JULY 2013 EDITION - Vietnam Veterans of America

Boo Coo News
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
VVA154.com
Mount Clemens, Michigan
JULY 2013
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.
Scholarships Awarded
his was a good year for us from the perspective of scholarship awards to graduating
seniors. Last year we only mustered one scholarship, but this year the membership
heard our plea and a total of four scholarships were awarded. Of course, as Woody
Horne so aptly put it, we're “no longer nominating our children, it's now our grandchildren.”
Thanks, Woody, for letting us realize our age. This year, awards went to Haley Malloy (who
is actually the daughter of chapter member John Malloy . . . way to go John!); Anthony
Tillman, grandson of Charlie and Ruth Babcock; Gilbert Claunch IV, grandson of Gil and
Phyllis Claunch, and Jordan White, granddaughter of Jim and Melissa Watts. Several
members got up and spoke briefly about their personal experiences with their children
receiving these scholarships, and Woody reminded all the awardees that we expected them
to come back to us in four years and tell us of their successes.
T
***
BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE:
PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING
TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:
MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
1,646
Americans
Still Missing in
Southeast
Asia
49 from
Michigan
t the June chapter meeting, Al Marino, owner
of the Sorrento Pizza empire, made a
presentation to Chapter 154. This
presentation was the result of money raised by
the Thrilla at the Villa event, which is held every
year at the Villa Penna banquet hall. This event is
sponsored by a number of local businesses, and
the intent is to raise money to benefit muscular
dystrophy. However, this year the organizers
decided to additionally designate a veteran’s
organization to be the recipient of a portion of the
money raised. Knowing Chapter 154 the way that
Al Marino does through his ongoing Sorrento
Pizza fundraiser campaign for us, it was an easy
sell for Al to convince his group to earmark us as
the awardee of their fundraising efforts. Al presented our chapter with a “significant” donation. These
folks came to understand what Chapter 154 is all about, and acknowledged the good work that we do all
year, every year. Their generosity will go a long way to help us to continue serving the veterans of
Macomb County, and we gratefully extend our thanks to Al and the other Thrilla at the Villa sponsors for
honoring our chapter.
A
President’s Message
t becomes difficult to write about this chapter every month. The accolades of who we are and what
we’ve done over all the years of our existence have been well communicated, and it seems inadequate to
continue to say, over and over, what we already know: no one does it like Chapter 154. The stories
detailed elsewhere in this newsletter are testimony to the hard work of a lot of people in this chapter. We
are truly blessed to have so many members, working hard every day to not only reinforce our reputation,
but to extend it out to new audiences.
The wheels of progress turn slowly at times, but we continue to fight the good fight. Frustrations are plentiful, but small
successes make every setback worthwhile. We still have work to do on several fronts, and I sometimes wonder why other
organizations don’t do what we do. I guess the answer is simple; it comes down to our volunteers, being innovative about
furthering the causes of veteran’s issues. We are sometimes seen as a thorn in the sides of some people, but we push on
regardless. It’s been our credo since day one, and will continue as long as we’re capable of stepping up to the plate.
By the time this newsletter is in your hands, the Ride for Freedom will be in the history books, and will be another testament
to the hard work of Pat Daniels, who organizes this key fundraiser every year. The traveling memorial has been covering some
new areas of the state this year, and continues to do well with merchandise sales and donations. I appreciate that the “wall
flowers,” as Dave Schoenherr refers to his memorial crew, sacrifice many hours of their personal time to ensure that our
Michigan soldiers on our wall get their just recognition. The hospital committee with Tom Duff, making sure that our
hospitalized veterans know that someone cares. The food bank group under Gil Claunch making sure that our veterans don’t go
hungry. The Associates doing whatever we ask of them to support any of our activities. I am particularly pleased, as reported
elsewhere in this paper, that we have brought home another one of our Michigan MIA brothers. Again, this is a reflection of our
efforts to demand full accountability of our soldiers, and is the main purpose of our upcoming vigil. All of this makes us who we
are, and we should all take pride in all of our accomplishments.
