310 Dispatch a Veteran Coming Home from Battle Be Made to Feel Alone and Unappreciated! June 2021 Washtenaw Co., Michigan

Never again shall 310 Dispatch a veteran coming home from battle be made to feel alone and unappreciated! June 2021 Washtenaw Co., Michigan

Editor’s Note: The 310 Dispatch reaches readers in digital as well as print formats. Readers can access the digital format at vva310.org. There, you also find the latest information about current events. A unique feature this month is the Memorial Day celebration (see page 11). Special recognition goes to the well-prepared rituals and the carefully maintained Memorial grounds. -- Paulo-Juarez Pereira, Editor--and the Dispatch Team

What’s New . . .

President’s Message ��2

Chaplain’s Corner June 2021 ��2

Honoring June Anniversaries on the Wall ��3

VVA 310 Chapter Meeting Minutes ��5

AVVA Newsletter June 2021 ��7

Jocosity ��9

Food Distribution ��9

Current Events ��10

Dispatch Recipients ��10

Photo Contest ��10

From VVA National ��10

Memorial Day Celebration, 2021 ��11

Historical Retrospect VVA 310 ��11

June 2021 — PAGE 1 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER President’s Message families and caregivers are invited. By Stan Harrison It is advertised as a family-friendly event, like an “old-fashioned church Our own LTC Charles Kettles, picnic” (except we will have beer..... whose name our Chapter proudly don’t tell Rev. Bull). bears, will be honored again. Until next time, stay proud! The Ann Arbor VA has changed ******** its name to the LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center. The formal ceremony will take place Chaplain’s Corner on the hospital grounds on Friday, And again, “I WILL BE A FATHER June 18th, at 1300 hrs. VVA 310 June 2021 TO HIM AND HE SHALL BE A SON By Rev. Gordon Moore TO ME”? And when He again I enjoy seeing the pictures from brings the firstborn into the Mars and the rising earth from the world, He says, “AND LET ALL THE moon taken from the Chinese rover ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.” to see all the darkness around our And of the angels He says, planet, and yet from our planet “WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, there is so much light out in space. AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF Creation is marvelous, with so FIRE.” But of the Son, He says, much to discover, even after all “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER these years. AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS member John Kinzinger is slated I want to talk about the SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS to be one of the speakers. We preeminence of Christ in creation KINGDOM. YOU HAVE LOVED should also give a nod to Rev. Bob as recorded in Hebrews 1: RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED Bull for initiating the name change. LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, You can read the story of LTC YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU God, after He spoke long ago Kettles’ actions that resulted in WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE to the fathers in the prophets his being awarded the Medal of YOUR COMPANIONS.” in many portions and in many Honor in the book, “We Answered And, “YOU, LORD, IN THE ways, in these last days the Call” (copies available from BEGINNING LAID THE has spoken to us in His Son, Vice President Vance McCrumb). FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH, AND whom He appointed heir of all The book is made up mostly of THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF things, through whom also He short stories written by Chapter YOUR HANDS; THEY WILL PERISH, made the world. And He is the members of their time in Vietnam. BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY radiance of His glory and the Another book that is sure to be ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A exact representation of His of interest is “Sacrifices Not GARMENT, AND LIKE A MANTLE nature, and upholds all things Forgotten,” by John Kinzinger. YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE by the word of His power. It contains short character A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE When He had made purification sketches of all 76 men listed on CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, of sins, He sat down at the the Washtenaw County Vietnam AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME right hand of the Majesty on Veterans Memorial, as well as TO AN END.” But to which of the high, having become as much the very interesting story of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT better than the angels, as He struggle to bring the Memorial into MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE has inherited a more excellent being. YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL name than they. On June 13th, there will be an FOR YOUR FEET”? Are they not For to which of the angels did “Almost Flag Day” picnic at the all ministering spirits, sent He ever say, “YOU ARE MY SON, VFW Post 423 grounds on Wagner out to render service for the TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”? Road. All area veterans, their sake of those who will inherit

