Vetepane' Voice-330,000 Korean War Veterans Strong, Statewide!-

DOF KWVA, 2500 Leahy Ave, DFAS Bldg, , Room 125

Orlando FL 32893-1670; @07\ 646-4825;646-4213 (FAX)

KOREAN WAR VETERANS ASSOCATION

Official Publication of the Department of Florida,chartered by the sovereign state ofFlorida, given

Volume II, Edition 4 January l5-19r2002

Inc; also

1l October 2001

Dept Florido K\WA Leads Nation FL KWVA Contingents Powerin VAVS Volunteer Service Hours

NY places, trailed by OH, CA

The most recent semi-annual report issued from the

Offrce of Voluntary Services, Dept of Veterans Affairs, WashD.C., shows the Dept of FL KWVA atop the nation involunteer hours served. From 0l April thru 30 Sept 2001,FL recorded 5,050 volunteer hours. Finishing zod,3'd, & 4hwere NY w13,847 hrs, OH l80l hrs, & CA at 1,629 trs.

Within FL, the Bay Pines, St. Petersburg VAMCrecorded 4,438 hrs; Brevard 265;Tampa 104; West PalmBeach at 97; Miami - 90; Gainesville 53; Orlando 5l; andDaytona Beach 42.

This data must be read taking in several factors.Some sites have had the VAVS Rep move out of area. Atanother site, the KWVA Rep passed on, w/o replacement.

In several other locations, KWVA volunteers aregrving of their time, but are not being recognized by the siteDirector of voluntary services. Consequently, their hourscontributed are not being entered into the system.

Kudos to our members involved at Bry Pines!

MIKE CONINGHAM, Bay Pines Director of Voluntary Semices,

speaking at June 27'h ceremony, honoring Korean Vllar veterans

Veterans' Day CeremoniesAcross the State

C I e rmo nt/D e L an d/O rl an dolT amp a/B r ade nt o n

Clermont, Sun I I Nov ZOO|.....Citrus Tower, on rte US 27& State Road 441, was the site of the 2nd Annual Veterans'Day Gala & Car Show, co-sponsored by KWVA Chapters#169 Lake County and Chapter #188 south Lake County.

DOF 2'd Vice President Joe lMadeline, who sired the

event in 2000, was again the coordinating chairman. The

"Old Sarge" Ron Regan,, Lake County WLBE radiopersonality, national columnist for Militarv magazine, and

KWVA Ch 169 Board Director, reprised his role as all-day(1000 hrs - 1630 hrs) emcee.

Against a 40foot star- spangled

stage backdrop, theceremonies featuredcountry music enter-

tainment, remarks bylocal officials, TomGaftey DOF KWVApresident, a momentportraying the solemn

rites of the nationalperpetual POWTvIIAvigil, and much more.

At the end ofthe day, associated

fund-raising enabledthe KWVA chapters

to present four $500.

(sEE VAVS, PG. 3)

( sEE *trL KWVA VETERANS'nAY, PG 4)

Though geopolitical scribes are wont to paraplrase the alleged utterance of the IrishmanEdmund Burke, l8s century M.P. in a variant something l*e: "Evil/lourishes when good men donothing!", few remember Burke's admonition about the advice of attorneys"

It is not, what a lawyer tel_l_s me I aay do, but what humanity, andreason, and justice, te1l me I ougbt to do.......

Re: our recent editorial stance, in "Veterans Voice", Vol [I, Edition 3,igwdlcaligfrtragt, in protest,of the arbitrary, at whim and caprice, procedure followed by the self-serving National President, who isattempting to repeal the term limits provision. The National Judge Advocate did see fit, on 13 Dec 2001, toissue the following opinion:

...,....Accordingly, the vote token at the general membership meeting on July 26 to eliminate the twoconsecutive term maximum requirement for fficers and directors, to include the president, was in directand speciJic violation of the bylaws ond therefore the attenvted bylaws chonse obolishing termlimitations o.f Associotion o!ftcers mast be considered null and void and of no lesal consequence.

Well done, Mr. National JA! Burke might well opine that on this matter, you were not only.......determining a point of 1aw, but also restori_ng trangui1lity......

It is rewarding to see one's convictions on a range of maffers affirmed in print by a peler. To DeptNY KWVA President Jim Ferris, I am indebted to read his opinions on several philosophical and factualmatters bearing directly upon the relationship of Dept FL wA.,lational KWVA. I am proud to quote a fewpassages from his "Opinionate" letter of 14 Dec 2001.

In speaking of the actions taken at Tuscola IL 25 Mar 01, against National DirectorsC. J. 'Skip'Rittenhouse and Oreste'Rusty, Tramonte, Ferris opines that:

.......These equlsions should be addressed again by the National Directors and the Presidentand resubmitted to the membersfor a vote; perhaps a reierendumvote in the Graybeards is inorder......

President Ferris goes on:

"......I am informed. that recently a performance of the Korean American Culfural Foundationlnstitute was sponsored by the Florida Department of the Korean War Veterans Association under theleadership of Thomas W. Gaftrey, Department President. It is my understanding that funds were requestedby Mr. Gaffirey of our National Organization to help defray the cost. I ftrrther undenstand that thisrtquest was granted bv the National: however it was never acromnlished.

Let me give my views on ......... The Florida incident. It is my feeling that the national organizationshould have subsidized such a large undertaking as this. This incident was a perfect opportunity for ourorganization to shine in the eyes of the Korean Americans involved, and the Korean community in general,not to mention the political aspects of this Involvement. If thefacts as I lqow them are fiue and Ibelieve the.v ore, a cofiunitrrunt wos ,node bv the Notional to the Deoartrrunt but wos never honored...."

"THESE ACTS SHATTER STEEL, BUT THEY CANNOT DENTTHE STEEL OF AMERICAN RESOLVE" - cEORqE. 43 -

CONT'D trR PG 1. "VAVS"

In some locations, DOF is expandingchapteroperations or developing new chapters, such as inGainesville.

It is imperative that correct procedures

designating VAVS representatives or deputies, befollowed, as prescribed by Federal guidelines.Contact KWVA VAVS SE Region Rep BoblVlacl,ean (863) 696, or DOF KWVA StateCoordinator Clarence Dadswell for assistance inthese matters.

Chapter and Dept Presidents are alsoasked to report Mileage, cash donations, refresh-ment costs, clothing donations (fair value) andmiscellaneous (Ref: Article by Norm Kdntor, pg 6,

Graybeards. March/April I 998)

Depending upon the needs peculiar toeach individual veterans care site, volunteer

assignments can range, in a partial listing from:Admissions & Outpatient ClinicsBuilding management, CanteenChaplain services, Child Care centersCommunity Care, Day Treatment CenterDietetic Service, Escort ServiceFiscal Service - sorting, filing, reviewsLibrary

Our efforts must and do embrace serviceat State and private facilities wherever Koreanveterans are in need.

Ret'd USMC M/Set Pete Richardsonwas wounded on Saipan WWII; a survivor of theChosin Reservoir. The Auxiliary of Central FLCh #153 "adopted'Pete, visit him weekly in theBeverly Nursing Home, Deltona, & sponsoredhis membership in Ch 153, on l2 Dec 2001.

