Thursday, January 20, 2009This is to inform you of our upcoming benefit for the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines Memorial. This is our first sizable event which will be held on Thursday, January 22nd at Champane's in Warren, Michigan, on Chicago Road between Van Dyke and Mound, across from the GM Tech Center. Here is the link to the Memorial's Web Site.
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.
The United States Flag Exchange Day on June 28, 2008 went fairly well considering our informational ad was run for only one day in the Sunday June 22, 2008 Plymouth Observer. It did not appear in the Canton Observer nor was it able to be shown on the community boards for Plymouth and Canton by Comcast Cable. I would like to thank those workers who helped today during the 6 hour event. Don Dignan, Jim Hodgson, Doug Fox, Gary Kubik, Ron King. Gary Boucher was there with Product sales and special customers Ron Dillingham, Jerry Thomason and Judy Thomason providing moral support.
The Flag Exchange was very successful. All of the flags are now gone. There is talk about doing this program again at a future date. Here is some information found on the identified website listed: Identified Website http://www.ushistory.org/BETSY/flagetiq.html
NOTE: Flags that are not made of cloth or felt are no longer allowed to be burned due to the material being identified as hazardous to individuals and the environment. Initially those flags were required to be buried but there is a recycle program available where 100% of the material can be recycled and used to produce new flags.
What I should do with my old flag?
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4
Thanks!
Bob Dew, Treasurer
VVA-528
bdewman@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Many of our VVA and AVVA Members met with VVA Chapter 310 to help bring Christmas cheer to more than one hundred Vets at the Ann Arbor VA on Tuesday December 16, 2008. Miss Michigan, Miss Washtenaw County, and former Miss Michigan of 1993 (Stacey - violinist and singer) were also visiting and spreading good cheer. Take a look at some of the photos on our Veterans Hospital Web Page.
Battleship New Jersey video found at You Tube.
Terry Blumberg of Canton, MI attended our September 8th, 2008 General Membership Meeting. He told us of his personal story about his son Trevor, who was the first soldier from Michigan to die in the early days of the Iraq War. He passed out fliers concerning Blum's Landing. He and his wife Janet are using all of the money they received from the government by creating a lodge known as Blum's Landing. Read the article as it appeared in the Observer of Canton. Hometownlife.com.
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
The Burger School for Kids with Autism (30922 Beechwood, Garden City MI 48135) (734-762-8420) "O Little Town Of Burger" Photos: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4. Our Chapter has been active with this program for several years. AVVA member Debbie Bradley is a teacher at Burger School and she helps to coordinate our activities at Burger.
Joe Agius has volunteered to Chair our newest committee. The By-Laws Committe has the responsiblity of looking at all of our Chapter By-Laws and Policy Letters and make sure they are current and consistent with the National VVA Constitution. Co-Chairing the By-Laws Committe are: Rick Ciaramitaro, Bob Cohen, Mike Dicker, Gary Estermyer, Bob Lamoureux, Dale Luebke, Bob Paul, and Rich Waldecker.
On behalf of Re/Max Classic our servce personnel and their families will be receiving free talk time. By donating old cell phones, chargers, batters, etc. for recycling, soldiers and families will receive calling cards. Check out our newest web page Cell Phones For Soldiers
Our annual Chapter Picnic was held on August 3rd this year. The Picnic was hosted by the VVA, VFW, and the Men's Auxiliary. Cornell Osier chaired the event. Take a look at the new photos which "Bear" took at our picnic.
Gary "Ouch" Boucher suggested to create this web page so our members may take a look at our Chapter 528 Products.
Bob Dew Chairs our Chapter 528 Travel Site. The site covers: Flights, Cars, Hotels, Cruises, and various Vacations. Check out VVA Chapter 528 Travel Site. For more information concerning our Travel Site, check out our newest web site Chapter 528 Travel Site
If you are familiar with booking travel online, you shouldn't have any trouble navigating the new website. The site functions in a similar manner to other travel websites such as Expedia and Orbitz. Some of the key features you will find on the website include:
Courtesy of Treasurer, and VVA Travel Site Coordinator, Bob Dew: 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.