June 2021 — PAGE 2 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER salvation? 1, 1967. He completed Officer commission (Hebrews 1:1-14). Candidate School at Fort Benning, as a Second Georgia. Lieutenant That last phrase shows that all Second Lieutenant Crane began while serving of creation has as its vision our his tour in Vinh Long Province, in the Korean salvation. Angels are sent to help South Vietnam on May 14, 1968 War. He lead us to Him and His salvation as serving as a Tactical Intelligence continued to servants of God Most High. If that Staff Officer on Advisory Team 52, serve in the doesn’t make us praise His name Headquarters, Military Assistance Regular Army for His goodness toward us, I don’t Command Vietnam (MACV). as an NCO, suppose much will. Lieutenant Crane was flying in a as he was promoted as a reserve Cherish the thought that we helicopter as a special observer officer. Since Korea, Frank served are children of God through the when a flare ignited inside the with the 821st Engineer Aviation redemption brought about by the aircraft causing him to fall from the Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, shed blood of His Son. aircraft on June 26, 1968. He was Missouri then serving with the Hallelujah, He is risen and is “In-Country” for one month and 11 820th Engineer Aviation Battalion seated at the right hand of the days. at Michigan State University as Father. Praise be to Him. Philip Matt Crane II is survived by a military science instructor. ******** his mother, his wife, and a sister. According to the Battalion History He lived 21 years, 4 months and 27 of the Army ROTC Battalion at Honoring June days. He is resting in Crestwood Eastern Michigan University, “in Anniversaries on the Memorial Gardens in Flint, 1961, he taught ROTC at Eastern Wall Michigan. Philip’s name is listed on Michigan University for four years, the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti where he led the rifle team to the Second Lieutenant Philip Matt Township under Ypsilanti. His championship and served as an Crane II was born on January 29, name also appears on the Vietnam advisor to Arm of Honor Fraternity. 1947 to Mrs. Howard P. Gragg Memorial in Washington, DC on During this time, he accepted and the late Philip M. Crane Panel 54W Line 002. his promotion to Captain even of Ypsilanti. Philip played the __++__ though he was rated number accordion when he was very one on the list to be promoted to small. He played Little League Sergeant Major. He then served Baseball. Philip is a 1965 graduate Major Frank Rudolph Maki as a Company Commander at of Ypsilanti High School where was born on March 13, 1928 in Fort McClellan where his troops he played on the varsity tennis Rudyard, Michigan to Mr. Victor would earn four consecutive Best team, was a member of the varsity and Mrs. Lemple Ann Maki. Frank Company awards.” debate team, and a member of the graduated from Rudyard High Major Maki began his tour of National Honor Society. He worked School before enlisting in the duty in Quang Tri Province, all during high school and college Army in 1946 where he completed South Vietnam on May 7, 1971 at the A&P his Basic Training at Fort Lee, serving as an Advisor, Advisor Store. He Virginia. He took part in the Berlin Team 3, Headquarters, Military went on to Airlift serving at the Rhein Main Assistance Command Vietnam attend the Air Base as an Air Ground Liaison (MACV) Advisors, MACV. Captain University NCO. He returned from Germany Maki was killed in action at Fire of Michigan and spent some time as a civilian Support Base Fuller in Quang until he before returning to the Army in Tri Province while coordinating enlisted in 1950 where he served with the medical aid to wounded soldiers the Army 7th Infantry Division in Korea as a on June 22, 1971 during his third on February rifle and weapons squad leader. tour in Vietnam. He was then Sergeant Maki accepted a reserve posthumously promoted to Major.

