Boo Coo News - vva154.com coo news august 2013.pdf · Boo Coo News Vietnam Veterans of ... AVVA Rep Patrick Bozzi Color Guard Jim Watts Food Bank Gil Claunch ... and Terry Blumberg’s

1,645Americans

Still Missing inSoutheast

Asia49 from

Michigan

Tigers GameTigers GameTigers GameTigers Game

Boo Coo NewsVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154

VVA154.com Mount Clemens, Michigan

AUGUST 2013

WELCOME HOME!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY

OF THE MONTH

AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4,

401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAY

SOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD

* * *

VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER

16945 12 MILE ROAD

ROSEVILLE MI 48066

(586) 776-9810 PHONE

(586) 776-9683 FAX

MONDAY - FRIDAY

10 A.M. - 4 P.M.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

STOP BY. HANG OUT &HELP OUT.

* * *

BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE:

PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING

TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:

MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE

VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER

Ride For Freedom RecapRide For Freedom RecapRide For Freedom RecapRide For Freedom Recap

The annual Ride for Freedom was another huge success this year. The

riders were blessed with a bluebird day, and the event went off

without a hitch. The Chapter 154 color guard kicked off the opening

ceremonies with a 21-gun volley and the sounding of Taps. Leaving

Wolverine Harley-Davidson, and after a ride through northern Macomb and

St. Clair counties, the ride ended back at Freedom Hill Park where the riders

enjoyed lunch and music. This is always one of our premiere fundraising

events, and this year was no exception. There were a total of 476 bikes that

participated. Wolverine Harley continues to be a dedicated supporter of our

chapter and our activities, and we thank them for keeping our chapter

uppermost in their charitable program.

VA Hospital RideVA Hospital RideVA Hospital RideVA Hospital Ride

From Pat Daniels: Thanks to everybody who participated in the ride or cameto help. We had 97 motorcycles and we raised $3,611 for recreationalservices at the VA. The weather was fantastic and all of you who helped arefantastic also. Great job everybody, thanks again.

Chapter Car ShowChapter Car ShowChapter Car ShowChapter Car Show#### Submitted by Donn Sinclair ~ Car Show Chairman

The chapter car show is a month away, Saturday,

Aug. 24 at Gibraltar Mount Clemens. We can still

use donations for the raffle table and more

importantly, trophy and award sponsors. I need to turn

in the award forms by the first week in August so the

engraver has time to fit the names of sponsors on the

awards. We can always use more sponsors, but time is of

the essence. As we get closer to show day, Mother

Nature holds the cards. If anyone has an in with her,

sunny and mid 70s would be ideal. No carnival this year,

so we'll be in the lot, not all tucked under the overhang.

On a separate but related note, chapter members are

always curious to know “how'd we do?” They'll ask soon

after and in some cases, on show day, how much we

made. I can understand your concern, but until I can get

with Mike Jacobi, add up what came in, subtract what

went out and reach a firm final number, I won't

speculate. So please, have patience.

President’s Message

August is upon us, meaning a lot of the “fun stuff” we get involved in is behind us. The Ride for Freedom, the VA Hospital

Ride, the car show and the golf outing allowed members to fraternize outside our mainstream activities, and all have

certainly helped strengthen our finances. As we come down off the social events, the “dog days” of summer and fall bring

us back to focusing on the business and future of Chapter 154.

The VVA Region 5 conference was held recently in Dearborn. Members of Region 5 include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and

Illinois. This conference was a prelim to the upcoming national convention in mid-August. This was an opportunity for region

delegates to meet the candidates for the VVA national offices, the people who will, at the national level, continue to represent

the entirety of the VVA. A lot of time was spent on talking about finances and fundraising at the state level. It is clear that our

VVA State Council cannot raise funds on their own, rather they must continue to depend on the VVA chapters throughout the

state to support their efforts. I was amazed to listen to chapters from other states that do not seem to realize how to raise

funds. We are truly looked at as a chapter that has our act together, but there’s a simple formula for our success – hard work,

elbow grease and willing workers.

In mid-August, four members of our officer team, Steve Bago, Mike Schneider, “Mouse” Gardner and myself will be headed for

the national convention in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the five days we are there, we will be tasked with supporting

amendments to the national constitution, and acting upon various resolutions that have been promoted by chapters across the

nation. Foremost on our personal agenda will be to try, once again, to make some forward progress in regard to our resolution

for public service announcements, aimed at making sure all veterans are made aware of their rights to benefits from the VA. As

it stands right now, our proposed resolution has been rejected and is not slated to be heard on the floor of the convention. We

will have the opportunity to present our case before the Public Affairs Committee and, if we gain their support, have our

resolution brought to the floor. I do not know how anyone can think that there is an adequate system in place to inform

veterans of their benefits, but changing the mindset that currently exists is a difficult task. It has been stated in prior

conventions that the VA is waiting for veterans to die off so the problem will go away. Our resolution is an attempt to make

sure that does not happen.

