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1,587 AmericansStill Missing inSoutheast Asia48 fromMichigan
Boo Coo NewsVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154www.VVA154.comhttps://www.facebook.com/vva154/
MARCH 2020
WELCOME HOME!
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:the 25th of each month
To submit items, photos, copy:email, mail or deliver to Editor Tom Puruleski [email protected]
or deliver to the Veterans Support Center
President’s Message ~ Gary Purcell
Welcome Home!Spring is on the way we hope! And with that, we willstart gearing up for Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
Day March 29 at the Vet Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with theusual lunch and brotherhood. We are still having nominations for the chapter offices at thechapter meeting in March. Scholarship applications are available at the vet center.Veteran of the year applications are also available at the VetCenter. The car show is gearing up, chapter golf outing, ourMichigan wall is getting ready to go on the road.
The hospital committee to the VA hospital second Wednesdayevery month leaves the vet center at 8 a.m., honor guard outevery week 2, 3 or 4 times to do what they do to honorveterans. As you can see, all these activities need people to do it. If youcan help, please do so. Please remember to be polite andrespectful every day to each other in and out of the Vet Centerand remember the brotherhood that has carried us this far.Thank you to all of you that work every day to honor veterans. God Bless!
VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President Gary Purcell 586-243-62931st VP Ron Squires 586-747-88812nd VP Tom Puruleski 586-854-0304Secretary Mike Schneider 586-567-0731Treasurer Mike Jacobi 586-504-0781
Board of Directors Exp. 2020
Greg Bowman 586-850-1800Gil Claunch 586-854-7842Ernie Patton 586-945-2390Donn Sinclair 586-243-0222Gary Stephens 586-747-8149
Board of Directors Exp. 2021
Keith Edwards 586-243-0585Bob Fleming 586-231-0948 Dave Porter 586-899-7378Dave Schoenherr 586-940-2568Bob Steward 586-321-9847
Boo Coo News Publisher - The Board of Directors
Editor - Tom [email protected]
Typesetter - Linda May [email protected]
send submissions by the 25th of each monthThank you to our sponsors!
Trustees John Hages 2020; Mike Bilyk 2021; Dave Rocco2022
Nominating Committee Bill Haase, Tom Frances, John HagesVVA State Council Delegate Mike Gardner (Mouse)VVA National Liaison Steve BagoWebmaster Paul Silvestri
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEESAgent Orange Ray NadolskiBuilding Maintenance Ron SquiresFood Pantry Gil Claunch, Keith EdwardsFreedom Hill & Eastpointe Memorials Dave PorterHonor Guard Mike MiskiHospitalized Vets Tom DuffLottery Jim AuitoMembership Larry MayMerchandise Tim IgnashMichigan Traveling Memorial Mike SchneiderMuseum Curator Gary Stephens, Donn SinclairOperation Christmas Gary PurcellOutside Grounds Bob FlemingPhotographer Bob StewardPOW/MIA Tom DuffScholarship Dave RoccoSpeakers Bureau Jim Watts
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 2
Minutes of General Membership Meeting 2-12-2020 Submitted by Mike Schneider
Meeting called to order by President Gary Purcell at 1900 hours. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silence observed.Motion to suspend regular business made by Ray N, seconded by Mike M. Robert Mask of Kaul Funeral Homes made apresentation about benefits available to veterans and families. Motion by Donn S, seconded by Larry M to return to regular
business. Motions passed at board meeting read and accepted by the membership. Motion to accept minutes as published in theBoo Coo News made by Bob S, seconded by Carl Etue. Treasurer’s report by Mike Jacobi stated that funds are up for the month andwe are doing fine. Motion to accept treasurer’s report made by Bob F, seconded by Greg B.
COMMITTEESHospital, POW/MIA, honor guard to follow. No raffle ormerchandise reports.
MembershipLarry reported that as of 1/31/2020 we have 801 members all ofwhom are life members. The Associates as of 12/31/2019 have108 members of which 64 are life members.