June 2021 — PAGE 3 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER Award of The Silver Star for his father, two sisters and two four sisters. He lived 20 years, 2 gallantry in action: Captain brothers. He lived 43 years, 3 months and 4 days. Maki distinguished himself by months and 9 days. He is resting According to a posting by Richard’s gallantry in action on 20 - 22 June in Highland Cemetery in Ypsilanti, nephew, “I never had the chance 1971 while serving as Senior Michigan. Frank’s name is listed on to meet you but I just wanted to Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 2d the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti say that I love you and I appreciate Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Township under Ypsilanti. His everything that you did for our Army of the Republic of Vietnam name also appears on the Vietnam country. Your brother,..., named me at Fire Support Base Fuller in Memorial in Washington, DC on in honor of you. I hold your name in Quang Tri Province. Captain Panel 03W Line 086. high regard and I continue to work Maki heroically participated in __++__ harder every day to be the best the defenses of Fire Support person I can be. Every day I wake Base Fuller by accompanying up is a chance to become better and assisting his Vietnamese Corporal Richard Mark O’Neal than I was the day before. I have counterpart against the North was born on May 22, 1948 to Mr. been fortunate enough to marry Vietnamese Army thrust. After and Mrs. William O’Neal of Ann the woman of my dreams and, more than two continuous days Arbor, Michigan. Richard is a thanks to the people that matter of intensive direct and indirect 1966 graduate of Ann Arbor High to me the most, I have been able fire and ground attacks, the NVA School. He entered the Marine to work hard enough to receive my managed to breech the defenses. Corps on B.A. in Journalism-Public Relations Captain Maki then directed many July 6, from SHSU. Thank you to everyone tactical air strikes and aerial 1966 going on here that has posted something, rocket artillery against the enemy. through it was moving to read events that During this time he continued to Marine happened in his life. Uncle Richard, reappraise the tactical situation, Corps Boot I will continue to hold our name in adjust supporting fires and Camp at the highest honor. I love you and I coordinate medical aid to the Marine will meet you some day.” wounded Vietnamese soldiers. Corps Richard is resting in United Though he had been sixty hours Recruit Memorial Gardens in Plymouth, without rest, he continued to Depot, Michigan. Richard’s name is assist his counterparts up until San Diego, listed on the Vietnam Memorial the moment he was mortally California. in Ypsilanti Township under Ann wounded by an enemy artillery He received his Advanced Infantry Arbor. His name also appears round. His extraordinary example Training at Camp Pendleton, on the Vietnam Memorial in of leadership and valiant courage California before being stationed Washington, DC on Panel 50W Line radiated throughout the Fire with the Headquarters and Service 015. Support Base and inspired Company, First Marine Brigade in __++__ the Vietnamese to repulse the Hawaii. enemy attack. Captain Maki’s Corporal O’Neal began his tour of H. Neil Stehle was born on March conspicuous gallantry in action duty in Quang Tri Province, South 30, 1945 to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. was in keeping with the highest Vietnam on May 31, 1968 serving Stehle in Ann Arbor. Neil is a 1963 traditions of the United States as a rifleman with E Company, 2nd graduate of Ann Arbor High School Army and reflects great credit upon Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine where he was on the gymnastics himself and the military service. Division, III Marine Amphibious team. He attended Eastern (As written in Major Maki’s Award Forces. Richard died on July 26, Michigan University majoring in of the Silver Star announcement, 1968 of head injuries suffered in a psychology prior to entering the by LTC August G. Seifert) truck accident. United States Army on April 29, Frank Rudolph Maki is survived Richard Mark O’Neal is survived 1967. by his wife, son, two daughters, by his parents, a brother and Specilist 4 H. Neil Stehle

June 2021 — PAGE 4 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER completed his basic training, VVA 310 Chapter also made available to members and radio and commu-nications Meeting Minutes and others via email on request. courses at By Jon Luker, Secretary We received $3,500 for Pig Roast Fort Knox, donations, which qualifies us to Kentucky. Vietnam Veterans of America receive the $1,000 matching fund He went to Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310 gift as well. Fort Benning, Regular Membership Meeting AVVA Report: The report is printed Georgia where Minutes in the Dispatch. he received 13 May 2021 Committee Reports: training at Call to Order by President Harrison Merchandise: Harrison. No activity, the paratroop at 1900 hrs. but I do have challenge coins with school. Neil Pledge of Allegiance me tonight. was sent Opening Prayer: Bob Bull Washtenaw County Council of to Vietnam Moment of Silence for POW/ Veterans: Harrison. We learned on December 13, 1967 where he MIA’S, their families and those who that there is now $70,000,000.00 in was assigned to B Company, First are serving in hazardous places the Veterans Trust Fund, so make Battalion, 503rd Infantry, of the around the world. sure that veterans who have needs 101st Airborne Division. On June Roll Call: A quorum was know about that and apply for it. 3, 1968, Specialist 4 Stehle was established. Welcome Home Michigan State Council: Luker. serving in Thua Thien Province Everyone! DAV is no longer doing VSO in South Vietnam when he was New Members: None. work. VVA hired most of their wounded by small arms fire. Neil Guests: None. employees and is picking up was transported to a hospital in Motion to approve the April where DAV left off. The State Japan where he died of his wounds Minutes as published in the Council is also getting ready for on June 11, 1968. He lived 23 Dispatch. Bull/St. Antoine. the Region 5 preconference to be years, 2 months and 11 days. Approved. held in Columbus, Ohio 24 – 26 H. Neil Stehle is resting in Swearing in of Officers and Board September. Washtenong Cemetery in Ann Members: Wilson Memorial Maintenance: Merritt. Arbor. He is survived by his parents New Business: Lawns crews are out and doing and two sisters including seven Motion by Luker, seconded good work. The changes we made nieces and nephews. Neil is listed by Bourne, to name the new to drainage are showing now in under Ann Arbor on the Ypsilanti corporation “Local Veterans that the boxwood bushes have Township Vietnam Memorial and Alliance.” Approved. grown 3 inches since this spring. is located on Panel 58W Line Motion by McCrumb, seconded The building project is underway. 027 on the Vietnam Memorial in by Perrault, to conduct Watch Diversified Excavation installed Washington, DC. Fire on 30 May approved without water, did some initial grading, dug ******** objection. footers for the building and the Motion by Wilson to limit the trench for the electricity and then number of flags burned to six died regraded and reseeded the area. for lack of a second. Doan Construction expects to pour Officer Reports: the foundation in the first week of President’s Report: June. Memorial Day planning is Website: McCrumb. Almost 8,000 underway. The ceremony will begin hits this month, so we are up to at 1300, followed by unveiling the 277,483 hits. 3,000 people hit the member bricks. Memorial page on Google Maps, Treasurer’s Report: Reports were 5 of whom clicked through to the emailed to the Board. Reports were website. Membership: McCrumb. We are at

