July 2016 - Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 310

The Chapter 310 Dispatch
July
2016
TWO TIME NATIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Washtenaw County KIA’s
David Palmer
William Brown
5 July 1967
9 July 1965
Philip Spencer
Thomas Cleland
10 July 1968
11 July 1967
David McKenzie
Frederick Boss
12 July 1965
15 July 1967
Richard O’Neal
Douglas Atkins
26 July 1968
27 July 1970
Michigan MIA’s
Unaccounted for - 49
Accounted for - 36
Table of Contents
President’s Message .................. ... 2-3
Chapter Minutes ........................ ... 3-6
AVVA ......................................... ... 6-9
Friends Minutes ......................... ...9-10
Chaplin’s Corner ......................... ...... 11
Memorial Grounds Report ......... ...... 12
WCCV Report ............................. ...... 13
Dexter to A2 Race Road Guards ...... 13
Kettles Receives Medal of Honor 14-15
Packing Party For Our Troops ... ...... 15
July’s KIA’s ................................. .15-19
Calendar of Events ..................... ...... 20
Officers & Board Members........... 21-22
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President’s Message:
As many of you have already heard,
one of our members is going to be receiving
the Medal of Honor. On July 18, 2016
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles will be
presented with the Medal of Honor by the
President of the United States. It has been
five years in the making to upgrade his
Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of
Honor. All of us at this Chapter are very
proud
of
LTC
Kettles
and
his
accomplishments. There will be a celebration for him at the Yankee Air
Museum in Belleville on August 13 between 1400 and 1700. See more
detailed information on our website about LTC Kettles and his heroic actions.
June has come and gone and we were certainly busy. Our
Merchandising Team did a great job with sales at the VA Hospital. It looks
like the VA merchandising events are becoming a great revenue source. Al
Dieter and the Merchandising Team donated money to the Pig Roast and to
our Independence Day Family Picnic. The Milan Fair had a little disappointing
result in sales, because there were not as many fair goers this year. Thanks
to Al Dieter and his team for the great job they are doing. It would be great
to see more volunteers for setup, sales, and takedown.
Jane Kinzinger, on behalf of the Friends & AVVA, spearheaded
scheduled meals for Doc and Sandy as Doc became ill in recent weeks. Many
of us dropped off food and chatted with Doc and tried to make sure he was
in good spirits. That does not take much effort because, even when he’s not
feeling well, he seems to carry a positive attitude and Sandy’s spirit seems
to stay high. We are all wishing them the best and we send Doc our prayers
for healing and comfort. Thanks to everyone who took time to call, drop off
food, and just chat with Doc. I’m sure he really appreciates it.
Several of us helped John and Jane with the annual Dexter – Ann
Arbor Run as road guards. There seemed to be many more runners this
year. Several of us got drenched, as we did last year. Fortunately, the rain
was short in duration. There DID seem to be more crazies out driving as a
couple of drivers tried driving through the run. This event brings in little bit
of revenue for VVA as we (VVA 310) get a stipend for the duties we perform.
And, it’s a lot of fun cheering on the runners!
I am always impressed with the spectator turnout for the
Independence Day parade. This year seemed to be even better with more
people attending, although we (VVA 310) did not have as many members
show up to participate. Thanks to all who did show up. In general, a good
share of the spectators stood up as our flag passed. I’m not sure that our
children are being taught in school the proper respect and courtesy for our
Nation’s flag. After seeing some of the children at the Saline event last
month, I’m not even sure they are being taught the Pledge of Allegiance and
when to place their hand over their heart! That said, the event was a lot of
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fun and the weather was great. I look forward to next year’s parade.
Following the parade, we had our VVA Family Picnic. Thanks to Al
Merritt, Wendy Hibbitts and Jon Luker for performing much of the organizing
of this event and thanks to our friends at Team Red, White & Blue for cosponsoring this event. I know I had a lot of fun with my grandson playing
many of the games that they provided: badminton, yard darts, volleyball,
croquette, and tug-of-war were some of the games provided. Some of the
kids were able to fire the 50 cal on the back of the Jeep provided by private
collector Bob Schrock. It looked like they really had a lot of fun! Thanks go
out to Ypsilanti Township for providing the grounds and for the labor to set
out all of the flags along the driveway. They are always there for us at these
special events. Several community partners were involved as well, such as
Monroe RSVP who provided volunteers and 10 tables, and Target, who
provided all of the tableware and much of the food. Also, many thanks go to
Al Merritt and his team for getting the Memorial grounds in absolutely
beautiful shape. The flowers, planters, mulch, and new bench looked great.
Lastly, and on a more serious note, I would like to put a reminder
out there that there is an alarming rate of suicides amongst military
veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the results of a
study in 2013 that showed “roughly 22 veterans were committing suicide per
day.” Watch those around you. Some you know are still dealing with PTS.
Try to be understanding and maybe learn to recognize the signs of someone
thinking of harming themselves. According to the Veterans Crisis Line, some
of the signs are “depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and/or hopelessness”.
If you know someone that is showing these signs or has talked about
harming themselves, have them contact (or make contact for them) the
Veterans Crisis Line by calling 1 (800) 273-8255. They can also text
message them at 838255. Let’s help our brothers and sisters who are still
trying to cope with the effects of being in war.
SSgt Dave Draper
President
Chapter Minutes:
Regular Meeting Minutes - VVA Chapter 310
9 June 2016
Call to order by President Draper at 1900
Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence
for POW/MIA’s, their families and those who
are serving in hazardous places around the
world.
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Prayer: Mayes
Roll call. A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!