Children of Vietnam Veterans Blog This is a new online Blog about children of Vietnam Veterans. This blog has to do about PTSD. This link is courtesy of Pete Glasgow
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The VVA Chapter 528, VFW Post 6694, and the Men's Auxiliary had our Annual Christmas Party. Thanks to Mike Steffes, Judy thomason, and Aggie Little for Chairing the event. Go to our Christmas Web Site and take a look at the photos from the Christmas Party.
Our Color Guard is in great need for new members. Please, think about becoming a Member! See either Rick Ciaramitaro, Commander and Drill Sergeant or Bob Lamoureux, Deputy Commander for further information.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Bill Boudreau forwarded this message. James Craven a comedian out of the Metro Detroit area is currently putting together a comedy show to benefit the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund (www.fwsf.org). The show is on Tuesday, January 20th at 8 pm. It takes place at Joey's Comedy Club 36071 Plymouth Rd. Livonia, MI (734-261-0555). A donation of $10.00 gets you in the club. There's a great line-up of National touring comedians and local comics donating their time to this great cause too, so all proceeds from ticket sales go right to the fund. Check out the FLYER for the show. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact James Craven at home-586-741-0455, cell-586-489-8543, or www.myspace.com/jcraven_space
Coming Home Tuesday, April 1, 2009
Today on PBS at 8:00 PM, Sesame Street Television Special featuring Queen Latifah and John Mayer will be discussing stories of service members returning home with injuries and explores the heroic struggles their families face on the the path to finding a "new normal." Take a look at the Flyer.
Information Updated 10/29/08
Check out the photo of Jeffrey M Gyolai MAJ MNSTC-I DOIA opening one of our boxes.
Two emails that President Bill Boudreau received concerning the packages (the ones which were assembled at our October General Membership Meeting) we sent to our troops:
"I Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you and the VVA Plymouth for the package you sent. We always appreciate letters, packages and words of encouragement from Great Americans like yourself. We are very fortunate to enjoy the support of veterans such as yourself and it is especially touching knowing that often you did not have the same support when you came home from Vietnam. I am heartened that most Americans, even those against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are now able to separate their dislike for the wars with their support for the troops. I believe in our mission in Iraq, but make no mistake about it - every last one of us here would rather be home with our families. To tell you a bit about myself: I am an U.S. Army Major (Infantry and proud of it) who had been in the Inactive Reserves for the last eight years. Last December I received orders in the mail that I was needed in Iraq. I was activated in January at Fort Benning and have been in Baghdad since early March. I am on 400 day orders and should be stateside in January. I work in downtown Baghdad for the Multi-National Security Transition Command. Our mission is to help build the Iraqi Army and Police. My section is working to help develop the Iraqi Police Force. We are fortunate to work with a number of civilian police advisors. I can tell you that most of the people our unit lost have been police advisors. Most of the police advisors are former chiefs of police who put their ass on the line everyday to mentor and train the Iraqi Police. Americans should be told of their story. March and April were especially hard here in the IZ. We often had multiple rocket attacks daily. Sleeping through the night without running to the shelter was the exception. Unfortunately, in April a rocket went through the roof of our gym and killed a COL and a MAJ. Both were U.S. Army Reservists that were activated."
Jeffrey M Gyolai MAJ MNSTC-I DOIA
"Hello Sir My name is SSgt Bo Gray and I am currently stationed in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I am an Air Force Security Force Member. We received a care package from you chapter today and I would just like to say thank you. All the young troops really appreciated everything (the snacks did not stand a chance). Well once again thank you and thank you for your service my Uncle and Grandfather both served in Vietnam. Once again thanks so much its nice to know we are not forgotten."
SSgt. Bo Gray USAF/379 SFS Southwest Asia.
Darrell Bazman reported our 2008 Car Show was a huge success. The 2008 car show was finally put to rest on October 16th when Bob Paul, Bob Dew, and myself took all 90 boxes to the Post Office to send off to the troops. The cost of all the items and shipping was paid for by the Car Show itself. We had a good year I would say. It takes about 9-12 days for all the boxes to get to the Iraq/Afgan area. Also, at this time I would like to thank everyone, whether you worked or supported the show for making this project a great success. It's the people of this Chapter that make this Chapter such a great one to belong to. You should be very proud of yourselves. We need ideas for whom should benefit from the 2009 show so bring them up at the next general membership meetings. Again, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP!! Check out our Flyer or our Web Page Take a look at Hotrod Hotline Web Site which has a slide show of many of the cars from our Car Show.