Yes, we’re blessed. We’re blessed that so many people honor Chapter 154 with donations so that veterans get the respect and
help they need, and we’re blessed that our volunteers give so much to this chapter. Without all of this, we wouldn’t be that
“thorn” that makes a difference.
Brian Bobek
20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 1967-68
I
VVA CHAPTER 154 OFFICERS
President Brian Bobek
1st VP Gary Purcell
2nd VP Steve Bago
Secretary Mike Schneider
Treasurer Mike Jacobi
586-524-3806
586-243-6293
586-419-2212
586-567-0731
586-786-9932
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greg Bowman (2014)
Chuck Charbeneau (2014)
Gil Claunch (2014)
Ron Drdul (2014)
Dave Schoenherr (2014)
Mike Gardner (2015)
Larry May (2015)
Chris Scalise (2015)
Donn Sinclair (2015)
Gary Stephens (2015)
586-850-1800
586-431-7133
586-854-7842
586-899-7112
586-940-2568
586-615-1509
586-790-0008
810-278-1907
586-243-0222
586-747-8149
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
TRUSTEES
Mike Gardner (2016), Fred Warner (2015), Mitch Malek (2014)
2011-2012 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Community Service
Constitution/By-Laws
ETABO
Finance
Government Affairs
Membership
Minority Affairs
Nominating Committee
Public Affairs
Veteran’s Affairs
Veteran’s Benefits
Women Veterans
POW/MIA
Agent Orange/Dioxin
Incarcerated Veterans
Veteran’s Health Care
State Delegates
Mike Gardner
Donn Sinclair
Chris Scalise
Mike Jacobi
Ron Drdul
Larry May
Steve Bago
Gary Sox, Bill Mault, Marv Domaradzki
Brian Bobek
Gary Stephens
Brian Bobek
Chuck Charbeneau
Tom Duff
George Sawyer
Dave Schoenherr
Gil Claunch
Mike Gardner, Brian Bobek,
Mike Schneider
SPECIAL & AD HOC COMMITTEES
AVVA Rep
Color Guard
Food Bank
Hospitalized Vets
Lottery
Merchandise
Michigan Memorial
Scholarship
Speaker’s Bureau
Webmaster
Welcome Home
Operation Christmas
Patrick Bozzi
Jim Watts
Gil Claunch
Tom Duff
Ron Bawks
Tim Ignash
Dave Schoenherr
Woody Horne
Mike Brink
Larry Sauger
Mitch Argyris
TBD chairman; TBD dance;
TBD food; TBD toys
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 2
# COLOR GUARD - The Point Team - Jim Watts, Commander
S
ince our last report, the following 10 funeral details were rendered:
1 USMC, 3 USAF, 6 Army
3 WWII, 2 Korea, 3 Vietnam, 1 Vietnam Era, 1 Iraq
Lawrence Lemieux, Sr.
Carl Altagonnia
Tommy Coffman
David Cortese
Larry Clawsen
George Bright
Arthur Bisson
Patrick Wisniewski
Walter Hydner
William Kawa
USMC
Army
USAF
Army
Army
Army
Army
USAF
Army
USAF
Korea
WWII
Vietnam
Vietnam
Korea
WWII
Vietnam Era
Iraq (son of Harry Wisniewski)
WWII
Vietnam
10 various details as follows:
Veterans Welcome Home at Heidebreicht Chevrolet
Thrilla at the Villa, flag presentation, 21 gun and Taps
Headstone dedication at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery for Martin Rimson
Memorial service at Cadillac East Cemetery, placing of the wreaths, 21 gun and Taps
Flag detail at American House
Flag detail at UAW 1264
Flag detail at Chrysler Transportation
Flag detail at Martha T. Berry Nursing Home
Pre-Memorial Day: Clinton Grove and Mount Clemens fire station
Memorial Day: Resurrection Cemetery, Cadillac East, Freedom Hill
During these two days, the honor guard visited three cemeteries, posted flags, and fired volleys. We did this for groups of 10 to
12 veterans. We honored 435 veterans from: Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea and
Vietnam.