Guests None
Motion to Approve the June Minutes by White and Duncan. Approved.
President’s Report by Draper. Please be quiet during the Friends/AVVA
meetings. I presented three Certificates of Appreciation: One to Brenda
Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor; One to April LeRock, from the VA
Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) for their 50 th Vietnam
Commemoration; and, One to Monty, a Saline high school student who built
the new President’s name tag plate for the VVA 310 wall. I will soon present
a Certificate of Appreciation to Kimberly Wayt at Home Depot for all the
bushes, soil, fertilizer and help they provided for the Memorial grounds.
Treasure’s report: Paulo. Balances reported. No questions.
Friends report. Kinzinger. Please see attached report.
AVVA report. Driscoll. Please see attached report.
Food Pantry. Martinez. No report.
Merchandise Report. Dieter. Merchandize Committee needs an operating
balance of $3,000 for purchasing inventory. Since the balance is just over
$5,000, the committee decided to donate $500 to the Pig Roast and $1,500
to WACU. The committee is also going to start to pay its own registration
fees and such for the events it attends. The committee is still seeking help
for their activities, especially for help setting up and taking down the tents.
The next event is on the third floor of the VA on 16 and 17 June from 0800
until 1600. We are now handing out a little memento we made from stars
we cut out of retired US flags. We attach a small note on the back of the
star that welcomes and thanks the veteran.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans Report. Luker. Please see attached
report.
Memorial Committee Report. Merritt. Please see attached report.
Website Committee Report: Pereira/McCrumb. Google blocked portions of
our site for a while, but that issue was resolved.
Membership Report. McCrumb. Fredric Reed, one of our earliest members,
renewed after a period of nonrenewal. He is not in good health. Our last
membership report from National was for April and it put our official
membership number at 189.
Newsletter. Luker. After the elections, we revised all of the names on the
Board of Directors and Officers pages. Please check your information there
to be sure your name is spelled correctly and that we have the right phone
number listed. Be advised that we do include your phone number when we
email the Dispatch to our select mailing list and in the print edition but we
exclude your phone number in the version we post on the website.
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VAAAHS Report. Kinzinger. The next event at the hospital will be the
Halloween party on 29 October. As always, it is a costume event and we will
spend some time together at the Side Track afterward.
VVA Health Report. Wilson. Please see the August Dispatch for a special
report on the final report of the Commission on Care.
Vet’s Radio. Throneberry. No report.
VVA State Chapter No report.
Special Events Reports:
Heritage Festival will be 26 to 28 August. The flyer will be sent to all the
veterans organizations in the county and will be given out at the next
WCCVO meeting. We still need people to sell raffle tickets.
Pig Roast will be held on 11 September. We need donations.
4th of July Celebration. The event begins at 1400 on the Ypsilanti Township
land just north of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. You are only asked to
bring a blanket or chair. Everything else will be provided. The event may be
catered, but if you would like to volunteer to help cook or serve or cleanup,
please do.
Other Events: For news of other events, see page 20 of the Dispatch.
Old Business: None
New Business: Volano introduced an event to commemorate LTC Kettles
being awarded the Medal of Honor. Motion by: Luker/Rogge to be an event
sponsor; to authorize Bill Volano to represent VVA 310 in planning the event;
and to authorize Volano to use his discretion to spend up to $250 in support
of the event. The motion was previously reviewed and approved by the
Board. Membership Approved.
Good of the Order
Draper: Doc went to the hospital after an outpatient procedure. He’s home
now. He’s not in good shape. Does he have any needs? One of his sons
lives with him and Sandy at this time.
K Driscoll: AVVA is donating $100 to the Kettles event fund.
Perrault: Pass the hat for the Kettles Event. Sargent-At-Arms passed the
hat. $250 was collected.
Hall: Line up for the Fourth of July parade will be at 1030 on Cross Street,
west of the water tower in Ypsilanti.
Wilson: The Dexter United Methodist Church has a veterans group in it. The
veterans group is planning a veteran’s benefits open house on June 18 th from
1300 to 1600 on Huron River Drive. VVA Agent Orange group is talking
about having a town hall meeting over there also.
Kinzinger: Thanks Al Dieter and group for the donation to WACU. WACU is
group of people who have PTSD and their caregivers. WACU helps these
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people gather in a safe and peaceful environment where they can help each
other. Don Behm is involved too.
McCrumb. Vets in the classroom. There were several of us involved in a
couple of different classrooms recently. The last event was at Saline High.
It was good event. I encourage you to get involved.
Perrault. VFW has an event this weekend and a meeting Monday, so we
have to move the boxes of goodies somebody just gave us. Can we use any
of it for gifts on the 4th of July?
Closing Prayer: Mayes
Adjourned 2018.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jon Luker
AV VA M i n u t e s :
June 2016
I attended the AVVA Michigan State Association Board
meeting on Friday, June 24th.
We hope our AVVA
Michigan State Association will be visiting local AVVA
chapters around our state. We hope to be able to visit
Chapter 1047 in Harrison, MI and Chapter 274 in Cheboygan, MI. Chapter
274 is our first and only incorporated chapter. I met five of their members
last October in Sault Sainte Marie. This chapter has great fundraisers
supporting their Operation Christmas Project.
The board discussed AVVA Michigan State Association fundraiser proposals. I
will have more information after our August Association meeting.
Our next AVVA Michigan State Association meeting will be in August at the
American Legion Post in Howell, MI.
AVVA Chapter 310 donated $100 to the LTC Charles Kettles Celebration. The
celebration will be on Saturday, August 13 th at the Yankee Air Museum from
1400 to 1600 hours. All AVVA 310 members are invited to attend. Please
R.S.V.P. via email to Bill Vollano, AVVA 310 member, at [email protected] .
