January_2013 1.1 MB - vietnam veterans of america

Volume 13 • Issue 01
VVA Chapter 12 ♦ Newsletter
January, 2013
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 12
PO Box 276, Allenhurst, NJ 07711
‘For
those who fought for it, Freedom has a special flavor the protected will never know.’
Officers and E-Board
Dennis Beauregard, President
Ernie Diorio, First Vice President
Don Davison
Paul Bausch, Secretary
Rich Brandon, Treasurer
732-741-2567 [email protected]
732-2455552 [email protected]
732-988-4056 [email protected]
[email protected]
518-966-8347
Committees
Bob Lopez, Minority Affairs,Food Pantry
Tony Corbella PTSD
Rob Ford, Community Service, Gov’t Affairs, “Cremains”
Don Davison, School Speaker Program,
Tom Milmoe, Agent Orange Walter Reed Hospital
Ernie Diorio, School Speaker, Transportation
Bob Hopkins, Grievance, Membership,Chaplain
Bucky Grimm, POW/MIA
Jimmy Mack, Product Sales “Cremains”
Tony Ponzo, Finance
Richard Magovern, Public & Community Affairs
732-988-9241 [email protected]
732-640-1967 [email protected]
732-687-3846 [email protected]
732-988-4056 [email protected]
732-859-8783 [email protected]
732-780-3506 [email protected]
732-531-2574 [email protected]
732-222-9376 [email protected]
908-489-7438 [email protected]
973-979-0142 [email protected]
732-842-2950 [email protected]
“Cremains”
Michael Quilty, Homeless Vets
Joe McCreary, Veterans Health Care
732-939-8938 [email protected]
908-675-6905 [email protected]
State Council Delegates
Rob Ford, Delegate
Jim Mack, Delegate
Tony Ponzo, Delegate
Mike Berman, Alternate Delegate
Paul Bausch, Alternate Delegate
Other Contacts
Don McNamara, Vet Service Officer 732-775-7009 [email protected]
Bob Parrella, AVVA Liaison
732-303-1689 [email protected]
Rob Ford, BITW Editor
732-687-3846 [email protected]
Please remember our fellow Chapter members, and their families in your prayers, as they
continue to face very serious medical conditions.
Please also remember the victims of “Superstorm Sandy” and the Sandy Hook Shootings.
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More pictures have been added to Chapter 12's MySpace page. All are invited to log in to the
following link:
www.myspace.comUsername:[email protected]& Password: chapter12.
We have been informed that in lieu of specific items to send to troops on
deployment, gift cards to the PX would be appreciated. The troops can get almost
anything in the PX, but could use the help via gift card. This is also a money and
effort saver on our part. Donations to the PX gift card fund are being accepted.
We are also switching from actual food to gift cards for our food bank as this
will better serve our veterans in need.
If you know of anyone in need, please contact Rob Ford, or Ernie Diorio.
Anyone needing a ride to the VA, please contact Ernie Diorio for assistance.
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If you are looking for a fellow vet that you lost track of, or someone that you served with, that might
have information you need, please send it to us and we will put it in the monthly newsletter.
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Check this link out if you need help with an appeal, or know a Vet that does. Keep it moving, and
pass it on to all other Vets you know. http://www.vetsprobono.org/index.htm
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Anyone wanting to submit an article, picture, or story please send it to: [email protected]
[email protected] by the 25th of each month. Anything received after that will be placed in the
following month's newsletter. (Make sure it can be verified)
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*******
If anyone is wearing a POW/MIA Bracelet, go to this website, and find out any updates for the
Brother
on the POW/MIA Bracelet. http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/p/p077.htm
President’s Message
On Saturday December 1st Lt. Hopkins and his crew once again put together
a great holiday party that was enjoyed by the 125 in attendance. Special
thanks go to our friend Carmen Petersons for a great meal, and to Santa who
made a stop to see all the grandchildren.
I hope by now every member has received the 30th anniversary patch that
Tony Ponzo mailed out for this year’s fund raiser. Keep in mind, that with 30
years we are the largest Chapter in the State and still growing. As of my last
membership report from National, we are the largest in the State with Mother
Margaret (Wojo) and Chapter 800, 10 members behind us. On Monday night
I attended Chapter 800’s Christmas Party/Meeting in Little Ferry, and made
a bet with Margaret that we will remain the largest Chapter. I will need your
help to keep us there. See Bob Hopkins for membership applications.
