Download pdf - Boo Coo News - Vietnam Veterans of AmericaVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News OCTOBER 2011 - Page 4 VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER These Are Free Services 10 a.m. to 4

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Boo Coo NewsVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154

www.VVA154.com Mount Clemens, Michigan

OCTOBER 2011

WELCOME HOME!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY

OF THE MONTH AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4, 401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAYSOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD

* * *VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER

16945 12 MILE ROADROSEVILLE MI 48066(586) 776‐9810 PHONE(586) 776‐9683 FAXMONDAY ‐ FRIDAY10 A.M. ‐ 4 P.M.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME.STOP BY. HANG OUT & HELP OUT.

* * *

BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE:PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING

TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THEVETERANS SUPPORT CENTER

Patriot Day Ceremonies in Clinton Township

VVA Convention in Reno

Resurrection Luncheon# Submitted by Brian BobekThe color guard was recently honored byResurrection Funeral Home with a luncheonto thank them for all the work they dothroughout the year.

Resurrection had a lunch cateredin consisting of two types ofchicken, potatoes, salads and, ofcourse, desserts. A sincere thank‐you goes out from Chapter 154 foracknowledging the hard work ofthe color guard.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News OCTOBER 2011 - Page 2

President’s Message

September is drawing to a close, and what a busy month it has been! We had the TravelingMemorial up in Linwood for a biker bash. The weather was not very cooperative, but theevent turned out successfully. Then the memorial was displayed at Oakland University as part

of their student veteran's event. Again, the weather kept crowds down, but we did manage to giveout several of our medals to our latest generation of warriors. The veteran's car show at GratiotAuto Center was a resounding success, and the color guard, as usual, provided their support forthe show. Then it was a Patriot's Day memorial at Resurrection Cemetery, and a memorial atMetro Beach. We continued our support of the fine folks at the American House by attending thelatest documentary at the Birmingham Theatre, and doing a color guard service at one of their senior centers. We conducted the 25th anniversary of our vigil at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery on September 16 & 17. It wasour honor to be able to place the return dates on three of our Michigan MIAs; only 50 more to go and our work is done. Wewere the recipients of the generous donation of Sorrento's Pizza on September 20, which was attended by several of ourmembers. We have one more committed display of our memorial in Birch Run on September 30 through October 2. After that,I am not committing to additional dates until we have something resolved on a memorial chairman. As you can see, we have lots of things going on, and lots more that we could do if we can get additional support. I find itinteresting how easily people think of Chapter 154 when they have a function. I think that's a testimonial to the hard work thischapter has put in over the years. Everyone knows us, and respects what we do, even the other veteran's organizations. Wecan't afford to let our efforts slip by the wayside. Turn out, get involved, and make a difference.

Brian Bobek20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 196768

VVA Chapter 154 OfficersPresident: Brian Bobek (586) 337-34071st Vice President: Gary Purcell (586) 243-62932nd Vice President: Woody Horne (586) 716-0959Secretary: Mike Schneider (586) 567-0731Treasurer: Mike Jacobi (586) 786-9932

Board of DirectorsRon Drdul (2013) (586) 899-7112Ben Elwartowski (2013) (586) 566-3442Mike Gardner (2013) (586) 615-1509Donn Sinclair (2013) (586) 243-0222Larry May (2013) (586) 790-0008Chuck Charbeneau (2012) (586) 431-7133Gil Claunch (2012) (586) 854-7842Ed Zysk (2012) (586) 907-1471Dave Schoenherr (2012) (586) 940-2568Greg Bowman (2012) (586) 850-1800Pat Daniels (Past President) (586) 246-0876

Boo Coo News PublisherThe Board of DirectorsBoo Coo News Editor

Brian BobekDesktop Publishing/Typesetting

Linda MayThank you! to all of our advertisers, and to the dedicated

volunteers who provide copy and photos, those who act asprinter, proofreaders, mailing crew, facilitators & advisers

for Boo Coo News.

