Boo Coo News Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 VVA154.com Mount Clemens, Michigan APRIL 2015
WELCOME HOME! BUILDING DEDICATION # Donn Sinclair, Open House Committee VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER 18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD he chapter open house is scheduled for Saturday, April CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403 T25. Gary Purcell is arranging for parking at the nearby 586-776-9810 PHONE school and with American House for a shuttle 586-776-9683 FAX bus. There will be very limited parking available in our MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. parking lot. The shuttle will be available and is equipped EVERYONE IS WELCOME. with a wheelchair lift. A handicap plate or sticker will not STOP BY. HANG OUT & HELP OUT. allow parking in the chapter parking lot. If there are special circumstances, contact Gary Purcell. He will decide any exceptions. Please don’t expect access the day of the event, you will be turned away.
DO YOUR CHAPTER A FAVOR ince many of our members are “snowbirding” at this stage of life, please let us Sknow when you are going to be away from your home so we can suspend your Boo Coo News until you return. What happens under the nonprofit mailing process we are using, we pay a greatly discounted mailing rate which reduces our * * * costs of getting the newsletters out to the membership. When you are away, mail GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS like your newsletter doesn’t get forwarded. It gets returned to us and we have to 7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY pay the full first-class postage on every returned newsletter. That means we’re OF THE MONTH paying for mailing costs twice. It only takes a call to the vet center to suspend your AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4, newsletter while you’re vacationing, and a call again when you’re home and want 401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAY to resume receiving your newsletter. Please help the chapter minimize this SOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD unnecessary cost by letting us know when you plan to be away. Thank you for your * * * cooperation. (Boo Coo News is posted on the chapter website, so you may read any BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE: PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING issues that don’t come in the mail.) TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY: CHAPTER CAR SHOW MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE Donn Sinclair, Car Show Chairman VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER # he sun’s out, the snow’s melting. Time to head for the garage, pull off the Tcover and get ready for cruising season. Our chapter car show will be at Gibraltar Mount Clemens, Saturday, August 22. Entry and award sponsor 1,629 forms are available at the vet center. Donations for our raffle table are greatly AMERICANS appreciated. Drop them at the vet center, or give me a call. I’ll be glad to pick them STILL MISSING IN up. As in the past, trophy and award sponsors are critical to the bottom line. The SOUTHEAST ASIA more trophies sponsored, the fewer we need to buy, more money for the chapter. 49 FROM It’s always a good time. Circle the date on your calendar. MICHIGAN 2015 CHAPTER GOLF OUTING nother reminder for the 2015 golf outing. It will again be held at Hickory AHollow Golf Course, North Avenue at 22 Mile Road. The date is confirmed for August 29 with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. We need golfers, hole sponsors, and donations of items for the raffle. Forms will be available soon to allow you to solicit for individual and business support. Contact Dave Schoenherr or Mike Schneider for more info. President’s Message he months of March and April have been consumed with work around the new building and all the various civic activities, fundraisers, planning meetings, etc. that have been going on. It's been a grueling pace for everyone, as is attested to by some short tempers, so Tthankfully we should be starting to see a little break in the action. The times may be trying, but we have to remember we're all here for the same reason, and maintain a positive attitude to keep things moving forward. The building has undergone an impressive transformation over the last couple of months. Anyone who has not stopped by to see what's going on should do so. A lot of the favorable comments have centered on the display area that Gary Stephens has been diligently working on. We've uncovered stuff from the “Chapter 154” archives that a lot of us have never seen. Now we have the area to create what I hope will attest to our legacy in future years. I received an email from a man in Rochester that said he wanted to know if his teenage sons could meet with a few Vietnam vets and hear about weapons, tactics, uniforms, etc. and have a chance to hear about experiences in Vietnam. I suggested to the man that he bring his sons over to the vet center, tour through our exhibits, and talk with some of the vets around the office. I guess where I'm going with this is that