Boo Coo News - Vietnam Veterans of America

Boo Coo News
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
VVA154.com
MAY 2016
WELCOME HOME!
Update on POW/MIA Memorial at Resurrection Cemetery ~ Brian Bobek
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD
CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403
586-776-9810 PHONE
586-776-9683 FAX
MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
STOP BY. HANG OUT & HELP OUT.
s you are aware, we moved our annual 24-hour POW/MIA vigil to Resurrection Cemetery
last fall. We also shared with you that we were entering into discussions with the cemetery
about erecting a Michigan Vietnam POW/MIA memorial at the cemetery. Because we
didn't know much about memorials and costs, we formed a small subcommittee from the
chapter to brainstorm some ideas about what type of memorial we would like. Although there is
already a POW/MIA memorial in the veteran's section of the cemetery, we considered that more
of a "generic" POW/MIA memorial since we're the group that has led the charge with support of
the POW/MIA initiatives over all these years, we thought it was appropriate to have a dedicated
memorial for "our" war.
***
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY
OF THE MONTH
AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4,
401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAY
SOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD
***
BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE:
PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING
TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:
MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
1,621 AMERICANS
STILL MISSING IN
SOUTHEAST ASIA
49 FROM MICHIGAN
A
After discussing a couple of concept proposals, we sat
down with Resurrection cemetery personnel and
Richard Cardinal from Inch Memorials in Northville.
They are the preferred source for memorials of this
type according to Resurrection. Dick took our ideas and
went off to a monument convention to pick their
brains about a suitable concept. Inch Memorials came
back to us with their concept that captured everything
we could have asked for, and more. Their expertise on
materials, and their suggestions, were sound and led
us through a maze of concerns. Here are the concept
sketches that Inch proposed, and these have been
accepted by the Chapter 154 committee as the chosen direction. We have given Inch the
go-ahead to start production based on this proposal. Essentially, Inch will create the memorial
and place it at the location designated by Resurrection. Resurrection will prepare the site and
will be responsible for all the landscaping that will surround the memorial.
They say the job isn't finished until you understand the costs, and that was a major concern of
ours heading into this project. It lives or dies based on the cost. On that note, we have great
news. Although I cannot tell you what the entire project cost is (because I don't know), I can tell
you that Inch Granite is absorbing a huge part of the cost as a donation to this chapter. That
being said, what was left after Inch's contribution was $8,000. Resurrection agreed to pay half,
leaving $4,000 for Chapter 154 to pay. We said that was acceptable to us, believing the chapter
would support our decision and help raise the needed funding. But wait. It gets better!
Immediately following the meeting, our color guard commander, Jim Watts, got on the phone
with two of his "deep pocket" friends and got their commitment to pay the chapter's portion of
the memorial. So our resultant bottom line cost to this chapter is: zero. It pays to have friends in
the right places, and a big thank-you goes out to Jim for facilitating this donation, and also to his
friends for their generosity. I believe this is yet another testimonial to this chapter for all the
great things we do for veterans and the community.
We have been assured that the memorial will be installed in time for the September 16 vigil
ceremony. As this is the 30th year of the vigil, it is fitting that this memorial be dedicated at this
honorable event. Jim Watts, myself and others are already looking at an honored guest list to
help us make this 30th anniversary celebration a huge success. Last year was very good, but this
year will prove to be exceptional. Please make sure you're planning on attending this event. It's
because of YOU and all the good things that you do that this has been made possible. Come out
and share in the celebration. While things are underway, if you have any questions regarding the
memorial, please contact one of the committee members: Gary Purcell, Ted Szymanski, Jim
Watts or myself. We'll be updating everyone as things develop.
President's Message ~ Brian Bobek
here's so much good news elsewhere in this newsletter that I'm at
a loss to know what to say for this column. Elections are over and
your new officers and board members are listed in the meeting
minutes. We had a record turnout of voters; 122 members cast ballots.
Thank you to everyone who put in their names for consideration for the
various positions. Your interest says a lot about your desire to help this
chapter continue moving forward. There is so much going on that it
boggles my mind. I look at my calendar one day and I see a lot of open
spaces. A day later and they're all filled in. I need a personal secretary
(and I'm not talking about Mike Schneider!)
At the chapter meeting on May 11, a group representing the WWII
memorial that is being built in Royal Oak will be making a presentation
about the memorial. They have a "buy-a-brick" program going on
whereby you can buy a brick with your choice of inscription on it.