VVA State Council Newsletterwww.everythingveteran.com

2011-2012 Standing Committee ChairsCommunity Service Mike GardnerConstitution/By-Laws Donn SinclairETABO Ben ElwartowskiFinance Mike JacobiGovernment Affairs Ron DrdulMembership Larry MayMinority Affairs Ed ZyskPublic Affairs Brian BobekVeteran’s Affairs Woody HorneVeteran’s Benefits Brian BobekWomen Veterans Chuck CharbeneauPOW/MIA Tom DuffAgent Orange/Dioxin George SawyerIncarcerated Veterans Dave SchoenherrVeteran’s Health Care Gil ClaunchState Delegates

Mike Gardner, Brian Bobek, Mike SchneiderNominating Committee

Bill Mault, Dave Schoenherr, Mike Bilyk

Special & Ad Hoc CommitteesAVVA Rep Randy ChomColor Guard Woody HorneFood Bank Gil ClaunchHospitalized Vets Tom DuffMichigan Memorial OpenScholarship Woody HorneSpeaker’s Bureau Mike BrinkWebmaster Larry SaugerWelcome Home Mitch ArgyrisOperation Christmas Dance: Mike Gardner

Food: Gil Claunch


# COLOR GUARD - The Point Team - Woody Horne, Commander

ADDITIONAL AUGUST DETAILS8/1 Funeral honors for Russell Bushor, Army Korea,

retired Detroit Police Department, 21 gun and taps8/2 Funeral honors for Kenneth Briggs, Navy Korea, 21

gun and taps8/4 Funeral honors for Dan Pier, Army Vietnam, Chapter

154 member, 21 gun and taps8/7 Andiamo, posted colors for showing of "One Soldier's

Story"8/9 Funeral honors for Lawrence Whitaker, Army Korea,

21 gun and taps8/10 funeral honors for Arthur Zalewski, Army WWII, 21

gun and taps8/13 Clawson car show, short parade, 21 gun and taps8/19 SANG hangar party, post colors for dinner8/22 Funeral honors for Ernest Hawkinson, Navy WWII,

21 gun and taps8/24 Funeral honors for Hartley Darleve, Army Korea, and

his wife Vezina both died within two days of eachother, 21 gun and taps

8/31 Resurrection Funeral Home put on a BBQ for thePoint Team for all the details we do with them. Thanks to the crew at Resurrection Funeral Home.

SEPTEMBER DETAILS9/2 Funeral Honors for Allen Manore, Navy, 21 gun and

taps9/3 Harsens Island parade, 21 gun And taps9/5 Romeo Parade9/6 Funeral honors for Harry Canconetta, Army, 21 gun

and taps9/7 Funeral honors for Walter Farrar, Army Korea, 21

gun and taps9/8 Flag burning, 21 gun and taps at K of C in Sterling

Heights9/11 VVA Car Show, post colors, 21 gun and taps9/11 Resurrection Cemetery for 9/11 memorial service9/11 Metro Beach, 21 gun for 9/11 memorial service9/13 Funeral honors for Robert Talley, Army, 21 gun and

taps

Please note that, at the request of one our long‐standing colorguard officers, the twice‐monthly color guard meetings arebeing moved to Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. The meeting willcontinue to be held at the Vet Center and will remain on thesecond and last Tuesday of each month thereafter. Thischange is effective with the meeting for September 27.

Romeo Peach Festival Parade# Submitted by Brian Bobek

On September 5, the Chapter 154 Color Guard again participated in theannual Romeo Peach Festival Parade in downtown Romeo. As usual,the turnout of the public was impressive. This is always one of the

premier events we do every year. Considering the weather, the street waslined with people, and they really pull out the stops for us. Every townshould have the enthusiasm and patriotism that the Romeo folks exhibit. We had the four military vehicles represented, the Deuce, the jeep, theambulance and the mule. Everyone enjoys coming out and seeing us everyyear, and we appreciate the support we receive from the community.

Air Show Assistance Thank YouI want to express sincere thanks on behalf of the POW Committee ofMichigan for the help we received at the Air Show on Saturday andSunday. From the occasional "loan" of JoAnne and Paul on Saturdaywhen I was by myself at our table, to the golf cart rides back and forthto the vendor parking lot (especially Marv on Sunday afternoon withthe cashbox, chair, and bags), to the often repeated "do you needanything, Marty?" VVA Chapter 154 is a class act. See you in Novi!As always, Marty EddyPresident, Prisoner of War Committee of MichiganMI State Coordinator, National League of POW/MIA Families


VETERANS SUPPORT CENTERThese Are Free Services

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday ‐ Friday ! 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville ~ (586) 776‐9810SERVICE OFFICERS

file claims and answer questionsKenneth J. Aune ~ Wednesdays ~ call ahead

Carol Ann Turner ~ Thursdays ~ appointments onlyHELP WANTED:

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

Sick Call

• Larry May continues to baffle medical science. They areunable to determine what the lesions are on Larry's brain.They are ruling out a "tumor" but cannot say exactly what itis. Larry remains lightheaded and fatigued.