Dolores and I wish you and
and your families a Happy
appy Holiday and a
Happy New Year.
Year.
In Brotherhood
The Colonel
This was previously published in the News Letter, but also
appeared in the latest edition of The Veteran under Letters to
the Editor, and is well worth repeating.
Just a Thought
Between February and March, in about a ten day span, we lost two of our Brothers, Roy Carey
and John McGowan. So I was thinking, if we all pray to God, and ask if He could rethink His
theory about us so we could live a bit longer. After all, He was with us when we went to
Vietnam. He looked out for us during our tour of duty. He brought us all home safely where we
tried to ease our way back into society and become good citizens, got married, had children, and
best of all blessed us with grandchildren.
I believe God has a greater plan for us. And in the end, when all the tears stop flowing, we will
all be reunited with our past Brothers, in a greater place.
Brother Ernie Diorio said to me after John’s funeral, while we were in Vietnam, we made new
friends, created a strong bond with them. Then we would read the weekly casualty list and
recognize some of their names. And it hurt deeply. But we kept our faith and marched forward.
Now, some 40 or so years later, we made new friends and created even stronger bonds. We now
call them Brothers. We became so much closer because we went to Hell and back together.
Now, we read their names in the obituaries and the pain is much greater. So if we could pray a
little more and ask God to rethink His taking of us, it just might help.
Therefore, in my nightly prayer, I ask God if He can slow down the taking of my VVA Brothers.
Allow us more time to finish what we started and best of all see our grandchildren grow up to be
healthy, productive citizens.
Last but not least, I ask God to keep our young men and women out of future wars.
Let us all keep fond memories of our fallen Comrades.
After all, this is just a thought.
In Brotherhood,
Tony Ponzo
VVA Chapter 12
UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS
Chapter 12 Annual Installation and Dinner Dance, 13 April 2013, celebrating our
30th Anniversary!!
(See attached flyer)
*****************
The next chapter meeting will be Wednesday, January 2 ,2013 at 7:30PM, VFW
Post 2226, 210 Norwood Ave, Oakhurst, NJ
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Featured Guest Speakers
On 2 Jan. 2013 we will have the following visitors join us at the Membership meeting.
Michael Ruane Col. Retired US Army Supervisor for the Aging and Veterans Affairs
Ms. Sue Moleon VSO For Monmouth County Veterans Affair office
They will talk about what they do and where they are located and how they can assist Veterans with
claims and how to fill out the proper forms and other things of interest for the Veterans of Monmouth
County.
Mike Ruane is a Chapter #12 life member.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Best Wishes to all celebrating in January
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If you wish to post a birthday or anniversary please submit the info by the 20th of the month for
the next month’s news letter.
VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA
NEW JERSEY SHORE AREA
CHAPTER 12
30th Anniversary
INSTALLATION & DINNER DANCE
Our Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday,
April 13, 2013, 7:00 pm at VFW 2179, One Veterans Lane, Port
Monmouth, NJ 07758. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple.
To reserve tickets, please contact,
Ernie Diorio at 732732-245245-5552 or Tony Ponzo 972972-979979-0142 We hope
to see some more familiar faces there this year.
Entertainment by Sidewalk Serenade
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
NEW JERSEY SHORE AREA CHAPTER # 12
VVA Chapter 12 are looking for Corp donation that will be holding its Annual Dinner Dance on
April 13, 2013. An integral part of our yearly operating budget is based on our fund raising
efforts.
Over the past years we have enriched the lives of veterans and there families though a variety of
activities including lobbying for veterans legislation , both in Trenton and Washington; assisting
veterans in the VA hospitals; aiding and referring veterans for counseling in PTSD [ Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder] and substance abuse; providing assistance in filing service connected
disability claims. We also sponsor public awareness programs connected with the POW/MIA
issue. We are active in the community, providing speakers for elementary and high schools
history classes; we participate in New Jersey Adopt a Highway program, to help keep our state
highways clean. We along with other veteran groups are identify Honor and Inter unclaimed,
abandoned cremated veterans and secure remains or future abandoned or orphaned veterans. And
assure that all qualified orphaned and abandoned veteran cremains do receive a military burial in
our
We would appreciate your advertising in our ad journal. Let veterans know you care and support
our activities. Business or personal ads are welcome. We also welcome donations of products or
gift certificates to act as door prizes. Tickets are $40.00 each or $75.00 per couple
Please fill out the enclosed ad form and send your check or money order for the appropriate
amount to the above address. Make your check or money payable to: VVA Chapter 12.