VETERANS VOICE BOOSTERS

Ghoo0oru 3. Sulliuan

Stephon 9rhonnnn

6nrul $scher

Sobort S. $cngleg

*atta 9. $oumnn

EanU @ohun

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Srnnft fiuaril

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Ghooiloro A.'Eal' Grour0als

@ilurin Gl. Salutir

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9- l I -2001

Soburt S. 9ohn on

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@ilrpnu0 S. 'Esil'ffiagill

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CONTINUED FROM PG 1, "F'L KWVA VETERANS'DAY"

scholarships to local Lake County high schoolstudents participating in a patriotic theme essay

competition.The Rev Charles lVlarcelle, Chaplain of

Chapter #169, asked theblessings of the Almighty

upon the assembledparticipants and spectatorsin the Invocation and theBenediction.

Gold Star Widowand Historian CarolBeckerofChs. 169 & 188,offered for sale her ownpatriotic quilt handi-work,proceeds of which were donated to thescholarship fund.

Ed Fenton, ex-POW who spent 27months in captivity during Korean War,

performed theMIA ritual at theempty table withthe uniform caps

of the 5 servicesdisplayed.

A newlyorganized jointHonor Guard

(Chs. 169 & 188) debuted. The unit consistsof Don Sams, Dick Galya, Paul Russell,Brooks Guseman,, Tony Riscigliano,Isaiah Hatcher, &. Art Dube.

DeLand, Sat l0 Nov 200l.....Saluting the 3'd

annual Deland Veterans' Day Paradg sponsoredby the Deland Naval Air Station & Museum, Ch#153 Central FL & its Auxiliary paraded downdown Woodland Ave and into the Melching Fieldstadium at Conrad Park..

Troops started assembling @1130 hrs inthe blocked offcampus of Stetson University.The contingent "rolled" at 1300lrs.

The Chapter's marching color guard ledthe contingent; 1't Vice-President Ted Sullivan,Bob Reddy, Don Smith, & Ed l\{alley (see news-

paper clipping below). Next in line, Ch. President

,:

I<oREAN wAF vr-'rASSOCTATiON

Central FloridrChaPter li''-

Pride on the march

'I

Ktuk@h&,ry e.r'l@*qw@BedhMowwftDryI*, turtf Ftu.a.d(4k, M,rym@bend) *,hdd

who holds the title for the 2.doonsecutive year.

Ray Ellington driving his LeBaron convertible. Riding with him DOFPresident Tom Gaftey, oMiss KWYA' Kristine Ken( daughter of pastpresident Ed Kent and Mrs. Ellington.

Chapter Members followed, some in cadencg carrying theChapter's banners. Others rode on a flatbed and waved to the cheeringcrowds.

Bringing up the rear, the Chapter's Ladies Auxiliary, led byPresident Beverly McKay & Past President Ildary Gaftey, allmarching!

On reaching Melching Field, home of the Stetson UniversityHatters baseball team, the massed veterans organizations and theirfamilies were treated to a program of patriotic music and addresses.Unfortunately the sky diver show had been canceled, as had theConfederate Air Force flyover during the parade, due of course to theextraordinary precautionary procedures during this period of heightenednational security.

The Deland High School Band provided patriotic music. The

PEARL HARBOR suRvlvoR Notice the sumivor of 7 Dec 41, in white service cap andAlola shirt,with back to camera, in bottom right center of photo

c.itizens packing the stadium were welcomed by the newly elected MayorRobert Apgar. Our own Ch 153 2nd Vice President Mildr€d White sang the National Anthem and theunoffi cial alternate anthem, "God Bless America,,

Bestowalof theKorean Freedom Medall-ions of Appreciation tofiv{5) members fromChapter 153 then tokeplace. DOF PresidentTom Gaftey and Ch.President Ray Ellingtonco-officiated. assisted byChapter l=tVice-Pres.Ted Sullivan. Theserecipients were the last ofthe authorized group whohad not received theirmedallions originally,due to illness or otherlegitimate reasons for absence during the tour of the Korean American Cultural Foundation troupe acrossthe State 30 Jan - 8 Feb 2001.

Vocal rendition of a 'Salute to the Semices 'and the number popularized by Lee Greenwood duringthe Desert Storm campaign, 'Proud to be an American', was performed by Bob Watson, a locally knownmusician,

Bruce Hall, State Official of American Ex-POWs, then spoke, a 12 gun salute by the guard ofVFW Post #2380 Deland, then capped by the call of "Taps" fiom answering buglers, stationed at oppositeends of the stadium.

TERRORIST ATTACKS CAN SHAKE THE FOUNDATIONS OT'OUR BIGGESTBUILDINGS, BUT THEY CANNOT SHAKE TIIE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

. GEORGE 43.

'MISS KWVA' Miss Kristine Kent

*\ll

t'fhq

*,.d

- 5_ ltrh

RICIIARD IA\IERfY, passed on21 Aug 2001. Member of Lt.Richard Cronan ChapterChapter 017, Boca RatonServed in Korea w/34th fnfRegt, 24thID. Member of24th Infantry Divislon Assn.

PETER .r. ST0,IBERGER, b. 16 Mar 1933,Staten Island NY; passed 17 Nov 2001.5Oth Annj-versary Chairperson for Lt

Cronan Chapter 017, BocaRaton. b. l-6 Mar 1933NYC. Basic and AdvancedInfantry training GB2"dAbn Div, Fort Bragg.Served in Korea w/Co."G", 38th Regiment, 2"dInfantry Division. Sawcampaigns on Old Ba1dy,

Bloody Ridge. Commander of Legion post277, Boca Raton, Pal-m Beach County.Founded John J. Reddy DAV Ch 133. past1"t VP KWVA Ch 017.

LTC ROBERT E. I{ALI.AC.E,passed 21 Nov 2001 atDeland home. JudgeAdvocate & Charter memberCentral- EL Chapter 153.b. 5 Mar 1915, WhiteBluff TN. fn 1931,joinedTennessee NG HorseCavalry. 30 year USAretired Veteran of tilti II,Korea and Vietnam Awardedtwo Bronze Stars with oak

leaf c]usters. Served inKorea as TransportationOfficer of 3'd InfantryDivision. Also involved withPublic and genealogicallibrary pursui-ts, and for 44years, US Power Squadron.by wife of 51 yrs, E1j-zabeth27 Nov at Bushnell Nationalwith fu11 mi-litary honors.

OSCAR I|RIGHT,6B. b. 1933, GracevilleGA. d.7 Nov 2001,Ereeport Dr, Deltona.Member Central FL Chapter 153. 22 yr

Army/USAE veteran, retiredwith rank of M/Sgt;Served in Korea with 9thfnf Regt, 2nd fnfantryDj-vision, period 1950-51.Was firefighter in USAE.Buried Deltona MemorialGardens, "OId G1ory"sectlon; survived by wife

wright.

