President`s Corner - (VVA) Chapter 528 Plymouth/Canton, MI
Transcription
President`s Corner - (VVA) Chapter 528 Plymouth/Canton, MI
CHAPTER 528 HOMEFRONT MAY 2011 VVA 528 Membership Meeting Monday May 9, 2011 1426 S. Mill St. VFW Plymouth, MI. Come on and join us! 7:00 p.m. (1900) INDEX Our Executive Officers 2011 PAGE President’s Corner .............................. 1 Digger’s Desk ..................................... 2 Wayne County Fishing Derby .......... 2 Odds & Ends ...................................... 3 State Council News ........................... 4 Holiday Bazaar ................................... 4 Chaplain’s Corner .............................. 5 Memorial Wall Project ...................... 6 Adopt-A-Road Pick-Up ..................... 6 American Flag & Certificate ............ 7 History of Our Chapter .................... 7 Fish Fry ............................................... 7 AVVA Report ..................................... 8 Kokomo 2011 ...................................... 8 Members In Distress ......................... 8 In Memoriam ..................................... 9 Cruz’n 528 Car Show ........................ 10 Dr. Bob’s Files ................................... 11 Calendar of Events ........................... 12 The “Bear’s Den” .............................. 12 Photos from April 11th Meeting ..... 13 Membership & Ads .......................... 14 Membership Form ............................ 15 HOMEFRONT STAFF Tom Brown - Editor and Publisher Don Dignan - Assistant Editor & Columnist Dale Luebke - Distribution Chief/Columnist Bob Lamoureux - Events & Columnist Jay Roberts - President & Columnist Gary Estermyer - Calendar & Columnist Rich Whipple - Columnist Richard Waldecker - Columnist Norma Demerly - Columnist Bob Paul - Columnist Dennis Bielskis - Columnist John Spencer - Columnist Gary Kubik - Columnist Ted Enright - Photographer Chapter 528 held its 2011 elections on Assisting Dale with Distribution: Ron King - Distribution Assistant Monday, April 11, 2011. The Executive Mike & Cheri Schlott Board: Ron King - Secretary, Bob Dew Vaughn Hull Darrell Bazman" Treasurer, Jay Roberts - President, Dennis Al Kerbyson" Bielskis 2nd V.P. and Rick Ciaramitaro 1st Mike Dicker" V.P. See page 13 for more photos including Bob Lamoureux Members of the Year, Board Members and Jay Roberts Thanks to Ron King for taking John Iaquinta our “Swearing In Ceremony”. over as distribution chief this Bill Browning month! "Never Again Will One Generation Of Veterans Abandon Another!" President’s Corner The first thing I want to say as your new President is, thank you. My first thank you goes to Mike Steffees. Under Mike's leadership our chapter has grown and is financially sound. To Mike and those who served on the Board, thank you for a job well done. The second part of my thank you is for the support I received at our April meeting. I will attempt to repay that support, by doing the best I can to lead our chapter to continued success. When we were in the military we relied heavily on each other. We built friendships that lasted even today. Those types of friendships are awaiting you today. Come on get involved. There are many great events coming up to participate. Here are a few: Post clean up April 30, Car Wash May 15, Fishing Derby May 21, Car Shows starting May 25 and The Memorial Wall June 16-19. We have a great Chapter. Only you and I can make it better. Hope to see you at one of these events. Semper Fi! Jay Roberts 1st Batttalion 3rd Marine Division 2 Digger’s Desk ELECTIONS Congratulations to president Jay Roberts and the rest of the officers and Board of Directors upon your election. We are looking to you to lead us forward in the next twelve months and keep VVA Chapter 528 on the correct path of working for and caring for veterans. LOUNGE SIGN IN RAFFLE Be sure to sign in before the meeting and any day you happen to visit the Post. Members of all groups (VVA, AVVA, VFW, Men’s and Ladies Auxiliary) are eligible. The pot was just broken with the winner pocketing over $350. It’s a win/win situation. VALUE FOR YOUR TIME When you joined Chapter 528, hopefully someone (or a whole roomful of someones) said “Welcome Home” or some other equally endearing phrase. After that it is up to you to seek out projects that will give you “value for your time”. Whether it is helping out at the Car Cruz, washing or cooking at the carwash, cleaning the post, baiting a hook at the fishing derby, bringing in a dish for the Soup ‘N Salad, waiting tables at the Steak Fry, marching in the Memorial Day or Independence Day Parades, salesmanship for our current raffle, speaking of your experiences at a local high