Food PantryIn December we had 101 families and 323 people which broughtthe total for 2019 to 862 families and 2,359 people. The monthof January we assisted 56 families and a total of 135 people.
Agent OrangeRay spoke with a representative at the VA who stated that if youwere within 12 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam you areeligible to file. There are websites to visit for information. Two processing centers will process claims and send them to regionaloffices. Claims may be paid as of original filing date. Skin cancersare not covered at this time; stay tuned.
State CouncilMay 29-31 will be Regional conference; Leadership Conferenceto be held in Dayton, OH July 14-18. March 29 the State Councilwill hold their meeting in Standish.
Traveling MemorialWorking on the schedule for this year.
AssociatesMeeting to resume in February, elections in April. Golf OutingJuly 11.
Chapter PicnicBob Steward reported that he has secured Saturday June 13 forour picnic at Freedom Hill. Thanks, Bob. Make my burgermedium-well, please.
Car ShowWe will be at the Bruce Post VFW on July 19. Please sponsor atrophy, enter a car or get donations for our box raffles.
ScholarshipDave reported that along with our applications, VVA Chapter 9has extended an invitation to our members for ourgrandchildren to apply through their website. These can becomefour-year awards. Our applications must be returned by April 1.
Building MaintenanceEmergency lights need to be replaced and fire extinguishers tobe recharged.
Outside MaintenanceBob reported that we will need a spring cleanup and thenplanting will begin when possible.
NEW BUSINESSThe “Thrilla at the Villa” is coming up and we have tickets at theVet Center to win a two-year lease on a Ram Big Horn, help sellor purchase a ticket. We are one of the charitable organizationswho benefit from this fund raiser. Please be as generous as youcan. The chapter was put in a bad light by William Schranz, aformer Veteran’s Navigator for Macomb County. He posts onfacebook as Squid XIII and has made false accusations againstthe chapter and VSO personnel from the county. Please ignorehis posts or block him altogether. Information to enter Selfridgewas posted in last month’s Boo Coo News. The Clinton TownshipPolice Honor Guard holds their spaghetti dinner fund raiser onTuesday, March 29 at the Mirage Banquet Center. Gary thankedthe honor huard and chapter members and Associates whoattended the funeral service for Mike Marceau in Imlay City.Mike was a charter member and active in our honor guard aswell as the Nighthawks of VFW Shafer-Rachelle in Eastpointe.Please be reminded that conduct in the front office and foodpantry should be courteous and professional. Thanks to all whohelp in any way in the chapter and the Associates for all they do.A recent visitor commented on the cleanliness of our building,keep up the good work everybody. Mike J thanked all for makingthe dropped envelopes more legible, much improved.50/50 ticket #204283 held by John HMotion to adjourn made by Marty G, seconded by Carl E
2nd round of nominationsPresident Gary Purcell1st Vice-president Ron Squires2nd Vice-president Tom PuruleskiTreasurer Mike JacobiSecretary Mike SchneiderTrustee John HagesBoard of Directors Carl Etue, Donn Sinclair, Marty
Griffin,Ernie Patton, Victor Racosky,Mike Miski, Larry May, Pat Murphy,Greg Bowman, Ray Nadolski SteveBago
Nominating Committee Bill Haase, John Hages, Tom FrancisState Council Steve Bago
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 3
JOIN THE ASSOCIATES of VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICAAVVA.ORG
Meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Vet Center
AVVA MEETING MINUTESFebruary 19, 2020
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Meeting called to order: 7:03 p.m. at the Vet CenterPledge and moment of silence for those in harm's way and forour members facing illness and hardship
NEW MEMBERS: none present
MEMBERSHIP: 801 Chapter and 108 Associates
MINUTES: From the November meeting, approved by Peggy Rand seconded by Delores P. Unanimous show of hands toaccept.