June 2021 — PAGE 5 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER 209 again. Kroger’s that can be more easily just a time for families to relax and Newsletter: Pereira. No report. used by the intended beneficiaries mingle with others. There will be Healthcare: Wilson. You may of the gifts. games for all generations of kids now take your family members Kinzinger: Our guys are being from 3-legged sack races to corn with you to the VA when you get remembered. Jane and I went to hole and games the whole family your vaccine and they will be Larry Prososki’s funeral at Holly. can enjoy. We will serve traditional vaccinated also. If you haven’t While we were there, we visited picnic fare, including pop, water been vaccinated, wear your d**n Dave Hizer’s grave and then went and beer. Bring a lawn chair and mask. But, if you have been fully to the columbarium to see the final any special food or beverage you vaccinated for at least two weeks, resting place of Pete Belaire, and want. We will have a campfire you don’t need to wear a mask then his brother, David Belaire. going until closing. At some point, anywhere anymore. Office workers Wilson: I was working with a doctor we will have a flag retirement will be allowed to return to work in who is researching disease among ceremony as well. a couple weeks. Vietnam veteran children. Her Hall: We lost our last Gold Star CSKMC: (Formerly VAAAHS, research has shown that there are mother, Mrs. Eugenia Fuller. She Formerly AAVAMC) Kinzinger. The many more cases of ADHD and was the last mother to survive the evening meal on the Fourth of July Autism in veteran families than people on our wall. is being upgraded to steak. The there are in civilian families. As you Luker: On some of the copies of meal is being paid for out of the may remember, there are 91,000 the April Dispatch, the name of Support for Hospitalized Veterans specimens in storage at Wurtsmith the funeral home that donated Fund. Air Force Base that came from the our dinner for the April meeting Old Business: None Operation Ranch Hand research. did not show through. For the Good of the Order: Linda Swartz must find a new record, the meal was provided by Dunlap: There will be a three-hour place for them because the Air Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home pepper spray class here at 1000 Force is no longer authorized to do & Cremation Services in Saline. on 12 June 2021 for people who non-war activities. I will be doing Closing Prayer: Bob Bull are 18 years old or older. The fee an Agent Orange presentation up Flag Salute is $10. The VFW will provide food. north once people are permitted to Meeting Adjourned at 1954 hrs. There will be a CPR class on 25 come. Chapter Breakfast (11 June 2021): July 2021. Wilson: Need to do early TBD. Draper: As you may have seen in registrations for the convention ******** our April Dispatch, several of our if we can. Rubber chicken for the members were honored for the Saturday night banquet. Delegates volunteer work at the VA hospital. should apply soon. The highest awards were received St. Antoine: There are several by our Chapter members. lawsuits going against California Merritt: Breakfast tomorrow will be Air Force bases for cancer at 0900 at Holiday’s Restaurant in caused by PFOS and other water Ann Arbor. pollutants. Bourne: Not many of the veterans Bull: The VA hospital is already who are food insecure are able using its new official name. There to get to Holiday’s Restaurant to will be a public name change take advantage of the gift cards ceremony in June, probably. that were donated to us for that Bull: We and Team Red, White “We sleep safely purpose. Therefore, we have & Blue are cohosting a Flag Day at night because rough decided to sell the gift cards at event here at the post on 13 June. men stand ready to face value and use the funds We will hold an old-fashioned visit violence on those from those sales to purchase gift picnic like the churches used to who would harm us.” cards from places like Meijer’s and do. There is not a set itinerary. It is -- Winston Churchill