school, supporting a charity through one of our golf outings, offering up poppies to support our Veterans relief, assisting at the Traveling Wall, being reverently present for our flag day ceremony, shucking corn at the Fall Fest, playing in the pool league while welcoming other Veterans to our home, visiting hospitalized Veterans, delivering clothing donations to the downtown Michigan Veterans Foundation, bs’ing with your fellow veterans about those long ago days of our youth, you will have ample opportunity to partake of Veteran and community service and get rewarded for your efforts. ANNUAL MAIN STRET CARWASH Below is the schedule for our annual upcoming carwash. Please arrive at your scheduled time. If you’re not up to work the carwash, come on by for a hot dog and pop. Main Street Auto Wash - North or AA Road Sunday May 15, 9 am-4 pm 9-11:30 am: Don Dignan, Dale Luebke, Gary Kubik, Susie Wagner, Rick Ciaramitaro, Jan Spittler, John Iaquinta, Bob Bryan, Al Dorey, Ron King and Forrest Manley 11:30 am- 2:00 pm: Gary Pritchard, Bill Gravett, Dennis Bielskis, Don Shannon, Dominick Grake, Zoltan Nagy, Peter Glasgow, Dean Bell and Gary Boucher 2:00 am-4:00 pm: Rich Whipple, Darrell Bazman, Jay Roberts, Walt Wieber, Bob Paul, Bill Browning, Doug Fox, Dave Banks, Gordon Dorey and Ted Enright. I hope to see you at the May meeting. Bring a buddy. It’s a great time to be a Veteran and a member of Chapter 528. Don Dignan D/2/16 “Rangers 1st Inf. Div. 1967-1968 Wayne County Parks Fishing Derby The annual fishing derby is scheduled for May 21, 2011 at Waterford Bend in Hines Park at 6 Mile and Northville Rd. Bill Boudreau, Tom Brown, Dean Bell, and “Bear” will once again chair this event. Volunteers are: Rick Ciaramitaro, Jan Spittler, Doug Fox, Bill Gravett, Al Kerbyson, Dennis Bielskis, Gene Spurgess, Frank Gilbo, Gary Boucher, Bill Browning, Jay Roberts, Don Dignan , and Bob Dew. Please be there by 7:45 a.m. Tom Brown, Editor HDG III Corps 3rd & 9th Pershing F.A. Ft. Sill, OK 3 Odds & Ends Chapter Elections The votes have been tabulated and the results are. Here are your new elected officials for the upcoming year. President 1st Vice President Jay Roberts Rick Ciaramitaro 2nd Vice President Dennis Bielskis Secretary Treasurer Ron King Bob Dew Board Members (2 year) (1 year) Joe Agius Don Dignan Gary Boucher Darrell Bazman Bill Browning Bob Paul Lapsed Members: As of April 20, 2011 the following individuals have not renewed their membership: Bob Cohen and Rodney Tanner. May VVA Renewals: Jim Austin, Mike Bush, Lorne Roberts, Ken Ryan, Gene Spurgess and Ron Wroblewski May AVVA Renewals: none If you have already renewed thank you. If you have not, please do so before the end of the month to keep your membership current. Color Guard Update Color guard elections took place after the membership meeting. I was reelected Commander and Rick Ciaramitaro, Deputy Commander. The color guard will be presenting the colors at the Joshua Trail banquet again this year on May 20th and at the opening ceremony of the Canton Cup soccer tournament on May 28th The Plymouth Memorial Day parade is at 8:30 this year. We will be marching north from Main Street and Wing to the Memorial Park. We will not be marching in the Northville parade but the rifle squad will go directly to Rural Hill Cemetery for the honor volleys. At 1:00 we will be at the Canton memorial for their service. Chapter Raffle National Convention Delegates Dennis Bielskis Tom Brown Bob Dew Ron King Jay Roberts Nominating Committee Dean Bell Mike Dicker Bob Lamoureux Rich Whipple Let’s take a moment to thank our outgoing officers for the great job they did this past year. As I indicated last month there were 2 drawings at the April meeting. Winners of the lifetime memberships are Dennis Waling and Darrell Bazman. Congratulations Dennis and Darrell and thank you Pat Klopschinsky for the additional drawing. Memorial Run Our 6th annual Memorial Run will take place sometime in June. Date and location have not been determined at this time. Further details will be forthcoming. All are invited to attend. This is not just a color guard event. We do this each year to pay our respects to those in the chapter who have gone before us. Membership We had 5 individuals join our chapter this past month. Dave Dershinski, Army, recruited by Gary Kubik, Dale Sirkle, Army, recruited by Ron King and Dominick Grake, Army, recruited by Don Shannon. Clyde Rains, Army, joined after attending our last meeting and Jeff Yoshikawa, Army, has transferred his membership from the Westland chapter. Welcome to Chapter 528 Dave, Dale, Dominick, Clyde and Jeff. Our current membership stands at 209 individual and 56 associate