Take a look at our Essay Scholarship Contest Web Page to see photos of our winners from our October 13, 2008 General Membeship Meeting.
The 3rd Annual Winter Clothing Drive for the Detroit Veteran's Center is on its way. This is the Center that the Plymouth-Canton Vietnam Veterans Chapter 528 has supported in various ways over the past several years. The items to be donated are: winter coats, gloves, boots, hats, jeans, sweaters, long underwear, slippers and blankets for both men and women. Please make sure that everything is in good condition and clean. Additional items that are needed at this time are linens, toiletries, used computer equipment and books. The box will be setup at the VFW in which to place your items. The drive will end on Sunday, December 14. We will deliver the items during the week of December 15. Please call John Fleming at 734-604-0227 or email John at john@flemingfinancialsvcs.com with any questions.
Thank you for helping!
Per an email from Bill Boudreau - The Department of Army is sending out Letters of Thanks and a Certificate of Appreciation for our service. Both are signed by the Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army. Information can be obtained from the Army's web site www.freedomteamsalute.com or by contacting Donald C. O'Connell Ambassador, U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute, 596 Harmony Road Jackson, N.J.08527 (732-859-8149). In case no one has said it to you today THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!
I want to invite members of VVA Chapter 528 to a seminar at my church this Saturday morning from 9 AM - 11 AM. This is a follow-up seminar to the one presented in November by one of our church members who is a Clinical Social Worker LMSW, CAAC, who works as an outpatient therapist. Discussion topics will include: 1. Treatment Options; 2. Relapse Prevention; 3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This seminar will be very beneficial to people who are experiencing depression. For head count purposes, please call Rich Whipple at 734-751-2992 for sign up. It will be this Saturday, March 7th from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at Ann Arbor Road and Gotfredson Road. I attended the first seminar and it was very worth while. I will be attending this seminar as well. Coffee, juice and pastries will be supplied.
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
Check out our 2008 Flag Retirement Ceremony Web Page: Flag Retirement Ceremony. Photos from our "Flag Retirement Ceremony." Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5. Thanks, Gary "Bear" Kubik for the photos!
All Golden Corral Restaurants are offering a free buffet on Monday, November 17 from 5:00 P.M. to close in honor of Veterans Day. All Veterans are welcome! There is always a 15 percent discount to Veterans. Thanks, Gary "Ouch" Boucher for the information!
VVA Chapter 528 and VFW Post are collecting money in our "Goody Boxes". The purpose of this collection is to support Kim Skelton and her work for 100 Marines.
"Currently, I support a unit consisting of 100 Marines in Iraq along with a few other individual Marines in Iraq, Afghanistan and Okinawa. One of the Marines is a 2007 Northville High School Graduate stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Care Package items:
Holiday cards, letters, disposable razors, shave cream, foot powder (GoldBond Max Strength), baby wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, Carmex lip balm, sun block SPF45, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, Skin So Soft (works as insect repellant), Q-tips, soap, shampoo, cream rinse, "extra firm" hairspray, gel, female hygiene products (and Midol), feminine body products (shower foam, good lotions and moisturizers, facial products), On The Go (water flavor packets), Gatorade dry mix, hard candy (no chocolate), gum, nuts and seeds, dried fruit, cookies (no chocolate or home-baked goodies), beef jerky, Slim Jims, gum, Easy Mac, packets of tuna, chicken, etc., protein bars, pasta/noodles/spaghetti-os/ravioli/etc. (microwave-safe bowls or pop-top cans), pens/pencils/candy/gum etc. (to give to children)."
Kim Skelton
Veteran U.S.M.C. 734.459.7009 marinesgtkim@sbcglobal.net
VVA members Gary "Bear" Kubik, Gary Pritchard, and Al & Elaine Cane took part in the Highland Games At Greenmeade. Take a look at Gary Pritchard wearing kilts. Also wearing kilts are Elaine and Al Cane
New Photos 12/17/08
Take a peek at our Chapter back in 1989. History of our Chapter.