AVVA 310 and the Friends of VVA 310 donated $100 to the Geoff Bowen
Memorial Skate/Hockey fundraiser. This fundraiser is supporting the family
of Geoff Bowen.
AVVA/VVA Project Friendship 2016
AVVA 310 has donated $100 to AVVA Project Friendship.
AVVA has selected Esperanza En Escalante, Transitional Housing for
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Homeless & Disabled Veterans, for AVVA/VVA Project Friendship 2016.
“Esperanza En Escalante’s programs target the distinct
characteristics in veterans that lead to homelessness. Their
efforts help the veteran develop the necessary skills and
changes needed to overcome their life barriers, and reachieve independent living and stability.”
AVVA Leadership Conference 2016
Meni Draper will attend the 2016 Leadership Conference in Tucson, AZ. AVVA
310 has paid her registration fees to attend the conference.
AVVA Michigan State Association Events
I will attend the AVVA MI State Association Convention in Bay City on June 4
- 5. I submitted my name to run for Vice President, AVVA Michigan State
Association. Betty Pike, from AVVA Chapter 18 and Marilyn Lash from AVVA
Chapter 133 are running for President. Cecilia Essenmacher and Melanie
Thon will be seeking re-election as Treasurer and Secretary.
Fundraising
The Milan Quartermania will stop for the summer months and resume in
September.
We will have a raffle table at the VVA 310 Pig roast on Sunday, September
11th. Last year we raised $221. Our 3rd Annual “No Bake / Bake” sale
fundraiser will be held in August. We raised $375 last year. We hope to
surpass those totals this year. I will be sending out an email and snail mail
letters to those members without email. I will have more information at our
July meeting.
I would like AVVA 310 to support the proposed Ann Arbor Fisher House
“Build it for the Brave” fundraising. Please think of a fundraiser we can have
for this project.
If you have a fundraising idea, please let me know. In order to have a
successful chapter, we need to raise funds for our projects and operating
expenses.
Membership
AVVA 310 has 24 members. If you are a Friend of VVA 310, please consider
joining AVVA 310 and becoming a dual member of AVVA 310 and Friends.
Our dues are $20 yearly with three-year and lifetime memberships available.
VISTA
AVVA 310 members submitted their VISTA hours at our May meeting. I
calculated the hours and submitted them to Jeri Wallis, AVVA VISTA Chair.
We have AVVA 310 members supporting VVA 310 Memorial Maintenance
Grounds Crew and the VVA Merchandizing Team. Please send your volunteer
hours to [email protected].
Legislative Update
Page 8
Senate Bill S. 901 is now part of S.2921, the Veterans First Act!
This is the latest update from www.vva.org VVA Veterans Advocacy
Legislative Action Center.
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA LEGISLATIVE ALERT!
June 20, 2016
Your grassroots advocacy is working - And we need your Help Again!
The legislative language of S.901, the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015,
has been included in S.2921, the Veterans First Act, under Title II, Subtitle I,
“Research and Toxic Exposure.” The bill has 42 cosponsors. VVA supports
this legislation.
On May 12, S.2921 was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, under
General Orders Calendar No. 467, for a floor vote. However, if this bill does
not move, our chances of getting the Toxic Exposure Research Act and other
veterans issues in the bill enacted into law is less than hopeful.
VVA urges you to Take Action NOW by entering your zip code and send the
prepared letter requesting your U.S. Senators contact Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Democratic Minority Leader Harry
Reid of Nevada asking that S.2921, the Veterans First Act, be moved to the
floor of the Senate for vote and passage before the scheduled summer
recess.
Passage of the Toxic Exposure Research Act into law is one of our most
important efforts in ensuring that future military service generations learn
from our experience, and that our offspring receive the respect and
consideration for the sacrifices and pain that they endure from illnesses
associated with a parent's exposure to toxic substances during service in the
United States military.
Please, follow up on your letter with a call or visit to their state office.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is the only national Vietnam veterans’
organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnamera veterans and their families. WWW.VVA.org
Current update from www.congress.gov for H.R. 1769
02/25/2016
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute
(Amended) by Voice Vote. Type of Action: Committee Consideration. Action By: House Veterans' Affairs
02/25/2016
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. Type of
Action: Committee Consideration. Action By: House Veterans'
Affairs
02/25/2016
Subcommittee on Health Discharged. Type of Action: Committee Consideration. Action By: House Veterans' Affairs
Page 9
As of Sunday, June 26, 2016 there are no co-sponsors of H. R. 5286 reported
on www.congress.gov. Page 51 addresses Title III – Matters relating to Toxic
Exposure.
Current Actions on H.R. 5286
Date
06/09/2016
05/19/2016
05/19/2016
05/19/2016
05/19/2016
All Actions Except Amendments
Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Type of Action: Committee Consideration
Action By: House Armed Services
Referred to House Armed Services
Type of Action: Introduction and Referral
Action By: House of Representatives
Referred to House Veterans' Affairs
Type of Action: Introduction and Referral
Action By: House of Representatives
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Type of Action: Introduction and Referral
Action By: House of Representatives
Introduced in House
Type of Action: Introduction and Referral
Action By: House of Representatives
http://veterans.house.gov/sites/republicans.veterans.house.gov/files/H.R.%
205286.pdf
I hope to see everyone at our next meeting on Thursday, July 14th at 1800.
