Welcome to the Plymouth-Canton Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Chapter 528 is one chapter out of 652 local chapters nation-wide. National VVA Web Page. As of May of 2008 there are 47 state VVA councils in Michigan. Nationally as of January 2009 there are 58,551 VVA members (28,444 are lifers) and 969 are women. The AVVA (Associate Members) have 7,321 (2,177 lifers) members nationally. Michigan has the second largest VVA membership at 3,701 members. Michigan VVA State Council Web Page. The Vietnam Veterans of America was founded in 1978 and is the only national Vietnam Veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-Era Veterans and their families. Our founding principle is"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." VVA's goals are "To promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam Veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam Veterans." Unfortunately, there are still 1,761 MIA's for The Vietnam War.

New April 14, 2009

We meet on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Plymouth VFW Hall on 1426 Mill St. in Plymouth, Michigan (five hundred feet North of Ann Arbor Road). Our next VVA General Membership meeting is Monday, May 11, 2009. Our VVA Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. Tuesday, April 28, 2009 is our next scheduled VVA Board Meeting. The VVA phone number is 734-459-6700 (Press Number 4).

Many of our Members from VVA Chapter 528 are also Members of the Mayflower Lt. Gamble VFW Post 6695. The VFW General Membership meetings take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. The next VFW General Membership Meeting is Tuesday, April 14, 2009. On the third Tuesday of each month the VFW Board meets at 7:00 PM. The next VFW Board Meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2009. The Men's Auxiliary meeting takes place at 6:30 PM on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Thursday, April 16, 2009 is the next scheduled Auxiliary Meeting. The VFW phone number is: 734-459-6700.

To help you find our V.F.W. Hall check out Yahoo's Online Map of our location.

New April 14, 2009

VVA Chapter 528's current membership, as of April 14, 2009 stands at 184 Individual Members and we have an additional 44 Associate Members. Membership is open to U.S. armed forces veterans who served on active duty (for other than training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. Membership Application Form - VVA Plymouth/Canton. Include your DD-214 Form with your Application. Associate Membership is open to anybody who wants to participate. Enrollment Form for AVVA.

New April 2009 Homefront Online Newsletter.

Click HERE to download our April 2009 "Homefront" Newsletter. Our postal mailing of our April Homefront will probably be mailed before Monday, March 30th. If you want to see our last 12 Homefront Newsletters choose THIS PAGE.

All members, please read and review the updated Finance By-Laws IMPORTANT! New March 3, 2009 VVA National's Constitution requires that our membership has 30-days to read, digest and comment on any by-laws changes prior to their vote. If you want a copy of the new By-Laws (Finance), Bear has extra copies at the VFW Post. Email Joe Agius if you have any questions.

Charity Motors Please, donate your vehicle to Chaity Motors and mention VVA Chapter 528.

New April 6, 2009

A 24-year old nephew of Cheryl Vatcher-Martin was killed in a head on collision this past Saturday April 4th morning while on his way to work. No details are available at the moment, as the accident happened in Massachusetts, and is still under investigation by the authorities. Funeral arrangements also are still pending at this point in time. Cheryl can be reached at 734-397-1626 1831 N. Arbor Way Dr. Unit 15 Canton, Mi 48188 peroinc5@comcast.net. I'm sure would be greatly appreciated by her.

John Ligner is recovering from back surgery. According to his daughter, he is dealing with a lot of pain

Gary "Ouch" Boucher is in extreme pain but is starting to feel a little better. Gary believes his nerves were not connected correctly following a hip replacement surgery several months ago. He is basically confined to staying in his family room and sleeping on a chair - too painful to sleep in his bed. Please, give Gary a call: 1-734-729-3820 or 1254 Springer St. Westland MI 48186-3722.

John Wallace John recently switched doctors and seems to be doing much better. Please keep John in your prayers! You can reach John at 248-349-2547.

Please pray for the health and well being of our members and their families!

Dinky dau Blues New April 7, 2009

Bill Boudreau found a song called "Dinky dau Blues". I placed it on our VVA & Veteran Links Web Page.