Additionally, if ten chapter members purchase a brick at the meeting
the chapter will be given a 10"x10" brick with our chapter information
on it free of charge. I will send out more information just prior to the
meeting since we want you to bring your checkbook to the meeting.
May 14 is the annual postal workers’ food drive where people from all
the districts leave food items for their carriers, which is brought back to
the post office on 22 Mile Road just west of Van Dyke. Every year we
receive a tremendous amount of food from this drive, but it is a
function that needs a lot of strong backs (read this as "young people").
We expect the Young Marines to assist again, along with a Boy Scout
troop that Mike Schneider is lining up. But the more people, the easier
the job becomes. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors that
we could use their help. Last year we had to leave some food on the
loading docks because we didn't have the manpower or transportation
to get it all back to the vet center. Greg Bowman had said that we're
not going to miss out this year, so the challenge lamp has been lit.
Come help out so we can stock our shelves at the food pantry.
May is also bringing the Vietnam 50th Commemorative ceremony that
a lot of you signed up for. It appears that we will have over 100
veterans receiving pins that day. As a reminder, the ceremony will be
held at noon May 15 at Zuccaro's Banquet Center on Gratiot just south
of 21 Mile Road. Representative Candice Miller will be presenting pins
T
and certificates to those being honored. Wolverine Harley-Davidson is
planning a hot dog/hamburger luncheon following the ceremony at
their building on Gratiot just south of Hall Road. All are invited.
May 22 will be our annual Veteran's Day ceremony at Cadillac East
Cemetery. This event has been plagued in recent years by lack of
participation, going from old crowds of 100 vets to its present level of
our honor guard and a few members. I'm going to be making an appeal
to all the major VSOs in this area to come out and support it. In any
event, Chapter 154 is committed to doing it if even if no one else shows
up, so at least come out and support your color guard.
May 23 we're having a veteran's event at the American House on 15
Mile near Dodge Park. This is the event we've done in the past in
Auburn Hills where junior high and high school students come over and
tour our display of memorabilia. The high point is always where we
dress them up with all of the old battle gear and take their pictures.
They really get a kick out of that portion. We'll be there all day, with the
younger students coming in the morning and the older students and
general public/AH residents coming in the afternoon for the formal
ceremony. I encourage everyone to attend to see what goes on at these
events. The interface with the students is a lot of fun. Our memorial will
also be on display for all to see.
Sunday, May 29 is our usual ceremony at Clinton Grove Cemetery and
the Mount Clemens Fire Station. The program usually starts at 11 a.m. I
do not know who the host post is as of yet. More information will be
broadcast on our email blast as we receive it. The following day, May 30
the color guard will be participating in the ceremony at Resurrection
Cemetery. We will do military honors following the Mass as well as at
the service at the veteran's section. Following that, we will finish the
day at our Freedom Hill memorial. Exact times are yet TBD.
The three-day VVA state convention is scheduled for June 3-5 in Bay
City. As I have a prior commitment, I will be asking two of the alternate
delegates to attend in my absence. VVA chapters from all over the state
are supposed to attend to better understand the issues that affect
veterans across the state.
President’s message continued on page 3
VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President Brian Bobek
586-524-3806
1st VP Gary Purcell
586-243-6293
2nd VP Steve Bago
586-419-2212
Secretary Mike Schneider
586-567-0731
Treasurer Mike Jacobi
586-504-0781
TRUSTEES
Gary Sox (2017)
Tim Ignash (2018)
Tom Puruleski (2019)
VVA STATE DELEGATES
Brian Bobek Alt. Delegates Steve Bago,
Chris Franklin Mike Schneider
Board of Directors
Terms Expiring 2017
Leo Lalonde
Larry May
Donn Sinclair
Gary Stephens
Robert Steward
Terms Expiring 2018
Greg Bowman
Gil Claunch
Dave Schoenherr
Jim Watts
Ron Squires
VVA NATIONAL LIAISON
Steve Bago
WEBMASTER
Mike Sauger
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES
Agent Orange
Honor Guard
Food Pantry
Freedom Hill & Eastpointe Memorials
Hospitalized Vets
Lottery
Membership
Merchandise
Michigan Traveling Memorial
Nominations
Operation Christmas
POW/MIA
Scholarship
Speaker’s Bureau
Welcome Home
George Sawyer
Jim Watts
Gil Claunch
Dave Porter
Tom Duff
Jim Auito
Larry May
Tim Ignash
Dave Schoenherr
Tom Puruleski, Doug Zieger
TBA
Tom Duff
Woody Horne
Ed Zysk
TBA
586-838-9851
586-790-0008
586-243-0222
586-747-8149
586-504-0781
586-650-1800
586-854-7842
586-940-2568
586-524-9705
586-747-8881
Boo Coo News Publisher - The Board of Directors
Boo Coo News Editor Brian Bobek
Typesetting ~ Linda May
Thank you! to all of our sponsors.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 2
ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
http://www.avva.org
We meet at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Vet Center
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
APRIL 20 MEETING MINUTES
Continued from page 2
7:00 p.m. Meeting called to order
ANNOUNCEMENTS
•Mike Jacobi updated information on the upcoming Car Show held at Gibraltar Trade Center.
