AUGUST 2012 Edition - Vietnam Veterans of America

Boo Coo News
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
www.VVA154.com
Mount Clemens, Michigan
AUGUST 2012 WELCOME HOME!
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY
OF THE MONTH AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4, 401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAY
SOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD
* * *
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
16945 12 MILE ROAD
ROSEVILLE MI 48066
(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.
Ride for Freedom
T
he 2012 Ride for Freedom was another resounding
success. More than 360 bikes participated in the
ride. The weather couldn't have been more
cooperative, and the ride went off without incident. The
Young Marines posted colors, and the Chapter 154 color
guard did a rifle volley prior to the procession leaving
Wolverine Harley‐Davidson. All of the veterans who had
served in Iraq or Afghanistan were presented with
medals thanking them for their service. A big thank‐you
to Pat Daniels and Peggy Rossman who headed up the
event, the Wolverine crew, the Young Marines, the
Associates and volunteers from American House who helped make the ride a success.
* * *
BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE:
PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING
TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:
MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
I
1,664
Americans
Still Missing in
Southeast
Asia
50 from
Michigan
want to thank the volunteers that came out to help for the Ride for Freedom. Thank you
to Cathy Cook who stepped up and organized the continental breakfast and her crew:
Karen Mack, Pat Cherry, Julie Cook, Gail Mazzie, Phil and Mary Michaud. Phil also helped
Randy Chom with selling the raffle tickets for the gas card. I also want to thank the
volunteers who helped tirelessly with registration: Roxy, Fran and Renee from American
House, Pat Drdul, Tish, Noah and Morgan Jusko, Terri Lehrman, Lisa Kelly, Dave Rocco and
Lenny Russo. Thank you all so much for coming out early that day and helping in any way
you could to make the day a success for the Veterans Support Center. I know that you believe
that helping veterans is what it's all about! I also want to thank all the people that donated
food for the breakfast. By donating, you increased the total amount we could give to keep
the Vet Center's doors open. ~~ Peggy Rossman President’s Message
A
ugust is upon us, and what a summer it has been! The long run of
great weather has, in some ways, been a blessing. It helped us get
through some of our major outside events, the Ride for Freedom
and one of our car shows. In other ways, it has been a strain on some of
our activities. Our color guard and memorial wall crew have done
yeoman's duty working in the hot and humid temperatures.
Although I haven't heard anything concrete about Freedom Hill, I was
out there the other day and saw several large dirt piles in one of the low
areas of the picnic area. I took that to be a good sign that something is
underway. I can't imagine they'd be spending time and money filling in
low spots if there wasn't an intention to open things back up. It sure would be nice to get it opened again and have the chapter
get some use out of it.
Before the weather turns foul, we will need to get another work detail together to get our memorial at Freedom Hill spruced
up. Some dedicated members have been keeping things under control, but I would like to see a major clean up of our area. No
one else is going to do it for us.
We have major activities coming up that are going to need member involvement. It is time to start planning for Operation
Christmas, and we need someone to step up to coordinate the activities of the toy and food drive and distribution. We have a
functional model of how it has been done in the past, but we can't depend on the same people to take the reins again.
September will mark our 26th vigil out at Oakland Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Novi. Frankly, the turnout of members in
past years has been somewhat dismal. If we're serious about wanting to keep a focus on getting our MIAs home, we need to
have a good presence so the public and press know that Chapter 154 is not going away. The color guard will be maintaining its
24‐hour vigil, and the support of the chapter lets them know their efforts are appreciated.
There's plenty to do, and I'm encouraged that we have some new members throwing their hat in the ring to serve in some
capacity. Join in with them and keep up the good work that this chapter is noted for. You'll get more out of it than you'll put in .
. . guaranteed.