June 2021 — PAGE 6 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER AVVA Newsletter June went well. Six members attended. your impact, as corporate and 2021 No one signed on to the Zoom individual donors have challenged (Reflecting activities for May session. If you are unable to attend Michiganders to match their 2021) our June 10th meeting, please use $300,000 gift! This means that By Kathy Driscoll, our Zoom link. We would love to every dollar you donate will be AVVA President have as many members attend our doubled, bringing Fisher House monthly meetings. Michigan closer to breaking The Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J Fundraising Projects ground!” vaccine have emergency use • Wrist Story Bracelets are “Please help honor those who have approval from the FDA. All available for $5 donation. We served, remember those we lost; Michigan residents over 12 are have 45 available. Proceeds and, as Zachary Fisher once put it, being vaccinated. The Ann Arbor will benefit Fisher House make a difference in the lives of VA Healthcare system is now Michigan. Please contact me. Michigan’s 650,000 military service vaccinating veterans and their members, veterans, and their volunteers. Henry Ford, U of M If you can, please consider families who have so selflessly and St. Joseph (IHA) are rolling out purchasing a second bracelet. given so much for our country.” their vaccinations. You can also If we sell out, we will have $430 “We are truly grateful you are part apply to Washtenaw County Health to donate to Fisher House of the Fisher House Michigan Department to get your shots. You Michigan. community, supporting the mission will get a message via email or on to care for our military Service the portals. As soon as you receive Members, Veterans and their your invitation, schedule your families, ensuring all are allowed vaccination. Please encourage access to the care they have your children and grandchildren earned.” to be vaccinated. If you have • Our Fisher House Michigan • Agent Orange Masks $10 concerns regarding the vaccination specified line has a balance donation. Please make your and your health, please check with of $0. We sent a $250.00 check payable to “Birth Defects your primary physician. donation to Fisher House Research for Children.” I have Here are the websites to request a Michigan. Our donation will be a few, but Sandie Wilson is the vaccination: matched 100%. May 2021 is main contact for this fundraiser https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/ Fisher House Michigan $300K for Birth Defects Research for COVID-19-Vaccination Memorial Day Match! The Children. Please contact me for https://www.uofmhealth.org/ Memorial Day match will run a mask. coronavirus/vaccine-info-update through June 30, 2021. https://www.stjoeshealth.org/ health-and-wellness/covid-19/ I receive an email from Kate vaccine Melcher: https://ihacares.com/resources/ “NEW this Memorial Day, you can covid19/covid-19-vaccine honor the memory of a Service Meijer, CVS, and Kroger Member or Veteran with your gift, Pharmacies are taking vaccine and a public listing of your loved Paper Safes registrations. If you shop at Meijer, one’s name, photo, story. Using our We have AVVA Paper Safes from CVS or Kroger, please check the Givebutter site allows you to make Nancy Switzer. Please let me know pharmacies for more information. a public post of your choosing. if anyone would like a Paper Safe. Please let me know if you need Further, Givebutter also allows you Service Projects anything. AVVA and VVA 310 have to give via PayPal, Venmo, and to • Fisher House Michigan is resources available to assist you. let us know you would prefer to requesting travel-size items Our in-person meeting on May 13th mail a check.” of shampoo, conditioner, “Donate today and double toothpaste, body wash, etc.,