125 cars entered the show but with the forecast of rain there is concern some may back out.
At least half of the entries are still in. Mike is asking for ticket sellers and ticket takers to work
2-3 hour segments. Saturday and Sunday April 23 & 24 has many openings and interested
volunteers need to contact him @ 586-776-9810 Cost is only $3 Adults, $2 Children
Again, the combined efforts of the veterans’
voices helped to defeat the proposed veteran's
property tax exemption bill. Don't expect this to
go away. A defeat to a politician only means
another opportunity to reword something and
make another run at it. Thanks to everyone who
jumped aboard the protest train and got this
thing shelved. This is why it's so important for
veterans to stand united and have a common
voice in these matters. The problem is, we get so
fragmented that we're losing the collective
strength of our numbers. With the failure of
groups like the MCCVO, that common voice is
getting lost and we risk reducing our
effectiveness.
As always, plenty to do and a lot of
opportunities to go around. And this is only May!
Every month will have things coming up to excite
your volunteer spirit, so get involved.
Brian Bobek
20th Engineering Brigade (Combat)
Vietnam 1967-68
Member Receives Some
Much-Needed "Comfort"
hapter member Bobby Steward was recently
presented with a very unique gift. Associate
member Carlene Cremin made a comforter
for Bobby with the Purple Heart logo on it. This
was in recognition
of his recent
award of the
MOPH plaque at
the December 12
ceremony at Fern
Hill. As is evident
in the picture,
Bobby was
absolutely
beaming when he
received the
comforter. It was
certainly very
appropriate
because, as we all know, Bobby needs a lot of
comforting! Congratulations go out to Bob for
being recognized, and to Carlene for expending
her time and effort to honor Bob. It's acts like this
that truly make us a family.
C
•Phyllis thanked those that came last Friday to help with the filling of Goody Bags.
•Mary Squires volunteered to be our Sunshine Person. She will be responsible for sending
out condolence, sorry you’re sick, birthday, etc. cards to associate members.
•Phyllis gave a heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of love and support for the
wellbeing of her son that spent a weekend back in U of M Hospital due to complications from
his recent surgery. He is now at home.
UPCOMING EVENTS •May 13 & 14 and 20 & 21, 2016: Gary Purcell, Vice President of VVA
Chapter 154 is running the food bank trailer at the Kroger on Canal & Garfield in Clinton Twp.
He is looking for VOLUNTEERS
•May 14, 2016: Postal Food Drive. VOLUNTEERS need to show up at 11:30 at the USPS
located at 22 Mile and Van Dyke. Both football players and Boy Scouts will be in attendance
to help move the food. VOLUNTEERS are needed at the Post Office and Chapter 154 and can
just show up.
•May 22, 2016: Cadillac Memorial. Memorial Day Honor. Laying of wreaths will take place.
•May 29, 2016: Clinton Grove Cemetery
•May 30, 2016: Resurrection Cemetery 10 a.m. Catholic Mass and at 12:00 Memorial
Service at the Veterans Memorial.
•May 30, 2016: 2 to 4 p.m. Freedom Hill reading of the 49 Macomb County soldiers that died
in combat in Vietnam
•July 10-14, 2016: Golden Age Games (this is a competitive event for disabled vets 55 and
older similar to Special Olympics). This event needs 4,000 VOLUNTEERS. Presently only 400
have signed up.
•July 23, 2016: Golf Outing. Debbie Stephani updated the committee requesting
VOLUNTEERS to fill positions on the day of the event. All 78 letters went out to vendors
asking for donations. She is still looking for more donations e.g. sunblock/chapstick from
Dermatologist offices. Also it was decided that a silent auction would take place and Mary
Barrett has submitted a donation. At this time no one has signed up to golf. Members need
to be proactive by reaching out to their friends and co-workers to put together golf teams.
$50 hole sponsors are available and 3 VOLUNTEERS are needed to contact previous hole
sponsors to request sponsorships.