members. Dropped From Roster: Bob Carris and Lorne Johnston Bob Lamoureux Co. C, 3/47, 9th Inf. Div. “Mobile Riverines” 4 State Council News Gary Estermyer, State Council Delegate USARV, 58th Field Depot Qui Nhon It was foggy on the way to Howell on Sunday, April 10, 2011 but the sunny 75 degree ride home was definitely two-wheel weather. President Ken Diegel opened the meeting at 10:00 AM with the pledge and a prayer. Ken immediately announced that the next regular State Council meeting was scheduled for July 17th in Howell. It was then announced that Tim Driscoll is the new delegate from Washtenaw County Chapter 310. Ken also announced that Lupe Alviar (Chapter 31) and P’Nut Hicks (Chapter 287) are dealing with personal illness. Secretary Ray “Doc” Essenmacher then called roll. All the officers were present and sixteen chapters were represented. “ Doc” mentioned he has already begun receiving some chapter election reports, please keep them coming. Treasurer Don Godek then gave a brief financial report. The good news was that the State Council had received a $25,000 grant from an organization known as Others First. A court hearing is scheduled for the end of this month regarding the Howell property. Discussion began regarding the written Treasurer report. Don agreed to provide more details. Ken then reported he would be sending out a letter to all chapter Presidents regarding the Councils financial situation. Details on the May 21st meeting will follow. Tim Driscoll reported on the Agent Orange town hall meeting held on April 10th. This Chapter 310 public awareness event was attended by 85-100 people. Many speakers and panel members presented a very informative session. This was a great chapter project that could be copied by any other chapter. Jack McManus, Chapter 310, reported that Jack Devine (currently in Vietnam) had been in talks with various legislative departments and other veteran organizations and he is hopeful that some VVA funding will be restored. Tom Meinhardt, Region 5 Director, (Chapter 284) discussed the upcoming Region 5 Pre – Convention Conference. It will be held from June 24-25, 2011 in Indianapolis, IN at the Hilton North, which is just off I-69. All Michigan delegates are invited. The conference will run from 9 – 5 on Friday and 9 – noon on Saturday. Rooms are $79.00 and registration is $40.00 which includes coffee, tea and Danish Friday and Saturday AM, dinner on Saturday evening and conference materials. I have a copy of the registration form if needed. Tom also informed the delegates that 11,088 burials have taken place at Great Lakes National Cemetery as of March 31, 2011. Vice President John Riling reported that he has been working on the casino fundraiser. “Doc” reported that Army suicides continue to be sad reminder of the effects of war. If you happen to meet a young ‘troubled’ veteran you should suggest they get VSO representation and VA medical help. Phil Smith, Service Director, reported there is now a 1 year claim backlog with appeals taking 1 ½ years. Recoveries through January are $6,649,013.00. February and March numbers are pending. Patience is required if you’re trying to contact the Service Office as Phil is the only employee. Some volunteers have helped out which is greatly appreciated. Phil also reminded us of www.ebenefits.va.gov, which is an on-line VA connection. To get a premium account set up you will have to do an in-person authentication meeting at the Regional VA Office at 477 Michigan Ave, 12th floor, take 2 ID’s with you. UPCOMING EVENTS: May 21 – Chapter 9, 30th Anniversary party Chapter President’s meeting May 27/29 – Coldwater, Civil War Days May 30 – Dearborn Memorial Day Parade June 24/25 – Region 5, Indianapolis, IN July 3 – Run To The North Wall XVI July 16 – Howell Chapter pig roast July 17 – State Council meeting, Howell Aug 17/20 – VVA National Convention, Reno Mayflower/Lt Gamble VFW Post 6695 Ladies Auxiliary HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday, November 5th 2011 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Admission: $2.00 This well publicized show features the talents of dozens of crafters and artisans. There will be items from crafters, specialty dealers, bake sale, and a light lunch will be available. We hope that you will be able to stop by and do some Christmas shopping and support our VFW Ladies Auxiliary. You will find some special and unique gifts here. We are looking for additional vendors and exhibitors; contact the ladies listed below for applications. For more information, contact: Linda 586-215-7580 Patty 248-486-0001 Janet 734-459-6774 5 Chaplain’s Corner The Bribe That Didn’t Work (How the Truth of the Risen