• Jim "Sniper" Stevens is continuing his recovery but is out ofthe hospital.

• Roman Pachorek is recovering from his recent treatment for

non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Because of his reduced resistanceto infection, he is not able to be around others at this time,but has expressed his intention to get back with everyone,and he sends his best wishes to all the chapter members.

• Chapter member Don Teeples is in the VA Hospital for kidneystones and we wish him the best for a speedy recovery.

HOSPITAL REPORTWelcome Home!Tom Duff Hospital Committee Chairman

On September 14, Mike Schneider, PabloGuzman, Dave Shirey, Frank Griffin, GilClaunch, Judy Haag and myself went to the VA

Hospital. We got to visit with about 81 vets. We wentto wards B‐2, Step Down, A‐4 North and A‐3 North. We passed out personal items bags, Boo Coo News,magazines, books bananas, chips, Nabisco products,Little Debbie products, pretzels, crossword puzzlebooks. We let our vets know that we care aboutthem, that they are not just forgotten.

Next visit will be on October 12, leaving the VetCenter at 8 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE FROM SAM’S SORRENTO PIZZA

Al Marino, owner of Sam’s Sorrento Pizza,pledged to raise $15,000 by Veterans Dayfor the Veterans Support Center at a

Campaign Commitment Kickoff held Tuesday,September 20, 2011 at the Sorrento Pizza MountClemen’s location. A portion of the sale of anylarge pizza will go to the campaign. Marinopresented a commitment check originally madeout for $10,000 to Brian Bobek, VietnamVeteran Chapter 154 president. While making

the presentation he announced he would add an additional $5,000 making a $15,000pledge. Bobek was thrilled to receive the commitment check. “This is a great thingSorrento’s is doing and this will really help us in what we can do for veterans inMacomb County,” said Bobek. The Veterans Support Center in Roseville offers servicessuch as counseling, compensation and disability claims instruction to local vets fromany military service. The event, which brought franchise owners, local officials andmany vets, included a 21 gun salute, Taps and the raising of a POW flag. Scott Gardner,LTJG, who returned from Iraq almost one year ago, received a medal from Bobek. “It’ssomething small that we can do to show the younger vets our appreciation,” Bobeksaid. Sam’s Sorrento Pizza has 12 locations in Macomb and Oakland counties. Known for their old‐fashioned pepperoni,Sorrento Pizza also sells pasta, salads and subs. For more information on Sam’s Sorrento Pizza visit online atwww.sorrentopizza.com


ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAhttp://www.avva.org

The Mission and Vision of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is to advance the work ofVietnam Veterans of America, Inc. through cooperative projects and/or programs, to facilitate,enhance and improve communication with our members and the general public and to continuelegislative efforts to ensure the rights of and benefits for all veterans and their families. Associates ofVietnam Veterans of America, Inc., are dedicated to the aggressive advancement of realistic goals withintegrity and in the spirit of unity that reflects our commitment of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.,all Veterans, their families and communities.

JOIN THE ASSOCIATES! We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Mount Clemens Public Library on Cass

Avenue. NEXT AVVA MEETING IS October 19.

Randy Chom [email protected]; Marge Schoenherr [email protected]; Cathy Cook [email protected]

Minutes from the September meeting Attendance: Cathy Cook, Marge Schoenherr, Randy Chom, Phyllis & Gil Claunch, Ruth Babcock, Pat Drdul, Jane Darling, KarenMack, Karen Zysk, Keith Arnold, Edie Rose, Carol Johnson. Prospective new associates were introduced. Membership formswhere handed out. Sorrento’s Pizza will be donating 25 cents for every large pizza sold in Macomb County until November 11.They have hopes that $15,000.00 will be raised. Randy has the chapter report available if anyone would like to see it.Associates will be preparing lunch (Resurrection Cemetery) & dinner (Freedom Hill) for the Color Guard on Veterans Day.There is the possibility that Resurrection Cemetery will be providing lunch for the Color Guard. Menu was discussed but will bedecided next month. Cathy handed out flyers for the Operation Christmas scrapbook fundraiser on Saturday, October 22.Admission is a gift for child ages 11‐16. Money raised from the raffle will used to buy hats, gloves & scarves. She will also becollecting these items in November & December at the library. Edie talked about October being Agent Orange month andraising funds by doing a balloon launch as a fundraiser. Fundraising ideas discussed: chili cookoff at Dooley’s on Hall Rd. bakesale at Kroger at 21 Mile & Card, Texas Roadhouse, Mongolian BBQ, Vietnam poppies. Discussion was held if these are activitiesfor the associates or should the chapter be heading these fundraisers. Randy is picking up some poppies from Edie. Jane askedif anyone has names for Operation Christmas that the names be turned in is as soon as possible. The deadline for Toys for Totsis mid November. Operation Christmas Dinner dance is Saturday, December 3. Tickets are $30/person & a new toy Doors openat 5:30pm, dinner at 7:00pm. Dennis Bowman will be the DJ. We hope to decorate and set up raffle baskets on Friday. Baggingof toys will be on Friday, December 16 at Warren Pipe and delivery will be on Saturday, December 17. Next OperationChristmas meeting is October 17 at 7pm at the Vet Center. Each associate will be responsible for one raffle basket. Giftcertificates or items collected that don’t fit with your basket theme will be used as door prizes. A list will be started next monthfor your basket theme. Donation letters and donation forms for donor information were handed out. Randy will handle thesilent auction again this year. Our next meeting is October 19 at the Mount Clemens Public Library at 7pm. Cathy will bring thedessert. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Cook