•Sept. 16, 2016: 24 Hour Vigil @ Resurrection Cemetery
•Various subcommittees met after the meeting to fill upcoming event openings with
member volunteers.
ELECTIONS
Ballots were counted by April Bell and Debbie Stephani.
Results of the election is as follows:
•President:
Margaret Schoenherr
•Vice President: Carol Johnson
•Secretary:
Kim Meltzer
Last year’s ballots will be destroyed and this year ballots will be placed in the safe.
ADJOURN: 7:35 p.m. Matt Weigle/ Mary Anne Novak
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 3
# HONOR GUARD REPORT - Jim Watts, Commander
N
o honor guard report this month.
Jim Watts
Steve Bago
John Mohan
Ted Szymanski
Glenn Cash
Ron Drdul
Commander
Vice Commander
Treasurer
Armorer/Property Officer
Armorer/Assistant Chaplain
Chaplain
CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD
2 vice president Steve Bago, 1st vice president
Gary Purcell, president Brian Bobek, treasurer
Mike Jacobi, secretary Mike Schneider
nd
CHAPTER 154 BOARD MEMBERS 2018 terms
Jim Watts, Ron Squires, Dave Schoenherr, Gil
Claunch, Greg Bowman
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 4
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD
CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403
FREE SERVICES
10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MONDAY - FRIDAY ! 586-776-9810
HELP WANTED: VOLUNTEERS TO STAFF THE VET CENTER AND WORK ON THE FOOD PANTRY.
MACOMB COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE SERVICE OFFICERS (FILE CLAIMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS)
• MARY BARRETTE ~ TUESDAYS ~ FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS
• LISA MARIE DUNCAN-EDWARDS ~ THURSDAYS ~ APPOINTMENTS ONLY
• MELANIE THON VVA SERVICE OFFICER ~ MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS
MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS ARE “WALK IN” SERVICE, FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.
THURSDAYS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
IT’S ALWAYS WISE TO CALL AHEAD AS SOMETIMES THE SERVICE OFFICER’S SCHEDULE CHANGES ON SHORT NOTICE.
PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EXPANDED COVERAGE WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION.
*****
SICK CALL & CONDOLENCES
Contact Ron Drdul
[email protected] or 586-899-7112
If you know of a death or illness of a chapter member or their family, please notify
Ron Drdul so that we may get the information in the Boo Coo News in a timely
manner. All of the kind thoughts and prayers offered up by our membership are
truly appreciated by these folks, and apparently are working to help them through
their tough times. Keep ‘em coming.
HOSPITAL REPORT
# Submitted by Tom Duff
SICK CALL
Chapter member Dave Porter is awaiting a re-appointment at the Ann Arbor
Veteran's Hospital for a hip replacement on his left hip. He reported once for the
surgery, but his doctor decided to pull a "nooner" and didn't show up for work.
Maybe that was a good thing. At any rate, Dave is awaiting a new surgery date.
Chapter member Jerry Clara is continuing his fight with cancer. He has
undergone several rounds of chemo and this has weakened him, along with the
usual nausea that accompanies this treatments. His spirits remain high and he is
anxious to get back with his chapter friends and the color guard.
Roger Krzeminski appears to be doing well in his ongoing battle with cancer. He
is up and about and has been attending some chapter functions as he can.
•
•
•
TAPS
•
•
Chapter life member Steve Gabridge passed away. The chapter held a
pass-in-review for Steve at the funeral home.
The sister of Bob Deckers, Janice, passed away April 18. Our condolences go to
out to the Deckers family.
VETERANS TREATMENT COURT SEMINAR May 3
The Federal Bar Association Federal Disability Benefits Committee’s fourth annual
seminar on Veterans Treatment Courts is 1-4 p.m. May 3 in Room L-44 at the Western
Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 2630 Featherstone Road, Auburn
Hills MI 48326. The VTC assists military veterans who have honorably served in the
armed forces of the United States but who have become involved in the criminal justice
system. It uses a team approach that attempts to get beyond the legal problems to
address the underlying physical, psychological, and substance abuse issues that may have
resulted in criminal conduct. Successful completion of the program may result in a
reduced plea and reduction in sentence. This seminar provides an overview and an
update on the VTC status within the state. A manual regarding the policies and
procedures for the veteran mentors is being developed. This seminar is at no cost to
attendees. Contact John E. Walus at [email protected]
n April 13, 2016 John Hages, Carlene Cremin,
Linda Baisden, Joe Spencer, Harry
Wisniewski, Don Cremin, John Vierhelig and I
went to the VA Hospital. We went to wards A-4
north and A-3 north, the substance abuse ward and
the dialysis ward. We visited with 77 vets. We
passed out personal items bags, magazines,
crossword puzzle books, blankets, lap robes, wheel
chair bags, bananas, pretzels, Hostess products,
cookies, suckers, chips, cheese-its and candy. We
had a great time and most of all we let at least 77
vets know that we care and they are not forgotten.
