June 2015 - Vietnam Veterans of America

Boo Coo News
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
VVA154.com
Mount Clemens, Michigan
JUNE 2015
WELCOME HOME!
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD
CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403
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.
***
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY
OF THE MONTH
AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4,
401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAY
SOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD
***
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TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:
MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
1,627
AMERICANS
STILL MISSING IN
SOUTHEAST ASIA
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MICHIGAN
Building Dedication
Here are photos from the dedication of the new vet center held on April 25. It was
well-attended and made our presence known in the community. Thanks to all who
helped out.
Member of the Year Awards
t the May chapter meeting, two chapter
members were presented with the
prestigious “Member of the Year” award.
These annual awards are presented to members
who have contributed their time and service to the
chapter, above and beyond the call of duty. This
year, Greg Bowman and Ron Squires were
presented with plaques, thanking them both for
their efforts getting the new vet center up and
running. Greg Bowman was instrumental in
locating the building and, from the time of taking
ownership of the building, spent countless hours
there working and supervising all the work that
was required to get the building up and running.
Through his contacts (Greg knows everybody in
the world in the trades) he was able to get most of
the construction done at little and, in some cases,
no cost to the chapter.
Ron Squires, likewise, spent untold hours at the
new building, working on construction of walls,
hanging doors, dry walling and all the other details
that needed to be completed. He set aside his personal life at times to make sure things
proceeded forward at the required schedule. Ron was also a standout at assisting with the
motorcycle raffle in the past. No one can sell raffle tickets like this guy!
These well-deserved awards are presented with the thanks of the entire chapter for two
members who have put everything on the line for the betterment of the chapter.
Congratulations to Greg and Ron.
A
President’s Message
t certainly has been a busy time for the chapter during April and May. I’m looking forward to getting into June so hopefully
the pace will slow somewhat. It seems like since October 27, when we took over the new facility, spare time has been at a
premium. Coupled with all the chapter and civic events, there’s been no time to get into trouble.
The Agent Orange Town Hall meeting was a resounding success. National was very complimentary of the panel of speakers
that Steve Bago put together, and the entire meeting was captured on video. Copies of the final video should be available soon,
and will be shared somehow with anyone wishing to see it. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 150-175 people that
showed up, and the entire program was well received. A job well done by Steve!
A week after the AO meeting, we had our building dedication and open house. Gary Purcell chaired a small committee that
pulled it off flawlessly. Thanks go out to Gary, Donn Sinclair, Phyllis Claunch, Marge Schoenherr and Mike Schneider who did
everything including some outside grounds work to pretty up the center. The Associates, as usual, jumped in with both feet
and presented a nice buffet of food for all attendees and plenty of sweets to satisfy anyone’s palate. The day of the event, the
vet center was jammed with people looking through our museum display and viewing the Michigan memorial that was set up
in the rear area of the building. I’m not sure on estimates of attendees, but the shuttle bus driver thought he moved 400
people back and forth from the offsite parking lot. That sounds like more than I estimated, but I was so busy that I didn’t take
time to do a more accurate count. Regardless, it was done professionally, from the greeters to the honor guard to the hosts
and hostesses inside the building, getting Chapter 154 off on a good footing with the township. Thanks to all who made it a
success. Clinton Township taped the entire ceremony for their local cable station, and they will provide me with a YouTube
link and a DVD so any of you who could not be there can see the event. Pictures taken at the event are shown in this
newsletter.
The Wall That Heals is in as this newsletter goes to press, so more will be reported out on that in the next issue of the Boo
Coo News.
As I reported on at the last chapter membership meeting, there are two bills that have been introduced, one in the Senate
and one in the House, called the Toxic Exposure Research Act that simply must get signed into law. I sent out notices on this
awhile back via email, but don’t know how many of you have acted on it. These bills will create the framework for how future
military veterans will be compensated for toxic exposure, along with necessary oversight of our children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren who will continue to suffer from our exposure to Agent Orange. This is possibly the most important
legislation to come down the road in awhile, but it needs your support to get through both the House and Senate. You need to
contact your legislators and let them know you want these bills passed into law. To do nothing tarnishes the legacy of the
Vietnam veterans by saying “we knew, but we didn’t do anything about it.” This isn’t about you, it’s about your offspring, and
this needs your attention NOW.
