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21ST ISSUE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016
The President's Corner Come And Grow With Us
Thank you all for supporting the Chapter with your gracious gift of time and financial support. Two cars were donated to the Chapter and given to two veteran families in need. We also set up a scholarship fund to assist a veteran in College. We are winding down with fundraisers and events by the end of November. And, I have to say, I am ready for the winter season.
Tuesday, October 25-VA Clinic Groundbreaking Senator Blunt’s office invited Post 1214 and all veterans to attend the groundbreaking for the new VA Clinic in Springfield at 1 p.m., Republic Rd/Kansas Expressway across from All Pet Supply.
Friday, October 28-DEADLINE for Volunteer Registration Seeking volunteers to serve as event guides for Hope Connection/Veteran Stand Down at Springfield Expo Center (downtown) on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Volunteers are matched with a homeless or high poverty guest attending the event which provides immediate access to essential services. Volunteers must be available from 8:00 am-3:30 pm on the day of the event and be able to attend a 30 minute training between 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm the previous day. Lunch and a T-shirt will be provided to volunteers. To register or for more information, please visit www.hopeconnectionspringfield.org Tuesday, Nov. 1 – HONOR FLIGHTWelcome the veterans back and handing out flowers to the women veterans at the Springfield-Branson National Airport. Time for plane arrival is TBD, but it is usually around 9:30 p.m. Chapter members are asked to arrive between 8:30 and 9 p.m.
All Veterans Invitation: Wednesday, Nov. 2 – National Legion Commander Meet and Greet/1st Anniversary - Post 1214 is hosting a “Meet and Greet” for the newly elected American Legion National Commander Charles Schmidt from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Fire Station 8 (Community Room), 1405 S. Scenic Avenue, Springfield, MO. Festivities include a presentation by Commander Schmidt, recognition with a Quilt of Valor by the Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild, and a Willard JROTC tandem rifle performance. This event will be held in conjunction with the Women’s Post 1214’s one-year anniversary celebration of their permanent charter. Cake and light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, Nov. 5 – Veterans Day Parade (Downtown Springfield) The parade will assemble and breakdown in Parking Lot across from Hammond’s Field between Trafficway and St. Louis Street at 9:00 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m.. be at assembly area at 9 a.m. Wear Patriotic clothing. For a parade map, go to http://www.swmoveteransdayparade.com/parade-map.php
VVA Board of Directors
Harlan Bristol (Army) President [email protected]
John Walker (Army) Vice-President [email protected]
Dan L. Igou (USN)Past President [email protected]
Susan Phillips (USAF) Secretary [email protected]
Tom Blubaugh (USN) Web Coordinator [email protected]
Rex Krasche (Army) Chaplin [email protected]
Sam Hudson (USN) Homeless Veteran Coordinator [email protected]
Charles Hopkins (Army) Treasurer [email protected]
Bill Beeman (Army) Outreach Coordinator [email protected]
Larry Forza (Army) Sgt. at Arms [email protected]
NewsPg. 1 – Harlan’s Corner Calendar Pg. 2 - Calendar (continued) Pg. 2,3 Tom’s Corner Pg. 4 - Corey Harrison Pg. 5 – Courtney Compton Pg. 6 - Events and Meetings
VVA CHAPTER 952 The Wil Daley Memorial Chapter
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Calendar Dates (continued) Saturday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 13 – VETERANS WEEK (Branson) For a complete listing of Veterans activities taking place in Branson, please refer to the Branson Bugle or http://www.bransontourismcenter.com/holidays/veterans-week We have a condo in Branson that week (Roark Resort) which members can use as a ‘home base.’ Mary Clapper is the contact.
Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Tribute to Women Veterans & Rose Petal Ceremony Event takes place noon to 2 pm at the Radisson Hotel, 120 South Wildwood Drive, Branson. The Tribute includes a Rose Petal ceremony and Women Veterans Appreciation gathering. Both are FREE to women veterans. RSVP if attending to Brenda Meadows, 417-337-0563.
Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Women Veterans Mini Reunion Event takes place from 4-6 p.m. at the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center in Branson. RSVP required no later than Nov. 1 to Arlen Lipper, 417-230-2278.