Next hospital visit will be Wednesday, May 11,
leaving the vet center at 8 a.m.
O
Meeting Reminder
The in-country vet group that meets at the
vet center on Tuesday morning wishes to
extend an invitation to any other in-country
vets to join their meeting. It is informal and
is aimed at having open discussion on any
topic of interest to the group. If you'd like
to participate, just show up at the vet
center conference room at that time.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 5
Minutes of General Membership Meeting 4/13/16 ~ Submitted by Mike Schneider
eeting called to order by President Brian Bobek at 1900 hours. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silence observed. New member
introduced, Terry Glosser, US Navy 68-72. Welcome home Terry and welcome to the chapter. Motions approved by the board were read
and approved by the membership. Motion to accept March minutes of the Boo Coo News made by Doug Z, seconded by Terry D. Motion
made by Bob B, seconded by Bruce to accept minutes published in the April Boo Coo News. Treasurer's report by Mike Jacobi stated that all
accounts are up and we received a generous donation from an anonymous donor to the chapter. Motion by Butch, seconded by Cheryl H to accept
the Treasurer's report. Mimi Argyris thanked all in the chapter for taking time to honor Mitch and for helping at this tough time. She said that Mitch
loved Chapter 154 and we know that he was active with us. God bless you, Mimi and Mitch too.
M
COMMITTEES:
Hospital, POW/MIA to follow. No merchandise,
color guard, Agent Orange or state council.
Speakers Bureau: We had two presentations, the
Eastpointe Rotary and Fitzgerald High in Warren.
Richmond High school is lined up. Kim Meltzer is
trying to get schools in Fraser and Clinton Twp to
come on board. Other schools are to schedule
dates.
Scholarship: Woody stated that 11 applications
were turned in and 6 will be awarded in June.
Food Bank: 90 veterans and 260 people were
served during March. Gil thanked Chuck
Charbeneau for being our contact to receive
3,000 lbs. of food from a fund raise at the Gazebo
Banquet Center.
Monthly Raffle: Jim thanked Terry, John and Bob
for all their help the presented a check for $5,000
to the chapter.
Traveling Memorial: We were at Grace Christian
Church in April and will be on the road soon.
Old Business:
The 50th commemoration presentation will take place at Zuccaro’s on May 15 at 12:00 noon.
Pins and certificates will be presented. We have been invited to Wolverine Harley-Davidson
for a cookout afterward. Car raffle tickets for a two-year lease are available at the vet center.
The lighting grant from Home Depot was denied but we are working with the Chesterfield
Home Depot for help. The MCCVO seems to be coming to an end but we're still trying to get
someone to step up and rekindle the group. Volunteers are need for the Golden Age Games,
July 10-14. Please sign up if you can help. The Member of the Year presentation will be at the
May meeting. Forms for the dog tag legacy program are available at the vet center.
NEW BUSINESS:
The church at Selfridge is open on drill weekends, once a month, with a 9:30 mass. We will
be at Cadillac East on May 22 for a memorial service at noon. Please try to attend. May 14 is
the postal workers annual food drive and we will need help on that day for the food that we
receive. A veteran's celebration will take place at American House on 15 Mile, we will have
vehicles and equipment for show. Please try to attend. May 29 the annual celebration will
take place at Clinton Grove Cemetery and the Mount Clemens Fire Station. On May 30 we
will be at Resurrection Cemetery for their ceremonies and later at Freedom Hill at our
monument. Steve Bago and Chris Franklin will attend the VVA state convention June 3-5 in
Bay City. The VVA Leadership Conference will be in Tucson, AZ July 20-23, more to follow. At
next month's meeting we will have a guest to talk about the new WWII Memorial in Royal
Oak. We will be set up at Kroger's on Garfield May 13-15 and 20-22 for veteran's awareness
and to get donations for the food pantry. The Arsenal of Democracy Museum is temporarily
closed until they find a new location. Motion made by Ben E, seconded by Cheryl H to secure
new ballots and destroy last year's ballots.