Brian Bobek 20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 1967­68
VVA Chapter 154 Officers
President:
Brian Bobek (586) 337-3407
1st Vice President:
Gary Purcell (586) 243-6293
2nd Vice President:
Woody Horne (586) 716-0959
Secretary:
Mike Schneider (586) 567-0731
Treasurer:
Mike Jacobi (586) 786-9932
Board of Directors
Steve Bago (2014)
(586) 419-2212
Greg Bowman (2014)
(586) 850-1800
Chuck Charbeneau (2014) (586) 431-7133
Gil Claunch (2014)
(586) 854-7842
Dave Schoenherr (2014) (586) 940-2568
Ron Drdul (2013)
(586) 899-7112
Ben Elwartowski (2013)
(586) 566-3442
Mike Gardner (2013)
(586) 615-1509
Larry May (2013)
(586) 790-0008
Donn Sinclair (2013)
(586) 243-0222
Boo Coo News Publisher
The Board of Directors
Boo Coo News Editor
Brian Bobek
Typesetting
Linda May
Thank you! to all of our advertisers, and to the dedicated
volunteers who provide copy and photos, those who act as
printer, proofreaders, mailing crew, facilitators & advisers
for Boo Coo News.
VVA State Council Newsletter
www.everythingveteran.com
2011-2012 Standing Committee Chairs
Community Service
Mike Gardner
Constitution/By-Laws
Donn Sinclair
ETABO
Ben Elwartowski
Finance
Mike Jacobi
Government Affairs
Ron Drdul
Membership
Larry May
Minority Affairs
Steve Bago
Public Affairs
Brian Bobek
Veteran’s Affairs
Woody Horne
Veteran’s Benefits
Brian Bobek
Women Veterans
Chuck Charbeneau
POW/MIA
Tom Duff
Agent Orange/Dioxin
George Sawyer
Incarcerated Veterans
Dave Schoenherr
Veteran’s Health Care
Gil Claunch
State Delegates
Mike Gardner, Brian Bobek, Mike Schneider
Nominating Committee
Gary Sox, Frank Griffin, Marv Domaradzki
Special & Ad Hoc Committees
AVVA Rep
Marge Schoenherr
Color Guard
Jim Watts
Food Bank
Gil Claunch
Hospitalized Vets
Tom Duff
Michigan Memorial
Dave Schoenherr
Scholarship
Woody Horne
Speaker’s Bureau
Mike Brink
Webmaster
Larry Sauger
Welcome Home
Mitch Argyris
Operation Christmas
Dance: Mike Gardner
Food: Gil Claunch
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 2
# COLOR GUARD - The Point Team - Jim Watts, Commander
Color Guard Report ~ Submitted by Mike Brink/Jim Watts
Total of nine funerals:
Of the nine funerals since June 13 there were five Army, two
Marines, and 2 Navy. Four Vietnam vets, one Vietnam era,
two Korea, one WWII, one Post‐WWII.
Joseph Hammel
Michael McHale Steven Brooks
Arthur Karas
Philip Toyia
David Siercke
William Flinn
Vince Massina
Gerald Hill
USMC
Army
Navy
Army
Navy
Army
USMC
Army
Army
Korea
Vietnam era
Vietnam WWII
Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Korea
Post WWII
Other Detail/Functions:
We performed 10 flag details: 2 American Houses
1 St. Josaphat Church
1 Clinton Township Family Worship Church
1 Eye on Design ‐ Henry Ford Estate
1 Macomb senior celebration
1 Windermere senior housing
1 Ride for Freedom 1 senior living
1 Watch Fire
and New Baltimore Bay Rama Parade
New Baltimore Parade
F
ollowing the Ride for Freedom, the Chapter 154
color guard departed Wolverine Harley
Davidson and headed for the annual march in
the New Baltimore Bay Rama parade. This is a
lengthy parade, made even more so by the warm
temperatures. At the conclusion of the parade, the
color guard returned to Wolverine where they
gratefully put the buffet line to good use.
Sault Ste. Marie Veteran's Bike Rally
#Submitted by Brian Bobek
n July 12, the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial wall crew headed for the Veteran's Bike Rally in Sault Ste.
Marie. Mike Schneider, Patrick "Boz" Bozzi, Ben Elwartowski, Ron Bawks and his son, Kurt, new chapter member Tim
Ignash, and I made the trek up I‐75 to assist with the 2½ day event. The tents provided for us by the local American
Legion gave us lots of room to spread out our display. Unfortunately, the event wasn't as well attended as we had hoped. The
traffic through our display was slim, and the promoters of the event were scratching their heads about why the attendance was
down. There were a number of other events going on in the upper and lower peninsulas that may have been a factor. It was
certainly hot, but we managed to dodge the rain. On the bright side, some of the audience had never seen the memorial before,
and the result may be that we'll be getting more pictures for our notebooks.