I
Details:
Contact:
House Bill HR 1769, Senate Bill S901
Senator Debbie Stabenow
202-224-4822
Senator Gary Peters
202-224-6221
Representative Sander Levin 202-225-4961
Representative Candice Miller 202-225-2106
~ Brian Bobek ~ 20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 1967-68
VVA CHAPTER 154 OFFICERS
President Brian Bobek
1st VP Gary Purcell
2nd VP Woody Horne
Secretary Mike Schneider
Treasurer Mike Jacobi
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greg Bowman (2016)
Gil Claunch (2016)
Ron Drdul (2016)
Dave Schoenherr (2016)
Jim Watts (2016)
Leo Lalonde (2017)
Larry May (2017)
Donn Sinclair (2017)
Gary Stephens (2017)
Robert Steward (2017)
586-524-3806
586-243-6293
248-379-1086
586-567-0731
586-504-0781
586-850-1800
586-854-7842
586-899-7112
586-940-2568
586-524-9705
586-838-9851
586-790-0008
586-243-0222
586-747-8149
586-321-9847
Boo Coo News Publisher
The Board of Directors
Boo Coo News Editor Brian Bobek
Typesetting ~ Linda May
Thank you! to all of our sponsors.
TRUSTEES
Mike Gardner (2016), Gary Sox (2017), Tim Ignash
(2018)
2011-2012 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Community Service
Leo Lalonde
Constitution/By-Laws
Donn Sinclair
ETABO
Robert Steward
Finance
Mike Jacobi
Government Affairs
Ron Drdul
Membership
Larry May
Minority Affairs
Chris Franklin
Nominating Committee
Gary Sox, Mike Bilyk, TBD
Public Affairs
Brian Bobek
Veterans Affairs
Gary Stephens
Veterans Benefits
Brian Bobek
Women Veterans
Jim Watts
POW/MIA
Tom Duff
Agent Orange/Dioxin
George Sawyer
Incarcerated Veterans
Dave Schoenherr
Veteran’s Health Care
Gil Claunch
State Delegates
Brian Bobek, Mike Schneider, Chris Franklin
SPECIAL & AD HOC COMMITTEES
AVVA Rep
Phyllis Claunch
Color Guard
Jim Watts
Food Pantry
Gil Claunch
Hospitalized Vets
Tom Duff
Lottery
Jim Auito
Merchandise
Tim Ignash
Michigan Memorial
Dave Schoenherr
Scholarship
Woody Horne
Speakers Bureau
Ed Zysk
Webmaster
Larry Sauger
Welcome Home
Mitch Argyris
Operation Christmas
TBD
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 2
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! We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. AT THE VET CENTER
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM by Phyllis Claunch, President with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The officers
were introduced. Members who have not signed up for the chapter email were asked to sign a list so that they will be included in all emails
by the Associates as well as the chapter itself.
OPEN HOUSE
The Associates were thanked for the
outstanding job that they did at the open
house. Everyone was impressed with the
beauty of the facility as well as the food that
was provided.
POST OFFICE DRIVE
Those who helped with the drive were
thanked for their efforts. Their help was
greatly appreciated.
THE WALL THAT HEALS
The arrival of The Wall was discussed.
Those who were there today at its arrival
said it was a very impressive event. The
Wall will be set up tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Anyone wishing to help can come and do so.
Its location is between the Clinton
Township Civic Center and the Clinton
Township library. The smudging by the
Native American vets will take place at 5:45
p.m. There are to be no pictures taken. The
opening ceremony will be at 6 p.m. The Wall
will be open for visitation 24/7. #154 will
provide night security. There will be the
reading of the names at 7 p.m. on Friday.
For those wishing to help read, come a little
earlier and see Brian Bobek who is passing
out the names. There will be the closing
ceremony on Monday at 4 p.m. Volunteers
are still needed to be pathway guides
and/or computer locators. A list of needs
was passed around and those able to help
signed up. People can still sign up by going
to Clinton Township and then The Wall That
Heals within their site.