Election Results:
Associates: Elections were held this month. We
filled bags for the car show, please sign up to help
and forms for the golf outing are at the vet
center.
Car Show: Mike said that he has registered 125
cars and there is a waiting list. Thanks to all who
have helped and continue to help. We also have
an August show scheduled.
Memorial at Resurrection: We took our plans to
Inch Memorial and they got more ideas while at
their convention. The proposed monument and
surrounding area, opposite the Veterans section,
are to be completed by POW/MIA Recognition
Day September 16.
Membership: We have 709 members, 552 life
members, we are 4th in the country. The
Associates have 86 members, 48 life.
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Brian Bobek
Gary Purcell
Steve Bago
Mike Jacobi
Mike Schneider
Board of Directors Greg Bowman
Gil Claunch
Dave Schoenherr
Jim Watts
Ron Squires
State Delegat
Brian Bobek
Nominating Comm. Tom Puruleski
Doug Zeiger
Trustee
Tom Puruleski
50/50 ticket #751824 won by Jim W.
LETTERS TO THE WALL BY MAY 14
Veterans For Peace will deliver 1,500 letters to The Wall in
Washington, D.C. this Memorial Day as a way of acknowledging
the impact of that war on our lives. We need YOU to write one of
these letters BY May 14. We want to hear from everyone and
anyone who was directly affected by the Vietnam War, the
soldier, the conscientious objector, the war resister, the grieving
family member, the daughter or son of a soldier, the “boat
people.” All of us have something to say. But to whom? One
profound “audience” is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial itself.
The Wall, the very embodiment of that war, is crying out to us if
we listen. Last Memorial Day, we delivered 151 letters and 32
postcards to The Wall. It was a solemn ceremony of
remembrance and, yes for many of us, of grief.
Last year after we placed the letters at the foot of The Wall, we
joined the crowds and watched. Sure enough, passersby
responded to the note we placed on each envelope – “please
read me.” Letters were handed back and forth, conversations
were struck up over the words written by us as we shared our
journey through the war and its aftermath. We received a
request from the National Park Service to display some of the
letters in their archival museum. Our words were resonating far
beyond what we had imagined.
We want to increase our letters tenfold, to 1,500 delivered on
Memorial Day. Won't you join us? You can email a letter to:
[email protected] Or, send a print copy to: Doug Rawlings,
13 Soper Road, Chesterville, ME 04938
Read some of last year's letters: www. vietnamfulldisclosure.org
We want our children and grandchildren to know the full story of
the Vietnam War.
Motion to adjourn made by Harry W, seconded by Gary S.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 6
POW/MIA
Reports Submitted by
Tom Duff
POW/MIA
Welcome Home!
1,621 Missing
49 Michigan
REMEMBER THE POW/MIAs
from MICHIGAN for MAY
Louis Buckley, from Detroit, 5-21-1966,
South Vietnam, Army
Charles Cudlike, from Detroit, 5-18-1969,
South Vietnam, Army
Francis Feneley, from Curtis, 5-11-1966,
North Vietnam, Air Force
Donald King, from Muskegon, 5-14-1966,
North Vietnam, Air Force
“I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured --even prepared to be killed. I was not prepared to be
abandoned by my country.”
Former POW U.S. Navy Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel
•
A man is not dead until he is forgotten. We will never forget.
Welcome Home!
•
“When one member of the armed forces is not worth the
effort to be found, then we have lost our honor.” ~~ VVNW
***
Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag. Display a
POW/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. If a company or homeowner is flying a
POW/MIA flag, let Tom Duff know so we can give them a
certificate.
WWII
PFC Anthony Brozyna, Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Div. missing 11-20-1943 in
Gilbert Islands. Accounted for on 4-6-2016.
PFC John Prince, Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Div. missing 11-20-1943 in Gilbert
Islands. Accounted for on 4-2-2016.
Fireman 3rd Class John Lindsley, Navy, USS Oklahoma, missing 12-7-1941 Pearl
Harbor, accounted for 3-25-2016.
1st Lt. Frederick Langhorst, Army/Air Force, 1330 Army Air Force Air Transport
Command, missing 7-17-1945 in India. Accounted for 3-17-2016.
Flight Officer Dewey Gossett, 23 years old from South Carolina, with the
Army/Air Force 527th Fighter Squadron 86 Fighter Group, missing 9-27-1943 in
Italy. Accounted for 2-25-2016.
More than 73,000 still missing.
Korea
Cpl. Kenneth Stuck, Army, 20 from Pennsylvania with 1st Cavalry Div., missing
11-2-1950, North Korea, accounted for 1-8-2016. He was buried with full
military honors January 30 in his hometown.