The state initiative for property tax relief is still being debated in our legislature, and without the voices and pressure from

the veterans of this state, the politicos will certainly retire it. I can’t imagine anyone that is rated at 100% disabled or

unemployable couldn’t use another two or three thousand dollars in their personal bank account. It won’t happen unless you

make your representatives aware of your feelings and interest. Other states have it in place – why not Michigan?

The Chapter 154 board continues to look for ways to reduce costs throughout the organization. The battle for our 501(c)(3)

status for our food bank continues, and I certainly hope that we will realize another success when all is said and done.

As I always emphasize, the more horses pulling the wagon makes less work for all the horses, and we always manage to keep

our wagon overflowing. C’mon and help pull the load.

Brian Bobek

20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 1967-68

VVA CHAPTER 154 OFFICERSPresident Brian Bobek 586-524-38061st VP Gary Purcell 586-243-62932nd VP Steve Bago 586-419-2212Secretary Mike Schneider 586-567-0731Treasurer Mike Jacobi 586-504-0781BOARD OF DIRECTORSGreg Bowman (2014) 586-850-1800Chuck Charbeneau (2014) 586-431-7133Gil Claunch (2014) 586-854-7842Ron Drdul (2014) 586-899-7112Dave Schoenherr (2014) 586-940-2568Mike Gardner (2015) 586-615-1509Larry May (2015) 586-790-0008Chris Scalise (2015) 810-278-1907Donn Sinclair (2015) 586-243-0222Gary Stephens (2015) 586-747-8149

Boo Coo News PublisherThe Board of Directors

Boo Coo News Editor ~ Brian BobekTypesetting ~ Linda May

Thank you! to all of our advertisers, and to the dedicatedvolunteers who provide copy and photos, those who act asprinter, proofreaders, mailing crew, facilitators & advisers

for Boo Coo News.VVA State Council Newsletterwww.everythingveteran.com

TRUSTEESMike Gardner (2016), Fred Warner (2015), Mitch Malek (2014)

2011-2012 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRSCommunity Service Mike GardnerConstitution/By-Laws Donn SinclairETABO Chris ScaliseFinance Mike JacobiGovernment Affairs Ron DrdulMembership Larry MayMinority Affairs Steve BagoNominating Committee Gary Sox, Bill Mault, Marv DomaradzkiPublic Affairs Brian BobekVeteran’s Affairs Gary StephensVeteran’s Benefits Brian BobekWomen Veterans Chuck CharbeneauPOW/MIA Tom DuffAgent Orange/Dioxin George SawyerIncarcerated Veterans Dave SchoenherrVeteran’s Health Care Gil ClaunchState Delegates Mike Gardner, Brian Bobek,

Mike Schneider

SPECIAL & AD HOC COMMITTEESAVVA Rep Patrick BozziColor Guard Jim WattsFood Bank Gil ClaunchHospitalized Vets Tom DuffLottery Ron BawksMerchandise Tim IgnashMichigan Memorial Dave SchoenherrScholarship Woody HorneSpeaker’s Bureau Mike BrinkWebmaster Larry SaugerWelcome Home Mitch ArgyrisOperation Christmas TBD chairman; TBD dance; TBD food; TBD toys

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2013 - Page 2

Color guard officers: Jim Watts Commander Steve Bago Vice Commander Gary Stephens Treasurer and Armorer Ted Szymanski Armorer & Property Officer Ron Drdul Chaplain Jerry Fleetwood Assistant Chaplain

#### COLOR GUARD - The Point Team - Jim Watts, Commander

Since our last report, the following 10 funeral details were rendered:

Army, 1-Navy, 1-USAAC, 1-USCG, 1-USAF, 5-WWII, 1-Post WWII, 2-Korea, 2-Vietnam

Bruno Blake Army WWII

Ronald Koch Army Korea

Walter Anthony Army Air Corps WWII

Floyd Biggs Army WWII

Melvin Tolomen USAF Korea

Joe Long Army WWII

Joe Peters Sr. Army Post WWII Era

Stanley Formanizk Army WWII

Michael Hottle Navy Vietnam

David Chief Lehrman USCG Vietnam

Dave was a chapter member. His funeral was held on July 10, 2013 and he was laid to rest on July 11, 2013 at Holly National

Cemetery

Special Note: Mike Jacobi’s loving wife, Pat, also passed away after a long illness. The condolences of the Honor Guard as well

as all Chapter 154 members go out to him and his family

6 Various Details:6 Various Details:6 Various Details:6 Various Details:

Flag burning detail at K of C 3797 Flag detail, rifle salute and Taps -

Ride for Freedom Flag detail - Harley Fest Flag detail, rifle salute and

Taps - Eyes on Design Flag detail - Senior Services Fish-fly Parade –

New Baltimore Flag detail at St. Hubert's

Honor Guard has recently gotten three new volunteers, affectionately

known as FNGs. They are as follows; Chris Dembeck, Dave Volsin, Jim

Navaroli.