Color guard officers:
•
Jim Watts Commander
•
Steve Bago
Vice Commander
•
Gary Stephens
Treasurer and Armorer
•
Ted Szymanski
Armorer & Property Officer
•
Ron Drdul
Chaplain
•
Jerry Fleetwood
Assistant Chaplain
Saturday, July 20 is the Chapter 154
golf outing at Hickory Hollow Golf
Course in Macomb Township. The
cut-off for signing up is July 1, so get
your registrations turned in to
Marge Schoenherr ASAP. It's open to
chapter members as well as your
friends and guests.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 3
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
Free Services
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday ! 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville ~ 586-776-9810
Macomb County Veterans Affairs Office SERVICE OFFICERS (file claims and answer questions)
Mary Barrette ~ Tuesdays ~ first-come, first-served basis
Carol Ann Turner ~ Thursdays ~ appointments only
HELP WANTED: Volunteers to staff the Vet Center and work on the food bank.
SICK CALL
Contact Ron Drdul
[email protected]
Hospital Report
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.
•
•
•
Chapter member Dave “Chief” Lehrman is on the mend following the
replacement of his hip joint. This is the second time the same joint had to
be replaced.
Associate member Peggy Rossman had arthroscopic knee surgery and is
recuperating well from that procedure.
Marty Eddy updated us with the following: consult with the radiation
oncologist went well. “Partial breast irridation is not an option, so it's
whole-breast irradiation for me. Daily radiation treatments continue for
six weeks.”
Taps
•
•
•
•
Tom Duff, Chairman
n June 12 Bob Steward, Pablo
Guzman, Clark Cherry, Pete
Gernand, Joe Spencer, Gil Claunch,
Judy Haag, John Hages, Bob Edwards, and
I went to the VA Hospital. We went to
Wards A-4 North, A-5 North, the
Substance Abuse Ward, and the Dialysis
Ward. We visited with 56 vets. We
passed out personal items bags,
magazines, crossword puzzle books, and
Boo Coo Newsletters, blankets, lap robes,
bananas, pretzels, Little Debbie, Keebler
and Nabisco products. We presented a
medal to an Iraq veteran. We had a great
time and, most of all, we let at least 56
vets know that we care and they are not
forgotten.
The next visit will be on July 10,
leaving the Vet Center at 8 a.m. sharp.
O
Patrick Wisniewski, 33-year-old son of chapter member Harry
Wisniewski, was killed in a motorcycle accident at 21 Mile and Jefferson.
Patrick was active duty Air Force and also a reserve police officer.
Services were held at the Selfridge ANGB Chapel, and burial was at Great
Lakes National Cemetery.
Chapter member Randy McConnell's 19-year-old grandson David
passed away. The chapter paid their respects at the funeral home.
Steve Bago's niece, Kelly Milliken, died. She was buried in Grayling.
Mrs. Richard C. Simpson, mother of members Marty Griffin and
deceased brother Frank T. Griffin, passed away June 21 in Sanford, Maine
after a long illness. There will be a private family service in Sanford,
Maine.
Lifesaving Equipment Donated to Chapter
n May 24, MedStar Ambulance donated an Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) to Chapter 154. The board of directors thought it would be advisable
to have this type of unit available at the Vet Center in the event of one of our
visitors or members suffering a heart attack. MedStar Ambulance heard of our
dilemma and came to our assistance with the donation of a state-of-the-art
machine, plus free training in its use. Kolby Miller, CEO of MedStar came to the Vet
Center and made the formal hand-off of the unit. It now hangs in an accessible
location in the conference room. Thanks to MedStar for their generosity. This was a
costly unit, and their donation is very much appreciated.
O
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - 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!
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]
W
AVVA meeting – Minutes June 19, 2013
Present were: Chris and Tim Ignash, Pat and Clark Cherry, Patrick Bozzi,
Marge Schoenherr, Cathy Cook, Pat Drdul, Karen Mack, Gil and Phyllis
Claunch. Meeting opened at 7pm with the pledge and a moment of silence
for our troops.