June 2021 — PAGE 7 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER as well as pocket-size tissues. https://www.google.com/ memo line. You can bring your donations search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=was Kathy Driscoll to our June meeting or contact htenaw+county+food+banks 172 Oakwood Kathy to pick up your donation. Saline, MI 48176 I delivered collected items to Legislation Action! Excerpt from email from April Fisher House Ann Arbor from H.R. 2568 Vietnam Veterans Liver LaRock: our members. I was given a Fluke Cancer Study Act “Highest need for gift cards are for tour, and the home is beautiful. The last movement of this bill was groceries: Kroger and Sam’s Club • Fisher House Michigan would on May 29, 2019. This bill was (they accept Walmart gift cards, like volunteers to make stress referred to the Subcommittee of too). That’s where we shop the balls using large loop yarn. Disability Assistance and Memorial most. The larger the quantities, too If you need a copy of the Affairs by the Committee on (each trip runs us about $250-300), pattern, please email Kathy at Veterans’ Affairs. As of today, and we go at least twice a week. [email protected]. Please Thursday, December 17, 2020, It takes a lot of time to process either drop off your donation there are 17 co-sponsors to this multiple $25 gift cards for one trip directly to Fisher House bill. Tim Walberg (R-I7) is the (if that makes sense just from a Michigan or to Kathy Driscoll. I only Michigan US Congressman donation tracking system).” will be happy to drop them off to co-sign this bill. If you live in Lois Perrault Memorial Fund – for you. another congressional district, 2021 Girls’ State Update! • Rev. Bob Bull needs volunteers please contact your representative The fund balance is $3,348.25. We to assist the Veteran Resource to have him or her co-sign this will not be sponsoring delegates Center on Wednesdays and/ bill. Our AVVA 310 has widows to Girls State 2021 We plan to or Saturdays at the VFW Post whose Veteran husbands suffered sponsor two delegates next year. 423. The center is open from and died from liver cancer. (Girls State 2022) 09:30 am to 5:00 pm. You will Please consider writing your US AVVA Michigan State Association assist in keeping Post 423 Congressional Representative News clean and sanitary. Please to support this bill in honor and The April AVVA meeting was consider volunteering an hour memory of them. cancelled. I will only attend a or two. Breakfast and lunch AVVA Chapter 310 Fundraising Zoom meeting. provided by Rev. Bob Bull, VVA Report AVVA National 310 member. For information As stated above, we have wrist • 2021 National Convention, on volunteering, please contact bracelets for a $5 donation. All November 2 – November Rev. Bob Bull at 734-664-7878. proceeds go to Fisher House 6, 2021 at the Sheraton • Please consider donating food Michigan. Greensboro at Four Seasons to your local community food When I toured the Ann Arbor Fisher Hotel, Greensboro, NC. banks. Our communities still House, their staff mentioned that • Our budget will pay the have families who are food they need gift cards for Kroger delegate fee and AVVA insecure due to Covid 19. or Sam’s Club for weekly food luncheon for one voting Links to local Food Banks shopping. I would like to take up a delegate. I submitted my Saline Social Services: collection to purchase a $250.00 Delegate Registration. Please https://www.salinesocialservice. gift card to be sent to April LaRock, note that the actual VVA com/ways-to-give/donate/ manager of FHM Ann Arbor, in convention registration and Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor: August 2021. Please consider a $5 hotel reservations are a SOS Community Services Ypsilanti, or $10 donation at our June and separate form from the AVVA MI: July meetings. I will purchase the Delegate/Alternate Delegate https://soscs.org/ways-to-give/ gift card. You can mail me your form. Catholic Social Services donation directly. Please make Candidates for National Office: Google Search for Food Banks in your check payable to VVA 310, President Sharon Hobbs Washtenaw County: with AVVA FHM Gift Card on the Vice President Kathy Andras

June 2021 — PAGE 8 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER Secretary Nina Schloffel All AVVA and VVA 310 events are down to help them remember. Treasurer Kaye Gardner posted on our Chapter’s webpage, Later that night, while watching TV, Don Jones www.vva310.org, in the VVA News the husband gets up from his chair Reg. 5 Director Penny Meinhardt Flash section on the right column and asks his wife, Reg. 5 Dep. Director Vivian on the homepage. — “Want anything while I’m in the Heidenrich AVVA Charles S. Kettles Chapter kitchen?” • 2022 Leadership Conference – 310 proudly supports the AVVA —“Will you get me a bowl of ice Hyatt Hotel, Greensville, SC Mission and Vision Statements. cream?” she asks. • 2023 National Convention – AVVA Mission Statement: —“Sure.” Orlando, FL To provide support to Veterans and —“Don’t you think you should write WCCV their families through programs, it down so you can remember it?” I attended the May 17th meeting projects, and education. she inquires. via Zoom. WCCV elections were AVVA Vision Statement: —“No, I can remember it.” held. The 2021-2022 Board was To Create a better everyday life for “Well, I’d like some strawberries on sworn in. We need an alternate Veterans and their families. top, also. Maybe you should write it delegate for WCCV. Please let me Kathy Driscoll down so as not to forget it.” know if you would like to be my Chapter Representative, AVVA He says, “I can remember that. alternate. Responsibilities are to Chapter 310 You want a bowl of ice cream with attend a monthly meeting if I am Past President, AVVA Michigan strawberries.” unable to attend. Association “I’d also like whipped cream. I’m [email protected] sure you’ll forget that! Write it Upcoming Events! 734-355-4897 down!” she insists. Next meeting will be in person at ******** Irritated, the husband says, “I 6:00pm on June 10th. I will have a don’t need to write it down; I can Zoom session for members who remember it! Ice cream with are unable to attend in person. strawberries and whipped cream. I May 30th 5:00 pm Watch Fire at got it, for goodness’ sake!” Vietnam Memorial, Ypsilanti, MI. Then he toddles into the kitchen. There will be a BBQ. Please bring After about 20 minutes, the helpful your hotdog or burger to grill. The husband returns from the kitchen flag retirement will be at 7:00 pm. and hands his wife a plate of May 31st 11:00 am Memorial Day bacon and eggs. She stares at the Ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery, plate for a moment and says, “You Saline, MI. forgot my toast!” May 31st 1:00 pm Memorial Day ******** Ceremony at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Ypsilanti Twp, MI. Food Distribution June 12th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Pepper Spray Class at Veterans The Ann Arbor VA sponsors a Resource Center, VFW Post 423. food distribution at the front of Cost is $10. Jocosity the hospital twice a month. Food June 13th 10:00 am Veterans By Ken Rogge is available every first and third Picnic at VFW Post 423. Open to all Thursday of the month. If you Washtenaw County Veterans and An elderly husband and wife know of any vet who may need their families. This will be a great are both having problems food items, let them know about family event with lawn games and remembering things. During a this event. great food. I hope to see our AVVA check-up, the doctor tells them that ******** members at the picnic. they’re physically okay, but they Keep up to date with our Chapter: might want to start writing things