The deadline for all ads is April 1, 2013
FULL PAGE
$100.00
For Further Information call:
Dennis Beauregard
Ernie Diorio
908-902-8789
732-245-5552
HALF PAGE
THIRD PAGE
$50.00
$30.00
A Gentle Reminder
Brothers,
It’s almost the end of another year, and, while 2012 is winding down, Chapter 12 is up and running. Our
membership roster continues to grow putting us first in the state with just under 300 members. This is also the 30th
Anniversary of the founding of Chapter 12! – who would have ever thought?
Our commitment to working on behalf of Veteran’s causes and welfare is as strong as ever, and we have provided
assistance to more veterans than ever. Agent Orange, PTSD, Homelessness, and POW/MIA, to name a few, are
areas of great concern, as is funding for the VA.
We interred the cremated remains of three WWII veterans, which sat unclaimed on the shelf at ELY Funeral Home
for well over 20 years. This is part of a project by the Chapter to insure that no veteran’s cremains are abandoned,
and that all receive the proper military burial that they earned and deserve.
The annual Installation Dinner and Dance, the Day at the Races, as well as the Chapter Picnic, and Holiday party
were events, that if you missed, you missed a great time with our brothers and spouses!
The holidays are fast approaching, and as if the economy were not bad enough, Superstorm Sandy has caused
devastation, and created enormous needs. We have attempted to help our Brothers and their families, and will
continue to do for as long as help is needed. In that regard, to help others, we need your help. I can’t be more blunt
.Your time, as well as, your donations of cash are needed to help alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate.
I have enclosed a 30th Anniversary Patch for you to wear proudly. There are no strings attached, it is yours. If you
can make a donation to the Chapter it would help, but is not required .Donations, as well as orders for additional
patches @ $15 each should be sent to:
Tony Ponzo
PO Box 2203
Albrightsville, PA, 18210-2203.
As always, may you and your families have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season.
In Brotherhood,
The Colonel
A Thank You from the Nasuta Family
(son of Chapter member)
Rob,
We just wanted to reach out to you and the chapter and say thank you so much for all of
your generosity and support! In such a tough time for our family, your generous gifts
have meant so much to us! Everything has been so overwhelming and to be so
supported by the chapter is amazing!
Wishing you and all of your families a happy holiday, and a happy, healthy new year!
Attached are just a few pictures of the devastation. The last picture is from last week.
Hopefully we can move home by the end of the summer!
Thank you all so much,
The Nasuta's
Vinnie, Anastasia, William James and Vincenzo
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
NEW JERSEY VIETNAM VETERANS’ MEMORIAL
1 MEMORIAL LANE
P. O. BOX 648
HOLMDEL, NJ 07733
PHONE: (732) 335-0033 FAX: (732) 335-1107
www.njvvmf.org
2012 - 2013 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Fall 2012
To Whom It May Concern:
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will be awarding two (2) $2,500.00
scholarships for post-high school education (college, community college, trade school, etc.).
The Scholarship Committee has established the following criteria for eligibility:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Applicant must be a New Jersey resident.
Applicant must be a graduating high school senior.
Applicant has visited the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.
Applicant has written an essay about his/her visit (see back of application).
Applicant has submitted verification of acceptance at a particular school with application.
Application must be typed or printed legibly in its entirety.
Applicant may submit only one (1) application per school year.
Applicant must sign and date Authentication. Parent or Guardian signature is also required for
applicant under 18.
9. All applications must be received at the Foundation’s office no later than Friday, April 19, 2013 at
5:00 PM. (Those postmarked prior to due date, but received after deadline, will NOT be accepted.)
10. Applications, essays and acceptance letters may be faxed to (732) 335-1107.
11. Free guided tours of the Memorial are available (but are not required) on Saturdays at 11:00 AM &
1:00 PM, February 2 through April 13, 2013.