By Linda May for The Macomb Daily

Trevor Blumberg was a pay-it-forward kind of

guy. He hugged his mother and father, Jan

and Terry, goodbye before he left for Fallujah,

Iraq. His father said he told them in a prophetic

way that, “This is going to be nasty, and some of us

aren’t coming back.”

U.S. Army Sgt. Trevor Blumberg, of the Army’s

82nd Airborne Division, died there on Sept. 14,

2003. His buddies called him “Blum.”

“They had been briefed on what was happening,”

Terry Blumberg said. “They knew they were going

to Fallujah and knew it was a bad, bad spot with a

lot of hard fighting.”

As a Vietnam vet who served with the “1st Cav.”

at Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive in 1968,

Blumberg said that survivors “make it out of such

situations one step at a time.”

“Trevor had some guys in the unit he was worried

about and asked us to write letters to keep up their

morale,” he said. Trevor’s other concern was

Scrappy, a mostly pit bull terrier with a sweet

disposition. He came into the family through a

fellow soldier who had received deployment

orders.

“Scrappy is here, living like a rock star,” Blumberg

said.

Blum’s Landing, a nonprofit organization, is also

here for any service person who has served since

2001 to go for a little rest and relaxation. It’s Jan

and Terry Blumberg’s home that operates as a bed

and breakfast for our youngest military veterans. It

is located just north of Rogers City in the northern

lower peninsula.

Couples, or even a small family, can arrange to

stay with Trevor’s parents and Scrappy, free, for up

to a week – and may get help with transportation

costs, thanks to some friends.

The U.S. Marines Devil Dogs motorcycle group

orchestrated a series of fundraisers at a restaurant

chain. American Legion Post 32's Legion Riders

collect money for Blum’s Landing. Volunteer

builders came from the Blumbergs’ Canton-area

church, and employees from a Cheboygan

department store cleared brush around the place.

A relative organizes a Fourth of July boat parade

in the area where participants pay to sail, and the

B&B will receive proceeds from that. People donate

beach towels and goodie bags.

“People just give things to say thank-you in their

own humble way,” Jan Blumberg said.

“Trevor wasn’t an angel by any stretch of the

imagination,” Terry Blumberg said. “He loved to

push peoples’ buttons but he never meant any

harm. He was generous to a fault. If all he had was

ten bucks, he’d give it to you, then figure out how to

get by on his own. He was quiet, and didn’t care for

things fancy. He was down to earth, a very humble

kind of person. He didn’t make you think there was

anything special about him, but once people got to

know him, they knew he would do the right thing,

straight as an arrow.”

Trevor also served in Korea and Afghanistan.

“He loved the military, loved what he was doing.

He was going to re-up and make it a career; he had

his plan. He also loved hunting and fishing and

football,” Blumberg said.

He talked about bringing his fellow soldiers to

Michigan for fishing and camping trips.

And so he has.

Guests who are between deployments,

discharged, or retired can go fishing, canoeing,

kayaking and biking on Orchard Lake or Lake

Huron. In the winter there is cross-country skiing

at nearby Black Mountain. Golfing is nearby, and

it’s not too far to Mackinac Island.

Or, they can just sit and enjoy the tranquility of

the 12-acre compound wrapped in a quilt that is

rich in Civil War history.

Last summer, a delivery truck pulled up to the

B&B containing a memorial quilt from the

Kalamazoo Log Cabin Quilters. The surprise gift is a

reproduction of ones made during the Civil War for

Union soldiers. A few more quilts followed that

one.

“Families would give their soldiers quilts to keep

them warm, but they were also used as burial

drapes,” Jan Blumberg said. “Over 250,000 quilts

were made but there are only five known to be still

in existence.”

For more information, call 734-812-1500 or see

blumslanding.org


Thank You from Teri Lehrman

I�ve been trying to find the right words toexpress our appreciation. Dave had hismilitary funeral and the best of send-offs. Icouldn�t have done this alone. Even though itwas a sad day, my children and I felt a senseof peace and support.