With the holidays approaching and the e-mail beginning to circulate, I wanted to remind everyone that Walter Reed Army Medical will not accept cards addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier". If not addressed to a specific soldier at Walter Reed, they won't receive it. "The American Red Cross is sponsoring a national "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to servicemembers and veterans both in the United States and abroad." All cards must be postmarked no later than December 10. Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.If you'd like to send holiday greetings, please send to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456
Thanks! Carl Shefferd for forwarding this email to our membership.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The V.F.W. will be having a "Jack and Jill" pool tournament on Sunday, March 22 at 1 PM Only 30 people, 15 men and 15 women at ten dollars each to include SOS made by Marion. Should be fun, sign up now!
I want to thank everyone who participated on Saturday, September 27th, 2008. Our next road pick-up in April 2009
Rich Whipple (Sgt.)
HHC/2/503d Infantry
173d Airborne Brigade, '68-'69 Our Joy Road Web Page.
and a Wake Up to Kokomo 2009
Kokomo is now over for another year. We had a new record of 42 Members attending, and gained two new Associate Members. Welcome! Jason and Ryan. We all had a great time. The weather was fantastic, mostly highs in the mid to upper 70's to low 80's and lows in the 50's except one night when it was around 47 degrees. Thanks, everyone for your help. Take a look at our photos which were taken by Ted Enright and Gary "Bear" Kubik. Kokomo 2008
Dale Luebke
New December 9, 2008
Every month Chapter 528 receives Thank You Letters from Troops, Charity Organizations, Individuals as well as many other sources. Check out our most recent letters which were read at our December 8th's General Membership Meeting. Letter One, Letter Two, Letter Three, Letter Four. We also received a Christmas Card from Tom and Penny Meinhardt.
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!
Chapter 528's Color Guard and Members took part in The 2008 Memorial Day Parade in Plymouth. After the parade part of the color guard traveled to join the Northville parade in Rural Hill Cemetery. The rest of the color guard participated in a ceremony at the Canton Veterans Memorial. Following that some of our members visited the residents at Medilodge in Plymouth. The Westland Parade photos were taken by Gordy Dorey's wife. Take a look at some of our new photos.
Members of Chapter 528 on Sunday, July 13th attended the Annual Picnic for The Michigan Military Moms. The picnic was held at Dearborn's Ford Field. Chapter 528 members who assisted at the picnic were: Dale Luebke, Vaughn Hull, Gary "Ouch" Boucher, Al Kerbyson, Norma Demerly, and Tom Brown Take a look at several photos photo 1, photo 2, photo 3.
Military Humor Joe Agius sent this page out!
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!
The Canton Goodfellows "No Canton Child Without a Christmas". Thanks to Nancy Spencer at 734-397-8975 and John Spencer at johnancysp@aol.com for organizing this event. The following photos were taken by Ted Enright (2008): Photo 1 Photo 2 .
Operation Never Forgotten (ONF) bridges the gap between our military and civilian worlds by creating non-partisan antional awareness advertising for our troops, veterans and their families. ONF has rolled out thousands of billboards from Times Square to LA, to include videos and signs in major airports and other media outlets. Creative communications projects by ONF stimulate volunteerism for all military support organizations assisting deployed troops, wounded warriors and survivors of our fallen heroes. Help us thank and recognize our troops and their families for their commitment, courange and sacrifices made to protect our privileges and freedoms!
Thanks to John Kinzinger for passing this fantastic link to us!
December 7, 2008
Photos taken at Canton Memorial in Honor of Pearl Harbor: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5.
The Annual Plymouth Fall Festival took place from Friday, September 5th thru Sunday, September 7th.
Carl Shefferd had a PGR mission to escort a group of Marines, the 1/24 Marine Heavy Weapons Co. just arrived home from Iraq. We picked them up at Detroit Metro and escorted their bus to Perrysburg, Ohio to their armory. Dave Codd road in his custom painted car. Take a look at two photos of Dave Codd's car: Photo 1 Photo 2. A of the Marines.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
On Wednesday February 11, the Chapter will hold a Poker Shootout in the VFW hall. Sign-in is at 5:30 PM and dealing starts at 6:00 PM. If you are interested in participating, give me a Don Dignan a call. If you just want to kibbutz, come on down. Bartender Darrell Bazman will be serving up the refreshments.
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. 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 'Buddy Poppy Days' web page.