PFC Roy Henderson, Army, 18 from Ohio with 25th Infantry Div. missing
7-27-1950, North Korea. Accounted for 1-14-2016. His remains have been
returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Cpl. Dudley Evans, Army, 2nd Infantry Div., missing 7-27-1950 North Korea.
Accounted for 1-14-2016.
Cpl. Eldon Ervin, Army, 21 from Oklahoma with 7th Infantry Div. 57 Field
Artillery. Missing 11-28-1950 North Korea. Accounted for 2-9-2016.
There are more than 7,000 still missing.
Proposed POW/MIA memorial at Resurrection Cemetery
VIetnam
SFC Alan Boyer, Army Special Forces, MIA 3-8-68 Laos. Identified 3-16-16.
Major Donald Carr, Army Special Forces, MIA 7-6-71 in South Vietnam. Remains returned 8-29-14 and identified 8-10-15.
1st Lt. Donald Burch, Air Force, listed as KIA/BNR on 4-29-66 in North Vietnam. Remains recovered 12-14-11 and identified 9-4-15.
There are still 1,621 missing.
49 from Michigan.
Cold War
There are 126 missing.
There are 6 missing from Iraq and other conflicts.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 7
Shelby Junior High School Visits ~ Brian Bobek
n March 11, students from Shelby Junior High School in Utica paid a visit to our vet center. Awhile
back, I received a call from their teacher asking what they could do to help our vet center. I
mentioned that we are always in need of food items to help stock our food pantry. These students
took that information and set out to collect staples and canned goods for us. The teacher contacted me
when it was over and said that they'd like to drop off the items at the vet center. We set a date and the
group came over late in the day, after the school had been dismissed for the day. They came in two
vehicles that were brimming with food. I believe the teacher told me there were something like 5,000
items in the boxes. A very impressive haul to be sure. Our food pantry staff hung around to make sure all
the food got unloaded and moved into the building. While they were there, I took advantage of the
opportunity to give them a tour of our center, specifically the food pantry and the museum areas. I think
it's enlightening when people see the volume of food we're dealing with and the impact we have on the
community. The students and their chaperones enjoyed the tour of the museum and asked a lot of
questions about everything they were seeing. I presented a medal to two of the teachers whose children
had served, or were serving, in the GWOT. I believe everyone went away impressed, and I extended the
invitation to return whenever they wished with more of their students.
O
President Reads to Montessori School Children
n March 30, I was invited to the Oxford Academy to read to a couple of groups of
schoolchildren as part of “March Reading Month.” Oxford Academy is a
Montessori school located in Macomb Township. Back in December, their school
held a food drive to support our Operation Christmas program, and this was a way to
repay their efforts and generosity. An important part of our mission is to give back to
the communities that do so much for us. The groups were split by ages, with the first
being the youngest students and the second being a little older. I specifically asked for
easy books that wouldn't be too much of a challenge for me to get through. The
toughest part of dealing with young people is to be able to talk “at their level”" and not
get too advanced for their age brackets. After the readings were complete, the older
students had some interesting questions about military service and Vietnam. It was an
enjoyable couple of hours and, I hope, left the students with a lead-in to what they'll be
discussing later in their academic studies.
O
Chapter Honors Support Group
embers of Chapter 154's hospital committee recently visited with the ladies who make all the lap robes and wheelchair
blankets for our use at the VA hospital. This group, appropriately known as “Loose Threads” devote many, many hours to make
these items without any type of compensation. This is truly a labor of love for these ladies, and we couldn't do what we do
without them. As a token of our appreciation, hospital committee chairman Tom Duff had a couple of plaques made up which were
presented to the group to acknowledge their efforts and hard work.
M
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 8
Native Americans Hold Two Events ~ Brian Bobek
hris and Sue Franklin from the American Indian Veterans of Michigan again
hosted a couple of events at their newly renovated support center pictured
here . . . just kidding Chris & Sue! On March 29 they held a “Welcome Home
Vietnam Veterans” dinner where they served venison chili, mostaccioli with meat
sauce, frybread, salad and drinks to any veteran who attended. The crowd was
strung out over the several hours that it ran and everyone had a good time eating
and socializing. While there, we had an Iraq vet come in, so we put him through the
paces with our typical medal-award ceremony.