It was announced that Gary Purcell will chair Operation Christmas and
he will have a meeting later in the year.
Boz will try and call some of the registered members of the Associates
and see if he can recruit anyone to come to our meetings.
Ride for Freedom was discussed. Cathy reported that help is needed
both at Wolverine for breakfast and registration and at Freedom Hill.
American Indian Group Marches in Parade
They will send some people to Freedom Hill with coffee and breakfast
This year, the newly formed American Indian
items when everything is set up and ready at Wolverine.
Veterans of Michigan, Inc. marched in the St. Clair
Boz reported that the board is asking the question how can we get
Shores Memorial Day Parade. Absent from the
other family members interested in joining the Associates to help as no
picture is Chris Franklin, who is still recuperating
one is getting any younger. That matter was tabled until after the
from recent kidney surgery. These are a great group
summer break. We will ponder it over the next few months.
of veterans, and we need to make certain we help
Marge reported on the golf outing, we have 26 hole sponsors and are in
them get a running start and prosper in their
need of golfers.
endeavors.
Our next meeting will be held September 18.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Claunch, Secretary
Study: Veterans uninformed about Medicare; 75 percent unaware of late enrollment fees - June 17, 2013 by Brooke Self, Desert
Dispatch – Medicare eligible, senior-aged military veterans may disproportionately be making costly Medicare mistakes, according to initial
results of a study conducted by the company 65 Incorporated.
bout 75 percent of survey respondents
said they did not know military
veterans late to enroll in Medicare
would incur a late enrollment penalty.
In addition, about 20 percent of veterans
have been informed that they need not worry
about Medicare as long as they had VA
benefits, according to the survey.
Medicare is a national social insurance
program available to Americans 65 and older
or younger people with disabilities. A total of
39.6 million aged adults in 2010 were
insured through Medicare, according to the
A
latest U.S. Census data. And the largest
number of total enrollees from an individual
state, 4.6 million, were from California.
Modern technology and advancement in
health care mean more adults will live to
old-age. In the United States, approximately
10,000 Baby Boomers are expected to turn
65 each day until 2030, according to 65
Incorporated. In fact, the number of adults 65
and older will also increase from 12.9
percent of the total U.S. population to 19
percent by 2030, according to data from the
Department of Aging website.
R.N. Diane Omdahl, Medicare expert and
co-founder of 65 Incorporated, said the
current Medicare late enrollment penalty
adds 10 percent to the Part B premium for
each year of delayed enrollment. For
example, someone enrolling in Medicare five
years late would pay an extra $52.45 in
addition to the regular $104.90 Part B
premium. This penalty is paid each month for
the rest of the beneficiary’s life.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 5
Minutes of General Membership Meeting 6/12/13 ~ Submitted by Mike Schneider
eeting called to order at 1900 hours by President Brian Bobek. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silence observed.
Introduction of new member Bill Theut, USMC, Vietnam 65-66. Welcome home Bill. Introduction of officers. Motion to suspend
regular business made by Ron D, seconded by Gary S to present scholarship awards and for a check presentation from Al Marino of
Sam’s Sorrento Pizza. Check was from fundraiser sponsored by Al and others at the Thrilla’ at the Villa. Thank you one and all for your
support of our vet center. Motion to return to regular business made by Mike B, seconded by Jim W. Motion by Mitch A, seconded by Leo M
to accept minutes as published in the Boo Coo News. Treasurer’s Report by Mike Jacobi, we are doing well with all accounts and getting
ready to submit 990 report to National. Motion to accept report, subject to audit, made by Larry G, seconded by Al R.
M
Committees:
POW/MIA, Hospital, and Color Guard reports to follow.
No Food Bank report.
Speakers Bureau: Dakota, Utica, Sterling Hts.
Stevenson and Warren Mott High were the only
schools to schedule visits this year but we will try
again next school year.