this is a remarkable opportunity for all of you to do something similar; bring people (youngsters or adults alike) over to the vet center and use our display area as a teaching tool. As you all talk about, there have been so many misconceptions spread about our war, and here is a tremendous tool for you to “set the record straight.” It's our obligation to make sure future generations don't continue to view us as we have been so negatively portrayed. Several events of importance are coming up during April and May. First on the agenda is the Agent Orange Town Hall meeting that will be held at the American House on Common Road, just east of Groesbeck. The date is April 18 and the time is noon. There will be presentations being made about the effects of Agent Orange on our children and grandchildren. There is substantial information that directly associates many diseases in our children with our exposure to Agent Orange, so please plan on attending to hear all the details. This will be a major issue with Vietnam veterans going forward. April 25 will be the dedication ceremonies for the new vet center. We are getting invitations out in the mail to some of the key people in the county and Clinton Township, and a good turnout of members would certainly be a show of force about our commitment to the veterans of Macomb County. The start of the ceremony will be at 11 a.m. that day. In case the weather is uncooperative, Gary Purcell is lining up tents and chairs for attendees. As parking is a problem at the vet center for this type of event, we are asking people to park at the Jonas Salk school just west of the vet center. We will be providing a shuttle bus from the lot to the building and ask your cooperation in using the school parking lot. Lastly, Clinton Township is bringing in the ½ scale replica Vietnam memorial wall over the Memorial Day weekend. I have committed the chapter to assist wherever possible so that the event is handled in a dignified manner. We are asking for volunteers to help set up the wall on May 21 and tear down on May 25, to work as wall escorts for those people who may need assistance, security for the wall while it is here, and to read the names of the 2,654 Michigan servicemen whose names appear on the memorial. Additionally, there will be a veteran's hospitality tent set up and we may be asked to staff that as well. Anyone wishing to throw their name in for any of these volunteer duties should contact me directly. Your participation will guarantee this event is successful and handled professionally. A busy spring for all of us, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at any, or all, of the listed events. Let's put our best foot forward and represent Chapter 154. Brian Bobek 20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 1967-68
VVA CHAPTER 154 OFFICERS TRUSTEES Fred Warner (2015), Mike Gardner (2016), Gary Sox (2017) President Brian Bobek 586-524-3806 1st VP Gary Purcell 586-243-6293 2011-2012 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS 2nd VP Steve Bago 586-419-2212 Community Service Mike Gardner Secretary Mike Schneider 586-567-0731 Constitution/By-Laws Donn Sinclair Treasurer Mike Jacobi 586-504-0781 ETABO Chris Scalise Finance Mike Jacobi BOARD OF DIRECTORS Government Affairs Ron Drdul Mike Gardner (2015) 586-615-1509 Membership Larry May Larry May (2015) 586-790-0008 Minority Affairs Steve Bago Chris Scalise (2015) 810-278-1907 Nominating Committee Gary Sox, Bob Steward, Mike Bilyk Donn Sinclair (2015) 586-243-0222 Public Affairs Brian Bobek Gary Stephens (2015) 586-747-8149 Veterans Affairs Gary Stephens Greg Bowman (2016) 586-850-1800 Veterans Benefits Brian Bobek Gil Claunch (2016) 586-854-7842 Women Veterans Jim Watts Ron Drdul (2016) 586-899-7112 POW/MIA Tom Duff Dave Schoenherr (2016) 586-940-2568 Agent Orange/Dioxin George Sawyer Jim Watts (2016) 586-524-9705 Incarcerated Veterans Dave Schoenherr Veteran’s Health Care Gil Claunch State Delegates Mike Gardner, Brian Bobek, Mike Schneider
SPECIAL & AD HOC COMMITTEES Boo Coo News Publisher AVVA Rep Patrick Bozzi The Board of Directors Color Guard Jim Watts Boo Coo News Editor Food Bank Gil Claunch Brian Bobek Hospitalized Vets Tom Duff Typesetting ~ Linda May Lottery Jim Auito Thank you! to all of our advertisers. Merchandise Tim Ignash Michigan Memorial Dave Schoenherr Scholarship Woody Horne Speakers Bureau Ed Zysk Webmaster Larry Sauger Welcome Home Mitch Argyris Operation Christmas Gary Purcell chairman; Ron Drdul dance; Gil Claunch food; Peggy&Terri toys
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 2 # HONOR GUARD REPORT- Jim Watts, Commander
ince my last report out on February 11, 2015 the honor guard has conducted Sthe following details:
Total of 8 Funerals 5 Army, 1 Navy, 1 USAF, 1 USMC 4 WWII, 2 Korea, 1 Vietnam, 1 two-war veteran (WWII & Korea)
Lynn Ryan Jr. Navy WWII & Korea Jim Watts Commander Steve Bago Vice Commander Jerome Gwisadalla USAF Korea John Mohan Treasurer Gary Geister Army Vietnam Gary Stephens Armorer Walter Schmidt Army WWII Ted Szymanski Armorer/Property Officer John Zawaiski Army WWII Ron Drdul Chaplain Raymond Bliemeister Army Korea Glen Cash Assistant Chaplain John Bohach Army WWII Morley Ireland USMC WWII