Selfridge Air Show# Submitted by Ron Drdul

The Michigan Memorial was set up for the hangar party in hangar 35 during the day on Friday,August 19 thanks to Gary Purcell, Ben Elwartowski, Dave Schoenherr, Mike Bilyk, BobSteward, Chuck Charbeneau and Chris Scalise. The color guard's ten members, under the

command of Woody Horne, presented the colors prior to the dinner. Dinner was followed by aconcert that featured the Steven Clark Band with a flyover by three biplanes, AT6, and a Chinookhelicopter. The concert continued with Eddie Money and his band. After the concert, a fireworksdisplay was conducted. During the show the Michigan Memorial was taken down and moved to the Hush Hangar for theduration of the Air Show. On Saturday and Sunday, the Michigan Memorial and merchandise tables were manned by many ofour Chapter 154 members too numerous to mention here for fear of omitting someone's name. Two golf carts were driven bychapter members that were utilized to move people around the grounds as needed. Those folks worked tirelessly and wereheaded by Gary Purcell from 6 a.m. on both days until the show ended in the late afternoon. The air show featured many flyingacts as well as aircraft that were on static display, which featured B‐1 and B‐52 bombers, KC‐135 tanker, A‐10 attack aircraft,C‐130 and many vintage aircraft from WWII, such as the B‐17, B‐25 bombers. Many other displays from the Army, Marines,Coast Guard and Macomb County Sheriff's Department were available for show‐goers to see as well.


Minutes of General Membership Meeting 9/14/11~ Submitted by Mike Schneider

Meeting called to order at 1900 hours by President Brian Bobek. Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence observed.Introduction of new members: Frank Cline, Henry Salzmann, Tom Reardon, Jim Aiuto and Ron Bawks, all Army men.Welcome home and welcome to the chapter. Introduction of officers. Motion by Bill M, seconded by Tom D to accept

minutes as published in the Boo Coo News. Treasurer's report by Mike Jacobi stated that we received the check fromWolverine Harley for the Ride for Freedom which we are very thankful for. The motion to accept the report was tabled untilthe Trustees meet with Mike to audit the finances this month.CommitteesHospital report and Color Guard report to follow elsewhere inthe newsletter.

Food Bank: We have been busy in the food bank servingveterans. We have been getting donations. The ambulance wasfilled at the September car show by participants which helpsfill our shelves. Thanks to all who donated. Money has beenspent to help fill the freezers with meat to be given out. GilClaunch has accepted the position as Food Bank Chairman.Thank you, Gil.

Lottery: This is the first time that all money was turned inbefore the first of the month, although some ticket stubs arefloating around somewhere in Florida.

No reports from the Speakers Bureau or the State Council.

Agent Orange: Federal courts have blasted the VA for itstreatment of those suffering from PTSD and calling it"unchecked incompetence.” Veterans from 1945 thru 1961 arelisted as "atomic vets" and they are presumed to have one ormore of 21 different cancers. Judge or judges needed forVeterans Court as they are 2,000 appeals behind. You may signup at the national cemetery for free burial before time of deathto avoid any hassles. Only those with an honorable dischargeare eligible. Major League Baseball has raised $4,000,000 forPTSD for Veterans of Modern Warfare and will try to raise thatto $11,000,000. The dust in Iraq has been reported to beextremely harmful to our troops. The Defense Departmentmust pass an okay to the VA to pay those who served at CampLejeune and have health issues. VA cemetery in Houston wasblasted for denying prayers at time of burial of veterans.Caregivers are receiving payment now, said to be in theneighborhood of $1,250. Canada has withdrawn its troopsfrom Afghanistan. Up yours, EH!