SALVATORE t\Sal' J. IIAENZAb. 3 Dec 1932 NYC NY; d. 01Dec 2001 Fort Lauderdale.Sal- was one of the earlymembers, and mainstays of

Eddy Lyon Memoria1Chapter #015,Hollywood;Past Dept FL Chaplain. InKorea, Sal- served with the27th Regiment "Wolfhound.s",25th Infantry Division.

JOEN M. SETIr,E, KWVA National Director.b. 1930 WV, passed 15 Dec 2001 at hishome in Eort Wayne, IN, after anil-lness of severalmonths. He was servinga second (2nd)consecuti-ve 3 yr termas National Dj-rector,having served 1998-2001.

Enlisting in theUSMC 12 Apr 1950, Johnsaw the Inchon Landingand Chosin Reservoircampaigns, returning tothe ZI in Sept '51. Hewas asslgned as instructor in QuanticoVA OCS, returning to Japan for a 2"d

tour in Dec !54, &

discharged in June '55.He served as Presi-dent

of KWVA Indiana chapter #1,and organized the campaign &

construction of Korean WarVets Memorial, NE Indiana inFort Wayne. He was a longtime, at all times, " member

in good standing" of the Chosin pew andthe Marine Corps League. He was actj_vein the "Te11 America" speaking to over3500 school chil-dren,; a life member ofAmeri-canLegion, VFW, DAV and life member ofKWVA. In the words of Mike Glazzy, USMCbrother and KWVA colleague, John was afirm believer that membership was thebackbone of the IOIVA.

SurvivedInterredCemetery

Mrs. Jo Anne

;tffi\

October 11,2001

DepenrnaeNT oF VETERANS ArratRsMedlcal Center

Bay Plnes FL 3374/.

ln Reply RelerTo: 516/135

Dear Department Commander:

The annual Bay Pines Volunteer Awards and Recognition Ceremony will be conductedon Friday, April 4, 2002 at the Harborview Center in downtown Cleanrvater. Theceremony will commence at 11:00 am sharp. Our theme will be "Volunteers...UnitedWe Stand".

This year, our Volunteer/Staff Oversight Committee has determined that our programwill be patriotic in nature recognizing not only our dedicated volunteers, but also themany veteran service organizations that have stood shoulder to shoulder with us in theirunwavering support of our hospitalized vetetans.

We would be honored to have you join us and to participate in this special event. EachDepartment Commander and Auxiliary President that attends will be presented with adistinguished service plaque for his or her organization's support. We are alsorequesting from your appointed VAVS Representative, a short synopsis of yourorganization to be included in our award program. We hope that by notifying you well inadvance that you will be able to schedule your time to share with us in this importantevent. Our VAVS Committee would, of course, pay for your meal costs.

Please contact Michael Coningham, Chief, Voluntary Service at telephone (727) 398-9394 if you will be able to join us.

Thank you for your dedication to the needs of our America's veterans!

Sincerely,

H. Weaver, FACHE

Enclosure

DepanrueNT oF VereReus ArmtRsMedicalCenter

Bay Plnes FL 33744

January 16,2A02,

ln Reply RebrTo: 516/135

Dear Department Commander and Auxiliary President:

On October 11,2001, a letter was sent inviting you to be our guest for the Annual BayPines Volunteer Award and Recognition Ceremony which will be conducted on Friday,April 5, 2002. To date, we have not received a reply from you or your office concerningyour attendance at this program.

As we noted in our initial letter, we hope to make this a very patriotic programrecognizing not only our dedicated volunteers, but also the many service organizaiionsthat have been the backbone of our VA volunteer programs for the past sixty years.

Each Department Commander and/or Auxiliary President that attends will be presentedwith a distinguished service plaque for their organizations support program. Our VAVSCommittee would, of course, pay for your meal costs. lf you can join ui please contactthe Voluntary Service Office at telephone (727) 398-9394 no later than Februarv 8,2002 to ensure your reservation.

Thank you for your dedication to the needs of our America's veterans!

Sincerely,

,/fuffiMicHael Contngham /Chief, Voluntary Ser(ice

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PI}IELLAS COU}TTYFLOBIDA

EARBORVIEW'CE}ruEB

flL,W-d 8"49

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICAFLORIDA GULF COAST CHAPTER

121 West lZZndAvenue . Tampa, Florida 33612PHONE (813) 93s-6s40 / 6826

FAX (813) 935-7318

November 26,2001

Korean War VeteransThomas Gaffney624 Vespers WayOrange City, FL 32763

Re: Proposal to Name the New Spinal Cord Iniurv Wns at the James A. Halev VA

Medical Center in Tampa, Floida, after Congressman Michael Bilirakis

Dear Mr. Gaffney:

We are writing to ask for the support of your organwation in naming the new wingat the Haley VAMC after Congressman Michael Bilarakis. The wing will be

dedicated on February 8r2OO2, in a ceremony that will include the Secretary ofVeterans Affairs and Congressman Michael Bilirakis. The enclosed letter from ourPVA National Executive Director, Del McNeal, more fully explains the reasons forour request.

If we are to be successful in obtaining the required legislation in time for theFebruary opening ceremony, we will need the endorsement of all of thecongressionally chartered Florida Veterans service organizations. We need thisendorsement as soon as possible. I ask that you give this matter your immediateattention.

If you are in accord with our request, would you please sign and return this letter inthe enclosed envelope. A copy is enclosed for your records. Please call me if youhave any questions concerning this matter.

"fr:w/Bdn Ritter(Co".*rLent Relations Director

We support this proposal: oq A-ec >oo tDate

ritre: V - Ft^ K ul y I ?a, t, rt n-t-

Charted By Congress

ROSTER OF DEPARTMENT f,'L OFTICERS

PresidenUPublication Editor: Thomas W. Gaftey,624 Vespers Way, Orange City FL 32763-9233, (904) 775-8803, (877) 871-2538 (FAX) gaftlet@mpinet.net

lsr Vice-President : Charley D. Price, 126 Dirksen Drive,DeBary FL 32713; (407) 668-8415; charlen:rice@aol.com

2'd Vice-Itesident : Joe E. Madeline, 10524 Versailles Blvd,Clermont, FL 33733; (352) 242-1249; ambovduke@msn.com

3'd VP/SE District Chair: Jceph D. Firriolq 2510 NE 209tTerr, North Miami Beach FL 33180-1044; (305) 931-6535;GrandpaJoe2@aol.com

Secretarv/ Treasurer: S. C. 'Chuck' Sterchele, P.O. Box149854, Orlando FL 32803, (407) 895-62a2: @07) M64213(FAX); csterchele@.hotmail.com

Judee Advocate/Email Network Coordinator:'Jake, Feaster,22731 North Highway 329, Micanopy FL 32667, (352) 466-3493 ; ifeaster@worldnet. att. net

Leeislative Aftirs Director: Charley I). Price, 126 DrksenDr, DeBary FL32713, (407 668-8415; (FAX) (407) 668-2737gharlelprice@aol.com

State VA/VS Coordinator: Clarence I)adswell, 4810 3d StNorth, St. Petersbtrg FL 33733; (727) 522-6496