O
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 3
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
These Are Free Services
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday ‐ Friday ! 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville ~ (586) 776‐9810
SERVICE OFFICERS
file claims and answer questions
Kenneth J. Aune ~ Wednesdays ~ call ahead
Carol Ann Turner ~ Thursdays ~ appointments only
HELP WANTED: Volunteers to staff the Vet Center and work on the food bank.
Hospital Report
SICK CALL Submitted by Ron Drdul
[email protected] or 586-899-7112
•
•
•
•
Frank Griffin remains in the hospital and is still on his trach tube. He's quite
the warrior.
Pat Jacobi, wife of Mike Jacobi, has taken yet another setback. After some time
at home with apparent recovery, she is now hospitalized again. Marlene Mohan, wife of John Mohan, took a spill on her motorcycle while on a
bike trip out west. She succumbed to the effects of dehydration and high
altitude, and went down in Wyoming. Luckily she was only doing about 25
mph at the time. Marlene is home now, recuperating from a broken nose, some
broken ribs, and a hairline fracture of the pelvis, along with numerous cuts
and scrapes.
Chapter member Pablo Guzman had a slight heart attack, but things appear to
be OK and he is on the mend.
TAPS & CONDOLENCES
•
•
•
•
Louie Abate, brother‐in‐law of chapter members Marty and Frank Griffin,
passed away of cancer on July 16. Louie was a very strong veterans supporter.
Julie Bowman, sister‐in‐law of Greg Bowman and wife of Bob Bowman, passed
away on July 5. Julie was 53 years old.
Gil Claunch recently returned from a trip to Alaska. His brother is in hospice
and the prognosis is unclear at this time.
Noel Amber Doll, the 21‐year‐old granddaughter of Edd and Toni Beuadin,
passed away. She leaves behind a two‐year‐old son, Benjamin Michael Doll,
and a whole lot of grieving family and friends who are all in disbelief.
Submitted by Tom Duff
O
n July 11, Dave Shirey, Bob
Steward, Pablo Guzman, Clark
Cherry, Carol Gernand, Pete
Gernand, Joe Spencer, Jim
Mauchline, Bill Baisden, Bob
Edwards, Bob Forster and I went to
the VA Hospital. We went to wards
A‐4 North, A‐5 North, the Substance
Abuse ward and the step‐down
wards. We visited with 60 vets. We
passed out personal items bags,
magazines, crossword puzzle books,
Boo Coo newsletters, blankets,
bananas, chips, pretzels, and Little
Debbie and Nabisco products. We
had a great time and, most of all, we
let 60 vets know that we care and
that they are not forgotten. Next visit is August 8, leaving the
Vet Center at 8 a.m.
The following poem was written by Sp4 Donald L. Keeter. Keeter was KIA on November 13, 1968 in Plieku Province, LZ Vera.
Remember Me
Remember me when flowers bloom early in the spring.
Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings.
Remember me in the fall as you walk through the leaves of gold.
And in the wintertime, remember me in the stories that are told.
But most of all, remember me each day, right from the start.
I will forever be near, for I live within your heart.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 4
ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
http://www.avva.org
The Mission and Vision of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is to advance the work of
Vietnam 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 continue
legislative efforts to ensure the rights of and benefits for all veterans and their families. Associates of
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., are dedicated to the aggressive advancement of realistic goals with
integrity 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!
W
e meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Mount Clemens Public Library on Cass
Avenue. Marge Schoenherr [email protected]; Cathy Cook [email protected]
Car Show
Recap and Future Plans
Donn Sinclair ~ Car show chairman
he final tally for the June car show was $2,129. Thanks once again to all who helped out. On to new business: the
chapter's fall car show is Sunday, September 9 at Gratiot Auto Center. We need donations for the raffle table, and
sponsors for awards. The more trophies and awards sponsored, the more money in the chapter kitty. Entry blanks and
sponsor forms are available at the Vet Center. I got confirmation that Kaul and Resurrection Funeral homes have donated a 50‐
inch Panasonic HD TV to be raffled off at the September 9 show. Tickets are being printed as I type. Upon completion, they'll be
available for purchase and sale at the Vet Center.