Monthly Raffle: Tickets are out and we thank all the
sellers and buyers for their help.
Merchandise: New shirts are not yet in, some
berets are coming in for those who ordered them
and more will be available at the vet center.
Agent Orange: The Blue Water Navy bill is still stalled, the
Pentagon is trying to eliminate Tri-Care and force people
into Tri-Care Standard at a greater expense. House Affairs
Committee will now fund the VA one year in advance so
they can continue their good work. Ft. Hood victims have
been denied the Purple Heart due to the ongoing trial. The
Pentagon nixed the gold medal for the drone operators.
North Korea has nullified the peace agreement and wants
to go to war with South Korea.
Traveling Memorial: We have been to Jackson,
Vernon Public Library, Fowlerville, Royal Oak
Farmer’s Market, Port Huron Art on the River,
Alpena, Gaylord, Grand Blanc, Ride for Freedom.
Boy, those guys on the wall sure like to travel.
Thanks to all who give to our efforts to keep their
memory alive. We get more information for our
books each time we are out, thanks to family and
friends of our heroes.
Car Show: Coming Aug 24. Still looking for registrations,
prizes and trophies.
Ride for Freedom: Looks to be another huge
success due to number who have pre-registered.
Final report will come at next month’s meeting.
Membership: We now have 622 members and 57
Associates. Six new memberships were submitted and one
new Associate.
Associates: We had a good turn out for Memorial
Day at Freedom Hill. Thanks to all who helped
make the event a success. No meeting in July or
August. Next meeting in September.
State Council: Meeting was held in Alpena in conjunction
with Agent Orange Riders Symposium. There are ad hoc
committees for incarcerated veterans but none for
Veterans Treatment Court. Brian wrote a paper describing
the courts objectives so State Council can look into starting
similar programs in other chapter areas.
Operation Christmas: Not that far away. Gary
Purcell will be the chairman. Ron Drdul will
handle the dance and Gil Claunch the food. Please
plan on helping these men and we would
appreciate someone volunteering to be in charge
of toys.
Old Business:
Ride to the VA Hospital is July 20. Please support the ride for those at the
hospital. Golf Outing is July 20, sponsor a hole or get a team together for a fun
filled day on the links. Property tax relief bill still being discussed for 100%
disabled vets. Call your congressmen and ask them to support this bill. The
application for nonprofit mailing status was approved and we will look into
the requirements. We may save about 30 cents per piece of mail if we go this
route. AED device presented by MedStar. We will set up training sessions for
the desk personnel and the regulars at the Vet Center on proper use of the
machine and CPR techniques. Another service officer from the county will
start on Tuesday June 25. She will handle walk-ins to start and may switch to
scheduling appointments. Town Hall type meeting held July 1 concerning
homeless residence in Mount Clemens for veterans, more to follow. VA
national has declined to hear our PSA proposal. We will try to press this issue
when we have the Region 5 conference in Dearborn. We hope to get the
attention of the Public Affairs Committee at the convention in Jacksonville.
The 501(c)(3) status is still up in the air. Thanks to all who helped with the
cleanup at Freedom Hill and the food drive at Shelby Twp. post office. The
National Records Bureau needed a letter from a police department to release
information on J.T. Smith who is buried at Lincoln Memorial. We need this to
try to contact some relatives and hopefully get him a headstone. If you see the
Clinton Twp. Chief of Police or Doug Mills please tell them thanks for their
help.
New Business:
Harry Wisniewski thanked the chapter and the honor guard for their
presence in honoring his son Patrick. There will be a spaghetti dinner
fundraiser on July 25 for Patrick’s family. Please try to attend and support
their family. More details will come out later. Dave Treverow reported that he
was awarded 10% disability for skin cancer, perhaps others can get help.
Kermit Harris is resigning from the Macomb County Veterans Commission.