Christ Has Prevailed) Something that was said on Easter Sunday caught my attention while our pastor was reading scripture from the book of Matthew (the first book in the New Testament). The scripture was about Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. personally witnessed. There was no monetary gain for these disciples who witnessed Christ, so why would they have put themselves in danger with those in power? If the resurrection of Christ was a hoax, why would these men die instead of recanting what they had seen? The resurrection is not a hoax. It happened! Christ is alive, and He died for all of us sinners. Because I have made Christ my Lord and my Savior, I am secure, loved, satisfied, and have a calm assurance of eternity. I am loved by my Creator!! Note: I do want you a& to know, that if you ever need someone to talk to and there doesn’t seem to be a neighbor, family member, Pontius Pilate was telling his guards how to guard the etc. that you feel that would understand, please ca& me up and I tomb that Jesus was laid in, after His horrific death on wi& be available most any time to meet you for a beer, coffee, or the cross. whatever. I hope I have gained your confidence in keeping Matthew 27, verse 65: “Take a guard, Pilate answered. Go make the tomb as secure as you know how”. So they (the guards) whatever is discussed, between you and me. went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone In His service, and posting the guard.” (We all remember guard duty!) Matthew 28, verses 2-4: “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down %om heaven and, going to the Rich Whipple tomb, ro&ed back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards HHC/2/503d Infantry were so a%aid of him that they shook and became like dead 173d. Airborne men.” (The mighty Roman soldiers were defenseless!) Brigade Matthew 28, verses 5-6: “The angel said to the women (who had come to spread spices and perfumes on Jesus’ body) “Do not be a%aid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Now here is where it got my attention. In verse 11-15: While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, te&ing them, “You are to say, His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep. If this report gets to the governor, we wi& satisfy him and keep you out of trouble”. So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. So a bribe was given to the soldiers, who took it “lock, stock, and barrel” to keep them out of trouble, as well as not telling anyone what they had seen and experienced. The elders and chief priests thought the problem of not finding the body, would go away, but it didn’t. The eleven disciples who had witnessed the risen Jesus, were threatened, tortured, and several were killed because they would not recant their belief and what they had Be sure to designate VVA Chapter 528 when turning in your vehicle. 6 Memorial Wall Project Here is an update of the Memorial Wall project and tentative schedule of events that are planned for June 16th – 19th 2011. The wall comes into town on Wednesday June 15, 2011 and will be at the Hampton Inn located on Haggerty Road South of Ford Rd., Canton Township. On Thursday Morning June 16th, 2011 at about 9:00 am the Patriot Riders and the American Legion Riders with about 200 motorcycles will escort the wall to the site with the assistance of the Canton T0wnship Police Department. Once the wall arrives at Heritage Park it will be assembled and open for visitors in the afternoon. The opening Ceremony will happen at 6:00 PM on Thursday June 16th, 2011. Chapter 528 Color Guard will open the ceremony with the posting of the colors. The wall will be officially opened at that time, the normal hours of operation will be from 9:00 am till 9:00 pm Friday June 17th, Saturday June 18th and on Sunday June 19th we will have the closing ceremonies at 5:00 pm after which the wall will be dismantled and loaded into the truck. It will return to the motel Sunday night and leave Michigan on Monday morning. On Saturday June 18th starting at about 12:00 pm Rich Ciaramitaro and a group of volunteers will start reading the names of the soldiers that were killed in Vietnam from Michigan only. After each name is read a bell will be tolled. All of the volunteers will check in with Dennis Bielskis or Debby Bradley as they come onto the site to work. We will have a location set up with a sign for volunteers to check in and they will be assigned duties for the times they are signed up for. Currently we are planning on 2 hours shifts for each volunteer and you can work as many shifts as you like. We will have the Canton Young Marine Detachment, the Sea Cadets and the Boy