Dave had earlier written this:$I lived a fulllife, no regrets. I wouldn�t change a thing.It�s been one hell of a ride, bro.%

Thank you to our extended family, Chapter154

VETERANS SUPPORT CENTERVETERANS SUPPORT CENTERVETERANS SUPPORT CENTERVETERANS SUPPORT CENTERFree Services

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday ! 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville ~ 586-776-9810

Macomb County Veterans Affairs Office SERVICE OFFICERS (file claims and answer questions)

Mary Barrette ~ Tuesdays ~ first-come, first-served basis

Carol Ann Turner ~ Thursdays ~ appointments only

HELP WANTED: Volunteers to staff the Vet Center and work on the food bank.

SICK CALLSICK CALLSICK CALLSICK CALL

Contact Ron DrdulContact Ron DrdulContact Ron DrdulContact Ron Drdul [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] or 586-899-7112or 586-899-7112or 586-899-7112or 586-899-7112

If you know of a death or illness of a chapter member or their family, please notify Ron Drdul

so that we may get the information in the Boo Coo News in a timely manner. All of the kind

thoughts and prayers offered up by our membership are truly appreciated by these folks, and

apparently are working to help them through their tough times. Keep ‘em coming.

Ken LaForest, past associate member and owner of LithoGraphics

Printing, suffered a massive heart attack and is now on the mend.

TAPSTAPSTAPSTAPS

• Pat Jacobi, wife of chapter member Mike Jacobi, passed away after a

long struggle. The chapter paid their respects at the funeral home, and it

was greatly appreciated by Mike and the members of his family.

• Donn Sinclair's mother-in-law recently passed away in Florida.

• Dave “Chief” Lehrman passed away July 6, at about 2:30 a.m. Both the

chapter and Wolverine Harley honor guards participated in a pass-in-

review at the funeral home on July 10. The following day, our color guard

did a full military service at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Hospital ReportHospital ReportHospital ReportHospital Report

Tom Duff, ChairmanTom Duff, ChairmanTom Duff, ChairmanTom Duff, Chairman

On July 10, Pablo Guzman, Clark

Cherry, Carol Gernand, Pete

Gernand, Joe Spencer, John Hages

and I went to the VA hospital. We went to

wards A-4 North, A-5 North, the

Substance Abuse ward and the Dialysis

ward. We visited with 46 vets. We

passed out personal items bags,

magazines, blankets lap robes, bananas,

pretzels, Little Debbie, Keebler and

Nabisco products. We presented a medal

to one Iraq vet and on Gulf War veteran.

We had a great time and, most of all, we

let at least 46 vets know that we care and

they are not forgotten.

The next hospital visit will be on

Wednesday, August 14, leaving the Vet

Center at 8 a.m.


Stars & Stripes article on petition to allow

names of plane crash casualties on the

Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

http://www.stripes.com/news/listing-on-viet

nam-wall-sought-for-troops-killed-in-1962-pla

ne-crash-1.231996?=&utm_source=Stars+and+

Stripes+Emails&utm_campaign=Daily+Headlin

es&utm_medium=email

ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA

http://www.avva.org

The Mission and Vision of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is to advance the work

of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. through cooperative projects and/or programs, to facilitate,

enhance and improve communication with our members and the general public and to continue

legislative efforts to ensure the rights of and benefits for all veterans and their families. Associates of

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., are dedicated to the aggressive advancement of realistic goals with

integrity and in the spirit of unity that reflects our commitment of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.,

all veterans, their families and communities.

JOIN THE ASSOCIATES!JOIN THE ASSOCIATES!JOIN THE ASSOCIATES!JOIN THE ASSOCIATES!

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. AT THE VET CENTER. Our next meeting is September 18.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Press Center:

Remembering His Name Remembering His Name Remembering His Name Remembering His Name ~ April 16, 2013 by Allyson Shaw

Just before visiting The Wall That Heals in Columbus, Ohio,

Bill Cousar stepped into the information tent and found

himself looking at a familiar face. The face of his high

school buddy who died in 1966.

78423-004-E599C5CE Lueco Allen Jr. and other U.S. soldiers

on a search-and-destroy patrol in Phuoc Tuy province, South

Vietnam, June 1966.

Pfc. Lueco Allen Jr. is on a search and destroy patrol in the

Phuoc Tuy province, South Vietnam. In the June heat, he has

unbuttoned the top of his uniform. His comrades look down

at their feet, trying to negotiate the difficult terrain with their

supplies on their backs. Allen’s attention is called up. He locks

his eyes on the camera for just a moment before walking

away.