Regards,
Kathy Driscoll
Chapter Representative, AVVA Chapter 310
734-355-4897
[email protected]
Friends Minutes:
Minutes – June 9, 2016: There were 8 members present.
There was 1 guest in attendance – Carol Talbot. Welcome
back, Carol.
Old Business – The deposits and expenses for the month and
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the year-to-date financial reports prepared by Kathy were reviewed. Meni
researched the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Education Center
Organization which we had under consideration for donating. The fund raiser
is 40 years old, and for the last 30 years has had no complaints. There have
been 400,000 items received which will be displayed in the Education Center.
The Center will have a virtual show of those deceased in Vietnam. Their
yearly report stated 88% of the donations go toward the Center. Only 1%
goes to Administration costs. A motion was made and passed to send VVMF
$200 to support this organization.
The flowers at the Memorial look beautiful. Thanks to all who helped plant,
weed, and clean up the grounds for the Memorial Day celebrations there.
The current balance of the Lois Perrault Memorial Fund was reported
New Business – The Friends Tree at the Memorial has split and is in need of
care and/or replacement. It is a soft wood and has split down the middle and
the branch is over the Memorial. To make sure it does not fall on the
Memorial, it would be best to cut the tree down and have the stump
removed. Fall would be the best time to do this. Jane will check with Master
Gardener Cynthia Calhoun for advice on a good replacement tree. Friends will
abide by the best judgment of the Memorial Grounds team in this matter.
Friends will attempt to purchase a different type of tree which is harder wood
to prevent this from happening in the future.
Jane suggested the Friends consider voting on the person to lead the group.
She has been filling that role for some time and would like to give that
opportunity to someone else in the group if that is what the group decides to
do. Friends were asked to think about who they might nominate for this
position and how they would vote that person in.
Jane placed a small order for Friends Shirts on 6/7/16.
Upcoming Dates to Remember: Key events listed elsewhere in this Dispatch
and on the Chapter Website.
Announcements/Birthdays:
Corrine Gignac 6/11; Bonnie Woods 6/26: Shirley Hitte 7/4; Jackie
McManus 7/4; Sharon Kwiecinski 7/18
Next Meeting - Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 6:00pm – VFW Post 423
Respectfully submitted, Jane Kinzinger
Notes:
Thanks to those who marched in the Milan Fair Parade, which was right on
the heels of the busy Memorial Day Weekend festivities. Shirley drove her
hot red Corvette convertible and Bonnie rode along with her. Jane rode in
Steve Hitte’s truck with their grandson, Kyle. He goes to school in Milan and
sees many friends on the parade route. Meni and Judith were staffing the
Merchandise booth at the Fairgrounds. Thanks to all the Friends who support
the Chapter in so many ways.
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Chaplain’s Corner:
734-277-3528
[email protected]
If you are at all familiar with Star Wars you would
recognize that there is both a light and dark side of the
force: a good versus evil situation at its core that
permeates the Star War series.
It has seemed to me that with the approach of July
and our Independence Day - celebrations of our
freedom from tyranny - that we are more and more faced with a common
scenario to the Star Wars theme of light versus darkness; only our scenario
revolves around our freedom in general and the freedom of speech in
particular.
Following the current political scene is a bit nauseous, I grant you, but it is in
need of actual warriors to rescue it from the dark side of Liberty where it is
being held hostage. Freedom of speech was taken hostage when leaders
were allowed to say anything whether it was truthful or not for the purpose
of political gain. It was also taken hostage as the media and the main stream
public used social media with preposterous statements to support their
agendas hoping that just putting something out there would be taken by
others as truth, when, in deed, it was not.
So where do we come into this scenario? In some form or other it once again
falls upon the warriors to step up and make a change for good. This really
needs your input to be worthwhile, but I would suggest that it starts with us
along with a two front (maybe more) attack: First, to make sure that what
we communicate to others is truthful as measured against a standard of
absolutes, and second, that we do not allow ourselves to be duped by our
political machine and vote for the lesser of two evils. Evil is evil and comes
from the dark side of freedom where it needs to be defeated. As we evaluate
the enemy and the way it attacks, we may find that we indeed have to throw
the baby out with the bath water because most of Congress is entrenched in
a fight with each other and really does not care about mainstream America,
or the entire electoral system would be changed.
The issue, it would seem to me, is how exactly do we attack this monster?
Do we use our ability to write in candidates’ names that we can support
without fear of them being on the dark side of freedom? Do we vote out our
House and Senate representative until they finally get the message that they
are being held accountable for their actions and inactions?
Let’s weigh in as we only have four months to develop and carry out a battle
plan to take back control of “we the people.” “Now the Lord is the Spirit and
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2Cor 3:17) Read “truth” as
in “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)
For a more God- centered America,
Gordon
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Memorial Grounds Report
The new boxwood bushes are doing okay.
Remember, do not prune them. They are intended
to create a natural fence. Our crews, especially
George Perrault, have taken care of making sure
they get water. The next step for helping the
bushes grow better is to remove the sod from
around the bushes, so there is less competition for
nutrients and the bushes have room to grow. We are thinking of having a
sod removal party. If you are interested in helping, please contact Fredo.
The new hoses have taken a beating and have sprung many leaks as
a result. Other than that, things seem to be going smoothly. All equipment
is in good working order and we continue to get complements from
passersby.
Grounds Crew Chief Al (Fredo) Merritt and crew, especially Wendy
Hibbitts and Jon Luker have also been working on planning and executing the
Veterans Family 4th of July Celebration. VVA members Don Miller, Vance
McCrumb and Dell Mayes provided much physical support. The event was
well attended. Several people paused at the Memorial on the way to the
Celebration. If you have not been to the Memorial recently, please give
yourself the gift of a few moments there.