There will be a search for a new director as well as two new service officers
and a new secretary. Gary Purcell thanked Greg Bowman for supplying the
speaker system at Freedom Hill on Memorial Day. As we read the names of
the Macomb County 149 they could be heard loud and clear as we honored
them. National POW/MIA Remembrance Day is Sept 20. We will post signs
throughout the county in hopes of raising awareness. Thanks to all who help
at the vet center, the associates and the color guard. Meetings for Operation
Christmas will probably start in August. VVA Chapter 494 of Bay City is
raffling a commemorative M-16 rifle valued at $2,400. See Brian for ticket
information. Humana Health Care is offering a PPO Health Plan at no cost to
subscribers. Motion made by Gary P, seconded by George S to allow rep. to
speak at a chapter meeting regarding this plan. Charlie Babcock thanked the
chapter for the medals to pass out during the National Veterans Awareness
Ride (NAVR). He said that they have made quite an impression on the
presenters and recipients alike. Just a small token to let those young ones
know that we care.
50/50 raffle ticket #3185990 won by Chuck C who donated it back to the
chapter. Thanks Chuck.
Motion to adjourn made by Ron D, seconded by Gary S.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 6
POW/MIA
Welcome Home!
1,646 Missing
49 Michigan
REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN POW/MIAs
for JULY
***
David Greiling, Hillsdale
MIA 7/24/68, North Vietnam, Navy
Jeremy Jarvis, Warren
MIA 7/25/67, North Vietnam, Air Force
Marshall Kipina, Calumet
MIA 7/14/66, Laos, Army
Earl Seablom, Ishpeming
MIA 7/18/68, South Vietnam, Army
***
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.
*********
Remember, if a company or homeowner is flying a
POW/MIA flag, let Tom Duff know so we can give
them a certificate.
Tom Duff, right, and the
VVA Chapter 154 hospital
committee make sure vets
at the John D. Dingell
Veterans Affairs Medical
Center know that they are
not forgotten.
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
POW/MIA Reports
# Submitted by Tom Duff POW/MIA chairman
9th Inf. ‘68 - ‘69
WWII
1st Lt. Robert Fenstermacher, Army Air Force, MIA
12/25/44 in Belgium. Accounted for on 4/30/13. He will be
buried in the fall of 2013 in Pennsylvania.
Over 73,000 are still unaccounted for from WWII
Korea
Cpt. Donald McLean, Army, MIA 12/2/50 in North Korea.
Accounted for 5/22/13. To be buried this summer in Illinois.
Cpl. Marvin Omans, Army, MIA 12/3/50 in North Korea.
Accounted for 5/24/13. To be buried in June in Arkansas.
MSgt. Olen Williams, Army, MIA 12/12/50. Accounted for
5/1/13. Was buried in June in Alabama.
PFC. James Constant, Army, MIA 9/8/50 in South Korea.
Accounted for 5/1/13. Buried in May in Indiana.
Over 7,900 remain missing from Korea.
Vietnam
Major Lusi Guillerman, Air Force, MIA 4/30/68 in Laos.
Remains returned 2/14/2006 and identified 5/13/13.
Spc5 John Burgess, Army, Michigan, KIA/BNR 6/30/70,
South Vietnam. Remains recovered 4/12/12 and identified
9/26/12.
There are now 1,646 missing from Vietnam, 49 from
Michigan.
Signer Declares by John Witherspoon
here is a tide in the affairs of men, a nick of
time. We perceive it now before us. To
hesitate is to consent to our own slavery.
That noble instrument upon your table, that
insures immortality to its author, should be
subscribed this very morning by every pen in this house. He that will
not respond to its accents, and strain every nerve to carry into effect
its provisions, is unworthy of the name of free man.
For my own part, of property, I have some; of reputation, more.
That reputation is staked, that property is pledged on the issue of this
contest; and although these grey hairs must soon descend into the
sepulcher, I would infinitely rather that they descend thither by the
hand of the executioner than desert at this crisis the sacred cause of
my country.
