I want to thank the participants in the Vietnam Perspectives program for doing such a fabulous job. Marjorie and I had hoped that we'd have a great program with a lot of people in attendance. The standing room only event was a huge success! Thanks again to the panel of veterans which included: Don Dignan, Bob Paul, Gary Kubik, Rick Popa, Rich Whipple, and, Ron King. Each veteran had a unique story to tell and, were happy to answer questions from fellow panel members and of course the audience. The audience consisted of many veterans, high school students and others. Every one enjoyed the event, and, as always, I was happy to learn a little bit more about my fellow veterans. We hope that this event can be repeated at the wonderful Plymouth District Library again. Plus, Vietnam Perspectives has another event on November 30th. Please call Marjorie Sadler to reserve your seat for the second part of this series. Salute To Service was another successful event this year. Dale made some dog tags, Bob Paul brought a table full of memorabilia. Other veterans from the chapter participated and visited. I had two tables of memorabilia including some of my original uniforms, combat boots, meal's ready to eat, and, photographs. Additionally, I brought a rib from a World War II glider plane to share with some of the veterans from World War II. I hope everyone stays safe and happy during the upcoming holidays. Feel free to contact me at: peroinc5@comcast.net, or cvatcher@us.army.mil
Cheryl A.Vatcher-Martin, M.A.
181st Infantry
I can't believe that it is October! Where has the year gone? I know everyone has been quite busy. Now that we are into the fall months there are events taking place that reflect on the lives of those who served. On Wednesday, October 26th, the panel discussion for Veterans Perspectives kicks off with a group of veterans from VVA 528. This program will begin at 6:30 p.m., and for those of you who are bringing memorabilia and other items, I'd suggest arriving at the Plymouth District Library around 6:00 p.m. so you have enough time to set up and mingle with one another. This event is open to all veterans, spouses, and all who are interested in the history of those who served during the Vietnam Era. There will be refreshments available, and it will be a great opportunity for all. Please bring your children and grandchildren. Panel members include, Don Dignan Rick Popa, Rich Whipple, Bob Paul, Gary Kubik, and Dennis Shrewsbury. Perhaps some or all will wear their color guard uniforms! The librarian, Marjorie Sadler has worked on this for months with me, and she will be presenting a monetary donation to Chapter VVA 528 for our participation in this veterans event. If any of the panel members have a question about the event, please call me at: 734-397-1626. You can also reach me by e-mail at: peroinc5@comcast.net, cheryl.vatcher@us.army.mil On the eve of Veterans Day, November 11th, there will be the annual Salute to Service Program. If anyone from the chapter is interested in participating, please get in touch with me as soon as possible. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m., so you'll want to bring your memorabilia to the Cherry Hill Village Theater in Canton. On Friday, September 18th, 2009, John Spencer held the annual POW/MIA Ceremony in Canton. Those who read names, were Lt. Col. Bob Humphrey, Sgt. Cheryl A.Vatcher-Martin, M.A., and John's wife, Nancy Spencer. Gerry Martin was also in attendance. See the photo below! Take a look at the September, October, and November Newsletter by Plymouth Library - many different types of information and articles - it even includes articles for vets.
It's hard to believe that it is September already! I'm hoping that we will still have some warm days as it was one of the coolest summers ever in Michigan! I know that September will be busy for everyone, and, there are events that the Chapter will be involved in, including the annual POW-MIA ceremony in Canton, on September 18th, 2009. It'll be held on a Friday night, and John Spencer has the exact time for this event. I'm sure he'll mention it at the chapter meeting in September as well.
For those of you who are part of my panel for the Veteran's Program in October, if you have any questions about the event, feel free to call me or e-mail me. Remember that you can bring your memorabilia, DVD's of your time in the service to share, photographs, scrapbooks, books, awards, and, military items of interest to everyone! The Plymouth Library will be promoting our event in the September newsletter, so there is enough advance notice to share the information about our program.
If you are a member of the color guard, you could wear your uniform to this event. It would be neat if you could bring your original uniform to show too, if you still have it! I am looking forward to this event, and, am grateful that you are going to participate and educate others about your military service.
If you are looking to learn more about your military benefits, or, if you need help with your claim, feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you. Also, if you haven't enrolled in the VA because you thought your income was too high, and, were disqualified in 2003, you should reapply. The rules have changed, and, the income limits are more reasonable as they have taken into consideration how much it costs to live in different areas, and, that one does not have to be without an income to utilize the VA for medical care.
On a personal note, my children's book, "The Cornstalks Are Whispering" should be available in September. This is a historical fiction book for children of all ages. The story won an award last October. Feel free to contact me at: Peroinc5@comcast.net, cheryl.vatcher@us.army.mil
Cheryl A.Vatcher-Martin, M.A.
U.S. Army, 181st Infantry
It's hard to believe that summer is passing by so quickly, plus, we had one day in July that was the coldest day in history! Amazing! Even though summer's breeze is still keeping us cool, we have to make plans for what we'll be doing in the fall months. As I wrote about the upcoming Vietnam Veteran's Program originally scheduled for the evening of November 11, 2009 last month at the Plymouth District Library, we have moved the date up to Wednesday, October 28th, at 6:30 p.m. For whatever reason, the Salute To Service Program was moved from its original time slot on a Sunday afternoon to Veteran's Day, November 11th, 2009. We decided that we wanted both events to be available without any scheduling conflicts for participants or attendants. As I have participated in the Salute To Service Program for many years, it is important that I still have this opportunity available to me. Therefore, the Vietnam Panel will kick off the Vietnam Program on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m. The panel of veterans will talk about their military service and interesting anecdotes that other veterans and participants will find of interest.
I want to thank the veterans who have volunteered to share their stories, as I know that I will learn more, and, it is very interesting to see the service photos. You guys all are a part of history, and, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share this information with me, and the library. What's neat too, is that the library will have more programs to follow, and, I'll keep you updated on them as they are designed and dates are designated for them. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the library will be making a monetary donation to VVA 528. I will let you know when the library newsletter is available too, as, the panel members will be listed in it.
On another note, if any veteran has a question about veterans benefits.
I can be contacted at: Peroinc5@comcast.net, or cheryl.vatcher@us.army.mil.
Read an article from October 9, 2008 Hometown Life.com concerning Cheryl's latest book, Cheryl's Musings, A Day in The Life of An Award Winning Poet and Photographer.
If you'd like to contact me, feel free to send an e-mail at: peroinc5@comcast.net
Cheryl A. Vatcher-Martin
181st Infantry
U.S. Army