If you have any questions Fredo can be reached at (734) 904-4499
or by email at [email protected].
Respectfully Submitted, Jon Luker
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WCCV Report
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund process is still not working well. Gary
Bourdeau volunteered to be trained in the new system.
As threatened, a lawsuit was filed that attempts to invalidate the
Veterans Relief property tax levy and two other nonvoted taxes. The County
attorney does not think the suit would survive, but the County is considering
asking voters to approve a new Veterans millage that would not only fund
Veterans Relief and the Burial Fund, but would also provide the operating
budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs. If voters approve the
millage, it would stabilize the Department’s finances for years to come. The
Board of Commissioners will take up the issue at its 6 July meeting.
Membership dues and delegate lists are due at the July meeting.
Dexter to A2 Race Road Guards
By John Kinzinger
We thank all of you who made it out to do Road Guard work for the 2016
Dexter-Ann Arbor race along Huron River Drive. Jane and I enjoy that
morning each year as we offer a breakfast snack, coffee, juice and such for
our VVA volunteers. The race group gives us $300 for this work for our
Support Our Troops program. I believe all the volunteers enjoy doing this
work. Most of you have done this for several years. We wish to thank all of
you for giving of your Sunday morning.
Steve and Shirley Hitte, Don Miller, Al Dyer, Al Merritt, Roy and Bonnie
Hall, Jon Luker, Elmer White, Chris Wetzler, Dave and Meni Draper and
Pioneer High history teacher Brent Richard.
About half way through the race, a major downpour moved over the race
course. Panchos and umbrellas were needed for sure. All of us got a little
wet, but the poor runners got drenched.
Again, thank you all for volunteering. We hope you are able to do it
again next year. And maybe we will get some other volunteers to step
forward too. Just call me at 734-994-0444 to be put on a volunteer list for
next year.
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K e tt l e s R e c e i v e s M e d a l o f H o n o r
On Monday, July 18, 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Kettles, US Army (Ret),
will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions while serving as a Flight
Commander assigned to 176th Aviation Company (Airmobile) (Light), 14th
Combat Aviation Battalion, Americal Division. Then-Major Kettles
distinguished himself in combat operations near Duc Pho, Republic of
Vietnam, on May 15, 1967. He led a platoon of UH-1Ds to provide support to
the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during an ambush by a battalionsized enemy force. The 101st had suffered casualties.
Major Kettles immediately volunteered to carry reinforcements to the
embattled force and evacuate their wounded from the battle site. Although
friendly artillery had pounded the hostile positions, the enemy was well
entrenched and fighting fiercely. Major Kettles led a flight of helicopters into
the landing zone through a savage barrage. Small arms and automatic
weapons fire raked the landing zone and inflicted heavy damage to the ships,
but Major Kettles refused to leave the ground until all the craft were loaded
to capacity. He then led them out of the battle area. He later returned to the
battlefield with more reinforcements and landed in the midst of a rain of
mortar and automatic weapons fire which wounded his gunner and ruptured
his fuel tank. After leading more wounded aboard, he nursed the crippled
craft back to his base. He then secured another ship and led a flight of six
helicopters to extract the Infantry unit. All but eight men had been loaded
when Major Kettles directed the flight to take off.
Completely disregarding his safety, he maneuvered his lone craft through
Page 15
a savage enemy fusillade to where the remainder of the Infantrymen waited.
Mortar fire blasted out his windshield, but he remained on the ground until
the men were aboard. The enemy concentrated massive firepower on his
helicopter and another mortar round badly damaged his tail boom, but he
once more skillfully guided his heavily damaged ship to safety. Major Kettles'
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army. He is credited with saving the lives of 40
soldiers and four of his own crew members.
Pa c k i n g Pa r t y F o r O u r Tr o o p s
On Sunday, July 24th, starting at 5pm we will have a packing party at
the VFW. Bring items to send by 4:30 to get them organized for the packing
start. We have many cases of Girl Scout cookies to mail too.
So, come on out and help pack. We will have a pot luck afterwards. It
will be nice to see our packing team members again.
Best to you all, John K
July’s KIA’s - May We Never Forget
Data and images are the result of the research by Pete (Leather Neck) Belaire
Hospitalman David Scott Palmer was born on October 6,
1945 to Mr. and Mrs. David E. Palmer of Ypsilanti,
Michigan. David is a 1963 graduate of Roosevelt High
School in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he received honors
in math. He was also the co-captain of the swimming
team. David attended the University of Michigan before
enlisting in the Navy in December of 1965.
Hospitalman Palmer began his tour of duty in Quang
Nam Province with Headquarters and Service Company,
1st Battalion, III Marine Amphibious Forces. David was
killed on July 5, 1967 due to an explosive device.
David Scott Palmer is survived by his parents, a sister and a brother. He
lived 21 years 8 months and 29 days. David's name is listed on the Vietnam
Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ypsilanti. His name also appears on the
Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 23E Line 014.
Page 16
Lieutenant William Lennington Brown was born on
October 5, 1935 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Mr. Robert S.
and Mrs. Patricia Lennington Brown. William graduated
from Roosevelt High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In
June, 1955, he received a Congressional Appointment
to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis,
Maryland. He graduated from the Naval Academy on
June 3, 1959. According to Captain John A. Standish,
USN (Ret), "I met Bill Brown when I reported aboard
my first ship, the Destroyer, USS Braine (DD-630)...in
San Diego. I was assigned as Gunnery Officer, Bill was
the Weapons Department Head. Bill was a very conscientious, fun loving
young officer, and quickly pulled me under his wing. He was a great mentor
and coach, and much of my love for the Navy and its traditions were as a
result of Bill's attitude and instruction...Bill also became a good friend...Bill
was very religious and tempted me with pizza if I would go to evening
services with him, which I did on occasion. At some point, Bill picked up the
nickname, 'Squirrel's."
