Boo Coo News - vva154.com · Thank-you all. If you need a service officer, you can call Macomb County ... VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD President Gary Purcell 586-243-6293 1st VP

Face Shields Donated to the ChapterCheryl Kaiser of PTI Engineered Plastics in Macombstopped by on May 20 and donated 50 face shieldsthat her company manufactured. They have made

approximately 50,000 so far and have been donatingthem to first responders, hospitals, and peopleserving the public, such as food pantries. They

normally manufacture other medical machine partsbut designed and manufactured face shields in

response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They are alsoworking with automotive manufacturers in producing

parts for ventilators. We greatly appreciate theirdonation and thank them for thinking of us! Pictured

modeling the face shields is Johnny Talarico, KathyWhitworth, Bob Fleming, Cheryl Kaiser, Pat Murphy

and Linda Coyne.

Email: [email protected]

1,587Americans StillMissing inSoutheast Asia48 fromMichigan

Boo Coo NewsVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154www.VVA154.comhttps://www.facebook.com/vva154/

JUNE 2020

WELCOME HOME!GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS7 p.m. second Wednesday of themonth at VFW Bruce Post 1146,

28404 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

Memorial Day Discussion with GregBowman ~ Melanie Davis, SterlingHeights Public Relations Director,conducted a Memorial Day interviewwith chapter board member GregBowman. See it on Sterling Heights TV orwatch it on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/dwsVNDdFDWs

http://www.VVA154.com

https://www.facebook.com/vva154/

https://youtu.be/dwsVNDdFDWs

President’s Message ~ Gary Purcell

Welcome Home!

Well we are still under stay-at-home orders for acouple more weeks and we will see what happens afterthat about getting the Vet Center back open to themembership and service officers. The food pantry is stillbeing manned Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11a.m. till 2 p.m. by a very dedicated group of chaptermembers and associates. Thank-you all.

If you need a service officer, you can call Macomb CountyVeterans Services at 586-469-5315. They are workingremotely from home but will still be able to help you oranswer a question. Please take care of yourself and yourfamily. 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 JUNE 2020 Page 2

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Jessica Schneider from LakeviewHigh will be attending Western

Michigan University. Her sponsorwas Mike Schneider.

Harry Wisniewski III fromSouth Lake High will beattending Great LakesMaritime Academy inTraverse City MI. Hissponsor was Harry

Wisniewski.

Zoe Posios from DakotaHigh will be attending

Michigan State. Zoe planson studying Biochemistry

or Genetics, where shehopes to attend medical

school to become apediatric oncologist. She

sent her photo along witha nice thank you letter.

Her sponsor was Kennethand Deborah Smith.

County Food Bank DayOn May 6, the chapter food pantry received 150 FEMA-style

boxes from the Macomb Food Pantry. Each box contained somefruit, along with canned goods and boxed staple foods. It will go a

long way to supplementing our distributions to our veteranfamilies in need.

With everything that is going on, it's a great time to give back to someone who has been helping Chapter 154for many years – SORRENTO PIZZA. Owner Al Marino has been very generous toward veterans and their

causes and a friend to Chapter 154. In this time of take-out food, order a pizza from one of Sorrento'slocations, and let's help people who help us! https://sorrentopizza.com

A few of the Jack Thomas –Woody Horne Scholarship

Winners sent photos and thank-you notes. The general

membership meetings werecancelled because of the

coronavirus, so scholarshipwinners received their awards in

the mail instead of beingintroduced at the meeting.


Brian Bobek reports from Florida that they have beenputting together puzzles that use up a lot of idle time.

The collage of puzzles looks challenging and appear to begood candidates for some nifty wall art!

JOIN THE ASSOCIATES of VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA

AVVA.ORG ~ meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Vet Center

Marge Schoenherr has kept busy sewing and making masks for thefamily, and baking up some yummy-looking cookies. Meanwhile,Dave Schoenherr built six miniature picnic tables – for squirrels! (Ithink he's gone NUTS!) Looks like it worked out well, though, as thelittle critters have made the tables their own while maintainingsocial distancing of course!

Marty Griffin sent a photo of his four-day tour at Henry FordHospital during the lock-down – under observation for the virus?He’s glad to be home, feeling okay and making a progressiverecovery.