T
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 7
CPL TRAINING
Bob Barch, owner of Michi-Gun, has offered to provide concealed pistol
license (CPL) training to chapter members at a reduced rate. This would
be based on a group price for 10 members, all taking training at the same
time. Normally the training costs $175, but Bob has offered to do it for
$100 per person. If you are interested in getting a CPL, contact Pat
Daniels at 586-246-0876 to get your name on the list. Dates and other
details will be provided when the number of responses are known.
Michigan Vietnam Veterans
Traveling Memorial schedule
July 5-7 Eagle, Globe and Anchor, Grayling, MI
July 17-20 Ogemaw Bike Week, Ogemaw Fairgrounds
July 21-24 Lenawee County Fair
T-SHIRTS
Any of you who ordered the Sweet Land of Liberty T-shirts, please be
advised that they have arrived. If you wish to have the listing of Michigan
POW/MIAs imprinted on the back, you need to let Tim Ignash know so
he can do the imprinting on a batch basis. Call the Vet Center and let Tim
know. Otherwise, if you just want to stop in at the Vet Center and pick
up your shirt without the additional imprinting, you may stop in during
normal hours.
Memorial Day Busy for Chapter
s is always the case, the Memorial Day holiday was a busy time for the chapter in general, and the color guard in
particular. May 23 found us at American House in Rochester Hills, participating in a ceremony emphasizing the meaning
and importance of Memorial Day. On May 26, we attended the veteran’s services at Clinton Grove Cemetery and the
Mount Clemens Fire Hall. The following day, May 27, the color guard spent the entire day doing ceremonies at both
Resurrection Cemetery and Cadillac East Cemetery. After a lengthy day of ceremonies and graveside services for veterans, we
ended up at Freedom Hill for the reading of the 149 Macomb County KIAs. Thanks to Karen Mack at Resurrection for
providing lunch for the color guard, and to the Associates for feeding everyone following the ceremony at Freedom Hill.
This year, our graveside firings were attended by MSgt. Jeff Rector, US Army (ret.), and his wife. I believe they came away
with a new perspective on just what we do on this important holiday. They kept us moving on placing flags on graves of
veterans. Thank you to the color guard for doing what they do, and to the members who came out and supported us during
this busy time.
A
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 8
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 9
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Clinton Twp.
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586-463-9551
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Residential & Commercial Real Estate
Private Sales – Short Sales –
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Realtor and Chapter 154 member
•Office 586-262-2000 • Cell 248-705-3794
[email protected]
Tell Your Story to the
Library of Congress
Veterans History Project
The Macomb County Clerk’s office [586.469.5122]
issues veteran ID cards for $10 to use for store
discounts.
http://www.loc.gov/vets
Catholic Social Services of Macomb County
(586) 756-1430 or [email protected]
Call your favorite store first
to confirm that they accept these cards.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JULY 2013 - Page 10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Activities are
at the Vet
Center unless
otherwise
stated
July 2013
7
1
2
Pointman
Ministry 7pm
Service Officer
10-4
8
9
Service Officer
10-4
Color guard
meeting
7pm
14
15
16
Service
Officer 10-4
3
4
5
Chapter
board
meeting 7
pm
INDEPENDENCE
DAY
Traveling
memorial: July
5-7 Grayling
10
11
22
12
13
18
19
20
Service Officer
10-4
Traveling
memorial
July 17-20
Ogemaw
Fairgrounds
July 20
color guard golf outing
26
27
Hospital visit 8am
Gen Mem Mtg
American Leg. Post
4 Mount Clemens
7pm
17
28
23
24
Service Officer
10-4
Traveling
memorial:
July 21-24
Lenawee County
Fair
6
Service Officer
10-4
AA & Alanon
AA & Alanon
21
Saturday
25
July 20
Ride to the VA hospital
Service Officer
10-4
AA & Alanon
29
30
Service Officer
10-4
Color guard
meeting
7pm
31
Looking ahead:
Aug. 24 car show
location TBA
AVVA Meetings
7pm at the Vet
Center start Sept.
18
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!
JULY 2013 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
1,646 still
unaccounted for;
49 from Michigan