CAR SHOW
This event will be August 22. It will be held
at Gibraltar Trade Center. Mike Jacobi is the
chairperson. Donn Sinclair has stepped
down from the chairmanship. He is looking
for people or organizations that will be
willing to sponsor a trophy at the show as
well as gift donations. It was thought that
the cost of the trophies ranged from
$15-$25. It was voted on unanimously that
the Associates would sponsor a trophy.
More information to follow about the car
show.
GOLF OUTING
This event will be August 29. Dave
Schoenherr and Mike Schneider are the
chairmen. The cost of the tickets, it was told,
will be $80. They are looking for hole
sponsorships, baskets for a silent auction.
As in the past, the outing will be held at
Hickory Hollow. More information to follow.
It was voted on unanimously that the
Associates would sponsor a hole.
LANDSCAPING
Marge, Carole and Pat have been working
with the Master Gardener and have cleared
many of the beds. The Master Gardener is
advising what plants would work best with
the soil and environment. United
Landscaping will be cutting the grass at the
center. They have donated 16 plants for the
front of the building. They should be coming
Friday. There will be mulch delivered soon
too. All gardeners are asked to come and
help with this project. All that you need to
bring is your gloves and hand tools.
Everyone was invited to come and play in
the dirt. Please come about noon on Friday,
May 22.
SUMMER MEETINGS
Normally we don’t meet in the summer.
However, it was thought, for various
reasons, that this should change. As a result,
we will meet in June, July and August.
JUNE
Pat Drdul has offered to have a “Meet and
Greet” at her house. It will be at our regular
meeting time, 7 p.m. on June 17. It will be a
casual meeting with more interaction
among the members. Pat lives at 25 Mile
between Hayes and Romeo Plank. Her
address is 54908 Laurel, Macomb 48042.
For directions, you might want to mapquest
but it is very easy to get to her home. A
notice with directions will be sent out closer
to the date.
JULY
There will a picnic at the center. It will be a
barbecue. Meat will be provided by the
Associates and all attendees are asked to
bring a dish to pass. The date is the regular
meeting date of July 15. We will meet at 6
p.m. because of dinner. Spouses are invited.
However, if a spouse is coming please let
Phyllis know so that meat provisions are
made. More information to follow.
AUGUST
Karen Mack has offered her cottage in
Forestville (two hours away) for this
month’s meeting. The date will be August
15. It is on Lake Huron so if you are going
swimming, because the lake has so many
boulders and stones water shoes might be a
good idea. This will be an all-day event.
People coming will be asked to bring a dish
to pass. More information to follow.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS
Gary Purcell once again is the chairman of
the event. The dance will be chaired by Pat
& Ron Drdul. The dance will be at Fern Hill
this year. The date is December 5. Doors
will open at 6 p.m. but Associates will be
asked to arrive by 5:30. More information to
follow.
RIDE FOR HOSPITAL VETS
This ride will commence at Wolverine
Harley-Davison on July 25. They will start to
line up at 10 a.m. and the ride will start at
noon. They will ride to the hospital. Cars
may follow. All participating are asked to
bring a paper, not plastic, bag full of
toiletries or contribute $10 that will be used
to take a vet in the hospital on a little field
trip. It was mentioned that the vets in the
hospital really enjoy coming out, those that
are able, and looking, touching and even
sitting on the bikes.
WOLVERINE RIDE FOR FREEDOM
This event is no longer a chapter event. But
the ride will be on June 28. The ride will
help to raise money for the Veterans
Returning Home Shelter as well as the
recreational services at the VA hospital.
