wolverinecame through, sowe were able to seeall the bikespass-in-review.Members thenjumped on the"deuce" and weretrucked over to thestaging area. Theparade stepped offpromptly at 1 p.m.,with our colorguard being thethird group tomarch. We use theterm "march"pretty loosely as itseems like every

year we have less "marchers" and more "riders". Again, it was agreat day for a stroll down through the heart of New Baltimoreto an enthusiastic crowd.

The American Legion graciously fed everyone who showed up attheir facility following the parade. They do this every year andwe thank them for keeping us nourished and hydrated after the1.2 mile parade route. A few pictures are shown here from theevent.


Thunder at the River# Submitted by Tom Puruleski

The Michigan Vietnam Veteran'sTraveling Memorial spent theweekend of June 16 -17 in

Manistee, Michigan to participate in"Thunder at the River.” The "Salute toVeterans" event is hosted by RollingThunder of Michigan Chapter 1 andLittle River Casino and Resort.

We mustered at VFW Post 4499 andreceived a motorcycle escort to thecasino parking lot. Residents gatheredalong the route waving as we passedby. We were shorthanded thisweekend, so Associates MargeSchoenherr and Anita Puruleski camealong to help. Chapter Member MartyGriffin met us in Manistee and providedadditional support.

We were busy even before wecompletely set up on Friday. Our bikerescort consisted mostly of veterans whowanted to pay their respects andbrowse the displays and merchandise.Many quality vendors were set up in

the casino parking lot includingmerchandise, raffles, a veteranassistance booth, along with a food andbeverage tent. There was also a freephoto booth, silent auction and a DJplaying some tunes. A brief spot thathad run on their local TV on Fridaynight about the event, and ourmemorial, must have sparked interest.

A steady stream of visitors filed past thememorial throughout the day Saturdayas veterans came in and wanted to telltheir story. We heard both sad andhappy tales by the men who served inVietnam and elsewhere as they viewedthe names on the wall and bio pages inthe books. We were kept busy assistingand running copies for relatives,friends, classmates and neighbors whowere thankful they could leave withsuch a memento, and many peoplecommitted to provide more photos forour books.

On Friday night, Anita hit big in thecasino and, following tradition set byMike Bilyk, treated the crew to dinneron Saturday.

Thank you to our hosts, John Stocki ofRolling Thunder of Michigan Chapter 1,and the Little River Casino. Theyprovided first-class accommodationsand entertainment at the casino, andheld the Michigan Vietnam VeteransTraveling Memorial in high esteemthroughout the event.

Attached are a few photos that we canshare. And, before you ask, no…….theone is not a repeat from an earlierevent. This one is brand new but bearsa resemblance to ones you've seenbefore. There appears to be a patternhere.


Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

AUGUST 2017

1Service OfficerIn Country VetsMeeting

2County ServiceOfficerBoard Meeting

3County ServiceOfficer

Al Anon

4 5TravelingMemoiralGoodrich, MI

6Gold StarMothers atWhite ChapelCemetery

7PointmanMinistries

8 County ServiceOfficer; In CountryVets Meeting;Honor GuardMeeting; VVA NatConv. New Orleans Aug. 8-13

9County ServiceOfficerHospital VisitChapter Meeting


Al Anon

11United MilitaryFamilies

12

13 14 15County ServiceOfficer

In Country VetsMeeting


NO AssociatesMeeting this month

17 18 Selfridge ANGB100th AnniversaryAir Show Aug. 18-20

19

20 21 22County ServiceOfficerIn Country VetsMeeting



Al Anon

25 26 VoyageurEncampmentexhibition at LSCMetropark

27 28 29 County ServiceOfficer In Country VetsMeeting



Al Anon

LOOKING AHEAD9/6-10 MarineWeek Detroit; 9/8-10 Memorial atSanford, MI; 9/15-16 the 24 hour vigilat ResurrectionCemetery

231J21213a06n08u18a3ry SMTWTFSurauhioetneudunddsrarddnsayddaaeyaayysydyay


Documents

Boo Coo News - vva154.comvva154.com/wp-content/uploads/Boo-Coo-News-August-2017.pdf · 2017-07-21 · recipe is a secret one handed down by King Sobieski's cook thru ... VVA Praises