Friday, Nov. 11 – Free Veterans Day Breakfast at Hyvee in Springfield Friday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Parade (Branson) - Parade starts at 11 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13 – Quilts of Valor Reception At 2 p.m., the Patriotic Piecemakers will be presenting more than 20 Quilts of Valor to military combat veterans. This is a very special event and it would mean a lot to all if we could have as many of members in the audience (patriotic clothing) showing our support. The presentation will take place at 2738 S. Campbell Street, Springfield, Missouri – on Campbell, north of Battlefield and south of Sunset, in the Village Shopping Center, behind Andy’s Frozen Custard.
Wednesday, Nov. 16 – Hope Connection/Veterans Stand Down Information posted under October 28, the deadline for the online registration. The event takes place this day, however, with a 30-minute training the day prior.
If I can answer any questions about the Chapter, be sure to call 417-894-3659 or drop me an email [email protected]. Until next time everyone take care and enjoy life to it’s fullest. Your President Harlan
Look Who’s Talking Tom Blubaugh
Several months ago I started writing to the Lord. In the past, I would write a letter to the Lord when I was going through a tough time. Writing seemed to be the only way I could really get my deepest thoughts out. I have to admit that when I just talked to the Lord, at times, it seemed I was just talking and not communicating. You probably know what I mean. It has always been hard for me to keep my thoughts focused in prayer, but when I write it is different. Does it make a difference how we communicate to Him? I don’t think it does to Him. Or where? Again I don’t think it does to Him. We have sunrise services, candle light services, retreats, campfires and lots of different ways we try to make it more spiritual. More meaningful for us.
For me, sitting at the kitchen table in the quiet of the morning is my prayer closet. When I first started writing it was pretty much a one way thing. On the third day, while I was asking Him a question, the answer starting coming before I had finished. This started a two way conversation that has been going ever since. I never know what the topic of our conversation is going to be. Sometimes I have something on my mind. Sometimes He starts it after we say good morning (or good afternoon) to each other. (He has reminded me He does not live in time. It is all present to Him.) Sometimes He asks me if there is something on my mind. It is really quite interesting how it progresses. Maybe you have experienced all of this. If you haven’t, I heartily recommend you try it. It is a trip.
There is something I am to share with you from this morning’s session. This is very personal but I am willing to share it with you as He has told me to do. I have no idea who will read this or who He is speaking to other than me. First, I need to give you some background so you will understand the context and then I will simply quote the conversation. Several months ago, The Lord told me to get out into the community and meet people on the streets.
We Will Never Forget The Courage, Honor and Sacrifices of All Veterans And Their Families.
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"We Will Never Forget The Courage, Honor and Sacrifices of All Veterans And Their Families.
Look Who’s Talking (continued)
The method, I understood, was to ride on the city bus. I am to use it for running errands and get to know people in the process for the purpose of witnessing. I have done this a few times but my heart has not been in it. My last eNewsletter, TOAD, dealt with my lack of desire to do this.
This morning I was thinking of all my blessings and comparing my life now with how it was seven years ago when I found myself homeless and depressed. It is as different as night and day. I had just told Him how grateful I am. As I write, He responds to my thoughts. I do not always write my thoughts down as I am concentrating on what He is saying. What He says is far more important than what I am thinking.
"You are very blessed Tom and you are very welcome. It is time to give back son. I will give through you to many in many ways. You do not need to know who or how. You will know in eternity. For now it is not important for you to know. I know you were very perplexed yesterday. It is difficult for you to see you fulfilling your purpose, but I assure you that you are. Again, you do not need to know son. Just be yourself and listen to me. You glorify me through being yourself and all that you do. It is not all a matter of ministry. It is also about relationship. Your relationship with me. So many perform yet do not have a relationship with me. You have been one of those at times. That has changed. You keep thinking about warm weather. You will ride the bus then. This is okay although any weather is acceptable. You have psyched yourself about cold weather. This can be changed if you want. Think about it son. Life goes on in spite of the weather. Comfort is not everything. There are different levels of warmth. Not just physical. My love is unconditional Tom. No need to fear. Ever.”
"Thank you Lord. I am apparently unaware of my fear.”