SICK REPORT: None FOOD PANTRY: December: 101 Families (total of 323 people)January: 56 Families (total of 135 people) Outing at Kroger onJan 18-19 netted 498 boxes @ $5 each HOSPITAL: Terri spoke that 2 Rosie the Riveters went this monthto the hospital. They passed out Valentines made by thechildren of Glen Peters School
SUNSHINE: April B. – Sympathy card for Associate memberCammela Milczarski If you know of someone in need of a card,please let April know by either a call (586-419-7914 or e-mail([email protected])
WALL: Starting to fill in calendar
SCHOLARSHIP: Available starting in January for children andgrandchildren of either a Chapter or Associate members. MUSTBE RETURNED BY APRIL 1. NEATNESS AND PRESENTATIONFACTOR IN DETERMINATION. OLD BUSINESS
GENERAL INFOWelcome Home Vietnam Veteran Day to be held at the Centeron Sunday, March 29. A BBQ lunch will be provided. Gary wouldlike some "finger" desserts, either homemade or store bought.Thrilla at the Villa raffle tickets available at the center. $20 eachfor a 2-year lease of a 2020 Ram Pickup. Chapter receives $10per ticket sold.
Annual Clinton Township Police Honor Guard spaghetti dinner tobe held on Tuesday, March 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at MirageBanquet Center. Price $10 for adults, $7 Seniors; $5 children 6 to12 and under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance byeither seeing April or Phyllis.
OPEN FORUM Cindy Turner brought lyrics to songs that herhusband had from either 1968 or 1969. Giving to Gary Stephens.Delores brought up that Walmart had gloves and hats on sale.Peggy R. stated that we are in need of gloves for boys in either 6– 9 years old or 9 to 15 years as this time. Excess hats weredonated to various charities.
Suggested that a wrap-up meeting for Operation Christmasdance and toy distribution be set up.
The South Eastern Michigan Indians, Inc. chapter is having afund raiser on Friday, February 28 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. tobenefit Jean Tomalis. Admission is $10.
UPCOMING EVENTSTaxes being done on Mondays at the center. Call 586-463-2537for appointment. YOU WILL NEED AN APPOINTMENT THIS YEAR.For Chapter and Associate members and immediate families.
Air show on June 6-7 at Selfridge (Keith is chairing part of it)Chapter picnic on June 13 at Freedom Hill. Cooking to be doneby members.
Golf outing on July 11 at Fern Hill. More in the next months.Car show on July 19 at Bruce Post. Looking for items for raffle.
ELECTION: Debbie S. and Marge S. to co-chair. Phyllis announcedthat the Associates should be in office for a two-year term, toabide with the state bylaws. A motion by Anita P and secondedby Debbie S. to accept these terms. Peggy R motioned to revisethe motion as temporarily and revisit in 2022. A unanimousshow of hands to accept.
President: Phyllis Claunch – Accepted to a two-year term
Vice President:April Bell (per letter) -- Accepted to a two-year term
Secretary: Kathy Whitworth -- Accepted to a two-year term
Motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. by Erin D. and seconded byPeggy R.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 7p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Whitworth
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 4
2020 Honor Guard OfficersCommander Mike MiskiVice Commander Steve BagoTreasurer John MohanArmorer Mike Miski2nd Armorer Chuck CharbeneauProperty Officer John AdamsChaplain Leo LalondeAssist. Chaplain Victor Rocosky
CHAPTER 154 HONOR GUARD REPORT g Mike Miski, Commander, The Point Team 586-465-1099
Details completed by The Point Team since last chapter meeting: Thank all of the members of the Point Team and the chapter members for what youdo. Still looking for men and women to join The Point Team. All are welcome.
Deceased:
James Fly Army WW2Kenneth Schimdt Army VietnamSteven Essenberg ArmyMichael Marceau Navy Vietnam Chapter MemberLoreto Monacelli Army KoreaDaniel Haines Marine Gulf WarAlferd Hamilton Navy Vietnam EraAntonio Alastra Army VietnamLue Vang Army Vietnam CIA
EVENTGlen Peters School Flag presentation for Valentines Day.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 5
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 Macomb County Veterans Affairs andVietnam Veterans of America file claims and answer questions.