The Dog Tags sell for $5.00 for a single and $9.00 for a set of two. Add $2.00 for postage on all mail orders. The set must contain the same information. 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. The 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. Each box counts as a character (i.e. space, comma, period, etc). Use your imagination and be creative. The Dog Tags are avilable in stainless steel (dull and bright) or brass. This fundraiser will be an ongoing effort to continue to raise funds for our Chapter. Contact Dale Luebke at 734-395-5144 or 734-397-3909. You can also eamil me at dale68us@yahoo.com. Dog Tag Form.

New March 10, 2009

Veterans living in Michigan are now eligible to get a complimentary certificate for burial space in a private cemetery in advance of need at no charge for the property. Read this Flyer for more information. Check out this Flyer to learn about the Conditions of the Veterans Program. This Flyer explains the benefits of purchasing in a private cemetery. For more information contact Charles J. Salgat of Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens 248-349-2784. Mr. Salgat presented this information about the free service for Veterans at our February General Membership Meeting.

Point Man Ministries are headed up by Rich Whipple, Rick Rick Ciaramitaro, and Ron Wroblewski. Meetings take place at Denny's restaurant on Ann Arbor Road (East of I-275). Point Man meets on the 1st Monday and 3rd Mondays of every month. Meetings start at 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. and take place in the back room, where privacy is assured. 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!

New April 14, 2009

Greetings: The results are in. Chapter 528 has chosen those who will lead them for 2009 - 2010. Congrats to the winners. Let us all work together to make our Chapter even greater than before. I ask that everyone show respect to each other. Watch what we say and do so we don't hurt our Chapter. If we have a problem with someone in the Chapter, go to them and resolve it. I want to be the best President I can be for Chapter 528. I was 1st Vice President for two years. I have leadership experience and I believe I can lead you. If you feel I need any change in being your President, come to me and tell me.

We have a busy year ahead of us. In May we have the Fishing Derby, Adopt A Road, and Parades for Memorial Day. We have the 4th of July Parades and the Fall Festival. They will be here before we know it. Let us work together as brothers and give our community a reason to be proud of us. Please call me if there is anything I can do to make our Chapter better. Help me be the President you can be proud of. It is our Chapter - Get Involved and Get Active. See you at the May 11th General Membership Meeting.

Mike Steffes
C Btry 2nd Bn. 182 FA.

New April 14, 2009

Bill Boudreau and Tom Brown are trying to get service photos of all of our members, including AVVA. 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 61 members who have their photos in our Display Case and our online Members Page.

New March 12, 2009

The only Sumner Class Tin Can is Sinking! Joe Agius is trying to help save his ship save the USS Laffey! To see details about the Laffi go to this SOS Link or the Home Page.

New March 23, 2009

From The Bear's Den: We have VFW Post 6695 T- Shirts that are blue with "PROUD TO BE A VETERAN" on the front and VFW Post 6695 Plymouth Mi. on the left sleeve. We have sizes large, extra large, 2 extra large. Your choice for only $10.00. In February, we started our monthly birthday parties. The second Saturday of the month will cover the whole month. Stop by anytime between noon and three PM. Sign the birthday book and get a piece of cake and a FREE DRINK on the lounge. To raise money, there will be a sign-in book at the bar, it costs 50 cents a day. A members name will be drawn each day everyone knows the rest. Lounge hours are now posted and are from 2:00 PM until at least 9:00 PM on Monday through Thursday. Friday we will be open until at least 10:00 PM. Saturday we open at Noon and we will be open at least until 10:00 PM. Sunday from Noon until at least 9:00 PM. We will have free food again on Memorial Day after the parade. All are welcome. Sliders are back being served on Wednesdays. Stop by our loung! Watch the notices that will be posted behind the bar for such delights as coney dogs, soups, and other specials. Anyone who has had a burger here says they are the best bar burgers in town. The beer and the wine are always cold, so come to your lounge. We have birthday parties for small groups. The best Octoberfest will be the middle of October, and the 4th of July we have a Chicken BarBQue. How about a STEAK FRY? I am willing to try new ideas. If you have an idea, we can discuss it and try it out if possible. Joint ventures work. We have proven that. Give me a call at 734-459-7600 or email me at bear@vfw6695.org. Gary (the Bear) Kubik, Lounge Manager.