Allen looks out from that place, from that moment, on

photocopies, newspapers, magazines and computer screens;

he looks out from a poster for the Ohio Vietnam Veterans

Commemoration. In 2013, the Ohio Department of Veterans

Services worked with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

to bring The Wall That Heals to Columbus.

The makers of the poster didn’t know that Allen was a

native of Columbus. They didn’t even know his name; the

photo’s caption just lists the men as U.S. soldiers.

“This picture seems to be everywhere as a representation of

the Vietnam War,” said Joseph Henry, Ohio Department of

Veterans Services staffer.

But Cousar knew the face immediately.

“It just stunned me,” Cousar said. “It was like he was jumping

out at me.”

The two had gone to high school together and even the

mothers and sisters of Cousar and Allen had been friends.

Allen went to Vietnam first, while Cousar trained at an

airbase in New Jersey. He remembers receiving a letter from

home and a newspaper clipping with Allen’s photo; he

thought Allen had received a medal and was happy for him.

“But then I started to read the story…I couldn’t accept it.”

Allen fell on Dec. 29, 1966.

It was the memory of Allen and a few other fallen friends

that brought Cousar to The Wall That Heals in late March of

2013.

“I felt it was something I should do,” Cousar said. “I owed it

to them to go.”

He was prepared to see the names on The Wall That Heals –

but not to see his old friend’s face.

“A veteran walked up to our poster and started crying,”

Henry said.

As soon as he saw the poster, Cousar knew who the lead

soldier was. At the end of the event, the Ohio Department of

Veterans Services gave him the poster as a keepsake. Cousar

hasn’t yet decided where he will put the poster in his home.

He says having the poster is a “welcome home” to Allen.

In Washington, D.C. the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund,

the owners of The Wall That Heals, is working on a project to

collect a photo for every name on the Vietnam Veterans

Memorial. The photos will be displayed in the Education

Center at The Wall to help future generations understand the

context of the names on The Wall. VVMF did not have a photo

for Allen until Cousar recognized his face.

“They’re not just names on a wall,” Cousar said. “It’s

somebody’s brother, somebody’s husband, somebody’s

father, somebody’s friend. These people belong to

somebody.”

It is appropriate that the story of these childhood friends

should begin and end in Columbus, Ohio. Separated by

distance, war, and death, Cousar has found his friend, forever

frozen in that moment in June 1966.

“I’m glad to have him back with me.”


Minutes of General Membership Meeting July 2013 ~ Submitted by Steve Bago

The meeting was opened by President Brian Bobek at 7 p.m. Normal opening ceremonies were performed. New memberCarl Heatlie was welcomed. Motion made by Woody Horne and supported by Fred Warner to suspend normal businessfor a presentation from Humana Health Plan. Motion made by Gil Claunch and supported by Mike (Mouse) Gardner to

return to business. Motion carried. Motion made by Greg Bowman and supported by Leo Miller to accept the minutes of theprevious meeting. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s report was given by Mike Jacobi. After discussion, motion made by Mike Gardner and supported by Jim Watts toaccept the report as audited. Motion carried.

Committees: Hospital and POW MIA reportwas given by Tom Duff and isattached herein.

Point Team report was givenby Commander Jim Watts. Heintroduced three newmembers. He spoke on thedetails and funeralsperformed.

Monthly raffle report wasgiven by Ron Bawks. Heturned over a check for$4,000 to the chapter.

Speakers Bureau, AgentOrange, AVVA, andMerchandise committees hadno report.

Marge Schoenherr spoke onthe golf outing this weekend.

Don Sinclair spoke on theupcoming car show on August24.

Pat Daniels reported that theRide for Freedom raised over$11,000 and another $5,000 ispending.

Larry May reported that wecurrently have 626 members.

Old Business:Pat Daniels spoke on this Saturday’s 8th Annual Ride to the VA Hospital. We currently haveabout $1,700 for the hospitalized vets. Pat continued to speak on the state amendment aboutproperty taxes for disabled vets. It will be brought up again when the Legislaturereconvenes. Steve Bago spoke on the Region 5 Conference that Brian Bobek, Mike Schneider, MouseGardner and he attended. Brian Bobek informed us that the taxes for the chapter werecomplete and sent to national. He continued by telling us that the process of bulk mailing forthe Boo Coo News is still in process. He also reported on the AED training that we recentlycompleted at the Vet Center. We now have 12 members trained in its use. Brian reminded usthat tickets are still available from the State Council for the Commemorative M-16 Rifle. Thefunds will help provide for the Service Officers program.

Brian also informed us that we now have service officers at the Vet Center on Tuesdays andThursdays.