"It is not always an emotional fear son. Sometimes it is just hesitation. Not wanting to do or be. Reluctant. No desire. It is all a form of fear. As Barbara said, procrastination is brought about by fear on some level." "You have to show me Lord. You just let me get a glimpse of it regarding the bus didn’t you?" "Yes. You know it is there son. This is why you are putting it off till warm weather. When warm weather gets here it will be no different. You do not see yourself as knowing what to do or what to say?”
"Exactly Lord. I get on the bus and I just sit and watch. There may be a hello that slips out or a nod, but basically no eye contact or conversation. No one is there for any purpose but to get on the bus to get some where else. I see myself in warm weather getting off at different stops and waiting with people for the next bus or something like that." "This is you trying to make something happen Tom. Your ways are not the same as mine. I just need you to be willing and available. I will bring them to you. I will give you the thoughts and the words. Trust me. I can do this. This makes you laugh?”
"Yes Lord. It seems funny to me when I write that you can do something. I think it is because I know you can do anything. The thought of you making a donkey talk just went through my mind. Am I that stubborn?" "Yes Tom. (smiling). Sometimes. The donkey didn’t really talk. I used it as a vessel. I was the one speaking. There is a difference. With you, I give you the thoughts. You have a choice to voice them or ignore them. You have a free will. The donkey didn’t."
"This is something to share isn’t it?”
"Yes son. Share it. Genesis."
For more information visit Tom’s website email Tom at [email protected]
Perhaps you’ve written a book, your first or even your tenth, and you’re not sure how to strategize with all the changes that are happening at breakneck speed across the ever-evolving literary marketplace. Tom Blubaugh has faced each of these questions and many more. Through strategic relationships with experts, patience, perseverance, and action, Tom has discovered and now applies and shares these all-essential literary skills and competencies.
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Are phone books going away? Corey Harrison
Over the past several years, I have noticed what one might call a interesting phenomenon. The big thick phone book has shrunk. I can remember using the phone book as a booster seat for my kids and it was always handy. When I decided to clean out the old phone books, I decided to use as a back stop for rifle target practice 30 or so years ago.
Today, the phone book resembles a smaller thick pamphlet and target practice would take more than three phone books as the thickness, height and width have reduced as well.
As far back as I remember, the phone book has been the "go to" place for finding businesses' and individuals' contact information. Need a plumber? Go to the phone book. Need to know what Betty Sue's phone number is? Go to the phone book. The phone book was the "Holly Grail" of personal or business information.
The businesses listed in the phone book showed legitimacy. Otherwise, the business could be considered a "fly by night" company. The phone book was the number one external sources for locating a business in the community.
All individuals were published in the phone book. Why? Because every home had a big heavy desk phone tethered to the wall. Many phones had the round dial dialing one number at a time. If you knew a person's name and the town, the phone book listed the phone number and address.
Recently, I have investigated, and there is a perfectly logical explanation for the overall phone book content reduction. In a nut shell, the phone book is phasing out.ayer, the smart phone. So what happened? The internet.
Now all I do is "Google it." Or use some other search engine or directory ap for the number and/or business address. Need an industry rated? Simply look at the reviews, testimonials, rankings, in depth editorials, and analysis of the business or businesses.
So is the phone book gone completely? Well, no. The reason might even surprise you, or maybe not. In some areas, printing phone numbers is a required service even though costly and unprofitable. Other areas, the printed yellow pages or business pages are profitable though advertisements and businesses realize a return. Over 80% of the phone books are delivered to homes while other statistics show that fewer than 11% of the households ever open the phone book.
I'm not here to advocate for or against the phone book. I am simply giving my observations as a long time business owner. In my experience, the phone book as an advertising tool is dead. It took me many years of throwing money away to come to that conclusion. Once I redirected the advertising money, I my response and profit grew. In one of my businesses I saw a 3000% ROI from online advertising. O was surprised! I had never seen that kind of response from the phone book.
*Cory and his wife Jennifer developed VVA Chapter 952 website http://springfieldveterans.org/ and support veteran organizations.
Corey Harrison Founder and President Harrison Marketing Systems 844-200-9800 www.HarrisonMarketingSystems.com [email protected]
We Will Never Forget The Courage, Honor and Sacrifices of All Veterans And Their Families.
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"We Will Never Forget The Courage, Honor and Sacrifices of All Veterans And Their Families.