This Committee will select the two (2) winners of these Scholarships from all eligible applications. The
winners will be notified prior to the awards being presented on Monday, May 27, 2013 during the
Memorial Day ceremony held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. Winners should make
every possible attempt to be at this ceremony. The winners will receive a check for $2,500 after
confirmation of enrollment is received.
If you have any questions, please call (732) 335-0033 xt. 100.
Thank you for your interest and good luck!
Sincerely,
Scholarship Committee
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
NEW JERSEY VIETNAM VETERANS’ MEMORIAL
1 MEMORIAL LANE
P. O. BOX 648
HOLMDEL, NJ 07733
PHONE: (732) 335-0033 FAX: (732) 335-1107
www.njvvmf.org
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
DEADLINE: APRIL 19, 2013 - 5:00 PM
(Those postmarked prior to due date, but received after the deadline, will NOT be accepted).
(Applications, essays and acceptance letters may be faxed to (732) 335-1107)
ALL ITEMS MUST BE COMPLETED OR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
NAME (Last)
(First)
F
M
(MI)
COMPLETE ADDRESS INCLUDING ZIP CODE:
PHONE #.
(
)
STUDENT’S SOCIAL
SECURITY #
NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTLY ATTENDING:
PHONE #
(
ADDRESS OF HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTLY ATTENDING INCLUDING ZIP CODE:
NAME & ADDRESS OF SCHOOL YOU WILL BE ATTENDING:
)
COUNTY:
HAVE YOU BEEN
ACCEPTED?*
Yes
No
PLEASE READ AUTHENTICATION AND SIGN BELOW:
I have visited the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the attached essay is my own
original work:
APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE
DATE:
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (if student is under 18):
DATE:
*PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF ACCEPTANCE LETTER OR VERIFICATION OF
ACCEPTANCE. WE DO NOT NEED LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION OR
TRANSCRIPTS.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND ESSAYS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THIS
ORGANIZATION.
THIS APPLICATION MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED.
2012/2013
A visit to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, NJ is certainly
a time for reflection. In your own words print or type an essay reflecting upon
your visit to the Memorial. Attach additional pages, if necessary.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Visiting the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is NOT a requirement when writing
about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Directions:
Take the NJ Garden State Parkway to exit 116 – PNC Bank Arts Center. As you enter the
grounds of the Arts Center, follow the brown directional signs to the Memorial and Educational
Center. Turn right on Memorial Lane and make your second left into the parking lot for the
Memorial and Educational Center.
Hours of Operation:
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM
Free guided tours of the Memorial are available (but not required) on Saturdays at 11:00 AM
and 1:00 PM, February 2 through April 13, 2013, to accommodate students submitting a
scholarship application.
Admission Fees:
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial – no charge
Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center - $7 Adults, $5 Seniors/Students
Veterans & Active Military - Free; Children under 10 – Free
2012/2013
BOOKS
Dead Man Flying MOH Recipient Gen. Patrick H. Brady, on Origins and
Execution of Dust Off
Major General Patrick H. Brady Dead Man Flying , which covers the origin
and execution of Dust Off, the Aero Medical evacuation in Vietnam.
While in Vietnam, Gen. Brady was awarded the Medal of Honor for a series
of rescues during which he used 3 helicopters to rescue over 60 wounded. At
the end of the day his aircraft had over 400 holes in them from enemy fire
and mines. In two tours in Vietnam he flew over 2500 combat missions and
rescued over 5000 wounded.
Gen. Brady is the only living Army veteran of Vietnam to hold both the Medal
of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. His other awards include two
Distinguished Service Medals; the Defense Superior Service Medal; the
Legion of Merit; six Distinguished Flying Crosses; two Bronze Stars, one for
valor; the Purple Heart and 53 Air Medals, one for valor. He is a member of
both the Army Aviation and Dust Off Halls of Fame.
********************************
Senate wants details from VA on claims backlog
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Nov 29, 2012 13:37:26 EST
The Senate voted Thursday to demand a status report from the Veterans Affairs Department
about efforts to reduce the backlog of almost 900,000 benefits claims.
By 95-0 vote, the Senate passed an amendment to the 2013 defense authorization bill sponsored
by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, which would require a report summarizing all the steps taken so
far to reduce the claims backlog and what steps are planned in the future. The report would be
due within 60 days of the defense bill, S 3254, becoming law.