MINUTES CONCLUDED ON PAGE 4
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 3
# HONOR
GUARD REPORT- Jim Watts, Commander
ince my last report out on March 11, 2015, the honor guard has conducted the
following details:
S
Total of 10 Funerals:
3 Navy, 4 Army, 2 USMC, 1 USAF
6 Vietnam, 3 WWII, 1 Korea
Name
Robert Mastin
Edmond Bojakowski
Richard Dorherty
Edward Poldowicz
Roger Fachini
Carlin Bayer
Tom Prisby
Steve Depa
Chester Talaszewski
Earl Goike
Branch
USAF
Army
Army
Army
USMC
USMC
Navy
Navy
Army
Navy
War
Vietnam
Vietnam
Korea
WWII
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
WW II
WWII
Jim Watts
Steve Bago
John Mohan
Gary Stephens
Ted Szymanski
Ron Drdul
Glen Cash
Commander
Vice Commander
Treasurer
Armorer
Armorer/Property Officer
Chaplain
Assistant Chaplain
Other Details & Functions
Honor guard also participated in:
•
Clinton Twp. Police Honor Guard Fundraiser Dinner
•
Building dedication for Chapter 154
•
Posting colors at Thrilla at the Villa
Conclusion of AVVA minutes from previous page
WOLVERINE FUND RAISER
One June 22 at the Cloverleaf bar on Gratiot, Wolverine will have a
fundraiser for their Children’s charities. A flyer is needed to participate.
If interested, as we get closer, the flier will be sent out.
FUNDRAISERS
It is thought that we need to have some fundraisers so that money can be replenished. Some ideas were put out there, Carson’s
Community Days: sell coupon books and we keep the whole $5 the book costs. No wash car wash: tickets are sold and the
winner receives a gift card to a car wash. Both ideas will be discussed in greater detail next meeting. It was asked of all
Associates to think of possible fundraisers.
NEW MEMBERS
Two new members attended this meeting. They were Debby Stefani and Barb
Walsh. Debby asked the question, “Who are the Associates”? The reply was: we
are a part of Vietnam Veterans 154. We are non-voting members. We are made
up of wives and significant others of Vietnam vets. But some of us have no
connection to any of the members. We are all members because they believe in
the organization. Our primary purpose is to help the chapter in any way
possible. Our biggest event that we help with is Operation Christmas. However,
we try to help whenever and however we can.
There was a motion to adjourn and was second at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Mack
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 4
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD
CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403
FREE SERVICES
10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MONDAY - FRIDAY ! 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 PANTRY.
*****
SICK CALL & CONDOLENCES
Contact Ron Drdul
Hospital Report
[email protected] or 586-899-7112
Submitted by Tom Duff
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.
n May 13 Carol Gernand, Pete
Gernand, Gil Claunch, John Hages,
Carlene Cremin, Don Cremin, Linda
Baisden, Harry Wisniewski, Bobby
Steward, Heather Okum, Richard Link and
I went to the VA Hospital. We went to
wards A-3 North and A-4 North, the
substance abuse ward and the dialysis
ward. We visited with 64 vets. We passed
out personal items bags, magazines,
crossword puzzle books, Boo Coo
newsletters, blankets, lap robes,
wheelchair bags, bananas boxes of
assorted candies, bananas, pretzels, chips,
Cheese-Its and Hostess products. We had
a great time and, most of all, we let 64
vets know that we care and they are not
forgotten.
Sick Call
•
•
From Roger “Popeye” Krzeminski: I received some great news
yesterday at the doctor’s office. Last week I had a C-SCAN and they
compared it to one that was taken three months ago. The mass on the
pancreas has SHRUNK by a quarter (1/4). The doctor said that is
awesome for one cycle of chemo. I am into my second cycle (three
months) of treatments now. THANK YOU for all your PRAYERS and
support.
Jerry Clara continues his struggles with his cancer.
Taps
Chapter member Ted Szymanski lost his father in law, Bill Parker, who was a
veteran. The honor guard did a military service for him on May 16.
Many other members are still struggling with their ailments, and your continued
prayers and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated by all of them.
O
The next hospital visit will be on June 10,
leaving the vet center at 8 a.m.
Election Correction
#Brian Bobek
t has been brought to my attention that an error was made in the counting of ballots in last month’s election of officers. The
ballot indicated that three votes could be cast for the nominating committee candidates. However, there were only two that
appeared on the ballot resulting from the nomination process. As voters were allowed to vote for three people, two voters
had written in a third candidate, that being Leo Miller. The nominating committee simply missed the fact that there was a
write-in candidate, so Leo was not named as the third winner during the election announcements.