Other Details & Functions Honor guard also participated in: • Flag detail for Safari Club International Novi Chapter, MGM in Detroit • Flag detail for Safari Club International Detroit Chapter, Sterling Inn
Color Guard Honors Wounded Warrior or the last several years, the Chapter 154 color guard has been presenting our national and service flags at the opening Fceremony for the annual Novi Chapter Safari Club International Wild Game Dinner and Fundraiser event at the MGM Grand in Detroit. At this event the SCI honors a wounded warrior from our most recent conflicts, and this year was no exception. We had the honor sitting with Sgt. Mitch Underwood who lost one of his legs to an IED in Iraq in 2011. He attended the event with his wife, and sat at the table of honor accompanied by our honor guard. Following the presentation of flags, President Brian Bobek was called to the stage to present one of our medals to Sgt. Underwood. It's always a very moving ceremony, and brings the crowd to their feet to acknowledge one of our soldiers who have made a significant sacrifice to maintain the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We thank SCI Novi for, once again, requesting that Chapter 154 participate in this event, and we salute Sgt. Underwood for his service to country.
Selfridge Military Air Museum launches 2015 season he museum’s general public hours are noon-4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, plus Independence Day Tand Memorial Day, April 4 – Oct. 31. The Museum and Air Park can also be opened by appointment at other times throughout the year. More than $7 million worth of aircraft displays await visitors to the museum. Highlights in the air park include a C-130 Hercules and a P-3 Orion. Indoor displays include a full-scale historically accurate replica of a World War I fighter plane, the SPAD XIII; This T-6 Texan will soon be a ¾-scale historically accurate replica of the Wright Brothers first aircraft, the Wright Flyer;” an interactive added to the air park display at the Selfridge Military cutaway and motorized World War II aircraft engine; an interactive Air Traffic Control radar display; an Museum at Selfridge Air extensive display of original aviation art produced by noted aviation artists; a Korean War era "Jeep", and four National Guard Base. The aircraft cockpit trainers: a modern F-16 "Fighting Falcon," a Vietnam-era A-7 “Corsair II,” a World War II LINK single-engine trainer was trainer that guests can actually sit inside, and a functional LINK trainer that can be operated only by flown by the Michigan Air appointment and by qualified individuals. National Guard from 1946 Museum displays show a wide variety of military memorabilia including weapons, aircraft engines, military until 1955. It is painted in uniforms, military aircraft models, and photographs spanning the almost 100-year history of the Base. The colors appropriate to that era. All of the more than 30 aircraft Selfridge Military Air Museum is a private nonprofit organization staffed entirely by volunteers and receives no on display at the museum federal or state funding for the operation and maintenance of its facilities and displays. Admission is $4 per were either operated by the guest over the age of 12 and $3 for children between 4 and 12 years of age with a minimum donation of $25 for Michigan ANG or by another all by-appointment tours. See www.selfridgeairmuseum.org. Selfridge Military Air Museum, 27333 C St., Bldg. military unit at a base in the 1011, Selfridge ANGB MI 48045, 586-239-5035, [email protected]. state of Michigan.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 3 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 Hospital Report Contact Ron Drdul [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 n March 11, Carol Gernand, Pete timely manner. All of the kind thoughts and prayers offered up by our Gernand, Joe Spencer, Gil Claunch, Judy membership are truly appreciated by these folks, and apparently are working OHaag, John Hages, Carlene Cremin, Don to help them through their tough times. Keep ‘em coming. Cremin, Linda Baisden, Harry Wisniewski and I went to the VA Hospital. We went to wards Sick Call A-4 north and A-3 north, the substance abuse ward and the dialysis ward. We visited with 59 vets. We passed out personal items bags, • Chapter member Glenn Williams underwent major back surgery magazines, crossword puzzle books, Boo Coo recently. Glenn has had a lot of pain to deal with the last few years Newsletters, blankets, lap robes, bananas, and this was a very complex surgery. pretzels, potato chips, Hostess products. We passed out handmade placemats donated by • Chapter and color guard member, Roger Krzeminski recently went school children. We had a great time and most in for a third installment of chemo. After they drew blood, the blood of all we let at least 59 vets know that we care counts came back low for the white and red blood cells. Rather than and they are not forgotten. risk infections when they get this low, they choose to give a shot (Neupogen) which boosts the making of the cells that are being killed by the chemo.