Traveling Memorial: We had success at Bubba's Tri‐City cycleshop in Linwood. It was displayed at the POW/MIA Vigil andwill be at the Birch Run Expo Center Sept. 30 thru Oct. 2.Requests are coming in for the remainder of the year and fornext year. We will try to get someone to become chairman andschedule some dates.

Merchandise: Sales are up, replacement merchandise is beingordered. We need a new chairman also.

Associates: meet on Sept. 21 at the Mt Clemens Library, 7pm.

Air Show: Chris Scalise thanked Gary Purcell for taking care ofthe memorial over the weekend and to Ron Durdl for all of hishelp. An APB was issued for Mitch A but he was found beforethe gates closed. Chris also thanked all who helped thatweekend. A performer died when he misjudged a transferduring his performance. Our deepest sympathies go out to hisfamily. Not all aircraft that was advertised showed up but itwas still a success. A follow‐up meeting will be held soon.

Old Business:At the national convention in Reno the proposal for a PSA to notify vets oftheir benefits was rejected by the finance committee, and the delegatesdid not want to hear the proposal on the convention floor, so we will tryagain in two years. As usual, we were given a whole‐hearted welcome bythe people as we marched in the Romeo Peach Parade. They really doshow their support. Three names had their return dates added to thePOW/MIA memorial wall in Novi this year. What an honor to be a part ofthat. Johnnie Webb, vice‐chairman of JPAC was the guest speaker at thevigil. He was both insightful and interesting. He is a Vietnam veteran anda retired Army officer. The chapter has been trying to get a tow vehicledonated to take the memorial around the state. Ford and GM have beencontacted so far. We need a chairman for this and the Ride for Freedom.The pay sucks but the experience is great. We could use more help on thedesk at the center.

New Business:Chuck C made a motion to have a chapter flag made to be used for localevents but it was tabled until we can get cost estimates. A motion wasmade by Ron D and seconded by Chuck C to add the Coast Guard emblemto our chapter logo on new orders of merchandise of other products. Theowners of Sorrento's Pizza will donate 25 cents per large pizza to thechapter to help operate the Vet Center. Free pizza was enjoyed on Sept.20 at the Mount Clemens location. We will be presented a check on Nov.11 and hopefully more will follow. Thank you Sorrento's for thinking ofveterans. The AVVA is sponsoring a membership drive with monetaryincentives until the end of the year. A military goods show will be held atthe Bruce Post VFW for those interested. Leo Miller, who is a chaptermember, recently won the 50/50 raffle sponsored by the State Council.He has graciously promised to donate to the food bank. Thank you Leofor your generosity. The Macomb County DAV 44 has donated $500 toour food bank. Thank you for helping to feed our vets and their families.Bruce Himrod will address the board at the next board meeting to informus about becoming a 501(c)(3) organization to take advantage of the foodwe can receive from Gleaners Food Bank. We are now a 501(c)(19)organization. The Veterans Day Parade in Detroit will start at 10am thisyear, which is earlier than in the past. All are welcome and encouraged toparticipate. The Mental Health Advisory Committee from the Dingell VAfacility called to ask if we would donate bag lunches for 40 individuals atthe hospital at a cost of $8 each. We will contact Ron Heck to receivemore information. A motion was made by Mitch A and seconded byGeorge C to spend $320 for the lunch. Volunteers of America, inconjunction with Home Depot, is seeking volunteers to help clean someempty lots for a Veterans Park at 235 E. Milwaukee in Detroit. Volunteerswill be given breakfast, lunch and a T‐shirt for helping. Chapter memberDon Teeples is in the VA hospital for kidney stones and we wish him thebest with a speedy recovery. Gary Purcell thanked all who helped at theair show. The first Operation Christmas meeting was held and ticketswere ordered for the dinner dance. Doors will open at 5:30 with dinner at7pm on Saturday Dec. 3. Delivery date is scheduled for Dec. 17. We willtry to get into the building where we stage our toys next month to clean itup. We will try to get heat and make the shopping more efficient. Nextmeeting will be Monday Oct. 17. Please volunteer to help Chris C when hetakes his truck to Wal‐Mart to collect toys. 50/50 raffle won by RonDurdl. Did you tell Pat? Motion to adjourn by Mitch A and seconded byGeorge S.