Historian: Amelia'Amy'Carafano, 1885 Van Allen Drive,Deltona FL 32738 (904) 532-0534 , cacarafano@iuno.com

Chaplain: Verlin'Buck' Rogerr, 933 Burrisridge Drive,Lakeland FL 32809 (9al)858-35s9;buckneeri6@.earthlink. net

Serseant-at-Arms: Peter E. McKay, 858 Sullivan Street,Deltona FL 32725, (904) 532-3298, seimon@bitstorm. net

Quartermaster: Tom Sunseri, 6160 82d Terr No., PinellasPark FL 33781-1307; (727) 547-1991; tdsunseri@.cs.com

Deputy Quartermaster: Murdoch Ford, 8029 Shaw DrivgTampa FL 33615; (813) 885-5432; mertnlou@earthlink.net

Delrartment Founder: Emmett L Benjamin, 106 NE 56Street, FlavanaFL 32333-1714 (850) 539-9053kwva@email.msn.com

POWIvIIA Liaison Officer: Robert.d Maclean, 11430Camp Mack Road Lake Wales, FL 33853, (863) 696-G96;macexpow@.email. msn. conr

Director Korean Communitv Liaison: James Paek, Rte 2,Box I286, Starke, FL 32091-95a5;Q0$964-3594

ADMINISTRATION TERM 2OO1.2OO2

National Militanr Affairs Adv'r: J. Wallace Schoettelkotte,Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, P.O. Box 3029,Winter Park FL 32789 (407) 629-5786; (407) 831-4771 FAX

Capital Proiects Director: Cherles W. Maddox, 235Sinclair Drive, Tallahassee FL 32312, (850) 222-4882;cmaddox@electro-net. com

Militarv Advisor to the Council: Maj. Gen. James L Dozier,USA (Ret.), P.O. Box 3455, North Ft Myers, FL, 33818-3455,(941) s43-3933, (e4t) s43-667s (FAX)

Chair/DOF Nominations Committee : Theodore J. Sullivan,540 Belltower Avq Deltona,FL32725, (a0| 860-5350;tedi sullivan@yahoo. com

Honor Guard Functions - West Coast: David W. Hanson,2559 l50,AvenueNorth, St. Petersburg, FL 33713-5601,(8 I 3) 328- I 028; DSHans66@.aol.com

Honor Guard Functions - Southeast: Robert F. McCaffrey,2167 Sunflower St., Port Saint Lucie 34952-4859,(561) 335-5371; Mary AMC@aol.com

Department of Florida Webmaster: David 6Mike'Dershimer

743 Trailwood Drive, Altamonte Springs,FL32714 (407)6464825; (407) 646421 3 (FAX), dershimer@rahoo.com,KWVA-DOF-WEB MASTER@kuva. 8m.com

Associate. Chaplain: Reverend Robert Miller, I 55 Fellwood,Fem Park 32730, FL (407) 160-6676;(407)260-6804 (FAX)

Media Consultant: Robert D. Johnson, 504 Dew DropCove, Casselberry fL 32707, (407) 6464825, (407) 695-1560(FAX); roiohncawet@email. msn.com

National Service Officer: David C. Ramga,, VeteransAffairs Supervisor, State of Florida, Department of Veterans'Affairs, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa FL33612,(813)972-2000 ext.6589; (813) 978-5832 (FAX)

Audioloeic Service Officer: Dr. GIen McCormick,Audiologist, 410 Douglas Drive, Jupiter FL 33458, (561)57 5 -3400 ; GlenJudyMcc(dfreewwweb. com

KWVA National l$ VP: Edward L. 'Ted' Magill, 433Spring Lake Dr, Melbourne FL 32940-1955, (321) 255-6837marisa.magill@qte. net

KWVA National Director: Ted Trousdale, 5180 WaltonAvenue, Titusville FL 32780-7030; (352) 267-5233;trousdale@mpinet.net

KWVA National Director: Jack Edwards, P.O. Box 5298,Largo FL 33779-5298; (727) 582-9353;JJ. Edwards@verizon. net

ROSTER OF CHAPTER PRESIDENTS. DOF. KOREAN WAR VETERANS ASS'N

Suncoast Chapter #014

Sam Farina, President14300 66d', St N., Lot 307Clearwater, FLY70q(727) s3s-7884ssfarina(d.ii.netEddie Lyon Chapter #015

Joe Firriolo, Presidsnt2510 NE 209n TerraceNo. Miami Beach, FL 33180(30s) e3r-6s3sGrandnaJoe2(daol.com

Col A. Gritsavage Chapter #016

James Chason, President24300 NE 151$ PlaceSalt Springs, FL 32134-6042(3s2)-68s-06,14PapaJim69@aol.com

Lt. RE. Cronan Chapter #017

Herb Dareff, President

8223 Whispering Palm DriveBoca Raton FL33496(s6t) 48746sthdareff :hotmail.comTreasure Coast Chapter #106

Frederick L Shear, President

1225 NW 2lo St, Apt 502Stuart FL 34994(s61) 692-2442kvetfred5l@aol.comMiami-Dade Chapter #l 10

Ainslie Ferdie,Esq., President

7l7Ponr.e de Leon Blv4 3-215Coral Gables, Ff 33 84-2048(30s) 44s-3s57 (!V)lawoffrc@sate.net

Capital City Chapter #123

Bill Jacobsn President

229Lake Ella DriveTallahassee, FL32303(8s0)222-3382kwva0lemail.msn.com

Osceola Chapter #124Bill Trinchitella, President

5815 SunriseLaneSt. Cloud, FL3477l(407)9s7-ss70kwvet (a'impi net. net(D. ConboY)

Cenfal Florida Chapter #153

Iheodore J. Sullivan, President540 Belltower AveDeltona, FL32725(407) 860-s3s0tedi sul livan(Z)yahoo. com

FL Gulf Coast Chapter #155

Joseph P. Marinq President4915 SW 8th CourtCape Coral, FL33914(94r) s42-9353Jerome 4524@,cs.com

Wm. Charette MOHCh #158

William McCraney, President2215Helen Circle E.Bartow, FL 33830(863)s33-7374wpm2 5thkwva(Dearthl ink. net

Sunshine State Chapter #159Jack Edwards, President

PO Box 5298Largo FL 33779-5298(800) 320-s262-31JJ. Edwards@yerizon. net

Lake County Chapter #169

Martin J. Gleason , President12172 SE 96n TerrBelleview, FL 34420-5444(3s2)24s-9691wongdail@aol.com

Mid-Florida Chapta #17 3

Yictor J. Haas, President

114 Orion WaySanfor4 FL32792(407)330-9724VIC21529@msn.com

Nature Coast Chapter #174

John P. McMillan, President4529 Breakwater Blvd.Spring Hill, FL 34607;(352)597-949 1 ; idcet@bellsouth. net

Lt. Baldornero Lopez (USMC)Tampa Chapter #175Murdoch Ford, President8029 Shaw DriveTampa, FL 33615(813) 885-s432mertnlou@eathlinknet

South Lake County Ch. #188

Robert L. Beasley, President1345 12n StreetClermont, FL 347 I 1 -2822(3s2)241-0s44kleobob@.webw.net