Take a look at our newest web page POW-MIA On September 19, 2008, chapter member John Spencer organized the annual POW/MIA ceremony in Canton, Michigan. Cheryl Martin and two others read the names of the fallen and missing military members from Michigan. At this ceremony were two World War II Veterans who are former POW's. John always does a superb job in organizing events like this. Thanks John for all your hard work. I thank Nancy Spencer as well.
Three photos from the event: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3.
Following are some of the recent recipients of dollars raised by Chapter 528 (chapter members also volunteer their time to support these causes): Tomorrow's Child (SIDS), Sew Much Comfort (clothing for wounded vets), Indiana Vietnam Veterans Reunion, Lyman Foundation (golf outing), Michigan Military Mom's Walk, Marine Corps Toys For Tots, American Diabetes Association Walk, Canton Goodfellows Christmas Fundraiser, Legion Riders American Legacy Scholarship Fund, POW/MIA Committee of Michigan, Marine Corp League Northwest Detachment 162, James M. Hannan Division U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps, VFW Poppy Program, VVA Chapter 310's Annual Christmas Party (Ann Arbor VA Hospital), Grand Rapids Veteran's Home, Jacobetti Veteran's Home, Michigan Veterans Foundation, Wyandotte Purple Heart Memorial, U.S. Army National Museum, Intrepid Fallen Hero's Fund (Intrepid Center), STEP (Students Expedition Program), Burger School for Autism, Salvation Army, Angel's Place, Adopt-A-Road Program, Girl Scouts (send cookies overseas), and Two Area Car Washes.
We held our 3rd annual Remembrance Run to honor our deceased Chapter 528 Members and their spouses on Saturday, June 14th. We met at the after the conclusion of the Liberty Fest Parade at the Plymouth VFW and traveled to Great Lakes National Cemetary in Holly to the gravesite of our departed brother, Mike Ramsey where we held our ceremony. Our Ceremony included prayer readings, a reading of the names of the deceased, an honor volley and TAPS. Ted Enright took four photos and Gary "Bear" Kubik also took four photos of this event.
North Wall Riders Association with the help of VVA Chapter joined on Sunday, July 6th, 2008 for the Annual Run To The North Wall. The purpose was to honor the Canadians that served with the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War. Staging took place at 9:30 A.M. at R.C.L. BR. 594-3920 Huron Church Line Rd. Windsor, Ontario. The Run departed R.C.L. Br. 594 at 11:30 A.M. The Memorial Service at the North Wall was at 12:00 P.M. Open House and BBQ at R.C.L. Br. 594 was held after services. The Michigan's Moving Wall was displayed at R.C.L. Br. 594 with pictures and bios of the 2654 Michigan Men and Women that gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. For more info go to North Wall Riders Association or email: northwallriders@hotmail.com. Phone: 519-973-5892 or 519-981-0709. The following are some of the photos taken (2008): Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6, Photo 7, Photo 8.
Salute To Service is going to be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM with a program at 3:00 PM. It is going to be at The Village Theatre at Cherry Hill, on Cherry Hill and Ridge Roads in Canton, Michigan. If anyone has questions about it they can contact me via e-mail at peroinc5@comcast.net, or 734-397-1626. There are still tables available to display memorabilia at this event. Several veterans will have memorabilia displays and the Michigan Moms will be there accepting donations for phone cards. If someone wants to set up a table of military items, please call Pat Van Dusen at: 734-394-5193. Thanks, Cheryl A. Vatcher-Martin
Our Annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing takes place at Wallmart (Ford Rd.) on Saturday, December 13th, 2008. We still have several opening time slots left for members to volunteer. See John Fleming (734-604-0227) john@flemingfinancialsvcs.com for more information. Updated List of Volunteers (Dec. 10th).