Lieutenant Brown served with the 15th Republic of Vietnam Navy, River
Assault Group, Naval Advisory Group, MACV. He was acting as a Naval
Advisor to the Marine Corps in Chu Lai, South Vietnam when the island of Ky
Hoa was attacked by a large force of Viet Cong. Bill Brown was killed as a
result of multiple fragmentation wounds on July 9, 1965 along with four
other Americans.
Lieutenant William Lennington Brown is survived by his parents, two
brothers and a sister. He lived for 29 years, 9 months and 4 days. He is
resting at the Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, Michigan. According to
USNA Classmate Greg Nolan, "He (Bill) is remembered in Memorial Hall at
the U.S. Naval Academy with other 1959 Classmates while serving our
Country." Bill's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township
under Ypsilanti. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in
Washington, DC on Panel 02E Line 033.
Specialist 4 Philip Glenn Spencer was born on March 3,
1946 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Mr. Glenn F. and Mrs. Jessie
K. Spencer. Philip is a 1964 graduate of Willow Run High
School in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he was on the 1963
State Championship Football Team. He also was on the
wrestling team, student council, Varsity Club and attended
Wolverine Boys' State in 1963. He was also in Scouting.
Philip attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan for a
year before transferring to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan
majoring in mechanical engineering.
Specialist 4 Spencer enlisted in the Army on October 25, 1967 taking his
Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky with further training at Fort Sill,
Oklahoma. Philip began his tour of duty at Camp Carroll in Quang Tin
Page 17
Province, South Vietnam on April 21, 1968 serving as a Field Artillery
Surveyor with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 94th Artillery, 108th Artillery
Group, XXIV Corps. He died of a very rare blood disease called
Agranulocytosys at the 108th General Hospital at Kishine Air Force Base in
Japan on July 10, 1968.
Philip Glenn Spencer is survived by his parents and his wife.
years, 4 months and 7 days. He is resting in Highland Cemetery
Michigan. Philip's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial
Township under Ypsilanti. His name also appears on the Vietnam
Washington, DC on Panel 52W Line 011.
He lived 22
in Ypsilanti,
in Ypsilanti
Memorial in
Specialist 4 Thomas Leonard Cleland was born on
November 5, 1941 to Mr. Leslie Cleland and Mrs. Coryell
Mellon. Thomas is a 1959 graduate of Lincoln
Consolidated High School where he played on the
baseball team. He also worked on the Maleski farm that
had milking cows. Thomas enlisted in the Army in 1960.
He was sent to Korea shortly after completing his Basic
Training. He re-enlisted and received orders for
Vietnam.
Specialist 4 Cleland began his tour of duty in Quang
Ngai Province, South Vietnam on May 7, 1966 serving
as an Antenna Installer Specialist with Headquarters,
Headquarters Company, First Brigade, 101st Airborne
Division. He was killed on July 11, 1967 after serving "In-country" for one
year, two months and four days.
Thomas Leonard Cleland is survived by his parents, a wife, a brother, a
half-brother, and a half-sister. He lived 25 years, 8 months and 6 days. He is
resting in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Whittaker, Michigan. Thomas' name is
listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ypsilanti. His
name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 23E
Line 049.
Lance Corporal David Dayle Mc Kenzie was born on
February 13, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to Mr. and Mrs.
David D. Mc Kenzie of Ann Arbor, Michigan. David
attended Mary Magdalene Parish School in Melvindale,
Michigan until 1959. He attended St. Francis Xavier
Parish School for one year. His family moved to Ann
Arbor where he attended St. Thomas High School. He
was the captain of his football team and was on the AllCity and All Southwest football teams. He also lettered
in basketball, baseball and track. David enlisted in the
Marine Corps after graduating from High School.
Lance Corporal Mc Kenzie began his tour of duty in
Page 18
Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam in June of 1965 serving as a rifleman
with B Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine
Amphibious Forces. David was killed early in his tour on July 12, 1965 when
his unit was conducting a search and clear mission just south of Da Nang
along the Song Cau Do River where mines were numerous.
David Dayle Mc Kenzie is survived by his parents and four sisters. He
lived 20 years, 4 months and 29 days. He is resting in Michigan Memorial
Park in Flat Rock, Michigan. David's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial
in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also appears on the
Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 02E Line 035.
Airman Second Class Charles Frederick Boss was born
on July 16, 1947 to Mr. and Mrs. John M. Boss of Ann
Arbor, Michigan. Charles graduated from Ann Arbor
High School in 1965. He was very proud of a First Place
Trophy he won at Milan Dragway for driving a 1959 VW
to victory.
Airman Second Class Boss entered the Air Force in
August of 1965. He underwent basic training at
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Charles
received special training as a fire protection specialist
at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan.
Airman Second Class Boss began his tour in Vietnam on December 15,
1966. He was stationed at the Da Nang Air Base in Da Nang, Quang Nam
Province, South Vietnam with the 366th CE Squadron, 366th Combat
Support Group, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing of the Seventh Air Force. Charles
was killed during a rocket attack on July 15, 1967 along with seven others.
One hundred seventy-three men were also wounded during the attack and
forty-two aircraft were damaged.