POW/MIAWelcome Home!

1,685 Missing50 Michigan

REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN POW/MIAS FOR OCTOBER

* * *BRUCE BOLTZE, FLINT

MIA 10672 S. VIETNAM, MARINES

DENNIS GAUTHIER, ROCHESTERMIA 103169 S. VIETNAM, ARMY

ROBERT HILL, DETROITMIA 101868 N. VIETNAM, AIR FORCE

MARTIN MASSUCCI, ROYAL OAKMIA 10165 N. VIETNAM, AIR FORCE

WILLIAM STROVEN, FREMONTMIA 102868 N. VIETNAM, AIR FORCE

GEORGE TYLER, ROYAL OAKMIA 102468 N. VIETNAM, AIR FORCE

KENNETH WALKER, LANSINGMIA 10264 S. VIETNAM, AIR FORCE

* * *YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!"I was prepared to be wounded

‐‐‐ prepared to be captured ‐‐‐ even prepared to be killed. Iwas not prepared to be abandoned

by my country." Former POW U.S. Navy Captain Eugene "Red" McDaniel

Support your POW/MIAs.Fly your POW/MIA flag.Display a POW/MIA decal.

If you need a POW/MIA decal for your car, truck or bike,or certificate of appreciation for flying a flag, see Tom

Duff

National League of POW/MIAFamilies is on Facebook with the latest updates.

Aman is not dead until he is forgotten. Wewill never forget.Welcome Home!

``When one member of the armed forces is not worth theeffort to be found,

then we have lost our honor.`` ~~ V.V.N.W.

POW/MIA Reportsubmitted by Tom Duff POW/MIA chairman 9th Inf. ‘68‘69

WWIINo reported recoveries

KoreaArmy Sgt. Lee Henry Jr., MIA 8/7/50, remains identified6/3/11Army PFC Henry Gustafson, MIA 12/31/50, remainsidentified 6/3/11Army PFC John Lavelle Jr., MIA 12/150, remains identified6/3/11Army PFC Aaron Pearce, MIA 4/21/51, remains identified5/16/11Army Cpl. Freeman Lindsey, MIA 2/28/51, remains identified5/5/11

VietnamNo reported recoveries

NEWS RELEASE: The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Officeannounced that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing inaction from the Korean War, have been identified and werereturned to his family for burial with full military honors. Army Sgt. Lee D. Henry, Jr., 22, of Tyler, Texas, was be buriedSept. 17 in his hometown. In August 1950, Henry died nearHaman, South Korea. In early 1951, the remains of anunknown soldier were exhumed from the 25th InfantryDivision Cemetery in Masan, South Korea. The remains hadinitially been interred on Aug. 18, 1950, but availabledocumentation didn’t identify the individual or indicatewhere the remains were originally found. The exhumedremains were analyzed in Kokura, Japan, four men —including Henry — were possible candidates but couldn’t beidentified given the technology of the time. The remains wereburied as unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of thePacific in Honolulu. In 2010, scientists at Joint POW/MIAAccounting Command concluded they had evidence thatsupported identification of the unknown soldier. The remainswere exhumed in March 2011 for analysis using moderntechnology. Among other forensic identification tools andcircumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dentalcomparisons in the identification of Henry’s remains.


VVA National Convention Recap# Submitted by Brian Bobek

What do you have when you have 672 unlicensedlawyers in a conference hall? The VVA NationalConvention! I attended the 15th convention in Reno,

Nevada along with Mike Schneider and Mike “Mouse”Gardner. It is safe to say that there were some interestinghappenings, and a lot of stuff that constituted the old “twominutes of fame” with a microphone stuck in someone's face. We were there to try to get our proposal reheard about VVANational funding public service announcements across theU.S. to help all veterans learn about their benefits eligibility.We went into session with the Public Affairs Committee priorto the convention floor, and received overwhelming supportfor our initiative. However, when we got to the conventionfloor, the delegates refused to allow us to reopen ourproposal. It is my belief that they were scared off because ofthe potential amount of money involved, without everknowing if the funding was available. Our plan is now to rewrite our proposal, softening some ofthe language to make it more understandable, and to assurethe membership that the funding is available to do so. Unfortunately, that cannot happen until the next convention,which will be held in 2013. In the meantime, we'll continue todo what we do best, lobby for veteran's rights howeverpossible. The convention was a whirlwind of activity. We were insession from 9 a.m. (sometimes earlier) and the sessions ranup until 5 p.m. There were some evening sessions that keptus busy as well. There was not much time to do anysightseeing; all business. There were some entertainers thatyou would all remember from “back in the day,” and all I cansay is ... they've gotten OLD! Where has the time gone? VickiLawrence, Diana Doll, Johnny Rivers ... Wish we had better news to report on our resolution, butwe won't quit pushing.