• Chapter member Dave Porter was recently at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor where he underwent surgery for cancer.
Many other members are still struggling with their ailments, and your continued prayers and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated by all of them.
VA Eliminates Net Worth as Health Care Eligibility Factor he Department of Veterans Affairs is updating the way it determines eligibility for VA health care, a change that will result in more veterans having access to the health care benefits. VA eliminated the use of net worth as a determining factor for both health care Tprograms and copayment responsibilities. This change makes VA health care benefits more accessible to lower-income veterans and brings VA policies in line with Secretary Robert A. McDonald’s MyVA initiative which reorients VA around veterans’ needs. Instead of combining the sum of veterans’ income with their assets to determine eligibility for medical care and copayment obligations, VA will now only consider a veteran’s gross household income and deductible expenses from the previous year. Elimination of the consideration of net worth for VA health care enrollment means that certain lower-income, non-service-connected veterans will have less out-of- pocket costs. Over a 5-year period, it is estimated that 190,000 veterans will become eligible for reduced costs of their health care services.
In March 2014, VA eliminated the annual requirement for updated financial information. VA now uses information from the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration to automatically match individual veterans’ income information which reduces the burden on veterans to keep their healthcare eligibility up to date. That change better aligned VA’s health care financial assessment program with other federal health care organizations. Veterans may submit updated income information at www.1010ez.med.va.gov/, or by visiting their nearby VA health care facility. For more information, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits or call VA toll-free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 4 ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA http://www.avva.org The Mission and Vision of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is to advance the work of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. through cooperative projects and/or programs, to facilitate, enhance and improve communication with our members and the general public and to continue legislative efforts to ensure the rights of and benefits for all veterans and their families. Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., are dedicated to the aggressive advancement of realistic goals with integrity and in the spirit of unity that reflects our commitment of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., all veterans, their families and communities.
JOIN THE ASSOCIATES! We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. AT THE VET CENTER
Minutes of March 18, 2015 AVVA Meeting Mac & Cheese Event a Success Meeting opened at 7 p.m. with the Pledge and a moment of silence. n Friday, February 27, our friends at American House held a macaroni and cheese fundraiser event to benefit Chapter Mitch Malek, was present to offer us Barbie Dolls that could be O154. Twelve brave chefs came prepared to offer their unique used as a fundraiser. He presented a list of the dolls and their recipe for mac & cheese. Included in the serving line were several approximate worth. He asked that if we took them, we provide him chapter members: Don & Carlene Cremin, Dave Schoenherr, Gil with a donation letter for his taxes. Their approximate value was a Claunch, Associate member Jennifer Hissong, and Ron Squires little over $2,600. A discussion was held and it was decided that (who actually admitted that it was his wife that made their dish). we did not want to take this project on. Personally, I was only able to get through six samples, but others The chapter open house (grand opening) will be held on were far more aggressive and got through more of the dishes. Saturday, April 25. The associates have been asked to help in the Quite a few chapter members were in attendance, all voting for food area. Phyllis passed around a paper to sign up for baking their favorite. The final winner was our own Associate member, either cookies or brownies. Jennifer Hissong. American House also ran a 50/50 raffle and silent Brian spoke about The Wall That Heals coming to the Clinton auction, as well as providing entertainment for the evening. In Township Library on Memorial Weekend. The chapter has been addition, Fran Marable from American House had another surprise asked to help in several areas. Setup of