New Business:Pat Daniels told us that July 19 is Kermit Harris’ last day with the county. Refreshments willbe served between 10 a.m. and noon. He spoke on the funeral service weperformed/attended for Dave “Chief” Lehrman. He thanked us on behalf of the family.

Gary spoke on the POW-MIA lawn signs.

Brian spoke on the weatherproof display boxes that are now installed at the Eastpointe andFreedom Hill monuments with applications for bricks. He spoke on the proposed veteranhousing in Mount Clemens. We would like more information on the proposal.

It was discussed and approved that whenever a member passed away we would lower ourflag at the Vet Center to half-staff. This will be our protocol in the future.

There was a fundraiser held on July 25 for Patrick Wisniewski at the Fraternal Order ofPolice Hall on 24 Mile and Baker Roads in Chesterfield Township. Motion made by GaryPurcell and supported by Mitch Malek, which was amended by Tom Stone and seconded byBob Bonar, to donate $1,000 to the family of Patrick Wisniewski. Motion carried.

Motion made by Tim Clinton and supported by George Sawyer to donate $500 to the YoungMarines for their help at the Ride for Freedom. Motion carried.

The Ride for the Veterans Treatment Court will be 9/29/13. More info as it becomesavailable.

Motion made by Gil Claunch and supported by Chuck Charbeneau to adjourn the meeting.Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted for the Secretary,

Steve Bago 2nd Vice President


POW/MIAWelcome Home!

1,645 Missing49 Michigan

REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN POW/MIA

for AUGUST* * *

Richard Allard,

Chesaning

MIA 8/24/67

South Vietnam

Army* * ** * ** * ** * *

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

"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

Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag.

Display a POW/MIA decal. If you need a POW/MIA decal

for your car, truck or bike, or certificate of appreciation

for flying a flag, see Tom Duff

National League of POW/MIA

Families is on Facebook with the latest updates.

* * * * * * * * *

Remember, if a company or homeowner

is flying a POW/MIA flag,

let Tom Duff know

so we can give them a certificate.

Aman is not dead until he is forgotten. We will neverforget. Welcome Home!

``When one member of the armed forces is not worth the

effort to be found, then we have lost our honor.`` ~~ VVNW

POW/MIA Reports

#### Submitted by Tom Duff POW/MIA chairman9th Inf. ‘68 - ‘69

WWII

PFC Manley Winkley, Indiana, USMC. MIA 11/23/43.

Accouted for 6/1/13. He will be buried in Indiana on

8/24/13.

Over 73,000 still MIA from WWII

Korea

SFC William Robinson, Pennsylvania, Army. MIA 11/28/50

in North Korea. Accounted for 6/17/13. He will be buried in

Pennsylvania on 8/7/13.

Sgt. Clement Thibodeaux, Louisiana, Army. MIA 11/28/50.

Accounted for 6/13/13. He will be buried in Louisiana.

PFC Armando Alvarez, Army. MIA 12/2/50 in North Korea.

Accounted for 6/6/13. He will be buried in the summer of

2013.

SFC Joseph Steinberg, California, Army. MIA 2/13/51 in

South Korea. Accounted for 5/30/13. He will be buried in

California in the summer of 2013.

Over 7,900 remain missing from Korea.

Vietnam

LTC Robert Pietsch, Ohio, Air Force. MIA 4/30/68 in Laos.

Remains recoverd 8/2/06 and identified 5/7/13.

1,645 still missing from Vietnam, 49 from Michigan.


Correction - from Brian BobekCorrection - from Brian BobekCorrection - from Brian BobekCorrection - from Brian Bobek

In last month’s Boo Coo News, in the feature “MeetYour Officers,” I incorrectly listed Mike “Mouse”Gardner as being in the 4th Infantry Division. The

correct information is that Mouse served in the 5thInfantry Division. I extend my apologies for the error.The desktop display at the Vet Center has beenrevised to reflect the correct information.

Michigan Vietnam VeteransMichigan Vietnam VeteransMichigan Vietnam VeteransMichigan Vietnam Veterans

Traveling Memorial scheduleTraveling Memorial scheduleTraveling Memorial scheduleTraveling Memorial scheduleAug. 2-4 Marine City Maritime Days

Aug. 13-17 Ogemaw County FairAug. 23-27 Hermansville (Upper peninsula)

Aug. 28-30 MI State Fair, Suburban Show Place,Novi

2013 CHAPTER GOLF OUTING2013 CHAPTER GOLF OUTING2013 CHAPTER GOLF OUTING2013 CHAPTER GOLF OUTING# Submitted by Marge Schoenherr