Scouts working with volunteers. We are working with Canton Twp Leisure Services department Paula Kosbe [email protected] who is combining the names of all volunteers that have signed up. This way we will have one master list of all volunteers with times to work. We will send out an email copy prior to the start of the program. We have to prep the site ourselves. This means we will need help getting the grounds ready to accept the wall on Thursday June 16th 2011. This will involves laying the sidewalks out, the tents, product sales, military memorable displays, information tent. We are planning on using wood chips that Canton Township is supplying and landscaping supplies from a local landscaping company. We are going to need workers starting on Monday June 13 and for each day after that. We plan on starting work around 9:00 am each day. We will have to move the wood chips, lay out the landscaping cloth and anything else that needs to be done in preparation for the arrival of the wall. This is one of the more important parts of the project. So we need all the help we can get starting on Monday June 13th 2011. Dennis Bielskis 11ACR 2nd Sq F Troop John Spencer 123rd Transportation Co, Cam Ranh Bay Joy Road Adopt-A-Road Pick-Up Sat. April 23, 2011 Dennis Waling, Forrest Manley, Don Dignan, Judy Thomason, Jim Hodgson, Jerry Thomason, Ron King, Bob Lamoueux, Pete Glasgow, Dennis Bielskis and Rich Whipple 7 History of Chapter 528 Ann Manning (left), fifth-grade teacher at Plymouth Christian Academy in Canton, accepts an American flag and a certificate of recognition from treasurer Linda Mentink, past state president Caroline Van Gorder and junior vice president and community chairperson Nancy Dignan of the Mayflower Lt. Gamble Post 6695 Ladies Auxiliary. The flag and certificate were presented as part of the post's Americanism and Community Service initiatives. Linda and Nancy are members of Chapter 528 AVVA. Fish Fry 2011 Jim Kimball, Don Dignan, Dale Luebke, Nancy Dignan, Don Shannon, Dominick Grake, & Janet Nippa I was a Counterintelligence Agent and served primarily with the 101st Airborne, 2nd Brigade, LZ Sally. To be sure, I did serve with other units in Vietnam, however, usually the 101st. For your knowledge depending on assignment I could be anywhere in I Corp on any given day. I worked with the CIA (Air America), Phu Bai and other intell units. Hopefully this is not too confusing. As an agent I could be working on base security, security clearances, sabotage, espionage or maybe a subject interview. State side I was involved in undercover work during the campus riots of early 1970 in addition to my other assignments listed above. Now you can understand why it took me many years to join the VVA. I never felt I belonged with the people that served that were shot at or worse. To be sure, I was shot at more than once in so called non-combat areas. I was trained and fluent in the Vietnamese language. This web page is only in the beginning stages. Hopefully, with the help of our "Original Members" I will be able to come up with a historical chronology of our Chapter. As far as Cheri Schlott reports: The Chapter started in November of 1989 but the Chapter didn't become official (registered with National VVA) until September 13th of 1990. Rick DiVeto was the unofficial President for those first meetings. The first official President of the Chapter was Greg Huddas. Mike Schlott was the second. Bob Cohen was the secretary for those beginning years. Don Dignan’s first meeting was in May 1990 at the Canton library. He remembers the following members being around: Dan Stengle, Gary Estermyer, Joe Kato, John Ligner, Tim LaGrow, Greg Huddas, Joe Agius, Bob Cohen, George Klepack, Hank Giles and Mike Schlott. Richard Waldecker Chapter Historian 101st Airborne 2nd Brigade 8 AVVA Report AVVA Michigan Association Meeting Apr 10, 2011 Meeting was called to order by President Nancy Diegel, who led us in the pledge of allegiance and then gave a short prayer. Nancy talked about her goals and expectations for the upcoming year. Nancy said the AVVA members should feel they can talk to her and not feel what they have to contribute doesn’t matter. Secretary Norma Demerly read the Minutes from the March 19, 2011 Meeting. Vice President Betty noted one correction in the Minutes. Edie made a motion that Michigan AVVA pay the cost for lunch for all members in attendance today. It should have said all members and guests in attendance today. Treasurer Cecilia read her financial report. Cecilia explained about the new checking account opened and that the four board members are on the account. There was a discussion concerning changes to the National