the wall will be May 21 for us. Her husband and son participated in one of those "polar and it will remain open 24/7 that weekend. Tear-down will be on plunge" events where crazy people jump through a hole in the ice the 25th. An email has been sent out by Brian listing the different as a demented way of raising money for worthwhile causes. They areas where help will be needed. presented money that was pledged by many people, and that was The Memorial Day BBQ at Freedom Hill was touched on. Phyllis given to our chapter as well. will talk to Jim Watts, to see what the Honor Guard would like us to It was a great event, a lot of fun for everyone, and resulted in a do. It will be further discussed at the next meeting. Karen Mack nice contribution to our chapter. We thank the fine folks at said Resurrection Cemetery will again provide lunch to the Honor American House for their continued support of our chapter. They Guard and other chapter and associate members who attend the are always there for us. There will be another event in the near ceremony at the cemetery. future, a chili cook-off. When the notice comes out, please join us in The following events were talked about: The rib and karaoke participating in these fundraisers. We certainly benefit from them, evening on March 19 to be held at the Native American chapter and you get a chance to sample some cooking from our chapter's (American Indian Veterans of Michigan Inc.) This is not a finest chefs. fundraiser, but rather a fun evening for chapter and associate members of both groups. Bring a dish to pass and a nonalcoholic beverage. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans at the Bruce Post on March 28 at 3 p.m.; the chapter is helping with the food. March 30, the Native American chapter is hosting a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans at their site (South Eastern Michigan Indians Inc.). This will start at 2 p.m. and is a spaghetti dinner. American House is holding a chili cook off on March 25; this is not a fundraiser for our chapter, but we are encouraged to attend. American House is very good to our chapter. Operation Christmas Dinner Dance, December 5 at Fern Hill (new venue) this year, August 22 chapter car show and August 29 chapter golf outing. Please try and help where you can and where it is needed. Elections will be held next month, Pat Drdul and Cathy Cook will count the ballots. Brian spoke on the Agent Orange Town Hall meeting to be held on April 18 at the American House on Common Road. It is important to get the word out on this event and attend if you can. The next meeting will be held on April 15. Meeting adjourned at 7:45. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Schoenherr, Acting Secretary
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 5 Minutes of General Membership Meeting 3/11/15 ~ Submitted by Mike Schneider
eeting called to order by President Brian Bobek at 1900 hours. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silence observed. Reading of motions passed at the last board meeting were read and approved by membership. Previous month's minutes from Boo Coo News Mwere approved. Treasurer's report given by Mike Jacobi, general account was down this month due to upgrading new facility but all funds are doing fine. Motion by Mitch A, seconded by Jim W to accept audited report.
COMMITTEES: OLD BUSINESS: POW/MIA, hospital and honor guard to follow. No merchandise or state council The Agent Orange seminar will be on April 18 at American House on Common Rd from noon reports. until 2 p.m. or later, depending on audience participation. Our government seems to want to focus on children and grandchildren of the Vietnamese but not our own. There are bills in the Speakers Bureau House and Senate asking for the same kind of interest for our offspring. The only thing they We have contacted schools and hope to recognize for male veterans offspring is spina bifida as compared to 15 ailments attributed to start visiting in April. female vets. A motion was made by George S, seconded by Chris F to place an ad in the Macomb Daily about the seminar, passed by the membership. Scholarship Forms must be turned so awards can be Gary Purcell will chair the dedication and open house committee for the new vet center given in June. scheduled at 11 a.m. on April 25. "The Wall That Heals" will be at the Clinton Twp. Library beginning May 21. The chapter will be involved throughout the weekend, more info to follow. Food Pantry The Native American Veterans received a grant from the Michigan Department of Health for a We took care of 52 families in February stop smoking program. There are forms at the vet center you can fill out and the information is totaling 141 people. Forgotten Harvest strictly