The chapter golf outing was held atHickory Hollow Golf Course on July20. We started out the day with

donuts, muffins and coffee. There was a 9a.m. shotgun start, hotdogs and beverageat the turn, and slightly more than a little“casual” water to deal with. Actually, it wasmore like a swimming pool with a fewgreens floating in it after the downpour onFriday night. Scores were under what somewould think possible considering theconditions, indicating some “creativescoring” might have been going on. An auditis underway on the winning team, whoclaimed to come in with a score of 66. Once golf was over, we enjoyed a greatchicken and pasta dinner. (I have to get thatchicken recipe). We had a 50/50 drawingand had several raffles: numerous baskets,and two coolers of “cheer”. We were lucky enough to have several silent auctionitems, including a 20-inch TV and original pieces of art. For the first time in chapterhistory, Woody Horne went home empty-handed after all the raffle items wereclaimed. It was my honor and pleasure to chair the golf outing. However, I could not havedone it without the following people: Jim and Mel Watts, John and Marlene Mohan,Gil and Phyllis Claunch, Bill Chittenden, Karen Mack, Krista Schneider, RobertSteward, Vicki Armes, Greg Bowman, and Pat Drdul. Special thanks to the numerouschapter members who sponsored holes and donated items for us to auction andraffle off. A totally unexpected surprise materialized when several IRS agents, whohad “blended” in with our outing and consumed some of our free refreshmentswhile on the course, presented us with $100 in cash. They said they heard who wewere and what we do, and felt they wanted to help us with their contribution.Another accolade for Chapter 154. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the golf outing a success, both from afun aspect as well as financial.


AED Training Conducted at Vet CenterAED Training Conducted at Vet CenterAED Training Conducted at Vet CenterAED Training Conducted at Vet Center

Training for our newly acquired Automated External Defibrillator

(AED) device was recently held at the Vet Center. Dan Gernand

(yes, son of Pete and Carol Gernand), an EMT employed by

MedStar Ambulance, held a training session for chapter members.

MedStar is the company who donated the AED device, and also provided

the training at no cost to our chapter. Individuals that received the

training were the members who spend a majority of their time at the Vet

Center, and would be the people most likely to be around in case of an

emergency. The training consisted of a review of the latest, approved

techniques for CPR as well as an introduction to the use of the AED

device.

Attending the class were Mike Schneider, Greg Bowman, Steve Bago,

Tim Ignash, John Bommarito, John (J.W.) Willey, Gil Claunch, Gary

Stephens, Gary Sox, Dave Schoenherr and Brian Bobek. Everyone who

participated thought it was a good class and was very worthwhile. Now

all we have to do is to hope we never have to use what we were taught.

As a footnote, the laws allow anyone, acting in “good faith,” to offer any

lifesaving measures required to save another person. You will not be

sued for rendering aid in an emergency.

Army Admits Iraq/Afghanistan Records Were LostArmy Admits Iraq/Afghanistan Records Were LostArmy Admits Iraq/Afghanistan Records Were LostArmy Admits Iraq/Afghanistan Records Were Lost

In a recent letter to the leaders of the House Veterans Affairs

Committee, Secretary of the Army John McHugh admitted that

the Army has lost field records from both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Among the missing records were those of dozens of Army and

National Guard units, including the 82nd Airborne Division. In fact,

at one time there was an estimate that records were missing for as

many as 50 brigades and two entire divisions. However, McHugh

said the Army cannot confirm the accuracy of that estimate and

they showed documents were missing completely from 17

brigades, while it had only partial records from another 74

brigades.

These records are critical for both historical research purposes

and especially for the service men and women who need them for

documentation for health-related claims to the Department of

Veterans Affairs.

However, in a five-page enclosure that was sent with the letter it

stated, It is important to note that individual Soldiers health and

service records are kept separately from unit records and are

available to the VA.

It further stated, Servicemembers may obtain copies of operation

records by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request

to the unit they served with or when filing a claim with the VA. If a

servicemember files a claim for health-related benefits, the VA can

access the individuals medical and personnel records through its

established process, and work with the Military Services to obtain

the necessary documents to help substantiate the claim. In some

instances a unit will not have the requested records in its

possession and will issue a no record response under FOIA.

McHugh stated that the Armys goal is to have one consolidated,

catalogued and searchable collection at the Center for Military

History (CMH), which he said has been funded to index and search

all operational records in its possession. He also said all Army

elements that served in OEF, OIF and

OND have been directed to

immediately begin transferring their records to CMH, regardless of

the format they are in.

Obviously, records that exist in units but have not been

transferred to CMH will take awhile to get there and then, if

necessary, be converted to an electronic format and/or indexed and

catalogued. But the fact that the Army has admitted its problem and

has started working on it is a positive step.