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

A Poem for Veterans ~ author unknownHe was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast,And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in, and the deeds that he had done,In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,All his buddies listened quietly, for they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Joe has passed away,And the world's a little poorer, for a Veteran died today. He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way;And the world won't note his passing, ‘tho a Veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth their bodies lie in state,While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young,But the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,Some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife,Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives,Are often disproportionate to the service that he gives. While the ordinary Veteran, who offered up his all,Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small. It is not the politicians with their compromise and ploys,Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,Would you really want some cop-out with his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a Veteran, his home, his country, his kin,Just a common Veteran, who would fight until the end. He was just a common Veteran, and his ranks are growing thin,But his presence should remind us we may need his likes again. For when countries are in conflict, we find the Veteran's part,Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say:"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A VETERAN DIED TODAY."


HOSPITAL VISITS ARE SUSPENDED UNTILFURTHER NOTICE.

"Blue Angels Sighted in Sterling Heights. Wow! These guys are good!"

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 Victor Racosky, at 810-282-1213 [email protected], if you know of an illness or deathof a chapter member, associate or their family. All thekind thoughts and prayers offered up by our membersare truly appreciated and help people through toughtimes.

Remember the people who have fallen ill orsuccumbed to the coronavirus, especially those closeto our chapter family.

Please keep them and their families in your thoughtsand prayers.


POW/MIA ReportsSubmitted by Tom DuffPOW-MIA Committee ChairmanWelcome Home!1,587 Missing48 from Michigan

“I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured --- evenprepared to be 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, then we have lost our honor.” ~~ VVNW* * *

Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag. Display a POW/MIAdecal. If you need a POW/MIA decal for your car, truck or bike, or

certificate of appreciation for flying a flag, see Tom Duff. If a companyor homeowner is flying a POW/MIA flag, let Tom Duff know so we can

give them a certificate.

Ron Drdul sent some photos relaxing andgrowing a beard. I heard he was taking up divingwhile in Florida, but found out it he was beingtreated for DIVERticulitus. We hope you'refeeling better, Ron!

Frank Blowers sent photos of some pretty impressive art work.They are just a few of the nine paintings he's done to keepoccupied during the lock-down. Frank said he was drawing andpainting since he was five! His favorite piece is the Royal PrinceTucker, his daughter's dog. Although he said the prices of artsupplies have skyrocketed since the COVID-19 began, hecontinues with his passion.


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

ARMY BASES BAN UNDER 21TOBACCO SALESSoon, it will be illegal for soldiersunder 21 to buy tobacco products aton-post stores, but there are no plansto enforce a smoking ban forunderage troops. A new law thattakes effect Aug. 1 will requireDefense Department retailers tobegin checking IDs to prevent the saleof cigarettes, electronic cigarettes,dip and other tobacco products toanyone under 21. The legal age tobuy tobacco products at on-poststores is 18. The directive requiresstores to stock sufficient quantities oftobacco cessation products, such asnicotine gum and lozenges designedto help smokers curb their cravings.There are no plans, however, toenforce a ban on underage smokingand tobacco use on bases or penalizeolder soldiers from purchasing theseproducts for underage soldiers.

FACE MASK GUIDELINESA letter was distributed to networkdirectors at the Veterans IntegratedService Networks (VISNs) regardingmask usage at VHA facilities duringthe COVID-19 pandemic. A snapshotsurvey of community living centersand spinal cord injury units foundseveral asymptomaticCOVID-19-positive individualsamongst the staff and veterans. VArequires staff, trainees, volunteers,veterans, inpatient residents, andvisitors to wear either their own or aVA-provided face covering. VHA willsupply VA staff who deliver directpatient care, evaluate suspectedCOVID-19 positive individuals, orconduct home visits with properrespiratory protection and PPE.

48 HOUR CLAIMS REVIEWRecently, Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT)

introduced S. 3761, the VeteransClaim Transparency Act. Thisimportant legislation would reinstateVA's former policy of permitting VSOsto review claims decisions within the48 hours preceding promulgation toensure all claims were properlyevaluated and are error-free prior toa veteran receiving notification of aratings decision. The 48-hour reviewperiod is an essential feature of theVA claims process. It functions as anindependent quality review check onclaims decisions before final ratingsare sent to veterans. EXPANDING SURVIVOR BENEFITSRep. TJ Cox (D-CA) H.R. 6933, theCaring for Survivors Act of 2020. Thislegislation would increaseDependency and IndemnityCompensation (DIC) payments to anamount equal to 55 percent of thepermanent and total disabilitymonthly compensation rate andwould make survivors eligible for DICafter a veteran has consistently helda permanent and total disabilityrating for five years. This idea was putforth in the Independent BudgetReport, supported and co-authoredby the VFW, Disabled AmericanVeterans, and Paralyzed Veterans ofAmerica. CARE ACT & VA HOME LOANSThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, andEconomic Security Act, or CARES Act,was signed into law to helpAmericans economically impacted bythe COVID-19 pandemic avoid homeforeclosure. VA's Loan GuarantyService is focused on ensuringveterans and their families facingtemporary or more long-termdifficulty paying their monthlymortgage understand their options. Ifyou experience financial hardship