Lawmakers are working toward final passage of a compromise version of the $648.5 billion
defense bill by no later than New Year’s Day.
Cornyn is especially interested in cooperative efforts between VA and state and local veterans
programs he believes have not gotten enough attention.
Claims processing has been one of the most difficult issues facing VA in recent years as the
number and complexity of claims has grown. As of Nov. 24, almost 900,000 benefits claims
were pending before VA, with about 600,000 at least 125 days old. VA considers the older
claims to be the true backlog.
VA officials have ambitious plans for speeding claims processing. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki
said in a Nov. 8 interview that he believes 2013 could mark the first time in years that the
department processes more claims than it receives, which would be a first step in shrinking the
mountain of claims.
Cornyn called the backlog “scandalous” and a “really unacceptable situation.”
Here are three web sites you might want to check.
US Interagency Council on Homelessness
www.usich.gov
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
www.nchv.org
HUD policy changes, article on TBI, free legal clinics, etc
National Alliance to End Homelessness
www.naeh.org
HUD reports, Capitol Hill news
Our annual Holiday Party was held on December 1st, and was, as always, a smash!
Tom Milmoe reading Just a Thought
Lighting the Menorah
Gelt for the children
Can you guess who this is?
And can you guess who this is?
Dear Santa………
Judging the best dessert. Paula Milmoe won.
Happiness is…….!
NJ State Council President, Chapter 12 President…does this say something about
VVA?
This says even more!!!!
(Mug shot courtesy of Pat Wiley)
As If The Photos Were Not Humor Enough
>
>
> THE ITALIAN POKER CLUB >
>
>
>
>
> Seven retired Italian Floridian fellows were playing poker in the
> condo clubhouse when Guido loses $500 on a single hand, clutches
> his chest, and drops dead at the table. >
>
> Showing respect for their fallen comrade, the other five continue
> playing, but standing up. >
>
> At the end of the game, Giovanni looks around and asks, "So,
> who's gonna' tell his wife?" They cut the cards. Pasquale picks
> the low card and has to carry the news. They tell him to be
> discreet, be gentle, don't make a bad situation any worse.
> "Discreet? I'm the most discreet person you'll ever meet.
> Discretion is my middle name. Leave it to me!"
>
> So, Pasquale goes over to the Guido 's condo and knocks on the
> door. The wife answers through the door and asks what he wants?
> Pasquale declares: "Your husband just lost $500 in a poker game
> and is afraid to come home." "Tell him to drop dead!" yells the
> wife. >
>
> "I'll go tell him." says Pasquale .
>
Subject: Hostess Bakery
Hostess Bakery plants shut down Friday due to a workers' strike.
It was split up. The State Department hired all the Twinkies, the
Secret Service hired all the HoHos, the generals are sleeping with
the Cupcakes and the voters sent all the Ding Dongs to
Congress.
EMBARRASSMENT
A guy asked a girl in a university library: "Do you mind if I sit beside
you?"
The girl replied with a loud voice: "I DON'T WANT TO SPEND THE NIGHT WITH
YOU!"
All the students in the library started staring at the guy; he was truly
embarrassed.
After a couple of minutes, the girl walked quietly to the guy's table and
said: "I study psychology, and I know what a man is thinking. I guess you
felt embarrassed, right?"
The guy then responded with a loud voice: "$500 FOR ONE NIGHT? THAT'S TOO
MUCH!"
All the people in the library looked at the girl in shock.The guy
whispered in her ear: "I study law, and I know how to screw people". ****
TAPS
Shore Area Vietnam Vets Called Home By The Lord
Bronner, Dennis, 64 Toms River, USMC
Burris, Walter Eugene, 65, Ocean Gate, Army
Chalian, George, 66 Matawan, Army
Collins, Edward,60 Barnegat, Navy
Goodrich, Lawrence Keith, 62 Whiting, Army
Kessler, Wayne, 62 East Amwell, Army
Kroll, George, 72 Toms River, Navy
Larocca, John A, 66 Holmdel, Army
Palmer, Lewis P, 79, Neptune, Army
Santomauro, Anthony, Belmar, Navy
Stover, Francis Gary, 67, Fair Haven, Army
Testa, Donald, 69, Toms River, Army
REST IN PEACE BROTHERS
P.S.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS
YOU SURVIVED 12/21/12!!!
Welcome to a new year!!!