Central FL East Coast Ch #189

Tony Polemeni, President1591 Birmingham AveHolly Hill, FL 32117-2015(904) 672-3808Bobrmh@biefoot.com

Citrus Chapter #192Benjamin A, Reed, President

9136 N. Fontana WayCitrus Spring s, FL 3 443 449 48(3s2) 489-6973SoarDor@prodiey.net

Manasota Chapter #199William Field, President3003 Kiwi PlaceEllenton ,FL34222(941)722-7r83ffoxholl@aol.com

Northeast Florida Chapter #200Rudy Meares, President

P.O. Box 477Middleburg. FL 32050-0477(e04\282-1772rudlusn@aol.com

Brevard County Chapter #210Paul S. Spescia, President

1720 Fairway LaneRockledge, FL 32955-403 I(321) 636-1148csmsabre6aHa@aol.com

Chapters Choose Ofuers; T ake O ath for 2oor -2oo2 T erm

Ebcfions:

Installntinn:

Presifunt:-

r"Yirt-Pteylent -z"dVu,e-Presdsnt -Treasuter-

Seuetary-

PrexlmtAwilinryPastPrenlmt Anx'y

S or osis Club 9 F eb zo oz, Or anqe CityTed Sullwan

BobRedly

BobBalzer

KenRoyer

Frar,kDragoun

BeverlyMcKay

MaryF.GaffwyCHAPTER 169 OFFICERS Front row: l. to r. BrooksGus emqn, Director ; Romeo Caill ouette, Treasurer ;Charles Marcelle, Chaplain; Mary Lum, Secretary; BillTaylor, 7d YP; Back row, l. to r. Paul Russell, Director;Ron Regan, Director; Harold Sievers, l"' VP(Blockcd);Martin "Jockie" Gleason, President; DOF Pres Galfney

Y'{ed oDeczoot,DeBary

ELectrons

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Wed, zrNov zoot, ltuburgV,{ ed, t9 D ec zo ot, I*ubur g

Marttn'Iarkie'GbwonHarold SwusBillTaylrl,MaryM.LumRomeol.Cnillouettc

CharlesMarcelle

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RonRegon

Carolkcher

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t']y'lrc-Westd*:nt

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WedryDeczootClermontPrlbkasby

IohnCwymehIoLtnLynnMrrrty AbrdnowuhRogerRate

TonyRuagliffia

CarolBecksr

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BobHnwes

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DeeHawes

CHAPTER 188 OFFICERS From l. to r.: Roger Race,

Secretary; Tony Riscigliano, Treasurer; jd VP MartyAbramovich; John Lynn, 7d VP; John Carpinelli, l" YP'Bob Beasley, President; & DOF President Goffney

Ebctrans: Tuss zoNovzoor, ELB Home

lnstnllntian: MonTDeczoot,soDaytonoTanyPolemni

tl1l -200

THIS SPACE

AVAILABLE

TO RENT

HALLOWEEN PARTY. CII 169.27 OCT 2OO1

From l. to r.: Mr. & Mrs Romeo Caillouette, ch.

Treasurer as Mr. & Mrs. Florida Tourist; Mory &Tom Gaffney; Rev. Charles Marcelle, Ch Chaplainas Oriental Man; 1"' YP Harold Sieven, Farmer inthe Dell; Tyra Russell, Miss Liberty; Ch DirectorPaul Russell as Uncle Sam; Carol Becker, Ch.

Historian as Miss Liberty 1A; Ch Secretary MaryLum as "Bring'em back alive" Big game Hunter;Kneeling: Ray Wilkenon as the Mad Doctor. lncostume judging Tyra Russell & Carol Becker as

Miss Liberty I & !A, and 'Uncle Sam' Paul Russellernerged victorious.

9-l

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I

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,C

MOH CHARETTE Ch 158 Lake Wales members and families

enjolng the fruits of the harvestl from l. to r. clockwise: Dick Gilbert,

Harold & Jean Smith, unidentiJied lady, POWMIA tlag draped

chairback, Flo Raab, Ann & Bob Maclean, andCharles Raab.

We really didn't spill enough ink inour last edition re the 14 Oct 2001

"Friendly Chapters" Picnic at Crews Lake

State Park Pavilion # I , just east of Rte 4 I ,

up Shady Hills Road north off52E, inPasco County.

To repeat, Chapter #174 NatureCoast, Spring Hill, did a superlative job ofhosting the event, enjoyed by over 100

veterans and their families, and serving as a

model for these annual events to come, God

willing! The chapter has some geatmapmakers, also!

The Celts among us would say:

'oAh sure, it was a grand event!"In the last edition, we reported

inaccurately on the units who made all thishappen, for special mention. We're going

to redo those particulars, and this time, hopefully get it right. From the records and memory of JohnMcMillan, President host chapter #174, Nature Coast, thanks go out to: Eddie Koh, who donated the

chicken stock and $100 plus a supply of the Korean national distr, kimshee; Baldomero Lopez Chapter

#175 contributed ribs & baked beans; MOH Charette Chapter #158 provided beverages; the Suncoast

Chapter #014 provided the condiments and the comic jailbird entertainment (Al Ballschmidt)Veterans and families enjoying the

bounty of our land, sharing in the

brotherhood and camaraderie ofeach other'scompany, exulting in the freedom and

individual liberties! - this is what that the

rest of the world doesn't equal and never will!Unfortunately, this reality at times can be

!

".:f-A TABLE OF SUNCOASTERS Ch 014 St. Petersburg. Clockwise

from the left foreground, the Chuck Dowsons, the Bill Millers, and the

Tom Carricl<s.

perverted into a cataclysmic act of fanatic jealousy such as

what the world witnessed on 9-11.We are indebted to Ed Valetic of Chapter 174 who

supplied the fotos for this spread and the news clipping from

The Tampa Times, Hernando Co. Section, 3l Oct 01.

18yh Doytona Commemorotes SlstAnniversary,25 lune 2001

At the Country HarvestRestaurant Monday, 25 June 2001.,

Central Florida East Coast Chapter

-1

lS9,Chapter President Bob Hawes,

assisted by DOF KWVA President TomGaffney awarded the AppreciationMedallion of Freedom to deserving

Korean veterans who had been hospita-

lized, homebound, or not physically up tomaking the KACF extravaganzawhen itplayed 5 Feb 01 in Daytona and 6 Feb inDeLand.

HEAD TABLE: l. to r. Audrey Porente, Jim O'Donnell, Chapter

Secty-Treas, Tom Gaffiey, Ch Pres Bob Howes

The featured speaker at the event

was media friend AudreY Parente, ofthe Davtona Beach News Journal, who

had just returned from an extensive tripcovering the main cities and hamlets ofthe Republic of South Korea. Ms.

Parente is an advanced practitioner oforiental martial arts and her comments on

this aspect of Korean cultural life were

extremely informing. She said that as a

result of the trip, she had come to fully appreciate the sacrifice that our generation had endured in

going out to that.... land that they did not know.... for a..... people they had never met...... Ms. Parente was

inducted as an associate member of Chapter 189.