Charles Boss is survived by his parents, a brother and two sisters. He
lived 19 years, 11 months and 29 days. Charles is resting in Forest Hills
Cemetery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His name is located on the Vietnam
Memorial located at the Ypsilanti Township Hall under Ann Arbor. His name is
also listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 23E Line
073.
Corporal Richard Mark O'Neal was born on May 22,
1948 to Mr. and Mrs. William O'Neal of Ann Arbor,
Michigan. Richard is a 1966 graduate of Ann Arbor High
School. He entered the Marine Corps on July 6, 1966
going through Marine Corps Boot Camp at Marine Corps
Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. He received his
Advanced Infantry Training at Camp Pendleton,
California before being stationed with the Headquarters
Page 19
and Service Company, First Marine Brigade in Hawaii.
Corporal O'Neal began his tour of duty in Quang Tri Province, South
Vietnam on May 31, 1968 serving as a rifleman with E Company, 2nd
Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Forces.
Richard died on July 26, 1968 of head injuries suffered in a truck accident.
Richard Mark O'Neal is survived by his parents, a brother and four
sisters. He lived 20 years, 2 months and 4 days. Richard is resting in United
Memorial Gardens in Plymouth, Michigan. Richard's name is listed on the
Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also
appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 50W Line 015.
Private First Class Douglas Paul Atkins was born on
September 14, 1950 in Ann Arbor to Mr. and Mrs.
Variell L. Atkins. Douglas is a 1968 graduate of Ann
Arbor Senior High School in Ann Arbor. He also attended
Washtenaw Community College prior to his entry into
the Army August of 1969.
Private First Class Atkins started his tour in Binh Dinh
Province, South Vietnam on July 6, 1970 serving as a
Medical Corpsman with Headquarters, Headquarters
Company, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne
Brigade. Douglas' unit was operating in an area that
was full of "booby-traps". Private First Class Douglas Paul Atkins was killed
by a booby-trap explosion on July 27, 1970, just 23 days into his tour in
Vietnam.
Douglas earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal,
the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Expert Badge with
Automatic Rifle Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar prior to his
death. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army
Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat
Medical Badge.
Doug is survived by his parents, family and friends. He lived 19 years, 10
months and 13 days. Douglas Paul Atkins is listed on the Vietnam Memorial
in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also appears on the
Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 08W Line 058.
Page 20
“Never Again, Shall A Vet Coming Home From Battle, Be Made To Feel Alone And Unappreciated”
**If you are a Chapter Patron, please check page 23 to see if you need to renew.
Thank you for your continued support of The 310 Dispatch and your Chapter!**
*** Upcoming Events ***
Date
Time
Event
Saturdays 0930
Meet at end of southeast parking lot at Gallup Park for
walk or run with Team Red White & Blue
8-10 Jul
Operation LZ Michigan at Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport
10-14 Jul
2016 National Veterans Golden Games in Detroit
14 Jul
1800
AVVA, Friends and VVA Board Meetings at VFW Post 423
14 Jul
1900
VVA Regular Chapter Meeting at VFW Post 423
18 Jul
1930
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans Organizations
19-23 Jul
VVA National Leadership Conference in Arizona
24 Jul
1630
Packing Party at VFW Post 423. Bring items to pack at
1630. Packing starts at 1700. Pot luck dinner to follow.
11 Aug
1800
AVVA, Friends and VVA Board Meetings at VFW Post 423
11 Aug
1900
VVA Regular Chapter Meeting at VFW Post 423
13 Aug
1400-1600
LTC Charles Kettles Medal of Honor Celebration at
the Yankee Air Museum.
21-22 Aug
Merchandize at the VA
20-21 Aug
Thunder Over Michigan
26-28 Aug
Heritage Festival
11 Sep
Pig Roast
17 Sep
1000-1500
DAV Car Show at Island Lake State Park
15-18 Sep
Kokomo 34th Annual All Vets Reunion
23-25 Sep
Clinton Fall Festival
8-9 Oct
Appleumpkin
29 Oct
VAAAHS Halloween Party
Page 21
VIETNAM
VETERANS
OF
AMERICA
AGENT ORANGE: 800.225.4712
WASHTENAW COUNTY CHAPTER 310
P.O. BOX 3221 ANN ARBOR, MI 48106
WASHTENAW COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES:
New Number 734.973.4540
CHAPTER TELEHONE:
Toll Free Number ~ 1-866-824-4VVA
WEB:
www.vva310.org
MEETING DATE & TIME:
2ND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 1800 HRS
OPEN GENERAL MEMBERSHIP: 1900 HRS
SOCIAL GATHERING AFTERWARDS
LOCATION:
VFW GRAF-O’HARA POST 423
3230 S. WAGNER RD., ANN ARBOR
BETWEEN ELLSWORTH & WATERS RDS.,
(ACROSS FROM TOWN & COUNTRY AUTO RECYCLING)
NOTE: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS
NEWSLETTER BY THE WRITERS AND CARTOONISTS ARE THEIR OWN AND NOT NECESSARILY
THE OFFICIAL VIEWS OF CHAPTER 310.
THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WITH AN ARTICLE OR BIOGRAPHY. IF
REQUESTED, WRITING HELP IS AVAILABLE.