By-laws and Policies and Procedures. We will look at ours when National AVVA approves their ByLaws. Nancy will check with Pat Furno who is the National Chair for the By-laws and Policy and Procedures. Nancy asked how many members may be going to National Leadership Convention in Reno. AVVA will have one table at the National Convention. We discussed what we wanted to do for fund raising. AVVA will be holding a 50/50 raffle, possible silent auction items and a scratch off ticket. Cecilia motioned we spend the $300.00 dollars to buy the 25 scratch off tickets. Motion was seconded by Jane Dady. Motion passed. Nancy also asked if any members were going to attend the Region 5 Conference in Indianapolis. There will be an AVVA Regional meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 24th and 25th. Cecilia showed us the map with tags for all the current VVA Chapters in Michigan. Nancy passed out spread sheets for the girls to mark up the events they help with in their Chapters. Our next AVVA will be in Howell, MI scheduled for July 17th 2011 at 10 am. Respectfully! Norma Demerly AVVA Rep AVVA State Secretary Kokomo 2011 We have received Confirmation on our 12 Lots for this years gathering in September. We will be trading Lots 720 & 721 E. for 338 & 339 E. after we get there in Sept. This will allow us to Square off this year. Only problem I see, is we won't have room for any large Campers! Dale M. Luebke 355th Tac Fighter Wing 357th Tac Fighter Squadron Members In Distress Aggie Little is recovering as an out-patient for heart surgery. Mike Steffes spent a few days in the hospital fighting an infection in his leg. Do you have a Shotgun, Rifle, Handgun or Black Powder firearm that you want to turn into CASH? If you do then give Joe a call at 810-394-3198 We are licensed to come to your home and purchase your firearm. So give Joe a call or email at [email protected] In Memoriam Deceased VVA Chapter 528 Members "" Service" Dates of Service Richard Diveto" " Jeffery Stewart" " Gary Smith" " Delbert Haddock " Marvin Schultz" " Bryan Tubbs " " Charles Sperry" III " Thomas Labowitch" John Hinman" " Edward Cafruny"" Jerry Gibbons" " Robert Cicotte" " T. Joseph Dorey" " John Macik" " Basilio Rivera" " Chris Busse" " Thomas Butterfield" Dennis Lowry" " Michael Ramsey"" George Troell" " Larry Jarvis" " Joseph Kato Jr." " Tom Snell" " Kris (KC) Brimer " Cornelis McGowan " Harry Bryant" " Richard Torossian" Franz Brenner" " Tim Klopschinsky" Michael Weaver"" Wade Rotthoff" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Army" " Army" " Army" " Navy" " Army" " Navy" " Army" " Marines"" Marines"" Navy" " Army" " Air Force" Army" " Army" " Army" " Navy" " Army" " Marines"" Navy" " Air Force" Army" " Navy" " Army" " Army" " Army" " Navy" " Army" " Army" " January 68 – August 70 April 69 – December 71 June 66 – May 68 February 72 – September 76 November 66 – August 68 June 70 – September 71 January 68 – October 70 November 59 – November 68 February 64 – February 68 October 61 – September 65 September 61 – September 64 June 73 – June 77 August 66 – August 69 February 67 – January 70 June 67 – April 70 June 65 – February 69 November 66 – September 68 April 65 – March 69 March 65 - March 68 March 64 - March 68 October 67 - July 69 July 66 - May 68 January 67 - 1970 February 67 - February 69 June 64 - November 66 September 65 - September 69 June 68 - January 71 Army June 66 - July 67 " Army" " April 52 – January 54 1944 – 1994" 1949 - 1995 1943 - 1996 1948 – 1996" 1947 – 1999" 1945 – 1999" 1951 – 2000" 1947 – 2000" 1947 – 2001" 1940 – 2002" 1941 – 2002" 1947 – 2003" 1943 – 2004" 1943 – 2005" 1953 – 2005" 1947 – 2005" 1947 – 2006" 1948 – 2006" 1945 – 2007" 1943 – 2007" 1948 – 2007" 1945 - 2007" 1946 - 2008" 1948 - 2008" 1947 - 2009" 1948 - 2009" 1941 - 2010" 1941 - 2010" 1945 - 2011" 1949 - 2011" 1946 - 2011" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Deceased AVVA Members / Spouses Henry “Bob” Smith" Robert Nelson" " Cynthia Estermyer" George Salhaney"" Stanley Jenkins" " Judith LaGrow" " Carol Luebke" " William Jakobcic" Dorothy Dorey" " Floyd Riley" " Lynn Wallace" " Denise Cain" " Patricia Hull" " James St. Holmes" Anna Smith " " Adam Hays" " Karen Ligner" " 1923 - 1995 1929 - 1995 1951 - 1998 1931 – 1998" 1924 - 2000 1949 - 2003 1947 - 2003 1943 – 2003 1924 - 2004 1933 - 2004 1961 - 2005 1953 - 2005 1946 - 2006 1969 - 2007 1923 - 2008 1930 - 2010 1950 - 2010 " " 9 10 Darrell Bazman, Co-Chair Bob Paul, Co-Chair 11 then 12 Calendar by Gary Estermyer VVA 528 Membership Meeting Monday May 9, 2011 1426 S. Mill St. VFW Plymouth, MI Come on and join us! 7:00 p.m. (1900 hours) VFW May Events 3rd - Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 7:00 p.m. 6th - Karaoke 8:00 p.m. 10th - General Membership Mtg. 7:00 p.m. 17th - Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. 