CHANGE OF REVENUE VENUE

The principal depository for the

Spartanlike-budgeted funds of the DOF KWVA,has been changed outfrom Fairwinds CreditUnion, lnc. to Central Florida HealthCareFederal Credit Union. The Main Office islocated at 5545 S. Orange Avenue in Orlando, tel# (407) 826-so0s.

A multi-branch operation, ChuckSterchele, DOF Secretary-Treasurer and TomGaftey are shown at the left, during the grand

opening of a new offrce in Deland, North

Woodland Ave & SPeedwaY Blvd.

TIIE *HONOREES"

fqq-5gr .l 't .3lEr!+

REIUEMBRANCES OF THE 1950 WINTER CAilIPAIGN (fron the personat lites ofJim Brussow, Chaplain, Central Florida Chapter #/,53)

Jim made available a release from a 1999 Reunion,

commemorating the 49s anniversary of the Chosin

campaign.

.......Inhaling sulftn through icy nostrils , a combinedforforce of approximately 30,000 US troops faced more than120,000 Chinese troops from Nov to Dec 1950 at a battleeast and west of Chosin Reservoir. Only 16,000 of those

Chinese lived to tell about it.Some of those Chosin Fel, warriors reunited Apr 29-May 2, atParris Island to support each other in the

Marine Corps tradition, nearly 49 years after the ferocious battle. This year's reunion was dedicated to Col.

Donald Conroy ("The Great Santinf')'ttho passed away 9 May 1998.

After a tour of'old PI", a c,ommemoration cerernony was scheduled to be held at the Beaufort NationalCemetery I May, but due to rain, the fonner Marines adapted to the event. Some members performed jobs that

they had no experience doing, such as dealing with members of the press and public speaking. But the former

Marines adapted and overcame. ......"Ihot's what it was like at the reservoii', said Andrew Kovacs, chairman ofthe Chosin Few reunion group....... "If there was a mqchine gun open or sandbags that needed/illing, someonejumped on it. It was a group effort"......

Former Marine Sgt. James F. Brussow, a motor transport operator who drove a jeep equipped with Slmm

mortars during the war and now retired from civil service in DeBary FL, filled in to narrate the short ceremony.

Brussow believes that life after the Marine Corps should also be a group effort.

....uIt's so important to suppot"t each other and get togethei', said Brussow. "It's as important afterwardqs it is when you are in the service. We don't forget those who came before us either." During Brussow's speech,

he described how Marines fought to stay alive at the frozen Chosin k ......"We worked together...crawling around

on our bellies,"....said Brussow.

"And nearly getting our ****es shot off', murmured one of the Chosin Few in the audience.

Brussow's speech addressed visible and invisible scars that some veterans bear and what a veteran is to

hrm. *He may be the local loudmouth...aformer POIY...a Dl....wishing his wife was alive to hold him when the

nightmates come".....kior to the closing prayer, Brussow intimated how much veterans give for their country and

how little they ask in return. "When yoa see someone who has served their coantry, lean over and say 'thankyott' " said Brussow. "Two wotds that mean a lolu

The ceremony closed with aprayer honoring lost comrades in arms.

Following the commemoration, theChosin Fewheld a banquet at theBeaufort Holiday Inn hosting ParrisIsland Commanding General, BGJames R Battaglini and guest speaker

SGM Ford Kinsley, Depot SergeantMajor.

"There are so many that gavetheir lives whose names we'll neverknow", said Andrew KoYacs. "Ioznever know when your ChosinReservoir will hoppen. It could be justaround the corner.

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LOOKS LIKE SERIOUS BUSINESS Probablytalkingabout VA Claims processing. Clockwise, from left fore-ground: Dich Arcand Suncoast Ch 014 Treasurer; Tom

Gaffney DOF Prez, Vic Belson Ch 174 Nature Coast, andTom Sunseri, Chapter 014 & DOF QM

t:

Past President Ch 174 Steve Ackerman (1.) Looks

on as Pres. Ch 174 John McMillan reads citation onplaque awarded to Eddie Koh, proprietor of QuailHollow CC, & LN intelligence agent/interpreter

I

Korean War Veterans Honor Gttard Certifiedby DoD Representative from l,IacDiLL AEB

Pinel-las Park, EL November 6, 2001.As a result of the increase in veterans'deaths, the

Department of Defense has been tasked to provide funeral honordetails for all veterans under the provisj-ons of Publ-ic Law 106-65, Section 65.

Korean War Veterans Suncoast Chapter 014, St. Petersburg isthe first veterans group, north of the Skyway Bridge to becertified to perform funeral honors under the Authorized ProviderPartnership Program j-n conjunction with MacDill AFB personnel inacti-ng to meet the provisions of the l-aw.

With over 20 counties to service wlth funeral detils,MacDill AFB often needs the assistance of Iocal veteransorganizations. The Authorized Provider Partnershi-p Program willensure the provisions of 1-06-65 are met according to l"t Lt GregKuzma USAF, OIC of the local program.

"[y'e feeL honored to be the first Honor Guard in PineTTas Countyto be certified to provide this he7p", said San Farina, KWVAChapter 014 President.

Eamilies of deceased veterans may request mj-litary honorsservices through their funeral dj-rector who then contacts Lt.Kuzma's office.

Chapter 014 has been available to provide military honorsfor veterans and their famili-es since L996. Bil]. Mi].].er isCommander of the Honor Guard. To ensure proficietcY, the detailhol-ds practice sessions of flag foldlng and firing seguence.Past President fom Carrick has provided excellent assistance onbest means of detail stripping down M-1 rifl-es.

W

The Manatee County Veterans Council on November 8, 2001, named BilI Field as Manatee

County Veteran of the Year. The announcement was made by Larry Bustle, Chairman of the Council.

Bustle said all area veterans

organizations in the area were invited to submit

nominations for the competition. The

Chairman's screening committee selected five

names from a field of ten. The four other

finalists were: Larry Bustle, USAF Col(Ret'd); Larry Burnette (USA Col, Ret'd);

Robert Goulding, USMC, EM); and WarrenSweetman USA, EM)

According to Bustle, Field's manY

accomplishments include his selection by the

Veterans Council to spearhead the initiative

that opened the Manatee county School Districtto veterans and their military organizations.

The act, (VETS - Veterans Educate today'sStudents), inspired by Congressional and state

legislation, recognized the importance ofveterans in the community.

Field is a charter member of the newly-formed Korean War Veterans Association(KwvA),

Manasota Chapter No. 199. He was subsequently elected chapter president. A Charter member of the

Korean War Commemorative Committee for the County, Field orchestrated several significant promotions

in the year 2000 designed to unit the county's citizens with Korean War veterans and their families. At the

kickoffevent, an overflow gathering of 673 veterans and families attended an awards ceremony at Kirby

Stewart American Legion Fost 24 Jun 00, commemorating the 50 th anniversary of the invasion of the

Republic of South Korea by its North Korean "neighbors"Further, added Bustle, veterans andtheir families on July 27, 2000 were remembered at Veterans

Monument Park during a candlelight service commemorating the 1953 cease-fire. A compelling qand

poignant address was delivered by Field. Finally, in March 2001, a KWVA honor guard organized by

ii"ld, *ur spotlighted during a medallions presentation at McKechnie Field before 5800 fanes at a

pittsburgh pirates spring training game. All of these activities, and more, provided county-wide recognition

of the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans.

Bitl Field served honorably with the US Army, retiring in

1978 with the rank of Sergeant Major. In Korea he served with the

I't Cavalry Division, being awarded the Combat infantryman's

badge, Purple Heart, Korean war Service Medal dthree battle

stars, and the tIN medal.In another development, fast-moving Chapter 199, Manatee

County has added another successful fund-raiser to its growing list

of promotion. St. Mary's Catholic Charities of Bradenton has

included the KWVA chapter as one of its preferred sponsors. In the

foto to your left, 199'er Konrad Ortner and Prez Bill Field join

Lynn Carlisle, manager of the Church's Bingo charities.

NEWS RELEASE from KWVAManasota Chapter 199, P.O. Box3067, Oneco, Florida 34264'3067,(941) 722-7183 reads:

Patriotism Week in West Central

Florida (Sunday 4 Nov 0l - 12 Nov 0l)wasa smashing success for Chapter 199.

Chapter members particiPated inBradenton's largest veterans parade onpublic record.

Chapter 199 sent volunteers to area

schools to meet with students, and participated in solemn veterans day activities in the Bradenton

Veterans'Park.

In Photo #l above, Chapter President Bill Field(seated left) with Larry Hanneken

(seated righ! join other chapter members as theywait for their parade assignment.

In Photo #2, (to the reader's right) the

Chapter honor guard lines up prior to ceremonies at

Veterans Park

Photo #3, directly below this description,

shows Chapter member George Staudt discussing

the Korean War with 6thgraders at Bradenton'sBraden River Middle School.

Ilng-I l -200 1

"I CAN HEARYOU. THE REST OF THE WORLD HEARS YOU.AND THE PEOPLE WHO KNOCKED THESE BUILDINGS DOWN

WILL HEAR FROM US REAL SOON" . GEORGE .43 .

?,rft

GY

For the 2d consecutive year, Orlando, the entertainment capital of Florida and some

natives boast "of the world" saw its citizens put on a several hour display of patriotic fervor, dash

& color in the Veterans Day Parade, Saturday, 10

Nov 2001.Members of two (2) KWVA chapters were

highty visible in the planning, execution and public

airing of the event. S.C. 'Chuck' Sterchele,

Secretary/Adjutant'treasurer of the DOF KWVA,in his capacity as president ofthe Central Florida

Veterans Association (CFVA), served again at the

request of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood, as

Chairman of the Parade Committee.Arrangements were made by Chuck & Col

Charley Price, DOF KWVA l't VP to secure the

services of Richard Ray, MOH recipient during

Vietnam war, as Grand Marshal.Chuck is shown above with Mayor and Bud Hedinger, Orlando area TV major network

affiIiate anchor person ality, who provided commentary on the units high-stepping in the spectacle

down Orange Ave.

_-"[o.*oyjJ'fi f,:"T'JrrH;*others, Marion Roberts, former past

president ofthe Chapter (foto to left)and Eddie Posada, former Chapterpresident of Miami-Dade Chapter #l10,and now POW-MIA ReP for ChaPter

#173. They opted to participate riding inhumvees, provided by and chauffeured

by FL National Guard units and

Up the avenue, came a contingent ofdismounted troopers, 1$ Cavalry DivisionAssn in full regalia, "C" Troop Central FL, tobe exact! Marching smartly as the unit'scolor guard were KWVA Chapter 173 mem -

bers, from l. to r., WoodY Hines, Pete

Tattersall, Tom Campbell, and Gil Harris.Excuse, technically Pete is the 'youngster', ofVietnam vintage, but nonetheless a 'member

in spirit' and besides, 3 out of 4, bearing

standards, and at our age range, isn't bad!

personnel.

Brevard County ChaPter #210

reports in, from the desk of President PaulSpescia, of their participation in the Orlando

parade, and also assembling for the "Massing

of the Colors" at Brevard Co. CommunityCollege in Cocoa, the next day, Sunday, 11

Nov 2001. Opposite, we view fotos of the

210s detail (from t to r.: Ted Trousdale,

Richard Williams & Nelson Ruiz) before

the parade, and a 2nd shot, showing them

ensconced in a humvee

and positioned in theline ofmarch.

At the .Massing of the colors" from 1500-1630 I I Nov 2001,

President Spescia reports, some 800-900 were in attendance. Another

ceremony was then held at the Space Coasts Stadium, starting 1700 and

President SPescia

recently had his say about the significance ofveterans in our national communities, as we quote

from a letter written to the Orlando Sentinel,

Brevard Edition, 21 Nov 2001-

Titled "students honor visitinsveterons", Spescia rePorted:

....On the morning of Nov l2,l md several other

veterans were invited to visit Lewis Carroll elementary

School. Mrs. Ferrie, who is the principal, the staff,

teachers and students organized several events for all the

veterans.Breakfast was served by teachers and students'

Next was a presentation by the AFJROTC color guard from

Merritt Island high school. Then the students gave their

presantations, which included readings honoring the

veterans, poems and skits.......Then each veteran was given gifts consisting

AT PRISENT ARIvIS arefrom l. to r.: Paul Spescia, of potted flowers and surprise bags, followed by a booklet

Cho"h Hr"kney l"t Yice President, Past President consisting of 2l poems and letters thanking all

Jim Christiansen, Nat'l Director Ted Trousdale, ad veterats.......Several of us were guest speakers for several

Richard Williams of the classrooms.The classroom I visited, Mrs. Norris' sixth-grade

class, was extremely excited about my experiences - in which war I fought, the country, the people, what my

ribbons meant, etc. It was a well-disciplined class and I enjoyed every minute.

A tree was planted in back ofthe school honoring the veterans, and a bronze plaque was placed next to

the tree.

lasting until 1900 hours. SEE: photo below

fl[

SETIING UP l. to r. : t arry Haug, Eddie Koh, Verlin 'Buck' Rogers, ls VPBob Mills, Ed Hohenthaner; up in the DUKW back end, newly-electedChapter President Murdoch Ford, and grandson

Lt. Baldomero Lopez Chapter #175 Out in Front on Veterans' Day in Tampa

10 November 2001, a Saturday busy in all KWVA Chapter precincts across thisvast sovereign state, saw theChapter sited at AMVETS inSkinner Road, heading up the1 Tzhour marching spectacledown Skinner Road.

Only the 2nd annualVeterans'Day parade in Tampa,Chapter #175 and the MOPHwere joined this year by theDAV, & more VFW & AmericanLegion posts.

Seems that a fellow overin that part of the state namedGeorge Steinbren ner ('TheBoss) decided to get involved.