T
Art on the River
Stars & Stripes Festival
T
A
he Michigan Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial
was displayed in Port Huron at their Art on the
River event. This is the first time we have been part
of this two‐day event, and I can say we came away
impressed. We staged at a Meijer store in Marysville and
were escorted into Port Huron by local motorcycle
groups, veterans organizations, and the local police and
fire departments. We could not even begin setting up the
memorial with the crush of people who were waiting for
our arrival. From 10 a.m. until closing the first night, we
were literally overrun with people coming to see the
memorial. As usual, some tears, some happy memories . . .
we had many people that promised to get us pictures to
help fill in our bio books, and we passed out a few of our
medals to the younger vets who came through.
Merchandise sales were brisk, and the donation box was
overflowing. These people really were appreciative of the
opportunity to see the memorial. This is a focus of the
memorial crew this year . . . to ferret out some new venues
where more citizens of Michigan get a chance to honor our
heroes.
gain this year, the memorial
crew set up in downtown
Mount Clemens for the annual
Stars & Stripes Festival. The
temperatures assured that the set up
of the wall involved a lot of sweat
from the participants. We had a
terrific turnout of people coming by to
view the memorial, and the sales of
merchandise were brisk over the
entire three days. We were promised
many pictures to add to our
biography notebooks, helping to
further our mission of getting pictures
of all the 2,654 names on our
memorial. The consumption of lots of
“carny” food assured that the
memorial crew went home happy.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 5
Minutes of General Membership Meeting 7/11/12~ Submitted by Mike Schneider
M
eeting called to order at 1900 hours by President Brian Bobek. Pledge of Allegiance and
moment of silence observed. Introduction of new members Tim Ignash, Army, Vietnam
69‐70; Rod Redlawsk, Army, Vietnam 68‐69 and Desert Storm; and Charlie Larsen, Army,
Vietnam 66‐67. Welcome home and welcome to the chapter. Introduction of officers. Treasurer's
report by Mike Jacobi, papers on way to state and national to keep chapter running. We make
minimal amounts on our CD investments but the chapter is doing well at this time. Motion by
George S seconded by Greg B to accept treasurer's report.
Committees:
POW/MIA, Hospital and Color Guard
reports to follow. No Associates report.
Food Bank: Running smoothly, food
donations coming in and many are being
helped each month. Thanks to all who help
every day in the food bank.
Monthly Raffle: $6,600 for the chapter.
Thanks to all who helped sell 305 tickets
for the State Council Lottery. Time to
renew our license.
Merchandise: We made $1,000 at the Ride
for Freedom and will be out with the
memorial.
Agent Orange: Schools not helping those
who wish to use their GI Bill benefits. Bill
proposed for Blue Water Navy benefits not
progressing after 7 months. 1,000 remains
left at funeral homes need to be identified
and properly buried. There is a shortage of
psychiatrists to help those suffering from
emotional problems when they return
home.
Traveling Memorial: We have been busy
and we will continue throughout the
summer.
State Council: National numbers on
homeless vets is 670,000, 4,000 in
Michigan. VVA membership in Michigan:
4,313. Sandy Wilson is no longer on VVA
Trust Fund Board. Two claims were denied
because they were filed in an untimely
manner. Money from the state for VVA
service officers was not replenished. Many
cases need to be worked on. Fraser House
held an open house on July 21. There were
154 suicides in 165 days by vets. 4 vets are
now in the Veterans District Court and all
are on probation. More mentors are
needed. Circuit court also doing things to
help veterans.
Car Show: Final numbers not in for June
show. Next show on Sept. 9 at Gratiot Auto.
Enter your car, donate prizes for raffles,
sponsor trophies or come help at the car
show. Kaul and Resurrection Funeral
Homes donated a 50" TV to be raffled at
the car show. Thank you for the donation
to help raise funds for the vet center.
Mike Schneider being interviewed
by Channel 7's Dave Rexroth at the
Stars & Stripes Festival.
Old Business:
Dave & Buster's would like to sponsor a
fundraiser for the chapter, more to follow. We have 600 members, 6 new and
358 life members. Those who went to the Tigers game on Veterans Night were
invited to park at Chapter 9 and get a ride to the game and eat and drink at their
center. The 501(c)3 paperwork is in the hands of the state and we hope to have
it approved soon. Artwork for the chapter challenge coin needs to be reworked.
The initial cost for 100 coins is $650 and Leo Miller offered to pay this cost.
Thank you Leo. Motion was made by Tom B and seconded by Leo M to put 3
soldiers on the coin subject to copyrights. Insurance for the contents of vet
center, trailer, storage facility for truck and trailer and liability insurance for
members doing business for the chapter is $1,200 to $1,500 annually. Motion by
Leo M seconded by Chuck C to spend up to $1,500 for coverage. Don't forget the
millage renewal in August. Video of the procession to Great Lakes is available at
the vet center. The vet center on Garfield Road is run by the government to help
all veterans and their families, especially the young ones returning home. Send
them for the help they need and deserve. Retirees are having difficult times with
idle time on their hands. Sean Flaherty is coming to the vet center on the 1st and
3rd Monday of each month at 11 a.m. to talk with vets. New Business:
Seminar held in Warren on July 28 for all vets. Military Moms of Michigan held
their car show on July 22. 30th anniversary of the Wall is this year and they are
looking for readers of the 58,469 names. Go to virtualwall.com to register. There
are reports of health concerns from new meters being installed by DTE. We
received a package from a law firm stating that we were a beneficiary of an
estate and we would receive a check for $25,000. After some checking we were
assured that is was not a scam and we would indeed receive this check shortly.
Shafer‐Rachelle VFW Post in Eastpointe has extended an invitation to our
chapter to use their club room as ours. They have supported many of our
fundraisers over the years. Stop in for some refreshments and thank them.
American House is sponsoring a Christmas in July fundraiser for our Operation
Christmas. Thank you American House for all you do for us. Motion by Mitch A
seconded by Larry G to accept the board's recommendation to donate $500 to
the Young Marines for their help at the Ride for Freedom. We received a
donation from St. Ronald Parish of over $1,000 from their Change for Soldiers
collection. Thank you for your continued donations to the chapter. We are still
looking for a supplier to upgrade our office equipment, especially after a couple
bad days at the center. Chapter members and all vets were invited to meet with
Senator John McCain and Representative Candice Miller at the American Legion
in Utica to discuss veterans concerns. A young veteran we met at the Stars and
Stripes was concerned when we surrounded him to present him with a medal.
We assured him that we only wished to thank him for his service and welcome
him home. Thanks to Dave and his crew, Ruth and Charlie Babcock and all who
help to man the memorial and for what it means to so many. 50/50 won by Tom
Duff who donated his $87 to the hospital fund. Thanks, Tom.
Motion to adjourn by Mitch A seconded by Ben E.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 6
POW/MIA
Welcome
Home!
1,664 Missing
50 Michigan
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
WELCOME HOME POW/MIA Report
REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN
POW/MIA
FOR # submitted by Tom Duff POW/MIA chairman ­ 9th Inf. ‘68­‘69
WWII
No new recoveries, more than 73,000 remain missing
AUGUST
Korea
PFC Nelson Young, Army, captured 12/2/50, North
Korea, accounted for 3/30/12
Richard Allard
Chesaning
MIA 8/24/67
South Vietnam
Army
Vietnam
***
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
"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
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/MIA
Families is on Facebook with the
latest updates.
SFC Gunther Wald, Army, MIA 11/3/69, South
Vietnam, accounted for 5/30/12
Lt. Dennis Peterson, Navy, MIA 7/19/67, North
Vietnam, remains recovered 4/13/10 and identified
3/30/12
1,664 remain missing from Vietnam, 50 from
Michigan.
Other News
2 POW/MIA flag certificates were presented to the
following businesses: Sonny's Market/Gas Station in
Mount Clemens, and Sorrento's Pizza in Mount
Clemens. Don't forget, if a company or business flies a POW/MIA flag, get them a certificate.
See Tom Duff.
Fly-Over Remembers Missing Airman
Lt. Col. Amy Young recently led a four‐ship missing man flyover June 15 honoring the
fellow Airman whose name she has worn and remembered for more than two decades. Lt.
Col. Amy Young, wears an MIA bracelet honoring Lt. Col. Charles Walling, an F‐4C Phantom
pilot who was shot down Aug. 8, 1966, during a close air support mission in the Dong Nai
province northeast of Saigon, Vietnam. Lt. Col. Walling left behind a pregnant wife and a
two‐year‐old son after volunteering. For more information on MIAs and MIA bracelets,
visit The Origin of the MIA/POW Bracelets Web page at
http://www.miafacts.org/bracelets.htm, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial website at
http://www.thewall‐usa.com/bracelet.asp, and the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing
Personnel Office website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 7
Tell Your Story to the Library of Congress
Veterans History Project
http://www.loc.gov/vets Catholic Social Services of Macomb County (586) 756‐1430 or [email protected]
The Macomb County Clerk’s office [586.469.5122] issues veteran ID cards for $10 to use for store discounts.
Call your favorite store first
to confirm that they accept these cards.
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Boo Coo News advertising - Veterans Support Center - 16945 12 Mile Road - Roseville MI 48066
NEW Member Application
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 ~ P.O. Box 1114, Mount Clemens MI 48046-1114
name____________________________________________ birth date _________________ circle: male/female
address______________________________________________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 training
purposes) between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (in-country Vietnam) or between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 for Vietnam-era
veterans. PLEASE NOTE: application must include a LEGIBLE copy of your DD-214 AND PAYMENT
TERM
__ 1 year
__ 3 year
$20
$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 or
friend of a Vietnam veteran/I am a nonVietnam era veteran. I would like to join
Associates of Vietnam Veterans of
America and help the chapter.
__ I enclose $20 for a one-year
AVVA membership.
VVA is a nonprofit veterans service organization. Programs and services are funded by member dues and public donations.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 8
It is important to vote in the Aug. 7 Michigan primary.
There is a Macomb County ballot proposal to renew a
millage approved four years ago that costs average
taxpayers about $4 per year to maintain the county’s
Veterans Affairs Office and its service officer program..
The Macomb County Veterans Affairs office hired five
professional service officers since voters approved the
millage in 2008 and that has reduced what used to be a
five‐week wait to see a service officer down to one to
two weeks. Because of the economy, more veterans are
applying for benefits; 4,727 veterans came into the
office in 2010 and 6,482 came in 2011. Retroactive
payments to veterans for service‐connected disabilities
rose from $3,152,245 to $7,021,566. The county office
also oversees the Macomb County Veterans Relief Fund,
a grant program to help vets with things like utility
shut‐offs and other emergencies.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News AUGUST 2012 - Page 9
VIETNAM VETERANS
OF AMERICA
CHAPTER 154
CLASSIC CAR SHOW CHARITY
FUNDRAISER
SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
GRATIOT AUTO CENTER
29187 Gratiot Ave., North of 12 Mile Road
REGISTER 8 AM – 10:30 AM
SHOW 10 AM – 4 PM
SUPPORT CHAPTER 154 FOOD BANK AND SUPPORT CENTER
PLEASE BRING NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS
FOR DONATION BASKETS
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Activities are at
the Vet Center,
unless otherwise
stated
August 2012
1
2
Service Officer
10-4
Service Officer
10-4
3
4
10
11
traveling
memorial in
Hillman Bush
Creek Mill
traveling
memorial in
Hillman Bush
Creek Mill
17
18
Chapter board
meeting 7 pm
traveling
memorial Monroe
County Fair
5
6
7
Pointman
Ministries
7pm
13
20
14
15
16
Color guard
meeting
7pm
Service Officer
10-4
Service Officer
10-4
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
22
23
24
25
Service Officer
10-4
Service Officer
10-4
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
21
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
26
traveling
memorial
Gibraltar Trade
North Shriners
Car Show
Service Officer
10-4
• Gen Mem Mtg
American Leg.
Post 4 Mount
Clemens 7pm
traveling
memorial
Armada Fair
19
9
• Service Officer
10-4
• VA hospital visit
traveling
memorial at
Shiawasee
County Fair
12
8
traveling
memorial
Gibraltar Trade
North Shriners
Car show
27
28
29
30
Color guard
meeting
7pm
Service Officer
10-4
Service Officer
10-4
31
Lookingahead:
September Car
Show Sept. 9,
POW/MIA Vigil;
December
Operation
Christmas
FIRST CLASS
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
P. O. Box 1114
Mount Clemens MI 48046-1114
OPEN to read the GOOD NEWS about Chapter 154
WWW.VVA154.COM
a VVA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!
AUGUST 2012 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-Run
Chapter Business Center
Veterans Food Bank
Employment Assistance
Veterans Benefits Service Officer
Free Counseling
Information
Camaraderie
Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out
1,664 still
unaccounted for;
50 from Michigan