19th - Men’s Auxiliary Meeting 6:30 p.m. 20th - Karaoke 8:00 p.m. May Birthdays Jim Austin, Terry Blumberg, Les Brookins, Guido Capaldi, Ernie Costantino, Howard Doll, Ed Florence, Jerry Galda, Frank Gilbo, Gary Grant, Jim Hodgson, Jergen Juziuk, George Klepack, Leo Ksiazek, Larry Luceus, Christine Roberts, Roger Schlee, Dan Stengle, Benjamin Tallman, Ron Wilson, Dale Wofford The Bear’s Den May 21st, I will be part of the Gestopo at the fishing derby in Hines Park and I will have Cruise Raffle tickets for ten dollars each. After the Memorial Day Parade, we will be serving Marion's SOS in the Post Lounge. June 2nd they will be working on the old ticker again. I will miss 2 days at the lounge. Cold beer and good friends are always there. Sign in! Anyone can win! DIVE...Dive....dive! Gary “The Bear” Kubik TM2 (SS) USS Gudgeon SS567 USS Diodon SS 349 Sub Sq. 5 13 528 Board of Directors 2011 Bob Paul, Joe Agius, Darrell Bazman, Bill Browning, Gary “Ouch” Boucher, Ted Enright, Don Dignan and Gary Pritchard Bob Dew Executive of the Year President Mike Steffes Judy Thomason AVVA Member of the Year Norma Demerly AVVA Rep. John Iaquinta Chapter Member of the Year President Mike Steffes Doug Fox Board Member of the Year President Mike Steffes Forrest Manley Honor Guard Member of the Year Cdr. Bob Lamoureux Swearing In Ceremony Norma Demerly, Ron King, Gary Boucher, Jay Roberts, Bob Dew, Bob Paul, Rick Ciaramitaro, Darrell Bazman, Joe Agius, Bill Browning, Dennis, Bielskis, Don Dignan, Tom Brown, Bob Lamoureux and Dean Bell 14 We are pleased March 26, 2011 We are pleased to announce an ongoing project and collaboration between the VVA Chapter 310 and the Yankee Air Museum.[T1] The Museum has been planning and designing a Vietnam War Diorama which will be centered around a Vietnam era “Huey” simulating an “LZ” operation. The construction phase of the project will begin soon and while some military uniforms and artifacts have already been donated, there is still significant cost remaining to complete the audio/visual, mannequins, weaponry and ground effects. VVA Chapter 310 and the Yankee Air Museum will be teaming up together to sponsor a “Vietnam Salute to the Huey” Event to benefit the funding for the construction’s completion and display components. May 21, 12-4 pm Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti MI Robert Mason, author of “Chickenhawk” will be present to meet and autograph Pig Roast with sides 60’s music with DJ “Big Daddy G” WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and current military artifacts on display Static aircraft displays Live auction of military related items You can help out by simply attending the event and have fun! You may also send a donation to: Yankee Air Museum (specify on your check “for Vietnam display”) 47884 D.Street Belleville, Mi 48111 Att: Robert Hassan 734-634-8791 Tickets available at: Yankee Air Museum website: http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/ VVA Chapter 310 website: http://www.vva310.org/ We look forward to the eventual completion and display of the Vietnam War Diorama at the Yankee Air Museum and thank you again for your continued support of these important works.[T2] Sincerely, Bob Kwiecinski President VVA Chapter 310 [email protected] (734)429-0772 15 PRESENTS RUN TO THE NORTH WALL XVI JOIN US SUNDAY July 3rd, 2011 FOR THE ANNUAL RUN TO THE NORTH WALL, IN HONOR OF THE CANADIANS THAT SERVED WITH THE U.S. MILITARY DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. STAGING TAKES PLACE 9:30 A.M. AT R.C.L. BR. 594 - 5050 Howard Ave. LaSalle, Ont. RUN LEAVES R.C.L. Br. 594 AT 11:20 A.M. SHARP! Breakfast will be available at Br. 594 between 0900hrs and 1100 hrs Cost for breakfast is $6.00 This years ride will be in memory of Ed Johnson, the Father of the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial who had Passed away Aug. 24th 2010 MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE NORTH WALL FOR 12:00 P.M. OPEN HOUSE AND BBQ AT R.C.L. BR. 143 – 1570 Marentette Ave. FOR MORE INFO GO TO www.northwallridersassociation.piczo.com OR EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: (519) 256-6797 or (519) 903-5893 EVERYONE WELCOME 16 4th ‘CAR SHOW FOR VETS’ ANNUAL CAR & BIKE SH0W AND A ‘WELCOME HOME’ FOR OEF/OIF VETERANS PRESENTED BY MOTOR CITY MUSCLE CAR CLUB In conjunction with Local Veteran Organizations SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th, 2011 9:00am-3:00pm P.L.A.V. POST 166 39375 Amrhein Rd. Livonia, MI 48150 (Between Plymouth Road & I-96, at Eckles & Amrhein Roads) All proceeds going to those who served to Protect our Freedom 17 boat4vets 3rd Annual Boat Outing July 16, 2011 (rain day July 30) It's that time to start thinking about our veterans again. Time to show them our appreciation for their service to our country. To tell them "Thank: You". Remember the sacrifices they made so we can enjoy the freedoms we have. Are you a Veteran? If you are WE...N.EEDYOU. Call us and join in on the FREE food and fun on Lk. St. Clair. Do you own a boat? If you do WE NEED YOU. Call us and become a part of our organization. Take a veteran out for a boat ride then back for a BBQ. FREE food for you too. Would you like to be a sponsor? If you would WE NEED YOU. If you can make a donation (of time or money or prizes for the vets) Call us. We would love to have you join us in any manner you can do. Call Mike Shawl- 810-742-0173 or 810-241-8025 Join now and remember to thank a vet today. CHAPTER 528 HOMEFRONT Chapter 528 Web Site: www.vva528.org Chapter Officers& & & President " " 1st Vice President " 2nd Vice President " Secretary" " Treasurer" " MAY 2011 " 18 Chapter 528 Travel Site: www.travelvva528.com Advertising Rates: 1 year $60; 6 mos. $45; 1 issue $15 Jay Roberts" " Rick Ciaramitaro " " Dennis Bielskis Ron King Bob Dew" " Board of Directors Joe Agius " Darrell Bazman Gary Boucher Bill Browning " " " " Don Dignan Ted Enright Bob Paul Gary Pritchard " Committees A.O./Health Care" " AVVA Representative" By-Laws" " " Chaplain"" " Chapter Historian"" Color/Honor Guard" " " " Constitution" " ETABO" " " Fundraising" " Government Affairs" Homeless Veterans" Membership " " Homefront Newsletter" Editor & Publisher " Assistant Editor" Distribution Chief" Product Sales" " " " " Point Man Ministries" " " " " " " POW/MIA" " Public Affairs" " Sergeant-at-Arms" " Scholarship" " " " " " " " Service Rep. " " Sportsman’s Raffle"" State Delegate" " State VVA Product Sales VAVS Deputy" " Website" " " Vaughn Hull" Norma Demerly Joe Agius"" " Rich Whipple" Dick Waldecker Bob Lamoureux" Rick Ciaramitaro" Gary Estermyer" Gordon Dorey" Bob Dew"" Forrest Manley" John Fleming" Bob Lamoureux" " Tom Brown" Don Dignan" Dale Luebke" Dale Luebke " Gary Boucher" Rich Whipple" Ron Wroblewski Rick Ciaramitaro Al Kerbyson" Don Dignan" Jim Dorey" Dean Bell" Don Dignan" Ron King" Aggie Little" Dennis Bielskis" " Gary Estermyer" John Riling Vaughn Hull" Tom Brown" VVA Service Officer - State of Michigan Phillip Smith - Director" 313-961-9568 313-226-4181 Veterans Crisis Centers&& & & & & & Veterans Center" " 313-381-1370" " " " " " " Dearborn Crisis Center" 313-584-7800 VA Medical Center Detroit" 313-576-1000" " " " " " " Editor’s Note and Disclaimer Articles, event dates, and photos must be submitted by the 21st of the month in order to be considered for publication. Send the article or photo to Tom Brown 17730 Snow Ave Dearborn, MI 48124 or email Tom at [email protected] or email Bill Boudreau at [email protected]. Except as otherwise noted, all published articles become the property of VVA Chapter 528 and may not be reprinted without the Chapter’s permission. Chapter 528 reserves the right to edit for space. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Chapter, the editor, or the National VVA. Mayflower Lt. Gamble VFW Post 6695 (734-459-6700) CHAPTER 528 HOMEFRONT MAY 2011 19 Vietnam Veterans of America Membership in Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is open to Vietnam Era Veterans as well as Associate Members of the Public at Large. Name_________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________ Present Address_____________________________________________ City_________________________________ State__________________ Zip____________________ Branch of Service___________________________________ Date of Birth_______________________________ email_______________________________________________ $20.00 Annual Dues Enclosed_________________ _____ I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and would like to be a member (Copy of your DD-214 Form or other proof of Service Enclosed) _____ I am not a Vietnam Era Veteran, but would like to be an Associate Member I want to give more. Enclosed is my check for $20.00_______$50.00_______ Other________________________ New Member______ Renewal______ Membership Card No.________________________________ Today's Date___________________________________________ Return this form to: Vietnam Veterans of America Plymouth/Canton Chapter 528 P.O. Box 6319 Plymouth, MI 48170-0473 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Plymouth MI 48170-0473 P.O. Box 6319 Plymouth-Canton Chapter 528 Vietnam Veterans of America Homefront