• Mary Barrette, Tuesdays, walk-in service•Darryle Johnson, Wednesdays, walk-in service
• David Hannum, Thursdays, walk-in service•Joyce Moultrie, Fridays, walk-in-service
Call ahead as sometimes a service officer's schedule changes on short notice.
Please take advantage of this free service with any questions you may have
regarding the Veterans Administration.
SICK CALL & CONDOLENCESContact Leo Lalonde at 586-774-5803 or [email protected], if you know of an illness or death of a chapter member,associate or their family. All the kind thoughts and prayers offered up by our members are truly appreciated and help peoplethrough time times.
SICK CALL• Gary Stephens - recovering from lung cancer.• Jim Navaroli - PTSD issues.• Joe Marra - diagnosed with stage four cancer.• Nancy Porter - recovering from knee surgery.
Recuperating Members-Visitors Welcome
• Ralph Kolb - Living at American House, 11255 15 MileRd., Apt 114, Sterling Heights.
• John Bommarito - Living at Clinton-Aire, 17001 E. 17Mile Rd., Clinton Twp.
• Jerry Nickles - Living at Fraser Villa, 33300 Utica Rd.,Fraser.
TAPS• Terry Ketelhut passed away. He was a life member of
Chapter 154.
• Joseph Mansour, brother of chapter member RobertMansour, passed away on October 29, 2019. He wasburied at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit with militaryhonors. Robert said that Joe served in Vietnam with the1/27 Infantry (Wolfhounds), 25th Infantry Division andwas a recipient of the Purple Heart and two BronzeStars. Robert asks if anyone served with Joe to contacthim at Chapter 154.
WELCOME HOMEHOSPITAL REPORT# Submitted by Tom Duff,Hospital Committee Chairman
On February 12, 2020 CarleneCremin, Don Cremin, JoeSpencer, Teri Lehrman, Bobby Steward, John Hages, Harry
Wisniewski, Gary Simon, John Vierheilig, Judy Shirey, PatrickMurphy, Kathy Kunath, Gary Purcell, Bette Kenward and CarolPezet (both Rosie the Riveters) and I went to the VA Hospital.We went to wards A-4 north and A-3 north, the substance abuseward and the dialysis ward, dermatology, dental prosthetic andsensory aids, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiologyand speech pathology, radiology, respiratory care, cardiology,mental health, registration, chemotherapy Firm E, Firm D, FirmC, Firm A, pharmacy, blood draw, radiology and walk ways. Wevisited with 195 vets. We passed out flag stars, our WelcomeHome candy bags, magazines, crossword puzzle books, laprobes, blankets, personal items bags, bananas, pretzels, candy,suckers. We gave out Valentine cards and Rosie the Riveterspassed out treats for the veterans and the nurses desks. Wepresented 4 women's medals and one Chapter 154 challengecoin. We had a great time and most of all we let at least 195 vetsknow that we care and they are not forgotten.
SEMINAR ON POST TRAUMATIC STRESS AT VFW 4659 ON MARCH 22
Aseminar on post traumatic stress and suicide prevention takes place at the VFW Post 4659 at 1 p.m. March 22. The VFW andUnited Veterans of Michigan sponsor the event at the post at 8311 S. Wilson Street, Utica. Post member Philip Gannia saidservice officers and those who have been through PTS experiences will be on hand. Seating is limited to 160 people. Call to
reserve a spot: 586-781-9109. * * * The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1; send a text to 838255; or chat online atwww.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. VA representatives provide free, confidential support and crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 7days a week, 365 days a year.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 6
POW/MIA ReportsSubmitted by Tom DuffWelcome Home!1,587 Missing48 from Michigan
“I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured --- even prepared tobe killed. I was not prepared to be abandoned by my country.”
•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 effort to be found, thenwe have lost our honor.” ~~ VVNW
* * *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 ofappreciation for flying a flag, see Tom Duff. If a company or homeowner is flying
a POW/MIA flag, let Tom Duff know so we can give them a certificate.