THE SLIGHT VARIATIONS IN SPELLING AND
GRAMMAR ENHANCE ITS INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER AND AESTHETICS AND IN NO WAY ARE
TO BE CONSIDERED FLAWS OR DEFECTS. BUT
THANKS FOR NOTICING.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
JON LUKER
EMAIL: [email protected]
NEWSLETTER STAFF:
JOHN & JANE KINZINGER
EMAIL: [email protected]
GEORGE PERRAULT
EMAIL: [email protected]
PETE BELAIRE
EMAIL: [email protected]
WENDY HIBBITTS
EMAIL: [email protected]
OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
POW/MIA HOTLINE: 202.659.0133
MICHIGAN EMPLOYMENT BILL OF RIGHTS:
800.455.5228
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA:
800.882.1316
Suicide Prevention Hot Line:
1.800.273.TALK (8255) Option 1
www.suicidepreventionslifeline.org/
veterans
2016/17 Officers & Board Members
President
David Draper
734.417.8021
Vice President
Vance McCrumb
734.439.1606
Secretary
Jon Luker
734.260.2211
Treasurer
Paulo Pereira
734.985.5010
Sgt-at-Arms
Tim Clarke
734.649.6215
Nominating Committee
Marv Rivers
734.433.9451
Vance McCrumb
734.439.1606
Chaplain
Rev. Gordon Moore 734.277.3528
[email protected]
Board Of Directors
Two Year
Bill Ballou
Al Merritt
George Perrault
Ken Rogge
Larry St. Antoine
734.461.6854
734.340.3172
734.429.1246
734.428.0248
734.323.7905
Page 22
Board of Directors, con’t
One Year
Marty Cothorn
734.971.5732
John Kinzinger
734.994.0444
Dell Mayes
734.449.4189
Marv Rivers
734.433.0451
Elmer White
734.995.2020
State Delegate
Ken Rogge
734.428.0284
Vance McCrumb
734.439.1606
County Delegates:
John Kinzinger
734.994.0444
Jon Luker
734.260.2211
VA Service Rep
(Vacant)
VVA 310
Web Master
Paulo Pereira
734.985.5010
www.vva310.org
AVVA
Kathy Driscoll
734.922.2231
Agent Orange
Sandie Wilson
734.429.7819
310 Friends
Jane Kinzinger
734.994.0444
Bylaws
Gordon Moore
734-277-3528
[email protected]
Community Service
John Kinzinger
734.994.0444
Constitution
Tom Fifield
702.346.5658
Economic Affairs
(Vacant)
Finance
Paulo Pereira
734.985.5010
Marv Rivers
734.433.0451
Ken Rogge
734.428.0284
Jon Luker
734.260.2211
Food Pantry
VVA 310
886.824.4882
Historian
William Vollano
734.973.2536
David Ney
734.693.3803
Legal Affairs
Elmer White
734.995.2020
Legislative
(Vacant)
Librarian
Friends of 310
Membership
Vance McCrumb
734.439.1606
Memorial
John Kinzinger
734.994.0444
Memorial Grounds
Al (Fredo) Merritt
734.340.3172
Minority Affairs
Horace Frazier
734.218.5239
POW/MIA
Richard Price
734.475.0569
Product Sales
Al Dieter
734.625.5770
Gary Bourdeau
734.439.7392
Pig Roast
Don Miller
734.864.2819
Al Dyer
734.475.8753
PTSD
Joe Palazzolo
419.491.1506
Service Officer
David (Doc) Martinez 734.439.8106
Assists Chapter Members
VAMC Rep.
John Kinzinger
734.994.0444
Veterans Justice
Jon Luker
734.260.2211
Webmaster
Paulo Pereira
734.985.5010
Dell & Fran Mayes ~ October 2016
Al Merritt ~ September 2016
Ron Oliver ~ February 2019
George Perrault ~ October 2022
Mira & Bob Pierson ~ October 2021
Marv & Wendy Rivers ~ January 2017
Ken Rogge ~ February 2017
Glenn Sakcriska ~ November 2026
Edith Semark ~ December 2017
Ron and Marina Silverberg ~ March 2019
Tom & Sandy Sorensen ~ October 2017
Patricia Beechem in memory of her brother, David S. Palmer ~ October 2018
Bonnie Woods in memory of her husband Gary Woods, VN vet ~ December 2018
Helena Prince in Memory of Tom Prince, deceased member ~ April 2023
Linda Lamey-Leonard In memory of *Lavern Lamey ~ March 2018
We Thank You For Your Continued Support!
The above have made a contribution in a continuing effort to support our Chapter by offsetting the cost of printing and postage. The month and year are when the
patron subscription expires. You may also consider a “In Memory Of.” Our Chapter retains only $9.00 of your yearly $20.00 dues and it costs about $12.00 a year for
printing and postage. If you would like to support your newsletter please make a check payable to VVA 310. Beginning 1 January 2015, we will credit 1 month for every
$1.50 donated. Note on the Memo Line Dispatch Patron. Please mail your check to: VVA 310 P.O. Box 3221 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3221
*Name Listed On The Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial
George F Boone ~ October 2021
Cynthia Calhoun ~ February 2018
Marty Cothorn ~ April 2017
Gary Couture ~ November 2017
Joseph Flint ~ December 2017
James Graham ~ February 2019
Ed & Anna Hamady ~ October 2016
Phil and Gena Hecker ~ Feb 2021
Ron Henley ~ September 2016
Steve Hitte ~ April 2017
Glen Johnston ~ June 2016
Dorothy & Donald Kepler ~ August 2016
Dick Knight ~ May 2018
Willie Lee ~ August 2016
Dave & Sandy Martinez ~ September 2021
Chapter/Dispatch Patrons - Please check your dates to see if you are current
Page 23
Next Meeting: 1900 hours 14 July 2016 at VFW Graf-O’Hara Post 423 3230 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
HERE COMES YOUR FOUR TIME WINNER, NATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
P.O. Box 3221
Washtenaw County Chapter 310
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA