Courtesy of Treasurer, and VVA Travel Site Coordinator, Bob Dew New March 3rd: Dear Fellow VVA Chapter 528 Supporters, I want to thank you for your passion for Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528. Over the years you've supported VVA Chapter 528 with your voice, your energy and your dollars. Now, we're proud to say, it's time to give you something back! Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 has a new membership service that actually puts the "fun" in fundraising and it won't cost you a penny. I know you've heard that one before. But, this time it's true! Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 now has its own travel website at www.travelvva528.com! This new service is like having our own Expedia@ just for VVA Chapter 528 supporters and friends! Everything you need is right here. You get access to the same airlines, hotels and rental car companies, cruises and vacation packages you find on all the other major travel websites, and, best of all - you get some of the lowest travel prices on the internet! Getting great travel prices for you is fantastic, right? But, how is this going to help raise funds for VVA Chapter 528?

Here's How it Works: If you don't know, every time you use a travel website like Expedia@, the travel companies pay BIG commissions for your reservation. Well, now when you book travel on our website, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 will get a whopping 40 percent of those commissions! Any way you look at it, this is a win-win situation. You get great travel rates and you help funnel dollars from the travel companies into Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 to advance our cause. With your help and other VVA Chapter 528 supporters like you, we can raise thousands of dollars for Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 to help support our cause! I know you might have a slight case of "cabin fever," as a result, you are in the middle of planning a winter vacation or maybe looking ahead to plan travel for the Spring. Why not take the travel website for a "test drive" right now? I'm sure you'll like what you find and it would be a great way for us to kick off this new service. Try out our new website at: www.travelvva528.com. Use our new travel website and while you are flying to some exotic locale, you'll know you are supporting Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528! It's that simple! Oh, and one more thing, please bookmark our new website. That way you'll be able to use it anytime you need travel.

Thanks for your commitment to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 and for trying out our travel service at www.travelvva528.com.

 President Bill Boudreau and Secretary Mike Schlott want everybody to please send in their Agenda information by the Wednesday prior to the General Business Meeting and the Wednesday prior to the Board Meeting.   This way the Agendas can be printed out with all information.   Either phone or email Bill or Mike with information you want included with each month's Agenda.

New May 15, 2008 Battle Hymn of the Republic Check out this beautiful rendition of one of my favorite songs. Thanks, Dean Bell!

New May 15, 2008 Battleship New Jersey video found at You Tube.

The Canton Veterans Memorial Association is accepting donations for the Veterans Memorial in the way of inscribed brick pavers that will be placed in the walkway leading to the Veterans Memorial.  One has three choices of inscribed brick pavers: $50.00, $100.00, and $250.00.  All proceeds go to directly support the Veterans Memorial project.  The lettering on the brick must be limited to no more than two lines of ten characters; spaces are counted as characters.  Canton Memorial List of Names

$50.00 donation form
$100.00 donation form
$250.00 donation form

Charity Motors Please, donate your vehicle to Vietnam Veterans of America

Color guard elections will take place after the next membership meeting. The Plymouth Memorial Day parade is at 8:30 this year. We will be marching north from Main Street and Wing to the Memorial Park. We will not be marching in the Northville parade but time permitting; the rifle squad will go directly to Rural Hill Cemetery for the honor volleys. We have a number of events taking place in June. Details will be forthcoming.  See either Bob Lamoureux, Commander or Rick Ciaramitaro, Drill Sergeant for further information.

The Dog Tags sell for $5.00 for a single and $8.00 for a set of two.  These tags can be used for identification of your child's school bag, or you can replace your lost set of dog tags from your military service.  These tags can also be used for I.D. tags for your pets.  The Tag may have up to 5 lines of printing and 16 spaces per line.  This fundraiser will be an ongoing effort to continue to raise funds for our Chapter.  Contact Dale Luebke at 734-395-5144 or dale68us@yahoo.com or contact Gary Boucher "Ouch" at 734-729-3820 or ouchboucher@yahoo.com.   Dog Tag Form.

Saturday, May 17th

Bill Boudreau and I would like to thank all of the members who helped out today at the Annual Fishing Derby. We had great weather and a great time. Thanks to Dean Bell, Doug Fox, Dale Luebke, Al Kerbyson, Darrell Bazman, Gary Kubik, Ron Little, Aggie Little, and Vaughn Hull. The derby was held at Waterbend Park in the Hines Park area. Kids 12 and under were able to fish for trout between 8:00 am to 10:00 am for free and without needing a fishing license. Prizes for largest and smallest trout, heaviest and lightest trout in three separate age groups were given by Wayne County Park Services and VVA Chapter 528 Plymouth/Canton, MI. New this year, the biggest fish was given the prize to have their fish sent to a local taxidermist (Dave's Taxidermy of Plymouth). Take a look at some of the Fishing Derby Photos from our event.

Again, Thanks!
Tom Brown & Bill Boudreau

May's Homefront Newsletter New April 25th

Click HERE to download our May "Homefront" Newsletter.  Our postal mailing May Homefront should be mailed by the end of April.  If you want to see our last eight Newsletters choose THIS PAGE.

"The monthly newsletter is available by mail or off the website to members and friends.  Currently we are mailing out about 150 newsletters every month and any of you may option to get it online at any time.   All I need would be for you the member to email me at dale68us@yahoo.com or call me at 734-395-5144 to update the information.  The web newsletter usually has more pages and is always in color and does not have our phone numbers listed.   In comparison, the 'mail out' newsletter is in black and white but contains the phone numbers of our members.

Because of The Sportsman's Raffle Events and all of our April, May, June, and July Events we are publishing 50 additional newsletters each month so that we may hand them out to the public at these events who are Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, or interested people who might want to join our Chapter."

Thank You!
For the Chapter
Dale M. Luebke

"I would like to thank Don Dignan for being our 'Proof Reader' of our Homefront Newsletter, since November of 2007.   Don has officially been added to our newsletter staff.   I would also like to thank Mike and Cheri Schlott, Vaughn Hull, and Darrell Bazman for helping Dale distribute our monthly Homefront Newsletter."
Tom Brown

New photos of Marines, courtesy of Bob Dew, opening up their "Care Packages" that Chapter 528 help finance for Kim Skelton from the Marine Corps League. Photo One Photo Two. Marine Michael Beahon (left side of photo), is thankful for receiving a care package from the Marine Corps League.  Chapter 528 donated $250 at our General Membership Meeting in March to the MCL Northwest Detachment 162. In his email he thanked Kim and Chapter 528 for our donation.  Michael is serving his second tour in Iraq and is the son of a good friend of member Dean Bell.

At our April General Membership Meeting 2008 Chapter Members of the Year Awards were presented. Darrell Bazman was chosen Executive Board Member of the Year, Dale Luebke Board Member of the Year, Tom Brown Chapter Member of the Year, David Banks Color Guard Member of the Year, and Nancy Dignan AVVA Member of the Year. This was the first time in our Chapter's history in which an Associate Member was chosen for this honor. Congratulations to all our Members of the Year!

The voting for our Officers, Board of Directors, State Council Delegate, Alternate State Council Delegates, and Nominating Committee took place last night (April 14th). The results are: Bill Boudreau President, Darrell Bazman 1st Vice President, Bill Juchartz 2nd Vice President, Mike Schlott Secretary, Bob Dew Treasurer. The new Board Members (2 year term) are: Joe Agius, Rick Ciaramitaro, Gary Kubik, and Jerry Thomason. Our State Council Delegate is Gary Estermyer and Bob Paul and Mike Dicker are our Alternate State Council Delegates. The members of our Nominating Committee are Bob Bryan, Gordon Dorey, Bob Lamoureux, and Rich Whipple. Congratulations to all our elected officials!

Meetings of Point Man Ministries, headed up by Rich Whipple, Rick Rick Ciaramitaro, and Ron Wroblewski, will take place at Denny's restaurant, Ann Arbor Road at I-275.  Point Man finally has both the 1st Monday and 3rd Mondays reserved at Denny's Restaurant at I-275 and Ann Arbor Road (east of 275).  Meetings will be in the back room, where privacy is assured.  We will start at 7:00 P.M. and go to around 8:30 - 9:00 P.M.   Point Man gives us all a chance to sit down and get things off our chest that we can't do with our family or neighbors.  Like Las Vegas, what happens here, stays here!

Poppy Sales Update, May 14, 2008

A very special Thank You to the 41 people that came out last week to help with the VFW Poppy Sales, May 8th thru May 10th! I wish to personally thank each and every one of you for your help last week. We could not have done this without your help. We collected $8,238.50 which all remains in our Veteran Relief Fund for the VFW. All the money stays local here in the Plymouth community. This is near an all time record and is best in 3 years that I was Junior Vice Commander for the VFW Post # 6695.

Again, thank You for your help!
Dale M. Luebke.

Check out our newest web page 'Buddy Poppy Days'.

Bill Boudreau and Tom Brown are trying to get photos of all of our members when each person was in the service. Please email your photos to either Bill Boudreau Bill Boudreau or Tom Brown.   Include with your photo the following information: Your name, branch of service, and the year the photo was taken.   If you are not able to email your photos then please send them to Tom Brown 17730 Snow Ave. Dearborn, MI 48124 or bring them to our General Membership Meetings.   We currently have 45 members who have their photos in our Display Case and our online Members Page.

Gary "Ouch" Boucher brought up to my attention that our web site has forgotten an important event that our organization has participated in the past.   Go to The Moving Wall.  A special thanks to the following members for their photos:   Cheryl Martin, Loren Roberts, Gary "Ouch" Boucher, Bill Boudreau, "Bear" Kubick, Dick O'Hare, Bob Paul, and Debby!

New May 10th

It appears the VA is now covering hypertension. Check out the new link VA and Hypertension

For Pick up call 1-800-775-8387.   The donated clothing goes to a resale shop in Livonia on Plymouth Road.

New May 16th, 2008

Attention on Deck to All VVA & AVVA Chapter 528 Members: You can receive a discount from the Yankee Air Museum Gift Shop of 50% on all items, except leather jackets, aircraft models in the showcase or DVD's. You can get this discount by seeing Chapter Life Member, Dale Worcester in the YAM Gift Shop on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm. To receive your discount just show Dale your current VVA Membership Card. Come and visit our Web Site.

Sunday, May 18th

We will be having our annual car wash at the Mainstreet Car Wash.   Volunteers will be needed to help.  Don Dignan and Gary Kubik are Co-Chairing this event.

Monday, May 19th

On Monday, May 19th, a traveling exhibit BUS-eum "museum in a bus" featuring displays and artifacts about WWII POWs in Nazi Germany will be at Canton's Heritage Park from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. It will be located near the Canton Veterans Memorial and Rotary Clock. The BUS-eum visit is sponsored by the Canton Veterans Memorial Association and the Canton Public Library. There will be no charge to view the exhibit. The Canton Public Library will host refreshments in its Community Room as well as displays of local veterans, books and materials related to WWII during the exhibit hours.   Check out the Flyer  Thanks, John Spencer! for the information and Flyer.

(Wednesdays) May 21st - September 3rd

CRUZ'N 528 will begin its 5th season of Original, Classic and Restored Wednesday Night Car Cruises.  CRUZ'N 528 meets every Wednesday at the VFW Post #6695 in Plymouth, MI from 5pm to 8pm.  Our DJ spins the oldies, while chapter members serve up hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and refreshments.  During the event there is a drawing for 50/50, door prizes and a participation plaque is awarded to one cruiser from all registered cars during the show.  Every Wednesday there are 50 to 60 classic cars, trucks and bikes in attendance, with some Wednesday's providing as many as 85.   See Bob Paul or Darrell Bazman for further information.   Check out our Flyer or our Web Page

Monday, May 26th

Chapter 528's Color Guard and Members will be taking part in our annual Memorial Day Parade in Plymouth.   See Bob Lamoureux or Rick Ciaramatiro for further details.

Tuesday, June 10th

Members from Chapter 528 will be attending Veteran's Appreciation Night at Comerica Park.  The cost is $22.00.  See John Fleming.

The Detroit Tigers will have a Veteran's Night at Comerica Park on Tuesday, June 10.Ê They will be playing the Chicago White Sox in a 7:05pm game. I want to order the tickets right after Monday's (May 12)ÊGeneral Meeting, so please bring a check (made out to me) or cash if you want to go.Ê You can call me at 734-604-0227 or email with questions. Thanks! John Fleming

Saturday, June 14th (FLAG DAY)

The Annual Liberty Fest Parade will take place in Canton.  See Bob Lamoureux or Rick Ciaramitaro for more information

Friday, June 27th!

Saturday, August 2nd

Greenville Armory Vietnam Veteran War Memorial Lansing, Michigan. Noon to around 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 23rd

2008 Car & Bike Show - Presented by Motor City Muscle Car Club in conjunction with Vietnam Veterans of America and United Auto Workers Region 1A.  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  UAW Local 735 48055 Michigan Avenue (About one mile West of Bellville Road) Canton Township, Michigan. Flyer

And a Wake Up to Kokomo 2008 (Sept 18th thru 21st).  The Request has been mailed and we have our lots locked in.  Same Location as previous years, (10 Lots) Plus 4 lots across the Road to the north.  Also, I am looking for interested Individuals to assist Gary and me with doing the "DOG TAGS" at Kokomo this year, either pressing tags or help take orders and collect the Money.  If no one is Interested then we will cease doing this fund raiser there.  Let me know either at April meeting, Email, or Phone me. dale68us@yahoo.com or 734-395-5144.
Thank You!
Dale Luebke

VVA & Veteran Links Agendas & Minutes New 5/13/08 Agent Orange Board Of Directors Buddy Poppy Days New 5/10/08 Burger School for Autism Calendar of Events New 5/13/08 Canton Memorial Car Washes Ch. 528 News Articles Chapter Officers Chapter Picnic Chapter's Travel Site Charity Motors Christmas Party Color Guard Cornell Osier's "Ride To Hell" "Cruzin 528" Display Cases Essay Scholarship Contest Fall Festival Fishing Derby New Photos 5/17/08 Fish Fry during Lent Forms & Legal Documents In Memoriam Jim Hodgson's Vietnam Photos Kokomo Howard County Members Of The Year Members' Photos (1964-1975) New 5/18/08 Memories of Vietnam Mike Schlott's Calendar Moving Wall Newsletters (Homefront) New 4/25/08 News & History of the VVA Our Parades Rememberance Run for POW-MIA Rory Lee Feek "Welcome Home" Salvation Army Bell Ringing Sportsman's Raffle 2008 State Council News New 4/25/08 Videos & Slideshows VA Hospital Ann Arbor VVA Product Sales Yahoo Group 528

President - Bill Boudreau 1st V.P. - Darrell Bazman 2nd V.P. - Bill Juchartz Secretary - Mike Schlott Treasurer - Bob Dew Don Dignan (1 year) Gary Estermyer (1 year) Doug Fox (1 year) Dale Luebke (1 year) Joe Agius (2 years) Rick Ciaramitaro (2 years) Gary Kubik (2 years) Jerry Thomason (2 years) A.O./Health Care - Vaughn Hull Assistant Chaplain - Rich Whipple Chaplain - Rick Popa Chapter Travel Site - Bob Dew Color/Honor Guard - Bob Lamoureux (Commander) & Rick Ciaramitaro (Drill Sergeant) Constitution/By-laws - Gary Estermyer ETABO - Gordon Dorey Fundraising - Joe Agius Email Joe & Loren Roberts Government Affairs - Forrest Manley Homeless Veterans - John Fleming Kokomo Reunion 2008 - Dale Luebke Membership Affairs - Bob Lamoureux National Convention Delegates - Bill Boudreau, Dale Luebke, Gary Estermyer, & Vaughn Hull Newsletter "Homefront" - Tom Brown, Bill Boudreau, Dale Luebke, & Don Dignan Newsletter Distribution - Mike & Cheri Schlott, Vaughn Hall, & Darrell Bazman Nominating Committee - Bob Bryan, Gordon Dorey, Bob Lamoureux, & Rich Whipple Point Man Ministries - Rich Whipple, Ron Wroblewski, & Rick Ciaramitaro POW/MIA - Al Kerbyson Product Sales - Dale Luebke & Gary Boucher "Ouch" Public Affairs - Don Dignan Raffle Committee - Loren Roberts, Joe Agius, & Gary Kubik Sergeant-at-Arms - Gary Boucher "Ouch" Scholarship - Dean Bell, Tom Brown, & Don Dignan Service Rep./Vet. Aff./Benefits - Aggie Little and Gerry & Cheryl Martin State Delegate - Gary Estermyer State Alternate Delegates - Bob Bryan, Gordon Dorey, Bob Lamoureux, & Rich Whipple State VVA Product Sales - John Riling VA Hospital Coordinator - Vaughn Hull VFW Liaison - Mike Schlott & Gary Kubik Website - Tom Brown