June 2021 — PAGE 9 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER Current Events Dispatch Recipients This KIA person is listed on By Ann Dempsey-Pereira our Memorial Wall. VVA 310 award winning newsletter David Marshall ~ June 2022 10 June: Chapter Monthly Board reaches approximately 516 people Sandy Martinez ~ September 2021 Meeting, 1730 hrs; Monthly each month with 115 mailed USPS, Del Mayes ~ March 2022 Membership Meeting, 1900 hrs. 52 hits off the website (www. Alfred (Fredo) Merritt ~ January (Click here to attend by Zoom.) vva310.org), and 349 emailed. With 2023 AVVA Monthly Meeting, 1800 hrs good stewardship and networking, Ronald Oliver ~ November 2021 11 June: Chapter Breakfast, 0900 the cost to print the Dispatch Paulo and Ann Dempsey Pereira ~ hrs - location TBD approximates $1,380 per year. October 2021 12 June: Pepper Spray Class, VFW If a VVA 310 member or others George Perrault ~ October 2022 423 Post, 1000-1300 hrs, $10 Fee receiving the Dispatch via USPS Mira and Bob Pierson ~ October 13 June: Veterans Picnic, VFW desire to assist with the printing 2021 Post 423, open to Washtenaw cost, a suggested donation would Helena Prince, in memory of Veterans and families, 1000 hrs be: one year at $12.00, two years at deceased member Tom Prince ~ 14 June: Flag Day $22.00, and three years at $30.00. April 2023 17 June: VA Food Distribution at Payment can be made payable to Glenn Sakcriska ~ November 2026 VAMC Front Entrance, 0900-1200 VVA 310 and mailed to P.O. Box Edith L. Semark ~ September 2023 hrs 3221, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3221 Larry St. Antoine ~ March 2022 18 June: Formal naming of VAMC indicating Dispatch on the memo Chris Wetzler ~ July 2023 as LTC Charles S. Kettles Medical line. Elizabeth Wong ~ September 2023 Center, 1300 hrs All other donations may be made ******** 19 June: Armed Forces Day payable to VVA 310 at the same (1949) mailing address by indicating 21 June: WCCV Meeting, Milan Donation on the memo line. Photo Contest American Legion Post, 1930 hrs RECIPIENTS From VVA National 08 July: Chapter Monthly Board George F Boone ~ October 2021 Meeting, 1730 hrs; Monthly Berryman Bourne ~ August 2023 We are excited to announce the Membership Meeting, 1900 hrs Cynthia Calhoun ~ April 2023 launch of the VVA Calendar Photo (Click here to attend by Zoom) Tim Clarke ~ March 2022 Contest! Every year, VVA celebrates 09 July: Chapter Breakfast, 0900 Joseph Flint ~ January 2022 our members, chapters, and state hrs - location TBD Edward Fuller ~ September 2023 19 July: WCCV Members Only Sarah and Brent Gephart, Sr. ~ Dinner and Meeting, 1730 hrs, March 2031 Saline American Legion Post Corrine Gignac, in memory of her 25 July: CPR Class by Stephanie uncle Neil R. Gignac, CMSAF ~ Hall of WACU, VFW Post 423, April 2024 Time TBD Ralph Henry ~ November 2023 Team Red, White & Blue: Steve and Shirley Hitte ~ June Saturdays @ 0930 meet at the 2024 southeast parking lot of Gallup Darlene Imus ~ January 2027 councils with a unique, limited- Park for their walk and run Jane and John Kinzinger ~ June edition calendar showcasing ** Visit Veterans Radio online 2024 photos submitted by members like (veteransradio.net - click here) Mary Kate Kirkpatrick ~ September you. and make a contribution to help 2021 We’re looking for photos that keep this vital program on the air. Rudy and Jane Kozal ~ May 2022 celebrate moments of VVA ******** Linda Lamey-Leonard, in memory camaraderie and community— of Lavern Lamey ~ July 2024 photos that show veterans