C
Then on April 8, it was time for the right of passage into spring – the first of two
karaoke nights. All the brave souls gathered to watch and, for the more adventurous, get
up and dazzle everyone with their singing abilities. While the second part of that
statement could be questionable, it is always a good time with a very non-judgmental
crowd. The Associates duo of Karl Darling and Guy Kaercher redefined the entire
spectrum of musical genres with their performances. The event is starting to attract
people who really know how to sing, and those of us who are mediocre at best don't
stand a chance. Best I could do was an “honorable mention” and that was only because
of my Charlie Daniels cowboy hat. It's all in good fun. You can't find another venue with
as much laughter, hooting and hollering, and still walk away as friends. If you haven't
been to one of these nights, come join in at the fall event that usually takes place in
October. You can be a wallflower and still enjoy a good time.
From Mike Sand 586-879-9336 or [email protected] Veterans Memorial Park of Detroit, Inc., Vice Chair and Vietnam
Veterans of America, Detroit Chapter 9, Public Information Officer
The VA has a responsibility to recognize our Vietnam veterans twice per year in conjunction with the 50th Commemoration of
the war. Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter 9 and its affiliates are playing a major role in the event which is to take
place on Armed Forces Day, May 21 beginning at 10 a.m. This could tie in famously with the afternoon Tigers game that day.
Here is what has been discussed in brief: The committee wants to hold the event at Cass Park where a tent, band (preferably
Cass Tech), honor guards and veterans will congregate. The Vietnam vets will be awarded a special commemorative lapel pin
that day. We expect upward of 1,500 veterans if it is anything like the one held at the State Capitol in October. Groups directly
involved with this event include, but not limited to the following • Detroit VA office, Bill Browning • Detroit City Council and
Mayor along with the Detroit Veterans Task Force, Ike McKinnon • The Masonic Temple, Steve Genther • The State of Michigan
(Senator Mike Kowall’s office in particular; they ran the event in Lansing)• The UAW Region 1 VMPoD President, Alan Opra •
Metro Detroit Veterans Coalition, Dick Chatman • Michigan Veterans Foundation, Tyrone Chatman • Southwest Solutions
(Piquette Square), Bob O’Brien • Ford Motor Veterans Affinity Group, Mario Campos • GM Affinity Group, Don Gore • Marine
Corps League, Robert Middleton • Foundation for American Veterans, Robert McDonald • Jewish War Veterans, Marty Levine.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 9
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News MAY 2016 - Page 10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
MAY 2016
1
2
VVA service officer
3
County Service
Officer
4
VVA Service Officer
5
County Service
Officer
6
Memorial at
Stockbridge
Board meeting
In country vets
meeting
8
MOTHER’S DAY
9
VVA service officer
Pointman
ministries
15
50th anniversary
pinning ceremony
at Zuccaro's
16
VVA service officer
7
Al Anon
10
County Service
Officer
In country vets
meeting
Honor Guard
Meeting
11
VVA Service Officer
Hospital visit
12
County Service
Officer
13
United Military
Families
Chapter General
Meeting
Al Anon
Memorial at DAR
17
County Service
Officer
18
VVA Service Officer
19
County Service
Officer
20
14
Associates Meeting
in country vets
meeting
Memorial at
Zuccaro’s
22
Memorial Day
ceremony at
Cadllac East at
noon
23
VVA service officer
29
Memorial at St.
Clair Shores
Memorial Park; 11
a.m. Clinton Grove
ceremony
30 MEMORIAL DAY
Vet Center closed;
ceremony at
Resurrection
Cemetery;
ceremony at
Freedom Hill
Memorial Day
ceremony at
American House
Sterling Heights
24
County service
officer
Al Anon
25
VVA service officer
In country vets
meeting
31
County Service
Officer
In country vets
meeting
26
County Service
Officer
27
Al Anon
LOOKING AHEAD:
June 3-5 VVA State
Convention Bay
City
June 4 Memorial at
Dearborn
June 11-12
Memorial at Port
Huron; June 17-18
Memorial at Rolling
Thunder; June
30-July 3 Memorial
at Stars & Stripes
28
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
18025 E. 15 Mile Road
Clinton Township MI 48035-2403
OPEN to read the GOOD NEWS about Chapter 154
WWW.VVA154.COM
a VVA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!
MAY 2016 issue of BOO COO NEWS
Veterans Support Center
18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD ~ CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403
(586) 776-9810 ~ (586) 776-9683 fax
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
All Volunteer-Run
Chapter Business Center
Veterans Food Pantry
Employment Assistance
Veterans Benefits Service Officer
Free Counseling
Information
Camaraderie
Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out
1,621
still unaccounted for;
49 from Michigan