New March 29, 2009

Yearly VVA Chapter 528 Events Web Page This Web Page lists all of Chapter 528 Events for the year: American Flag Exchange, Battle Ship New Jersey, Blum's Landing, Brick Pavers for Canton Memorial, Burger School for Students with Autism, By-Laws Committee, Cell Phones for Soldiers, Christmas Party, Chapter Picnic, Chapter 528 Product Sales, Chapter Travel Site, Children of Vietnam Veterans Blog, Color Guard, Cruz'n 528 Car Show, Chapter 528 Essay Scholarship Contest, Detroit Veteran's Center Winter Clothing Drive, Fishing Derby - Hines Park, Flag Retirement Ceremony, Golden Corral Restaurants free Buffet, Goody Boxes, Highland Games, History of Chapter 528, Holiday Mail for Heroes, Joy Road Adopt-a-Road Pickup, Kokomo, Marine Corps League, Members of the Year, Memorial Day Parade, Michigan Moms, Moving Wall, No Canton Child Without a Christmas, Operation Never Forgotten, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Plymouth Fall Festival, PGR Mission to Escort Marines, Point Man Ministries, Poppy Days, POW/MIA, Recipients of Dollars Raised, Remembrance Run, Run to the Northwall, Salute to Service, Sportsman Raffle Drawing, Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial, U.S. Veterans Compensation Programs, U.S. Military Theme Songs, VA & Hypertension, VA Aid & Attendance Benefits, VVA Chapter 528 Overseas Veteran Support, Veterans Day Service, Veteran's Radio, VFW Webcom Forum, Vietnam Veterans Clothing Donation Program, Wall Song, Yankee Air Museum, and The 716th Military Police Reunion.

April 13, 2009

The results of April 13th General Membership Election:

Executive Board

Rick Ciaramitaro presented a plaque from the N.J.R.O.T.C. of Franklin High School. Look at the Plaque

Wednesday March 18, 2009

Photo taken at our VFW showing a few of our members enjoying the festivities: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3 - especially the corned beef and sauerkraut.

New Photos from Ted Enright April 12, 2009

Check out our new photos on our Fish Fry (V.F.W.) Web Page.

Begins March 4th

V.F.W. Post will begin serving sliders on every Wednesday until Cruz'n 2009 begins.

Bowling For A Cure Saturday, April 18, 2009

Super Bowl in Canton on Ford Rd. $20.00 per person - for the American Cancer Society. Take a look at the Flyer.

April 25, 2009

U.S. Navy Sea Cadets trip for Color Guard from Port Huron to U.S. Coast Guard on The Gray Fox. For more information contact Rick Ciaramitaro

April 30th - November 9th 2009

Here is the Link for the schedule of the "Moving Wall".

Saturday, May 2, 2009

The Chapter will once again be participating in Adopt-A-Road. Starting time this year is at 8:30 AM. For more information contact Rich Whipple. Here's the Flyer.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

The Color Guard will make a trip to Canada to take part in the Navy Ceremony from Coast Guard to Canada. For more information contact Rick Ciaramitaro.

Buddy Poppy Days will take place from Thursday, May 7th - Saturday May 9th. Volunteers are needed to pass out Poppys for all three days. Three hour time blocks will be assigned. Please Contact Dale Luebke for further information. Check out our 'Buddy Poppy Days' web page.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

The fishing derby will be held at Waterbend Park in the Hines Park area. Volunteers will be needed to set-up, help weigh and measure the fish, and police the 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 will be given by Wayne County Park Services and VVA Chapter 528 Plymouth/Canton, MI. For more information contact either Bill Boudreau or Tom Brown. Take a look at the 2008 Fishing Derby winner with her grand parents. A photo with "Bear".

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Chapter 528 is once again participating at our most productive event of the year - Main Street Car Wash. For more information, contact Don Dignan.