AII IMPRESSM FRONT LINE Waiting for the command to step off! From l. to r. Ed Hohentauer,Chaplain; Sam Hayes; Verlin 'Buck'Rogers, Chapter Founder/?ast Presidsrlt & DOF Chaplain; Don Sargent;Eddie Koh, entrepreneur, UN interpreter, et al; Ch Treasurer Pete Lansbery; Murdoch Ford, ChapterPresident; Larry Haug; Frank Snow. Also three (3) assorted grandsons.

ffiffi trffirD6;i.qSSlU;;L,[.5ffEP-ffi5 'vrffieffi

The Marion County Veterans Memorial Park has been a site for national holiday

observances for some months now, even prior to its formal dedication in March of this year. We

in the KWVA have a special connection dthis national 'model' for civil planners, architects,

executives. It just so happens that the resident Park Director is Dick Merrill, past President (2X)

of our State's oldest chapter, Col Alice

Gritsavage I{ ":ffi chapter#016. Dickhas

escortedpublic Il I {lE*.,, ffi officialsandother

assortedriritirg . I Effi r ffi firemenfromallsections

orthe'lil: ;l- @#fi;***tffi ff:"*:XJ:ffi aderua,e

picnicking and G ffif;Itr' .y ;EIE barbecuing facilitls:ffi::i ffi: ME *i*t; r :,"' M Hff:ffi,flTff: #'scheduledfor ,:,lthr;il-' ' - F: -- ..,ffffi Saturdav @1200 hours,

hosted by Cot , Gritsavage chaPter.

Unfortunately, r",_ the weather did notthe event had to be

ill,1"J3'i;,1",n" - 1 :ffiffi;91orthg

following month, piCxrcXrns Alrovr Astraddle benches in right background rescheduled for Sat 27

Oct. This time, the weather was clear, but

a bit blustery rather than bahny, which may have put a crimp in the overall attendance. Central FL

Chapter #153 sent a delegation pictured below. A 50-50 drawing was held. The provisions were

very good and the photographic conditions were

excellent.

GRITSAVAGE CHAPIER'BRASS' /.,o r.: 1$ VP

LyIe McNeely, Virginia McNeelf DickMerrill, Past

Chpr President (2X)/lvlemorial Park Director;Jim Chason, Ch #016 President

"WHEN IGOT ALL THE FACTS THAT WEWERE UNDER ATTACK, THERE'D BE HELLFOR ATTACKING AMERICA!"- GEORGE. 43 .

CH 153 VISITORS l. to r.: in pairs, the Ray

Ellingtons, Pete McKays, Angelo Saccentes,

& the Tom Gaffneys

Students in Central Florida Honor Individual Veterans

LAKE BRANTLEY HONOREESi Major Mark Watts Sr, LBHS

AFJROTC; M/Sgt Roy Camacho, l4ll/ Il/KoredYietnam &wife; Bill

Russell, Stars & Stripes correspondent Korean l{ar & author; Col Earl

Denton, (USA Ret'd) 3 war veteran; Tom Gaffney, President DOF KWA;

Chuck Sterchele, Secy/Adj-Treasurer DOF KWA & Pres CFVA', Col

Charley Price,(USA Ret'd) I"' Vice President DOF KWA

Heathnow Elementary School, Lake Mary, Seminole Co. welcomed M/SGT Vic Haas (USAF

Ret'd), President of Mid-Florida Chapter #173 onVeterans' RecognitionDay sent the following letter of appreciation:

"Dear Mr. Haas,

The students and staffof Heathrow greatly appreciate thetime you took out of your busy life to share in our sixth Veterans RecogrritionDay. You are to be commended for your courage and bravery; not only duringactive duty, but to have entered an elernantary classroom and shared such

wonderful living stories, as well!The students truly enjoyed your visit and look forward to

seeing you again next year. Please put Friday, November 8,2002 on your

calendar to revisit the students of Heathrow Elementary,

Sincerely, /s/ Sally S. Jenkins, Principal/S/ Joan Schwartz, Third Grade Teacher"

(The class took the snaoshot of President Haas 'framed' asainst the patriotic poster board)

On Thursday, 8 Nov 01, the student body of Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs paid

public tribute to several military veterans from Central Florida. The Ceremony, from 0945-1100 hours

was held at the Lake Brantley Football Stadium, and featured the LBHS AFJROTC, Rifle & Standards

Drill Teams, and student Marching Band. One part of the Ceremony had each honoree stand as his

military and civilian bio was announced over the public address system. Individual ovations followed each

presentation. Major MarkA. Watts, Sr., USAF (Ret.)Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, was theprincipal coordinator of the Fridaymorning event.

In a thank you letter received by

each honoree 12 Nov 2001, Cadet MajorShannon J. Carlson expressed the

following sentiments:

....Your attendance at our ceremony

was a great honor and inspiration to all thecadets as well as the students and staffhere at

Lake Brantley High School.We have received numerous

comments of praise and gratitude on thequality and performance of theceremony.......We want to take this oppor-tunity to give you a heartfelt thank you for theservice you have provided our country.

Your presence was instrumental inhelping me and my fellow cadets understand

the significance the Korean l{or pluyed indefending the Free World. Our students

understand the freedoms they enjoy todaywere won with your sacrifices and effort half acantury ago....

YYI ;irr,

51[,fi

EroBUR!roG IMAGES FROM

o'@ponation Endvnlng Fpeodan'

GODSPEED!

TOMBSTONE TIME

y,r:PArNr"-.P -' .l*'#Eo '

1.3

#s+

Cheuy hnsll lB! ludsld

t:r'- . Ii

Salute to the Veteran!Ulhlle others sta3led home $afe....

you nlsked youF 1ifi8....Iou headed fun the Hell of War....

UYlng among pain....and striSet

You rnado no exGUSG.....You neYor burned your dmft GlFd..--

taqy neveF Genle beek...--And the ones who dld...roturned scanred.

$eans that could bg seen.---But,9 uuoFsG....sGans inside.....

You sacnlfleed so mueh----But you held on to Your Pnidel

!$ome eamo back in wheelehairs-.--Some in bod3r bags.-.

But your rrourage was shlning.-.Though your clothes woFe in mg*

We owe it ell to the Ueterans....Erery fneadom f,rG owll.or...

So take time to honor them----$ome stlll sod....siGk.-.8[d alone-

Hene's to the YeteFenstll!One and ellt

Who bellered..-OUNffED WE giAND....

DIYIDED WE FALLP

I

NO, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE !

I watched the flag pass by that daY

A young marine saluted it,And then, stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniformSo young, so tall, so proud

With hair cut square and eYes alertHe'd stand out in any crowd

I though how many men like himHad fallen through the years?

How many had dies on foreign soil?How many mother's tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldier's graves?

No, Freedom is not Free !

I heard the sound of*Taps" one nightWhen everything was still.I listed to a bugler PlaY,And I felt a sudden chill.

I wondered how many timesThat "Taps" had meant ttAmentt

When a flag had covered a coflin,Of a brother or a Friend

I thought of all the childrenOf all the mothers and the wives,Of fathers, sons and husbands,

With interrupted lives.I thought about a graveYard,

At the bottom of the sea,

0f unmarked graves at Arlington'No, Freedom is not Free !

9- I 1 -2001

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