confidential. A night of barbecue, as well as a welcome home night, were also sponsored still bring food to help us feed the at their place in Center Line. Thanks guys and gals for your hard work. We are still seeking grant hungry. money to update lighting and will ask DTE to evaluate our electric use throughout the facility. Harry W donated $50 to the color guard and challenged others to match it. Thanks Harry. Traveling Memorial We were at the Bruce Post VFW for NEW BUSINESS: welcome home day. Thanks again to them for sponsoring a day for us. Fundraiser held at El Charro Restaurant on 3/16. O'Reilly Auto Parts offers a 10% discount to Donation money given to the chapter veterans. Macomb County Master Gardener program will recommend landscape ideas for the vet from our travels. Thanks to all who center. United Lawnscape was contacted about a yearly contract for snow removal/lawn service, help. more to follow. If you have memorabilia that you wish to donate or loan for display at the vet center, see Gary Stephens. He has done an excellent job of making this area quite an attraction. Agent Orange Great job Gary. Member of the Year forms must be in by April 15. Thank you Associate for the New claim forms must be filled out cake and coffee at the meeting for a welcome home to all. completely. Get help from your service officer to do them properly. You can 50/50 ticket #884198 was won by Joe R. Motion to adjourn by Ron D, seconded by John B. obtain you high school from your local school board if you did not graduate. Results of nominations and acceptances, third and final round. Elections April 8. You can get a referral from the VA to see a chiropractor for service-connected President: Brian Bobek disabilities. 1st Vice-president: Gary Purcell Steve Bago Associates Second Vice-president: Woody Horne Third round of nominations were held Ron Drdul at their March meeting. Jennifer Thomas Budzinski (Stone) Hissong won first prize at the Secretary: Mike Schneider mac-and-cheese cookoff at American Treasurer: Mike Jacobi House. Way to go Jennifer. Board of Directors: Gary Stephens, Terry Dickinson, Leo Miller, Donn Sinclair, Bob Steward, Ron Squires, Larry May, Joe Spencer, George Chicklas, Leo Car Show Lalonde, John Willey The car show will be August 22 at Trustee: John Hages, Tim Ignash Gibraltar. Trophy and prize forms Nominating Committee: Mike Bilyk, Gary Sox available at the vet center. Sponsors are State Delegate: Brian Bobek, Mike Schneider, Chris Franklin, Dave Porter the key to the success of the car show, so everyone was encouraged to solicit sponsors.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 6 POW/MIA POW/MIA Reports Welcome Home! Submitted by Tom Duff 1,629 Missing 49 Michigan REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN POW/MIAS FOR APRIL YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
•“I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured --- WARREN ANDERSON, CAMDEN even prepared to be killed. I was not prepared to be abandoned LOST 4/26/66, NORTH VIETNAM, AIR FORCE by my country.” Former POW U.S. Navy Captain Eugene “Red” ELLIS AUSTIN, VERMONTVILLE McDaniel LOST 4/21/66, NORTH VIETNAM, NAVY •A man is not dead until he is forgotten. We will never forget. GREGORY CROSSMAN, STURGIS Welcome Home! LOST 4/25/68, NORTH VIETNAM, AIR FORCE •“When one member of the armed forces is not worth the effort WILLIAM TROMP, FENNVILLE to be found, then we have lost our honor.” ~~ VVNW LOST 4/17/66, NORTH VIETNAM, NAVY MICHAEL WALLACE, ANN ARBOR Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag. Display a LOST 4/19/68, SOUTH VIETNAM, ARMY 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.
POW/MIA Report WWII 1st Lt. James F. Gatlin, Jr., U.S. Army Air Force. Lost 12/23/1944 in Germany. He was accounted for 1/9/2015. He was buried with full military honors. 1st Lt. William Bernier from Montana; 1st Lt. Bryant Poulsen from Utah; 1st Lt. Herbert Young from Arizona; Tech Sgt. Charles Johnston from Pennsylvania; Tech Sgt. Hugh Moore from Maryland; Staff Sgt. John Copeland from Kansas; Staff Sgt. Charles Jones from Georgia; Sgt. Charles Gardner from California. Lost April 10, 1944 in New Guinea. KOREA Cpl. C.G. Bolden, U.S. Army. Lost 1/5/1951 in North Korea. He was accounted for 1/16/2015. He will be buried with full military honors. Sgt. 1st Class Donald R. Strum, U.S. Army. Lost 11/4/1950 in North Korea. He was accounted for 1/13/2015. He will be buried with full military honors. VIETNAM Capt. David Chorlins, U.S. Air Force. Lost 1/11/1970 in Laos. He was accounted for 1/17/2015. He will be buried with full military honors. Sgt. 1st Class James W. Holt, U.S. Army. Lost 2/7/1968 in Vietnam. He was accounted for 1/10/2015. He will be buried with full military honors.