When this came to light, Gary Purcell and I met with Leo, apologizing for what was a simple oversight. Leo accepted the
explanation, and then immediately declined the position on the nominating committee. As it stands now, there are still only
two members on the committee. The president has the discretion to appoint an additional member if he so chooses.
We had a discussion at the last board meeting and are reviewing the write-in candidate process to see if it is a contradiction
of our by-laws. The by-laws state that a ballot must be finalized one month prior to the general election, so any last-minute
write-in candidate would not be in compliance with that rule. In addition, there are other requirements (i.e., accepting or
declining a particular position in order to get on the ballot, being a paid-up member, submitting a valid DD-214 and, lastly, the
write-in candidate even wishing to have the position.) For those reasons, we believe it serves the best interest of the chapter to
consider eliminating write-in candidates in future elections. More to follow.
I
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 5
Minutes of General Membership Meeting 5/13/15 ~ Submitted by Mike Schneider
eeting called to order by President Brian Bobek at 1900 hours. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silence observed. New
members: Dan Zelnick, Army, Ed Choike, Army, Vietnam ‘70, Tom Bell, Army, Vietnam ‘67-‘68 and Rick Jaeger, Vietnam ‘71-‘72.
Welcome home men and welcome to the chapter. Motion made by Mitch A, seconded by Ben E to suspend regular business to
present Veteran of the Year. Motion made by Gary S, seconded by Ed Z to return to regular business. Reading of motions passed at last board
meeting were read and approved by membership. Motion made by George S, seconded by Harry W to accept minutes as published in the Boo
Coo News. Treasurer’s report by Mike Jacobi: our last big expense was for the new freezer/refrigerator and we should be incurring fewer
large outlays for the center. Report was audited and motion made by Gil C, seconded by Greg B to accept report.
M
COMMITTEES:
Hospital, POW/MIA, Honor Guard to follow. No merchandise
report.
Speakers Bureau
The guys were busy at Richmond, Utica, Dakota, Chippewa
Valley and Roseville High Schools. The teachers assured them
that they would be invited back to make presentations in the
future.
Food Pantry
We took care of 50 families and a total of 154 people. There
will be an ice cream social at the Veterans Home in Grand
Rapids on June 4 which the chapter agreed to donate the cost
of the ice cream and a number of our members are going to
visit. Thanks to all who helped at the Shelby Post Office for the
letter carriers food drive. We received two and 1/2 gaylords of
goods.
Scholarship
A total of eight responses were turned in and awards will be
given at June general meeting.
Agent Orange
People who served in the Philippines, at Subic Bay have been
approved for compensation for exposure to Agent Orange.
Two ships, USS Arlington and USS White Plains have been
added to the list of ships on the registry.
Traveling Memorial
The memorial was at John Glenn High School in Westland for a
USO dance sponsored by the students and teachers and to
honor veterans, especially the Vietnam veterans. The history
teacher who was behind this was named the History Channel’s
“History Teacher of the Year.” They did a fine job. We also
were at the Oakmont Senior Center and in Mackinaw City.
Associates
The associates have begun to landscape around the building, if
you would like to help.
Car Show
Mike Jacobi has agreed to be the chairman. He reminded
everyone that forms for trophies and car registrations are at
the vet center. Raffle prizes are also being accepted.
Membership
Larry May stated that we have 654 members, 446 life and
Associates have 70, 25 life.
OLD BUSINESS:
We helped escort the wall to Clinton Township. Mattresses from the VA
were delivered to vets. Wolverine HOG Chapter is holding a fundraiser at
Cloverleaf Pizza to help their children’s charity; please attend. The Ride
for Freedom will take place on June 28. The proceeds will go to
Recreational Services at the VA Hospital and to the Vets Returning Home
facility in Roseville. Ride to the VA Hospital will take place in July.
Attendance at the Agent Orange town hall meeting was 150-175 people.
The event was videotaped but we do not have copies as yet. We received
many positive comments about the event. The dedication went well
thanks to some hard work by many. United Lawnscape will take care of
cutting the grass. The national convention is in July in Springfield, IL.
Brian, Steve Bago and Chris Franklin will attend. The outside double door
for the food pantry was added. New cement poured on the side and front
walk. Still working with Home Depot for lighting grant.