How to Kill Your Chapter This was found in a 1993 issue of theBoo Coo News and it bears repeating:1. Do not attend the meetings, especially the general

meetings.2. Criticize what they are doing, but do not offer an

alternative or help.3. Disrupt the meetings and knock the officers and Board

members.4. Do not support or attend chapter functions, parades, etc.5. Be negative, look for faults and complain.6. Do not run for office, and do not volunteer to serve on any

committee.7. Take what you can, but give nothing in return.8. Take a position and then do not fulfill your duties.9. Volunteer to help and then do not show up.10. Come to march in only one parade a year, never help in

any other function since you think you fulfilled your duty.11. Stick your nose into someone else's business or personal

life.12. If the shoe fits, try not to wear it anymore.

Veteran's Car Show# Submitted by Donn Sinclair

Chapter 154 hosted our second car show of the yearSunday, September 11 at Gratiot Auto Center. Initiallythe weather looked as if it might be a problem, but the

rain stayed away and as the day unfolded, got progressivelynicer. Participants and spectators were asked to bring cannedgoods and non‐perishables for our food bank and I'm happyto report Mike Brink's ambulance was practically filled. Wealso made some money for the chapter. The exact amount willbe in next month's treasurer's report. I'll post it in the nextissue of Boo Coo News. I'd like to thank everyone who helped make Sunday's showa success. Pat Daniels and the chapter members, who set upour Wall, manned it and the merchandise table. Woody andthe color guard for their usual excellent job and trophydonation. Mike Brink and Ted Szymanski for bringing theirvehicles out. Friend of the chapter Pam Reed, who walkedmiles around the lot selling 50‐50 tickets, a big reason I canreport a profit. Chapter members The Anonymous Donor andJoe Prush, whose generous donations made those shinytrophies and awards possible. Special thanks to Chris andGary Stephens, who managed the raffle table all day. Withouttheir help, this show would not have happened. MikeGardner, who donated the food, then manned the grill all daycooking burgers and hot dogs. Last but not least, MikeSchneider, who worked both the raffle and concession tables.My apologies to anyone I may have overlooked, it wasn'tintentional. Thanks to everyone who lent a hand. On a different note, for those who don't know, my sonCaptain Nick Sinclair is C.O. of E Troop, 5th Cav. 172ndInfantry Brigade currently deployed to Paktika Province,Afghanistan. A few weeks back, Gary Purcell, Gary Stephensand I put together 15 boxes for his unit. Last Friday, I got thisemail note: "Yesterday we got the packages your chapter sent.It's all good stuff and the soldiers really enjoyed it. Please telleveryone at the chapter I said thank you on behalf of the men." I'd like to thank the chapter too, for providing the resourcesto make this happen.


NEW Member Application Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 ~ P.O. Box 1114, Mount Clemens MI 48046-1114

name____________________________________________ birth date _________________ circle: male/femaleaddress______________________________________________Apt__________ home phone _________________________city______________________________________state_________ZIP____________ work phone ______________________email for important chapter announcements between newsletters:______________________________________________

Eligibility: Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans who served more than 180 days of active service in the U.S. military (for other than trainingpurposes) between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (in-country Vietnam) or between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 for Vietnam-eraveterans. PLEASE NOTE: application must include a LEGIBLE copy of your DD-214 AND PAYMENT

TERM__ 1 year $20__ 3 year $50

LIFE MEMBERSHIP AGE__ 49 & under $250__ 50-55 $225__ 56-60 $200__ 61-65 $175 __ 66 & better $150

Life Membership Payment Plan $50 down/$25 per month

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP___ I am the spouse or family member orfriend of a Vietnam veteran/I am a non-Vietnam era veteran. I would like to joinAssociates of Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica and help the chapter.

__ I enclose $20 for a one-yearAVVA membership.

VVA is a nonprofit veterans service organization. Programs and services are funded by member dues and public donations.