May 24th: Honor Volley and Taps
May 25th: Memorial Day Parade in Plymouth
June 6th: Salem Flag Day
July 20th: Canton Liberty Parade

For more information contact either Rick Ciaramitaro or Bob Lamoureux.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

For more information call Gary "Bear" Kubick.

September 11th, 12th, & 13th

Our Chapter will once again help out at the Annual Plymouth Fall Festival. For more information, contact Bob Lamoureux.

Veterans & VVA Links Agendas & Minutes 3/23/09 Agent Orange Board Of Directors Buddy Poppy Days Burger School for Autism Calendar of Events 4/01/09 Canton Memorial Car Washes Cell Phones For Soldiers Chapter Officers Chapter Picnic Ch. 528 Product Sales Chapter's Travel Site Charity Motors Cheryl's Musings 3/23/09 Christmas Party Color Guard Cornell Osier's "Ride To Hell" "Cruzin 528" Display Cases Essay Scholarship Contest Fall Festival Fishing Derby Fish Fry (VFW) 3/21/09 Flag Retirement Forms & Legal Documents History of Chapter 528 In Memoriam Jim Hodgson's Vietnam Photos Joy Road Adopt-A-Road Kokomo Members Of The Year Members' Service Photos 64-75 Memories of Vietnam Mike Schlott's Calendar 3/03/09 Moving Wall Newsletters (Homefront) 3/23/09 Our Parades POW/MIA Remembrance Run Rory Lee Feek "Welcome Home" Run To The North Wall Salvation Army Bell Ringing Sportsman's Raffle 2008 State Council News 3/22/09 Videos & Slideshows VA Hospital Ann Arbor Veterans Day VVA Product Sales Yahoo Group 528

President - Mike Steffes 1st V.P. - Bill Juchartz 2nd V.P. - Dennis Bielskis Secretary - Ron King Treasurer - Bob Dew Jim Austin (2 years) Darrell Bazman (2 years) Don Dignan (years) Joe Agius (1 year) Rick Ciaramitaro (1 year) Gary Kubik (1 year1) Jerry Thomason (1 year) Darrell Bazman Bill Boudreau Tom Brown Ron King Dean Bell Tom Brown Mike Dicker Jim Dorey Gary Estermyer (State Delegate), Bob Paul & Mike Dicker (Alternate State Delegates) Norma Demerly A.O./Health Care - Vaughn Hull Assistant Chaplain - Rich Whipple AVVA Representative - Norma Demerly By-Laws - Joe Agius & Bill Juchartz Chaplain - Rick Popa Chapter Travel Site - Bob Dew Color/Honor Guard - Rick Ciaramitaro (Commander & Drill Sergeant) - Bob Lamoureux (Deputy Commander) Constitution - Gary Estermyer ETABO - Gordon Dorey Fundraising - Bob Dew Government Affairs - Forrest Manley Homeless Veterans - John Fleming Kokomo Reunion 2008 - Dale Luebke Membership - Bob Lamoureux Newsletter "Homefront" - Tom Brown, Bill Boudreau, Dale Luebke, Don Dignan, Bob Lamoureux, Norma Demerly, Dean Bell, Gary Estermyer, John Spencer, Cheryl Martin, John Fleming, & Gary Kubik Newsletter Distribution - Mike & Cheri Schlott, Vaughn Hull, Darrell Bazman, Al Kerbyson, Mike Dicker, Bob Lamoureux, & Chad Mathews Nominating Committee - Bob Bryan, Gordon Dorey, Bob Lamoureux, & Rich Whipple Point Man Ministries - Rich Whipple, Rick Ciaramitaro, & Ron Wroblewski POW/MIA - Al Kerbyson Product Sales - Gary Boucher "Ouch" & Dale Luebke Public Affairs - Don Dignan Raffle Committee - Dennis Bielskis, Joe Agius, Bob Dew, & 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 VVA Product Sales - John Riling VA Hospital Coordinator - Vaughn Hull VFW Liaison - Mike Schlott & Gary Kubik Website - Tom Brown