WWII
Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Summers 27 years old, Marine Corps 2ndMarine Division Fleet Marine Force, missing 11-23-1943 in theGilbert Islands. Accounted for 1-6-2020.Pvt. Pearl Barrow, 36 from Kansas, Army 4th Infantry Divisionmissing 11-20-1944 in Hurtgen, Germany. Accounted for1-6-2020.Pfc. Royal Waltz, 20 years old with Marine Corps 2nd MarineDivision, missing 11-20-1943 in the Gilbert Islands. Accountedfor 2-4-2020.Cpl. Oscar Koskela 22 years old, Marine Corps 2nd MarineDivision, missing 6-18-1944 in Saipan. Accounted for 2-4-2020.Chief Machinists Mate Lada Smisek, Navy 42 years old NavalAmmunition Depo, missing 9-28-1942 Phillipines. Accounted for2-4-2020.Pvt. James Cansler 21 years old, Army 8th Infantry Divisionmissing 12-19-1944 in Hurtgen Forest, Germany. Accounted for2-11-2020.There are more than 73,000 missing from WWII
KOREACpl. Arthur Ramirez, 19 years old from Arizona, Army 57th FieldArtillery Battalion 7th Infantry Division, missing 12-6-1950 NorthKorea. Accounted for 1-22-2020. He will be buried 3-19-2020 inArizona with full military honors.There are still over 7,000 missing from Korea.
VIETNAMNo new recoveries.There are still 1,587 missing, 48 from Michigan.
COLD WARThere are 126 missing.
GWOTThere are 6 missing from Iraq and other conflicts.
MICHIGAN POW/MIAs FOR MARCH
Harry Beckwith from Flint 3-24-71 South Vietnam - ArmyCraig Dix from Livonia 3-17-71 Cambodia - Army
Larry Green from Mt. Morris 3-26-68 South Vietnam - MarinesMichael May from Vassar 3-2-69 Cambodia - Army
Richard Roberts from Lansing 3-25-69 South Vietnam - ArmyDonald Woloszyk from Alpena 3-1-66 North Vietnam - Navy
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 7
John Smeekens is a Life Member of Chapter 154. He served in Vietnam with the 198th Light Infantry Brigade and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. Although retiredfrom the U.S. Postal Service, he continues to be the Veterans Affairs Director for the Postal Workers Union.
VETERANS BRIEFS By John P. Smeekens, Veterans Director
2020 MICHIGAN FREEDOM TOUR2020 is the 75th Anniversary of Victory inWorld War II. Michigan played a vital rolein this victory. Not only did over 600,000Michigan residents serve in World War II,the entire state of Michigan played acritical role in our victory as the Arsenalof Democracy. To commemorate thepreservation of our freedom through thesacrifices of the people of Michigan, theMI Freedom Center and the Yankee AirMuseum are teaming up to launch theMichigan Freedom Tour! The MichiganFreedom Tour will give veterans acrossMichigan a special opportunity to flyaboard one of the Yankee Air Museum’svintage WWII aircraft – the Yankee Lady(B-17 Flying Fortress), the Yankee Warrior(B-25 Mitchell), or Hairless Joe (C-47).
Flights are set to launch from: May 14:Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti/Canton – Willow RunAirport (B-17) June 24: Detroit/GrossePointe – Coleman Young MunicipalAirport (B-25); July 1: Midland/BayCity/Saginaw - MBS International Airport(B-17; July 15: Escanaba – Delta CountyAirport (B-25 or C-47); July 16: IronMountain – Ford Airport (B-25 or C-47); July 18: Muskegon – Muskegon CountyAirport (B-17); Aug 6: Pontiac / Clarkston- Oakland County International Airport(C-47; Aug 14: Grayling /Traverse City –Cherry Capital Airport (B-25); Sept 2:Grand Rapids /Grandville - Kent CountyAirport (B-17 or B-25 or C-47) These flights are made possible via tour,site, and flight sponsors. Proceeds fromthese sponsorships help build apermanent home for vintage aircraft. Weare still seeking sponsors. Call 313-744-7507, via email [email protected] or viathe web at MI Freedom Tour.
SANG OPEN HOUSEThe Selfridge International Open Housewill be held on June 6-7.
