The Official Voice of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. ®
An organization chartered by the U.S. Congress
October/November 2003
MEMBERSHIP NOTES
BY A VVA STAFF REPORT HONORS
Liberty Bell Chapter 266 in Philadelphia regularly dedicates its newsletter to
local heroes who were killed in Vietnam. The August/September issue is dedicated to two heroes. Samuel B. Schwartz left Northeast High School in his junior year to enlist in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, when he was killed on May 11, 1969, near Hoi An in Quang Nam Province. He was 18 years old.
The same Chapter 266 newsletter issue also honored Daniel G. Post, who attended
Olney High School for three years until his family moved. He was assigned as an ammunition carrier bearer with Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, when he was killed on May 21, 1966. He was 19.
Ocean County Chapter 855 in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, dedicated its current
newsletter with the following devotion: "This issue is dedicated to our Grandmothers and Grandfathers who shared our dreams and gave us their special love. Growing up was so much easier because of them. We Honor them not only on Grandparents Day, September 7, 2003, but every day.''
HOSPITALIZED VETERANS
Butch Mullen, President of Chapter 777 in Richmond, Indiana, reports the
chapter donated $500 to the Wayne County Veterans Council to help buy a new van to transport veterans to doctor and hospital appointments.
NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE GENERATION ABANDON ANOTHER
Jerry Yamamoto, president of Redondo Beach, California, Chapter 53 reports that John Fer spoke to the chapter for close to two hours about his nearly seven-year experience as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Also, the chapter donated blood to California Assemblyman George Nakano's Blood Drive. Darrol Brown, the newly elected Region 9 director, appointed Yamamoto as his alternate delegate to the National Board.
Chapter 691 in Merced, California, reports that another name will be added to
the World War II Memorial in Court House Park on December 7, 2003. Charles R. "Dick'' Cothran was a crewmember aboard the USS Hull, one of the first American ships to fire on and down Japanese aircraft during the attack on Pearl Harbor. On December 18, 1944, the ship was lost at sea during a typhoon and Cothran died.
WOMEN VETERANS
George Estermyer of Plymouth-Canton Chapter 528 in Plymouth, Michigan, reports that Women Veterans Chair Marian Alviar announced that the $1,000 donation to the Fort Custer Women's Memorial project will be made soon. Marian Alviar also announced that she is moving to Atlanta. Estermyer reacted very simply: "The Michigan State Council will be losing a very dedicated and involved person. Good luck, Marian.''
SCHOLARSHIPS
VVA is trying to build a database of scholarships given out by chapters and state councils. Send information on the total dollar amount of the scholarships and the number of students who have received financial help to scholarshipinfo@vva.org Chapters and state councils have awarded tens of thousands of dollars in educational support over the years. It's time to track that information.
ODDS 'N' ENDS
Wisconsin Rapids Chapter 101 held its second Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup Project in August. Members Bill Falkner, Helen Winchester, and Jim Stack were joined by Vernon Dicks and Bob Galanski. Another cleanup was held October 11.
The Warrior, newsletter of San Jacinto Chapter 343 in Houston, reports the chapter is preparing for its 14th annual Veterans Day Benefit Barbecue on November 9 at
Pavilion 6 at Bear Creek Park. Purchasing tickets supports homeless veterans so they can feast on great meals, too. If you want to help, call the chapter at 713-880-9343, or go to their website at http://www.vva.343.org and make a pledge to help Chapter 343 feed a homeless vet.
The Commo Bunker, newsletter of Manitowoc County Chapter 731 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, shared its Color Guard Report for June and July . Thirteen members showed up at the Manitowoc Air Show on June 8. Eight members marched in the
Appleton Flag Day Parade on June 14. Seven members of the Color Guard presented the colors at the Manitowoc Bandits baseball game on June 18. At the Wisconsin State VVA Convention in Wausau, the Color Guard opened and closed the convention. Fourteen members of the Color Guard took part in the French Creek Days Parade on July 13. On August 9 they marched in the Tisch Mills Parade, and on September 6 the Color Guard joined with color guards and flag bearers from across the state in the annual Salute to Wisconsin Veterans at Madison's Camp
Randall Stadium in front of 70,000 people.
Liberty Bell Chapter 266 is still collecting socks for the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center. Next time you pick up a tube of socks for yourself, think of a vet without socks and pick up an extra pair for the Chapter 266 program. Contact them at their website at http://vva266.tripod.com/homeIRAQ ON THE INTERNET
Chapter 101reminds those who would like to send a message to our troops in Iraq or simply find out what you can do to support them, to log on to
http://defendamerica.mil/index.html
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