Ash Grove's Second Annual Trunk or Treat Courtney Compton
On October 7, 2016 the Springfield Chapter 952 of the Vietnam Veterans came out to support Ash Grove's Second Annual Trunk or Treat event. The Ash Grove community makes monetary and candy donations to the Secondary Pirates Association (SPA), the AG JR/SR HS teacher's organization, which is all converted into candy and supplies to host the completely free event for the community to attend. This always happens at the last home game of the football season. The Ash Grove Football team lost to the Fair Grove Eagles in the KY3 Game of the Week. The VVA was featured in the Trunk Or Treat interview held for the KY3 live news at 5. The Ash Grove community loves seeing the VVA members at local events.
You can expect to read more about the VVA and their involvement at Ash Grove Junior High school by next month's news letter. Volunteers from the organization have been signing up to speak to Mrs. Compton's Junior High English class during the last week of October and the first week of November as a part of her Veterans Day Curriculum. To learn more about presenting please contact Mrs. Compton via email at [email protected]. You are also welcome to join the Ash Grove community on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 9am for breakfast in the cafeteria of the High School and the Veterans Day Assembly to follow at 10am. Ash Grove is a very patriotic town and loves the opportunity to celebrate our nation's veterans.
Courtney Compton is the incoming Company Commander for the 428th Transportation Company out of Jefferson City and Springfield, MO in the Army Reserves. She celebrates six years in the United States Army Reserves as a civilian and soldier. In the past six years she has moved from Central New York to Southwest Missouri to teach junior high English and lead soldiers in the transportation branch. 1LT Courtney Compton and her husband, 484th HHD Company Commander, 1LT Thomas Compton, are expecting their first child, Cora Compton in January 2017.
SGT Snook (USAR), SGT Small (USAR), Harlan Bristol, Charles Hopkins, Courtney Compton (USAR, Ash Grove Teacher) and Rex Krasche
This is a compilation of some of the events at the Second Annual Ash Grove Trunk or Treat on October 7, 2016.SGT Snook
Advertising
Newsletters, Membership Directory, Or General information
Call: Dan (417) 234-3501 Email Dan: [email protected]
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Chapter 952 Vietnam Veterans Helping Veterans Who we are: Vietnam Veteran Chapter 952 is a group of Veterans and their families who actively help Veterans by providing a “helping hand up and not a hand out.” We help Veterans of all wars, spouses, and friends by providing mentoring, friendship, and information. We actively help the homeless Veteran community as well as community networking. Our goal and mission is to support Vietnam Veterans, their families and future generations for all that served their country. Join us as we make a difference in the lives of Veterans, and veteran families.
We are a small active group of Vietnam Veteran’s as well as family and friends making a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families.
Chapter 952 Vietnam Veterans Helping Veterans Commitments and Projects 2016
1. Fundraisers Golden Coral, Wanna Geta Pizza, Wal-Mart, Garage Sale - Bill Beeman [email protected] 2. Assisting Homeless Veteran Friends and Family in need - Sam Hudson [email protected] 3. Joining Community Forces - networking, supporting the Veteran - Harlan Bristol [email protected] 4. Mentoring - John Walker [email protected] Dan L. Igou [email protected] 5. Ash Grove MO School - Courtney Brown [email protected] 6. Honor Flight Support - Harlan Bristol [email protected] Charles Hopkins [email protected] 7. Website - Tom Blubaugh [email protected] Harrisons Design [email protected] 8. History Project Mary Krasche [email protected]
VVA Chapter 952 Events and Meetings October 29 VVA Meeting Location: Jimmy’s Egg 3837 S. Campbell November 7 Springfield Veteran’s Parade November 12 Fundraiser Wanna get Pizza November 19 Golden Corral Fundraiser November 19 VVA Meeting Location: Jimmy’s Egg 3837 S. Campbell December 10 Christmas Party 11:00 a.m. Location: Jimmy’s Egg
January 28 VVA Meeting Location: Jimmy’s Egg 3837 S. Campbell February 25 VVA Meeting Location: Jimmy’s Egg 3837 S. Campbell March 25 VVA Meeting Location: Jimmy’s Egg 3837 S. Campbell
Come and Grow With Us! VVA Chapter 952 website http://springfieldveterans.org/ For more information, email [email protected]
We Will Never Forget The Courage, Honor and Sacrifices of All Veterans And Their Families.