VIETNAM NAVY BLUE WATER CLAIMSThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) has begun deciding claims for theBlue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of
2019.
BLAST EXPOSURE BILLH.R. 5739, was the Blast ExposureProtection Act of 2020. This importantlegislation would establish a presumptionof service-connection for disabilitiesassociated with blast exposures, whichwill make it easier for veterans to provethat health conditions are related to theirmilitary service. Traumatic brain injuryand other conditions associated withblast exposure are very serious healthissues. Service members go untreated forblast injuries while in service, whichmakes it difficult to prove that theseconditions were caused by an event inservice. Ask your Representatives to support the Blast Exposure Protection Actof 2020.
STUDENT VETERANS’ RELIEFThe VA has recently implementedSections 107 and 501 of the Forever GIBill. The law requires student veterans toreceive their monthly housing allowancebased on the Zip Code of the schoolwhere they actually take the majority oftheir classes, not the Zip Code for themain campus. This change could causestudent veteran’s monthly housingallowance to be decreased. THE VA isoffering impacted individuals theopportunity to apply for one-time reliefto help with the transition to a lowerrate. Those affected will need to fill outVA Form 22-10204, and submit the formthrough the Ask a Question Portal, ormail the form to the Regional ProcessingOffice of Jurisdiction, or call theEducation Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
NATIONAL PARK PASSIn partnership with the U.S. Departmentof the Interior and Fish and WildlifeService, among others, the NPS offersfree lifetime access passes to over 400national parks and 2,000 recreation sitesnationwide to any veteran with at least a10 percent disability rating. Vets canreceive the lifetime pass at any federalrecreation area where passes are issuedby presenting a driver’s license, state ID,
passport, or birth certificate withdocumentation proving aservice-connected disability.For a $10 processing fee veterans can alsoorder a pass online. Online orders take upto four to five weeks. Mail orders can alsobe completed by downloading anapplication directly from the U.S.Geological Survey website. Veterans can prove eligibility for thelifetime pass by providing a VeteransAffairs Summary of Benefits, VA awardletter, or documentation showing SocialSecurity Disability Income. The passgrants access for a driver and anypassengers entering a park in anon-commercial vehicle and includes anumber of discounts on park amenities.Active duty military, meanwhile, remaineligible for a free year-long version of theaccess pass, which includes the sameperks, for that year, as its lifetimecounterpart.
NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANSDAYOn March 29, 2012, President BarackObama proclaimed March 29, 2012, asVietnam Veterans Day. The proclamationcalled "upon all Americans to observe thisday with appropriate programs,ceremonies, and activities thatcommemorate the 50 year anniversary ofthe Vietnam War. On March 28, 2017,President Trump signed the Vietnam WarVeterans Recognition Act of 2017. Thisact officially recognizes March 29 asNational Vietnam War Veterans Day. TheAct also includes the day among thosedays on which the U.S. flag shouldespecially be displayed. March 29 waschosen as National Vietnam WarVeterans Day because on March 29, 1973,Military Assistance Command, Vietnam(MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S.combat troops departed the Republic ofVietnam. The last unit was elements ofMACV's Infantry Security Force. If youknow, or see, a Vietnam veteran,especially on this day, tell them; THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, WELCOMEHOME!
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2019 Page 8
I would like to thank everyone that donates coupons bothcut and in book form. The coupons are mailed to Japan forthe sailors and their families to use at the commissary andPX. I would like to tell you a little about the coupons and
what is needed. They can only use coupons that areexpired for two months. This means that we need to sendthem before they are one month expired. Example is we
send a coupon that expires the 31st of January, they haveto be able to use them no later then 31 March. Theycannot use any coupons with a store name on them.
Example: Meijer, Kroger, Walgreens, Rite Aide, Kohl’s, CVS,JCPenney and Hobby Lobby. They do not have these stores
over there. We appreciate all the help we get. Thank you again.