Received on the chapter email:A Thank-You to all Vietnam Vets from a Marine in Iraq

A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get fromhome. Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we canuse them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the center of every

tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: “Why do we haveso much support?” In my opinion, it all came down to one thing: Vietnam veterans. I think we learned alesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who are on the line,who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then. When they returned waseven worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors were subjected to.It is a national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us. After Vietnam, it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness grew. Itshamed us. However, we learned from our mistake. Somewhere during the late 1970s andon into the ‘80s, we realized that we can't treat our warriors that way. So ... starting duringthe Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, wedid. We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we also did it to rightthe wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treat our troops of today like the heroes they were,and are, acknowledge and celebrate their sacrifice, and rejoice at their homecoming ... instead of spitting on them. And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq. Our country knows that it must support us and it does. The lessonwas learned in Vietnam, and we are all better because of it. Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who have gone beforeme. From those who fought to establish this country in the late 1770s to those I serve with here in Iraq. They have all sacrificedto ensure our freedom. But when I get back home, I'm going to make it a personal mission to specifically thank every Vietnamvet I encounter for THEIR sacrifice. Because, if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lessonlearned on how we treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now we treat our warriors as heroes, aswe should have all along. I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars,ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice.

Semper Fidelis, Major Brian P. Bresnahan United States Marine Corps


Robert Barch

Michi-GUN31516 Harper AvenueSt Clair Shores MI 48082PHONE (586) 296-2360FAX (586) 264-8307ad exp. 3/2012

Litho-Graphics Printing(Boo Coo News Printer and Chapter Member)

The one-stop print shop!We do it all !

(586) 775-1670 - (586) 771-1171

19361 10 Mile Road, Rosevillebetween Kelly & I-94

Hardware * Electrical * Plumbing * Industrial Supplies

WARREN PIPE and supply co.Mike Bradley

President - Vietnam Veteran (AD EXP 3/2012)

23883 HooverWarren MI 48089(586) 758-6260

fax (586) 758-6471

18660 Fifteen Mile Road Fraser MI 48026(586) 294-6810

fax (586) 294-4640

SIDING • DOORS • WINDOWS • GUTTERS

LASALLE SALES INCmodernization contractors • licensed & insured

phone (586) 778-0589 • fax (586) 778-3909

Charles H. Deslippe13360 9 Mile Road

Warren, Michigan 48089 Ad Exp. 3/2012

Lincoln Granitesince 1963

Designers & Builders of Handcrafted MemorialsHours: M-F 9 - 5 Saturday 9-3

21184 Cass Ave.Clinton Township MI 48036

ad exp. 3/2012

(586) 463-9551 fax (586) 463-9477computer designs www.lincolngranite.com

The Michigan Vietnam Traveling Memorial A ThankYou from The Shriner's Sportsman's RaffleChapter 154, I would like to thank you for bringing the Michigan TravelingVietnam Memorial for our event this last weekend. It seemed like you hadmany people walking through your booth area. I hope it worked out forVVA154. I believe it was good for our vets. I know of at least two couldn'twalk through. One story that was relayed to me: a woman walked throughlast Saturday looking for the hero that she wore on her MIA bracelet as ateenager so many years ago. She found his name, read his story and beganto weep. For her this brought something, maybe closure. She felt somethingguided her to the wall that day. Thank you for serving our country. MikeZelmanski Detroit Area Shriner's Sportsman's Raffle Chairman

AD EXP. 3/2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

October 2011 Activities are

at the VetCenter, unless

specifiedotherwise

1

2 3

PointmanMinistries7pm

4 5Service Officer10-4

Chapter boardmeeting 7pm

6Service Officer10-4

AA & Alanon

7 8YOM KIPPUR

9 10

COLUMBUSDAY

11Color guardmeeting 7pm

12•Service Officer10-4•VAMC visit•Gen Mem MtgAmerican LegPost 4 MountClemens 7pm


AA & Alanon

14 15

16 17OperationChristmasmeeting 7pm

18 19Service Officer10-4

AssociatesMeeting 7pmMount ClemensLibrary


AA & Alanon

21 22OperationChristmasscrapbookfundraiserCathy [email protected]

23 24 25 26Service Officer10-4


AA & Alanon

28 29

30 31

HALLOWEEN

Color guardmeeting 7pm

Lookingahead:

OperationChristmasdinner danceSat., Dec. 3

OperationChristmas

Bagging of toys Fri., Dec. 16 atWarren Pipe

Delivery Sat., Dec.17.

FIRST CLASS

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

1,685 stillunaccounted for; 50 from Michigan

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

a VVA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!

OCTOBER 2011 issue of BOO COO NEWS

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

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

All Volunteer-RunChapter Business Center

Veterans Food BankEmployment Assistance

Veterans Benefits Service OfficerFree Counseling

InformationCamaraderie

Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out