Monday, October 20, 2008
We sold 2,714 tickets. The complete Winners List (PDF File) for our 2008 Sportman's Drawing or visit our 2008 Sportsman's Raffle Web Page. Take a look at photos from this event: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4. Thanks, Gary "Bear" Kubik for the photos!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Flyer for Texas Hold'em. Plymouth VFW Post 6695 1426 S. Mill St., Plymouth, MI (Between Ann Arbor Rd. & Ann Arbor Trl.) Doors open at noon - enter at hall entrance - game starts at 1:00 PM. $65.00 by in - $50.00 towards prizes - prizes out to 25 players based on 128 players. Each player gets $15,000.00 in chips - playing blinds. Lunch included. No limit betting - check & raise OK. You must be 21 years old to enter. $65.00 buy in payable upon registration at the VFW Post Lounge. Contact Gary (734)459-6700.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Texas Hold-Em at the Plymouth VFW Post 6695 1426 S. Mill St., Plymouth MI on March 21, 2009. Doors open at noon. Enter at the hall entrance. Game starts at 1:00 PM. $65.00 buy in - $50.00 towards prizes. Prizes out to 25 players based on 128 layers. Each player gets $15,000.00 in chips - playing blinds (includes lunch). No limit betting - Check & Raise OK. Must be 21 yrs old to enter! $65.00 buy in payable upon registration at the VFW Post Lounge in Advance. $75.00 on day of game. Contact Gary (734-459-6700). Take a look at the Flyer.
New Link January 13, 2009
At our January 12th General Membership Meeting Vietnam Veteran John E. Craven II gave a ten minute presentation on the D.O.V.E. Fund. The fund is a non-profit corporation founded by several Vietnam veterans, Rotarians, and other concerned citizens in January 2000, in Toldedo, Ohio. Their goal is to provide humanitarian and development assistance to areas in Vietnam; to promote communication, education, and cultural exchanges that reflect the best qualities of both cultures; and to create an environment brightened by hope and sustained peace. Take a look at their Dove Fund.org. You can also call John E. Craven II at 734-676-6578 or check out his Web Page.
Ultimate Sacrifice Memmorial Support Center Joe Agius forwarded this fantastic online web site - Check it out!
New December 31, 2008
Veterans 4 Hire announced today the start of a new online job bank for military veterans. The free online job bank is specifically designed to meet the needs of U.S. veterans and is a collaborative effort with military-friendly employers. Thanks, Don!
Veteran Compensation Programs Web Site New Site found by "Digger".
Thanks "Ouch" for this suggestion!
United States Air Force Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder
United States Army Caissons Go Rolling Along
United States Coast Guard Semper Paratus
United States Marine Corps Marines Hymn
United States Navy Anchors Away.
Battle Hymn of The Republic Battle Hymn of the Republic
It appears the VA is now covering hypertension. Check out the new link VA and Hypertension
Veterans benefit aid and attendance information guide for Plymouth Park Apartments. They are located on 107 North Haggerty Plymouth, MI. Take a look at this Veterans Information Guide. It's for veterans and their spouses. Donation Receipt for VA Benefit Aid.
Gary Pritchard's email: "I sent out the package this past weekend to SSGT Wiacek and his 101st men. The package was 27 pounds. I have some money left so I will turn it in with the bills at the next meeting."
We are actively participating in helping our soldiers. At our June General Membership Meeting we voted to begin a collection of items our Men and Women need overseas. Magazines/weekly tabloids (hopefully no more than 2-3 or so weeks old) - any and all even remotely related to any sport, guns, auto/motorcycle/truck, news, Entertainment, Time, Newsweek, Saturday Evening Post, ESPN, People, pop music magazines, Popular Mechanics, US, Readers Digest, etc. Donate yours and get them from relatives, friends, neighbors co-workers, your church, members of organizations you belong to. Collect them every 2-3 weeks and mail. Anything that appeals to males ages17-35 NO Playboy's, etc. If you or yours work at or with a junior high or high school, there may be a library or media center that gets these type publications as well. Publications geared to Black and Spanish speaking soldiers are always welcome. Crossword puzzle books, inexpensive shaving brushes used for weapons cleaning-brushing sand off weapons are in high demand - they go through these often. Best to have mailed to you, unwrap box and re-pack just brush with other items in your Priority Mail box. Hard candies-good ones, not those cheapo leftover Halloween things - (go to Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Costco, etc. for bulk 1 pound bags) -Skittles, Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, Wherthers Butterscotch, Brachs Party Mix, peppermints, hard fruit flavored candy etc. Keep in mind it's now well over 100 degrees daily and will go to over 120, so bubble gum, chocolate, etc, will not hold up in the mail. Snacks like Beef Jerky, Trail mix, Slim Jims, bags of Cracker Jacks, Power bars, protein bars, nutritional bars, granola bars, gum in blister packs (won't melt). Cookies: Avoid sending any with nuts. Store bought bags may be best if you don't want to have fresh ones baked. Use a larger USPS box sending PRIORITY MAIL for more room as packing requires using Popcorn or bubble wrap and wadded newspapers take up space. THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM is Mail, Mail and Mail - You can write a note or card(s). If you are affiliated with a veterans group, school, scout program, church group, civic organization, co-workers, your relatives and all their contacts, etc., ask them to write a card with a message to our men and women. These men and women love cards from kids and for some, as we recall mail call is a downer as they may not have a large support group in the states, especially single soldiers. Handwritten and hand drawn cards from kids are always a winner. Consider having mail given to you unsealed and review it for any possible anti-war or suggestive line from a young females. From the 2-16 Family Support Group. "A soldier in Iraq can't see your ribbon or the flag at your front door, but a letter they hold in their hands to them means so much more". For handouts to school kids - The troops get great joy in handing these out to kids, who have little school supplies. Many office supply stores, WalMart, Staples, etc. have packs of 24-48-72 pencils and inexpensive sharpeners and erasers. If not they are often at $1 stores. Smaller toiletry items - PX's run out quickly-travel or hotel size soap, shampoo, foot powder, toothpaste and tooth brushes (check with you local dentist or dental association) and nail clippers (can get small and larger sizes at the 99 cents and $1 stores). SSG Christopher A. Wiacek, C Co 1-405th FOB Warrior TF Red Currahee APO AE 09354 will act as our liaison for this project. The project will be an on-going event not just a one time deal. Please help! & Thanks! Gary Pritchard
The Silver Star/Navy Cross April 11, 2009
"Preceded in valor only by the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, the Silver Star was established by Act of Congress 9 July 1918 and is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States." The Silver Star and its companion book The Navy Cross were written to document the heroism of the young men and women who have fought and continue to fight an enemy bent on destroying freedom in the world. In the ongoing war against global terrorism, our servicemen and women continue to carry out their missions with determination and great courage. They display a dedication to their tasks and to each other that must be recognized and preserved for future generations. These books provide that recognition for their gallantry. Join Dale Throneberry and his guest; author Scott Baron this Saturday morning as they tell some of the stories about the courageous men and women who have been awarded the Silver Star and the Navy Cross. Scott Baron, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and former law enforcement officer in California is also the author of They Also Served: Biographies of Uncommon Americans and the co-author of Women at War: World War II to Iraqi Freedom and others all from the Naval Institute Press. WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit). Call Saturday with your questions 1-877-573-7825.
The Veterans Radio is airing "The Sinking of the USS Hoel". It airs at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM on 990 AM or 1440 AM. Check out The Flyer for USS Hoel.
November 11, 2008
Check out our Chapter's web page: Veterans Day 2008. Three photos taken at the event and published in the Plymouth Observer & Eccentric Newspapers: Photo One, Photo Two, Photo Three, Photo Four, Photo Five.
The VFW WebCOM Network Membership Forum now has 10382 Posts in 3099 Topics by 1604 Members! The hot topic as of late has been the discussion around the pros/cons of establishing a "Virtual Post" as a means of connecting with younger Veterans. Stop by and share your thoughts: VFW WebCOM Membership Forum. The VFW WebCOM Network also has established a Facebook Page.
For Pick up call 1-800-775-8387. The donated clothing goes to a resale shop in Livonia on Plymouth Road.
Veteran Benefits for Vets over 65 years old New February 23, 2009
Very interesting web site which explains a little known benefit for all vets over 65 years of age. The Special Pension for Veterans' Aid and Attendance pays up to $1,644 a month, $19,736 annually, toward assisted living, nursing homes or in-home care for veterans 65 and older who served at least 90 days and one day during wartime, stateside or overseas. Veterans and their spouses can receive up to $23,396 annually and spouses of deceased veterans, $12,681 Benefits. Thanks, Terry Hassett!
The Wall Song by Judy King, Mitch Townley and Brad Dunse.
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.
50,000 photos and song are on this site which was recommended by Bob Paul!
Photo taken in Cincinatti for his 716th Military Police Reunion. 716th Reunion Photo. From left to right: Moose, Tom Collins, Ray (from Australia), Bernie (from Australia), Larry, and Gary "Ouch" Boucher. Bernie is wearing the helmet that Ouch painted for him. Ray and his wife Sue along with Bernie came all the way from Australia to be at the reunion