June 2021 — PAGE 10 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER volunteering, participating in attend, and especially those who chapter and state council activities, worked to make our Memorial so or celebrating events that honor beautiful for the event and all the our fellow veterans. volunteers who made the event Since VVA’s founding more than 40 so special. Thank you Township years ago, the work being done by Supervisor Brenda Stumbo for members in communities across joining in our observance and the country has been a cornerstone for all the support you give us of our mission. throughout the year. We look forward to seeing and Yes, this year will be the 30th Rev. Gordon Moore, Chaplain sharing photos of these inspiring Anniversary of the dedication efforts and hope to include yours. As John K reads off a name, of our wonderful Memorial. An another Flag is put in the fire as anniversary celebration will be in Click here to sign up today. others hear the name and watch as order. the Flag is put in. ******** Thank you! The next afternoon, always 1pm, ******** the sound of the bagpiper started Historical Retrospect the event. While playing, Thom VVA 310 Memorial Day Kennedy marched the walkway Celebration, 2021 up to the Memorial and down the By John Kinzinger other side. Chapter President Stan Harrison welcomed everyone and Our 30th Memorial Day observance got the program going. at our Vietnam Veterans Memorial Every year we have speakers, the went very well. The weather was reading of the 76 names on the near perfect. The grounds were Memorial, a reading of the words looking outstanding. Thank you on the Memorial plaque, the to Al Merritt and his group of reading of Paul Dumsch’s poem “I Kokomo Reunion volunteers. Knew Them All,” and Gordon Moore The eve before, we held our annual so very well does the Invocation Watch Fire’ and Flag Retirement and Benediction. event. We had a large turnout. We This year we honored six of our cooked brats and hotdogs and had deceased Chapter 310 members all the other snacks and desserts and unveiled bricks with their to go along with them. Then we names on them, which had honorably burned about 150 flags been laid along the path to the Chapter Flag -- July 4, 2002 that evening, each in memory of a Memorial. We had many of their specific deceased Veteran. family members present to witness the dedication of the bricks. This appeared to be one of the largest crowds we have ever had. Annette Kramer and Pat Lubomski sang a duet, leading us in singing the Star Spangled Banner. And we all left knowing we remembered those Veterans who have gone

Flag burning ceremony before us. They are not forgotten. Thank you to all who were able to Jane Kinzinger and Rebecca Rinkoski

June 2021 — PAGE 11 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER All About VVA 310

Vietnam Veterans of america Chapter President: Stan Harrison Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310 Vice President: Vance McCrumb National Chapter of the Year - 1999 & 2007 Secretary: Jon Luker Newsletter of the Year 2007, 09, 11, & 15 Treasurer: Berry Bourne E-Newsletter of the Year 2017 Chapter Membership: Vance McCrumb Sergeant at Arms: Tim Clarke Chaplain: Rev. Gordon Moore 310 Dispatch Editor: Paulo-Juarez Pereira

Website: https://www.vva310.org/ Email address: [email protected] VVA310 Facebook Page: Click here. VVA 310 Dispatch VVA 310 Chapter Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3221 June 2021 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3221

Vietnam Veterans of America Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310 P.O. Box 3221 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3221 Please Forward. Thank You! Never Again Shall A Veteran Coming Home From Battle Be Made To Feel Alone And Unappreciated! Alone Feel To Coming Home From Battle Be Made Veteran A Again Shall Never

June 2021 — PAGE 12 VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER VVA 310 DISPATCH NEWSLETTER June 2021 — PAGE 12