NEW BUSINESS:
The suite at Joe Louis Arena which belongs to the late Bud Lynch is
available for veterans for all home games. We will look into this for next
season. The color guard presented colors at Villa Penna for the “Thrilla at
the Villa” and a donation was made to the chapter. Thanks to all the
members and associates who helped at the Shelby Post Office for the food
drive. Motion made by Gary P, seconded by George S to donate $200 to
the Young Marines for their help that day. The phones at the vet center
are still a work in progress and hopefully the bugs will be worked out.
The chapter needs to hold a main fundraiser to help keep us viable, please
submit some ideas. We participated in a Memorial Day service at Cadillac
East cemetery which is part of the MCCVO organization’s duties. Thanks
to all who attended and maybe next year it will be even bigger. American
House Elmwood in Auburn Hills held a celebration for veterans and the
honor guard was there along with chapter members and their vehicles.
Avondale Middle School students also participated in the ceremonies.
Carol Turner from the Macomb County Veterans Services is retiring and
Lisa Marie will take her place. Thank you Carol for all that you have done
for veterans. At the State Council meeting, Phil Smith, the VVA rep asked if
he can place a service officer at the vet center. We will have more
information later. We have freezers and refrigerators at the vet center
that will go to the highest bidder by silent auction. Stop by the vet center
if interested. Guardian Alarm was asked for a quote to alarm the freezer in
case of power failure of any kind. We are having the sprinkler system
inspected to see if it is usable. Humana Health Care was not aware that
diabetes, heart disease or prostate cancer are Agent Orange related, who
else?
50/50 ticket #884845 won by Mary Squires. Motion to adjourn made by
Bob S seconded by Larry M.
Golf Outing
August 29 at Hickory Hollow. We need teams, hole sponsors
and raffle items, please. Forms are available at the vet center
or ask Dave Schoenherr or Mike Schneider.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 6
POW/MIA Reports Submitted by Tom Duff
REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN POW/MIAS
FOR MAY
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
REMEMBERING THE POW/MIAs from MICHIGAN for
JUNE
*
Bruce Johnson
Harbor Beach, MIA 6/10/65
South Vietnam, Army
POW/MIA
Welcome Home!
1,627 Missing
49 Michigan
•“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
•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
***
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. If a company or homeowner is flying a POW/MIA
flag, let Tom Duff know so we can give them a certificate.
Donald King
Muskegon, MIA 6/14/66
North Vietnam, Air Force
James Kooi
Fruitport, MIA 6/11/67
South Vietnam, Marines
Jamen Nelson
Ludington, MIA 6/11/67
South Vietnam, Army
Thomas Riggs
Farmington, MIA 6/5/73
South Vietnam, Army
WWII
Flight Officer Arthur LeFavre, Army Air Force, MIA 12/23/44, Germany, accounted for 1/22/15
2nd Lt. Alvin Beethe, Army Air Force, MIA 11/26/44, Germany, accounted for 1/28/15
2nd Lt. Stephen Biezis, Army Air Force, MIA 12/23/44, Germany, accounted for 2/3/15
2nd Lt. John Herb, Army Air Force, MIA 4/13/45, Germany, accounted for 2/19/15
2nd Lt. Edward Baker, Army Air Force, MIA 9/30/44, New Guinea, accounted for 3/4/15
2nd Lt. Harry McGuire, Army Air Force, MIA 1/30/44, Italy, accounted for 3/10/15
Korea
Cpl. Linsey Lockett, Army, MIA 12/1/50, accounted for 1/26/15
Sgt. Floyd Jackson, Army, MIA 12/12/50, died in captivity 2/13/51
Sgt. Arnold Audring, Army, MIA 2/4/51, accounted for 1/28/15
PFC John Bowers, Army, MIA 2/14/51, died in captivity 5/3/51
PFC Lotchie Jones, Army, MIA 2/28/51, accounted for 2/26/15
Sgt. Wallace Dawson, Army, MIA 2/14/51, accounted for 3/7/51
PFC Kenneth Darden, Army, MIA 2/13/51, accounted for 3/23/51
Sgt. John McLaughlin, Marines, MIA 12/2/50, accounted for 4/18/15