1,629 missing from the Vietnam War; 49 from Michigan
From the National League of POW MIA Families: ONGOING POW/MIA REORGANIZATION: In response to growing concerns over direction, a veteran service organization and League letter was sent to former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on December 11, 2014, laying out very serious concerns over lost momentum and lack of confidence in the ongoing reorganization effort. The former Secretary again responded to our concerns, but it was not until January 9, 2015, that specific decisions were announced. While Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth will continue to be the senior DoD official directly responsible, RADM Michael T. Franken, USN, was named Interim Director of the new Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and former JPAC Commander Maj Gen Kelly K. McKeague, USAF, was named the Interim Deputy Director. In addition, and as promised, LTG Michael Linnington, USA, currently serving as Military Deputy to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, was named as special advisor to USDP Wormuth. The Personnel Accounting Consolidation Task Force was terminated, as were the PACT-directed Working Groups. The Clearing, a private consulting firm retained by the PACT Director, is continuing to provide assistance, though now to newly organized and directed functional task forces. Despite former Secretary Hagel’s admonition to be fully transparent, Working Group recommendations were not released publicly; therefore the League is unable to provide insights on the usefulness of their efforts. The League, VSOs and other groups received pledges from senior DoD officials that secrecy was over, there would be full transparency and a real working partnership would be established with the families, in particular.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 7 Member Spotlight Thank You & Acknowledgments Feature Writer Leo Lalonde elow is a listing of companies and individuals who stepped up to the plate to assist in the process of moving and few people call him, “James.” Most call him, “Jim,” but Bgetting all of the various elements completed to allow us to many fellow Vietnam Veterans call him, “Chapter 154's begin operations at the new facility. In most cases, the Alottery man.” And for good reason. companies listed provided materials at their cost, sometimes at no cost, and additionally provided labor for free. The individuals Auito has been active in Chapter 154 listed, whether chapter members or not, put in countless hours for the past five years and has been in to get things shaped up, all at no cost to the chapter. This move charge of selling lottery tickets for the would have been much more difficult and costly without the past four years. He and his two selfless efforts of these fine folks. Please join me in assistants, John Steinacker and Terry acknowledging all those who worked so hard. Dickinson, oversee the selling of 1,000 “Daily 3" lottery tickets every other Allied Signs Inc - Dominic Palazzolo (new front sign) month by 34 volunteer ticket-sellers. Colville Electric - Jim Colville (everything electrical) The first month is for selling tickets DAK Construction - Doug Mathew (carpentry) and the next month is for the drawings. Dilisio Contracting Co - Joe Dilisio (pavement work) Fire & Ice Mechanical - Don Dezio (new HVAC units) Auito checks the “Daily 3" evening Gold ‘n Stones - Wallace Kotlarz (cameras) draw each day and writes out three Kramer & Murray, Attorneys - Michael J Murray (legal checks every night. The owner of the representation during acquisition) winning ticket gets $50. The persons LaSalle Sales - Chuck DeSlippe (carpentry/drywall) with the number before and after the Network One Inc - Tony Camilli (video surveillance system) winning ticket each get $10. P&K Power Klean - Dave Redlowski (carpet cleaning) Wednesday’s winner gets the big money award of $125 while Rocket Enterprises (moving of flagpole and installation) the seller of the winning ticket gets $50. Rose Moving Co – Arnie Stefani (move of office furniture to new building) Asked if supervising the chapter's lottery operation is “almost a Signorello Cement Co - Mike Signorello (pavement) full time job,” Auito answers, “It can be hectic.” Jim Auito - (Construction) Bobby Steward (Construction) Born in Detroit and raised in Warren, Auito graduated from East Frank Blowers - (Appraisal) Detroit High School in 1966. He met his wife, Deborah, in 1970 Bob Bowman - (Painting/Construction) and they married in 1971. They have one son, Jimmy II, born in Dennis Bowman - (Painting) 1972. He and his wife, Julie, have two children, Tyler, a 7-year- Greg Bowman - (Site Manager) old boy and his sister, Arianna, 18 months. Larry Bowman - (Paint/Painting) Mike Bowman - (Electrician) Auito's military career began in August 1967, when he was Gil Claunch - (Telephone/Computer Installation) drafted. He did basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. and completed Pat Clinton - (Plumbing) AIT at Fort Meade, MD. His MOS was 64B20, driving heavy 5-ton Tim Ignash - (Construction) trucks. Upon arriving in Vietnam, he was assigned to the 585th Kevin Kalich - (Drywall Finishing) Transportation Company, which was part of the 39th Battalion, Gary Purcell - (Moving & Clean Up) 26th Group, First Logistical Command. Mike Schneider - (Construction & spiritual guidance) Dave Schoenherr - (Construction) “Basically, we drove to DaNang, picked up ammo and drove it to Joe Spencer - (Construction) the boonies,” Auito said. “We often worked seven days a week, Ron Squires - (Construction) 14 hours a day.” He was in country for 14 months, discharging John Steinacker - (Construction) from Fort Lewis, WA in March 1969. Gary Stephens - (Museum Curator)
Auito worked for ten years after his discharge for Chrysler Lastly, Brian Bobek, who mainly stayed out of the way of the Transport, until he was laid off in 1982. He then started his own guys who knew far more about what they were doing than business, J & R Modernization, where he worked on aluminum himself. siding, construction, windows, trim, gutters, etc. He worked in this business until he retired in 2008. He turned the business There were so many people that bellied up to the bar that you over to his son. may have been overlooked. For that I sincerely apologize, but know that your efforts were, and are, certainly appreciated. Auito can be seen almost every day at the chapter's vet center. To him, “being in the chapter is all about camaraderie,” Auito said. “I love the brotherhood here. It's all about relaxing and getting away from the outside.”
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 8 Member(s) of the Year Nominations VVA CHAPTER 154 MEMBER OF THE YEAR NOMINATING FORM The annual Member of the Year Nominating forms must be turned in by April 15 nominations are continuing. Forms Member of the Year will be announced at the May general membership meeting may be picked up at the Vet Center. This is an opportunity for members to Nominee’s Name: nominate someone who consistently goes beyond the call of duty in some ______facet of service to this chapter. I believe this person should be selected as Member of the Year because: Persons previously receiving this (add additional sheets if necessary) award are not eligible to be nominated ______again. ______We may make awards to more than ______one chapter member at the discretion ______of the committee. If you feel strongly ______that someone deserves this ______recognition, please fill out an ______application and drop/mail it back to ______the Vet Center to the attention of Gary ______Stephens. Note that you have until ______April 15 to get the application back. ______The committee will review your nominee, and the awardee(s) will be Completed forms should be submitted to: named at the May general membership Gary Stephens meeting. Time is getting short, so act c/o Veterans Support Center quickly. 18025 15 Mile Road, Clinton Twp., MI 48035 (mail) Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (drop off) Thank you for your help and support
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 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
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Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News APRIL 2015 - Page 10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
April 2015
1 2 3 4 Board Service April 3-4 Meeting Officer memorial at Laingsburg Al Anon Good Friday
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Passover Service Officer Hospital visit Service United begins Pointman Chapter Officer Military Ministries meeting Al Anon Families ELECTIONS
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Orthodox Service Associates Service Agent Orange Easter officer Meeting 7pm Officer Town Hall at Al Anon American Honor guard tax day House meeting
19 22 21 22 23 24 25 Service Service Dedication of Officer Earth Day Officer new vet Al Anon center
26 27 28 29 30 LOOKING Aug.22 car show Service memorial at AHEAD May John Glenn HS 21-25 help Aug. 29 golf Officer Westland needed with outing The Wall That Heals 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!
APRIL 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 Camaraderie Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out
All Volunteer-Run Chapter Business Center 1,629 still unaccounted for; Veterans Food Pantry 49 from Michigan Employment Assistance Veterans Benefits Service Officer Free Counseling Information