Continuing Problems with North Korea

On July 12, Panamanian authorities boarded and searched a ship,

the Chong Chon Gang, because they said they suspected that drugs

were being smuggled. When the crew resisted and the captain

attempted to commit suicide they became more suspicious and

found that that there were missiles and other military equipment

on board travelling from Cuba to North Korea.

Then, Cuba’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that they had sent the

weapons to North Korea. They said that the shipment was primarily

sugar but included 240 metric tons of obsolete defensive weapons,

including two anti-aircraft complexes. (Volga, the export version of

the Soviet-era SA-2 surface-to-air missile systems, and the Pechora,

the expert version of the SA-3) Additionally they said the nine

missiles, two Mig-21 aircraft, and 15 motors for the jet were that

were found were: to be repaired and returned to Cuba. They then

stated: The agreements subscribed by Cuba in this field are

supported by the need to maintain our defensive capacity in order

to preserve national sovereignty. This, of course raises worries that

Cuba may be looking to buy missiles from North Korea. (They

exports three variants of the short-range Scud missiles and the

medium-range Nodong missile.)


Tell Your Story to the Tell Your Story to the Tell Your Story to the Tell Your Story to the Library of CongressLibrary of CongressLibrary of CongressLibrary of Congress

Veterans History ProjectVeterans History ProjectVeterans History ProjectVeterans History Project

http://www.loc.gov/vets

Catholic Social Services of Macomb County

(586) 756-1430 or [email protected]

The Macomb County Clerk’s office [586.469.5122]The Macomb County Clerk’s office [586.469.5122]The Macomb County Clerk’s office [586.469.5122]The Macomb County Clerk’s office [586.469.5122]issues veteran ID cards for $10 to use for storeissues veteran ID cards for $10 to use for storeissues veteran ID cards for $10 to use for storeissues veteran ID cards for $10 to use for store

discounts. discounts. discounts. discounts.

Call your favorite store first Call your favorite store first Call your favorite store first Call your favorite store first to confirm that they accept these cards.to confirm that they accept these cards.to confirm that they accept these cards.to confirm that they accept these cards.

21184 Cass Ave.

Clinton Twp.

Buy Direct • Quality Granite &

Bronze Cemetery Monuments •

War & Civic Memorials • Rock

Engraving & Cremation Urns •

Free Local Delivery

586-463-9551

Company of

Macomb County

Re/Max Suburban Inc. “Since 1987"

Residential & Commercial Real EstatePrivate Sales – Short Sales –

Bank-Owned - HUD !

Ray Nadolski Realtor and Chapter 154 member

•Office 586-262-2000 • Cell [email protected]


Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

August 2013 Looking ahead:

AVVA Meetings7pm at the VetCenter resume

Sept. 18

Activities areat the Vet

Center unlessotherwise

stated

1Service Officer10-4

AA & Alanon

2

Traveling MemorialAug. 2-4 Marine CityMaritime Days

3

4 5PointmanMinistry 7pm


7Chapterboardmeeting 7pm


AA & Alanon

9 10

11 12 13Service Officer10-4

Color guard meeting 7pmTraveling MemorialAug. 13-17 OgemawCounty Fair

14Hospital visit 8am

Gen Mem MtgAmerican Leg. Post4 Mount Clemens7pm


AA & Alanon

16 17


21 22Service Officer10-4

AA & Alanon

23

Traveling MemorialAug. 23-27Hermansville (Upperpeninsula)

24

chapter carshowGibraltarTrade MountClemens


28

Traveling MemorialAug. 28-30 MI StateFair, Suburban ShowPlace, Novi


AA & Alanon

30 31Looking ahead:Ride for theVeteransTreatment Court 9/29National POW/MIARecognition Day9/20

FIRST CLASS

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154P. O. Box 1114 Mount Clemens MI 48046-1114

1,645 stillunaccounted for; 49 from Michigan

OPEN to read the GOOD NEWS about Chapter 154WWW.VVA154.COM

a VVA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!

AUGUST 2013 issue of BOO COO NEWS

Veterans Support Center ~ 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville MI 48066(586) 776-9810 ~ (586) 776-9683 fax

Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

All Volunteer-RunChapter Business Center

Veterans Food BankEmployment Assistance

Veterans Benefits Service OfficerFree Counseling

InformationCamaraderie

Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out

Documents

Boo Coo News - vva154.com coo news august 2013.pdf · Boo Coo News Vietnam Veterans of ... AVVA Rep Patrick Bozzi Color Guard Jim Watts Food Bank Gil Claunch ... and Terry Blumberg’s