Cpl. Ben Brown, Army, MIA 12/2/50, accounted for 4/8/15
Cpl. Elmer Richard, Army, MIA 2/21/51, accounted for 4/11/15
PFC Eugene Erickson, Army, MIA 5/18/51, accounted for 4/13/51
Vietnam
Lt. Richard Clark, Navy, MIA 10/24/67, accounted for 2/2/15
LTJG Neil Taylor, Navy, MIA 9/14/65, accounted for 2/4/15
SSgt. Bunyan Price, MIA 5/2/70, accounted for 2/25/15
Sgt. Rodney Griffin, Army, MIA 5/2/70, accounted for 3/30/15
Major Dave Richardson, Army, MIA 5/2/70, accounted for 3/30/15
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 7
MORE DEDICATION PHOTOS
Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting
Here are photos from the April 18 Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting held at the American House in Roseville. We extend
our thanks to American House for hosting this meeting and providing food for all the attendees. It made an impact on
everyone who attended, and helped to spread the word about the lasting effects of Agent Orange.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 8
Volunteer Acknowledgments
he following chapter members and the
representative from the Macomb Master Gardener
program worked on the landscaping at the vet
center on May 14: Nancy Porter, Judy Shirey, Pat Drdul,
Gary Sox, Dave Schoenherr,
Marge Schoenherr and Nancy
Ehrke (MMGP.) They focused
on the front of the building
first and will delve into the
area along the side in the
near future. Thanks to
everyone for pitching in to
make the vet center stand tall.
T
Car Show News
t's my sad duty to report, for personal reasons, I've
stepped down as car show chairman. Mike Jacobi has
agreed to carry on in my stead. Please direct any/all
car show business to Mike. I have every confidence the
show won't lose a step under Mike's stewardship.
Fraternally, Donn Sinclair
I
The car show is August 22 at Gibraltar Trade Center
North.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 9
21184 Cass Ave.
Clinton Twp.
Buy Direct • Quality Granite &
Bronze Cemetery Monuments •
War & Civic Memorials • Rock
Engraving & Cremation Urns •
Free Local Delivery
Company of
Macomb County
586-463-9551
Re/Max Suburban Inc.
“Since 1987"
Residential & Commercial Real Estate
Private Sales – Short Sales –
Bank-Owned - HUD
!
Ray Nadolski
Realtor and Chapter 154 member
•Office 586-262-2000 • Cell 248-705-3794
[email protected]
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2015 - Page 10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4
Service
Officer? Call
first
Memorial at
Ferndale
Historical Society
June 5-7
Saturday
JUNE 2015
1
Pointman
Ministries
2
Service Officer?
Call first
3
Board
Meeting
5
6
D-Day 1944
12
13
19
20
26
27
Al Anon
7
8
9
Service Officer
Honor guard
meeting
14
15
16
Service
officer
10
Hospital visit
Chapter
meeting
17
Associates
Meeting 7pm
11
Service
Officer
United Military
Families
Memorial at
Local 6000
Al Anon
18
Service
Officer
Memorial at Rolling
thunder Manistee
June 19-21
Al Anon
21
28
22
Wolverine
Fundraiser
Cloverleaf
Resraurant
29
23
Service
officer
30
Service
Officer
24
25
Service Officer
Al Anon
Memorial at Stars
& Stripes Festival
Freedom Hill
June 25-28
Looking ahead:
July 5-7 Memorial
at Bay City; July
11 Memorial at
VVA 133 picnic;
July 24-25
Stanton, MI
Aug. 22 car
show Gibraltar
Aug. 29 golf
outing Hickory
Hollow
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
18025 E. 15 Mile Road
Clinton Township MI 48035-2403
OPEN to read the GOOD NEWS about Chapter 154
WWW.VVA154.COM
a VVA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!
JUNE 2015 issue of BOO COO NEWS
Veterans Support Center
18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD ~ CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403
(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 Pantry
Employment Assistance
Veterans Benefits Service Officer
Free Counseling
Information
Camaraderie
Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out
1,627 still
unaccounted for;
49 from Michigan