Carol Gernand
Once again, The Thrilla at the Villa is back. The $20 raffle ticketgets you a chance at a 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn 4x424-month Lease-10K miles per year. More details in the flyer. Weare asking all chapter members to help sell tickets that can bepicked up at the vet center at the front desk. For every ticket thechapter sells we get back a portion for our vet center to helpveterans. So please if you can sell some please do or buy a ticket.
"Rosies" Join the Hospital Committee Run to VA Hospital
On Wednesday, February 12, theHospital Committee was joined bytwo "Rosie the Riveters" to
accompany them on their monthly trip tothe VA Hospital in Detroit. Bette Kenwardand Carol Pezet are members of theAmerican Rosie the Riveter Association.Betty is President of the Eastern MichiganChapter. "Betty called us two months agoand asked if she could go to the hospitalwith us and we were happy to havethem. Great people!" said CommitteeChairman Tom Duff. Rosie the Riveter is acultural icon of World War II,
representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and warsupplies. The American Rosie the Riveter Association is an organization founded in 1998 to honor the legacy of those workingwomen of World War II.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 9
Glen Peters School Students Make Valentines for Veterans at the VAHospital
On February 10, the Chapter 154 PointTeam, along with some chapter membersand associates, assembled at Glen Peters
School in Macomb Township to meet withstudents and staff for the sixth annual Valentinesfor Veterans program. The chapter memberswere there for the ceremony that included amarch through the school halls to the delight ofthe students. Glen Peters student BrandenKarpinen proudly sang the national anthem. Thisyear, over 800 Valentines were collected anddistributed to veterans at the John Dingell VAHospital in Detroit. The visit has become atradition for the Point Team who enjoy theevent as much as the students.
Old Miami Bar Celebrates 40th Anniversary
The Old Miami Bar celebrated its 40th anniversary with a party on February 3 with appetizers and a patio bonfire. Owner andVietnam veteran Dan Overstreet bought and fixed up the bar in ‘80s, and turned it into an iconic "dive bar" in one of Detroit'smore colorful neighborhoods, the Cass Corridor. It was a place where Vietnam veterans could hang out and the vets soon
began bringing in personal mementos and military memorabilia that decorate the walls. Dan honors his fellow veterans with the"Welcome, Veterans" in huge letters on the bar's notable green awning. The Old Miami, ("Miami" also stands for Missing In Action,Michigan), developed into a popular Detroit music venue, host to prominent local rock bands and traveling musicians that come toDetroit. Local residents, veterans, college students, suburbanites and hipsters, young and old, come to enjoy the music, cheap drinksand relaxed atmosphere. The Old Miami Bar, 3930 Cass, Detroit.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 10
VVA CHAPTER 154 MEMBER OF THE YEAR NOMINATING FORMNominating forms must be turned in by April 3, 2020
Member of the Year will be announced at the May general membership meeting
Nominee's Name:
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I believe this person should be selected as Member of the Year because:(add additional sheets if necessary)
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Completed forms should be submitted to:Gary Stephens
c/o Veterans Support Center18025 15 Mile Road, Clinton Twp., MI 48035 (mail)
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (drop off)Thank you for your help and support
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MARCH 2020 Page 11
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
March 2020 Events are at
the VeteransSupportCenterunless
otherwisestated
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ServiceOfficer
In CountryVets Mtg.
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ServiceOfficer
BoardMeeting
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ServiceOfficer
AA/AI-Anon
6ServiceOfficer
UnitedMilitaryFamilies
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8 9 10ServiceOfficer
In CountryVets Mtg.
11ServiceOfficer
ChapterMeeting atVFW BrucePost
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ServiceOfficer
AA/AI-Anon
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15 16 17ServiceOfficer
In CountryVets Mtg.
18ServiceOfficer
AVVAMeeting
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ServiceOfficer
AA/AI-Anon
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22 23 24ServiceOfficer
In CountryVets Mtg.
25ServiceOfficer
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ServiceOfficer
AA/AI-Anon
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29 WelcomeHomeVietnamVeteranslunch & openhouse11a.m.-4p.m.
30 31ServiceOfficer
In CountryVets Mtg.