caused directly or indirectly byCOVID-19, you should immediatelycontact your loan servicer andexplore options to avoid foreclosureon your VA home loan. And don'tforget to contact your VSO.

COINS LEFT ON TOMBSTONESThese coins have distinct meaningswhen left on the headstones of thosewho gave their life while serving inAmerica's military. A coin left on aheadstone or at the grave site ismeant as a message to the deceasedsoldier's family that someone else hasvisited the grave to pay respect.Leaving a penny at the grave meanssimply that you visited. A nickelindicates that you and the deceasedtrained at boot camp together, whilea dime means you served with him insome capacity. By leaving a quarter atthe grave, you are telling the familythat you were with the soldier whenhe was killed. Money left at graves innational cemeteries and stateveterans cemeteries is eventuallycollected, and the funds are puttoward maintaining the cemetery orpaying burial costs for indigentveterans. In the U.S., this practicebecame common during the Vietnamwar, due to the political divide in thecountry over the war; leaving a coinwas seen as a more practical way tocommunicate that you had visited thegrave than contacting the soldier'sfamily, which could devolve into anuncomfortable argument over politicsrelating to the war. Some Vietnamveterans would leave coins as a"down payment" to buy their fallencomrades a beer or play a hand ofcards when they would finally bereunited. The tradition of leavingcoins on the headstones of militarymen and women can be traced to asfar back as the Roman Empire!


Jim Wisnoski walks his two little dogs twice a day for some exercise and fresh air. Jim saidhis neighbor is a wine salesman and said November is usually the biggest month for winesales, but this April broke all records. No surprise there!

Joann Beste sent pictures of hubby Steve exercising, and herself making masks. Joann even had the confidence to cut her own hair!

Do you make house calls, Joann?

John Hages said his wife has been asking for some new yard art and with all the free time available he got this one done. John’sinspiration for this colorful piece was a barn square he saw while traveling in the south.


Mike Schneider said hewas starting an

apprenticeship withColville Electric. I think

he’s really auditioning forthe role of Doc Brown in

the next “Back to theFuture” episode! We allknow Mike is a real live

wire!

Carl Zink is working on his 1955 Chevy hotrod making a few improvements, and also anew ‘55 Chevy Straight Axle Gasser is in theworks. By the way, Carl's ‘55 was chosen for2nd place in the Domestic Bracket Racerclass at the 2020 Detroit Autorama.Congrats, Carl, on that fine looking ride!

Bob Kuechenmeister built aminiature picnic table (must bewhat's "trending"). The 12" long

table serves as a plant holder. Bobalso took the time to have fun withhis train set, and collected food for

the Vet Center pantry.

Anita Puruleski sewed up some masks while Tom puttogether a paper airplane kit and a B-2 bomber modelthat’s been in the closet for the past 15 years. Wepassed the time together assembling picture puzzles, aK’nex Ferris Wheel, and playing old board games, flyingthe paper airplane in the Edison easement, and built ashiplap headboard.


Now is a good time to order your memorial brick pavers for the

Eastpointe Memorial or the Macomb County Memorial.

It’s a great gift for yourself, a friend, loved one, or in memory of.

Brick pavers are 4” x 8” and are available at:

$50 for individuals

$100 for non-profit Service Organizations

Engraving is limited to three lines of 14 characters each, including spaces.

Engraved brick paver applications are available at the memorial sites,

at the Veterans Support Center, or downloadable from the Chapter 154 website: vva154.com

Make checks payable to “VVA Chapter 154”.

VVA Chapter 154 Veterans Support Center

18025 15 Mile Road

Clinton Township, MI 48035


Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

June 2020

Events are atthe Veterans

Support Centerunless

otherwisestated

1Food pantryopen 11a.m. to 2p.m.

2 3Food pantryopen 11a.m. to 2p.m.


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Boo Coo News - vva154.com · Thank-you all. If you need a service officer, you can call Macomb County ... VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD President Gary Purcell 586-243-6293 1st VP