President`s Corner - (VVA) Chapter 528 Plymouth/Canton, MI

CHAPTER 528 HOMEFRONT
MAY 2011
VVA 528 Membership Meeting Monday May 9, 2011 1426 S. Mill St. VFW Plymouth, MI. Come on and join us! 7:00 p.m. (1900)
INDEX
Our Executive Officers 2011
PAGE
President’s Corner .............................. 1
Digger’s Desk ..................................... 2
Wayne County Fishing Derby .......... 2
Odds & Ends ...................................... 3
State Council News ........................... 4
Holiday Bazaar ................................... 4
Chaplain’s Corner .............................. 5
Memorial Wall Project ...................... 6
Adopt-A-Road Pick-Up ..................... 6
American Flag & Certificate ............ 7
History of Our Chapter .................... 7
Fish Fry ............................................... 7
AVVA Report ..................................... 8
Kokomo 2011 ...................................... 8
Members In Distress ......................... 8
In Memoriam ..................................... 9
Cruz’n 528 Car Show ........................ 10
Dr. Bob’s Files ................................... 11
Calendar of Events ........................... 12
The “Bear’s Den” .............................. 12
Photos from April 11th Meeting ..... 13
Membership & Ads .......................... 14
Membership Form ............................ 15
HOMEFRONT STAFF
Tom Brown - Editor and Publisher
Don Dignan - Assistant Editor & Columnist
Dale Luebke - Distribution Chief/Columnist
Bob Lamoureux - Events & Columnist
Jay Roberts - President & Columnist
Gary Estermyer - Calendar & Columnist
Rich Whipple - Columnist
Richard Waldecker - Columnist
Norma Demerly - Columnist
Bob Paul - Columnist
Dennis Bielskis - Columnist
John Spencer - Columnist
Gary Kubik - Columnist
Ted Enright - Photographer
Chapter 528 held its 2011 elections on
Assisting Dale with Distribution:
Ron King - Distribution Assistant
Monday, April 11, 2011. The Executive
Mike & Cheri Schlott
Board: Ron King - Secretary, Bob Dew Vaughn Hull
Darrell Bazman"
Treasurer, Jay Roberts - President, Dennis
Al Kerbyson"
Bielskis 2nd V.P. and Rick Ciaramitaro 1st
Mike Dicker"
V.P. See page 13 for more photos including
Bob Lamoureux
Members of the Year, Board Members and
Jay Roberts
Thanks to Ron King for taking
John Iaquinta
our “Swearing In Ceremony”.
over as distribution chief this
Bill Browning
month!
"Never Again Will One Generation Of Veterans Abandon Another!"
President’s Corner
The first thing I want to say as your new President is, thank you. My first thank you goes to Mike Steffees. Under
Mike's leadership our chapter has grown and is financially sound. To Mike and those who served on the Board,
thank you for a job well done. The second part of my thank you is for the support I received at our April meeting. I
will attempt to repay that support, by doing the best I can to lead our chapter to continued success.
When we were in the military we relied heavily on each other. We built friendships that lasted even today. Those
types of friendships are awaiting you today. Come on get involved. There are many great events coming up to
participate. Here are a few: Post clean up April 30, Car Wash May 15, Fishing Derby May 21, Car Shows starting May
25 and The Memorial Wall June 16-19. We have a great Chapter. Only you and I can make it better. Hope to see you
at one of these events.
Semper Fi!
Jay Roberts
1st Batttalion
3rd Marine Division
2
Digger’s Desk
ELECTIONS
Congratulations to president Jay Roberts and the rest of
the officers and Board of Directors upon your election.
We are looking to you to lead us forward in the next
twelve months and keep VVA Chapter 528 on the
correct path of working for and caring for veterans.
LOUNGE SIGN IN RAFFLE
Be sure to sign in before the meeting and any day you
happen to visit the Post. Members of all groups (VVA,
AVVA, VFW, Men’s and Ladies Auxiliary) are eligible.
The pot was just broken with the winner pocketing
over $350. It’s a win/win situation.
VALUE FOR YOUR TIME
When you joined Chapter 528, hopefully someone (or a
whole roomful of someones) said “Welcome Home” or
some other equally endearing phrase. After that it is up
to you to seek out projects that will give you “value for
your time”. Whether it is helping out at the Car Cruz,
washing or cooking at the carwash, cleaning the post,
baiting a hook at the fishing derby, bringing in a dish for
the Soup ‘N Salad, waiting tables at the Steak Fry,
marching in the Memorial Day or Independence Day
Parades, salesmanship for our current raffle, speaking of
your experiences at a local high school, supporting a
charity through one of our golf outings, offering up
poppies to support our Veterans relief, assisting at the
Traveling Wall, being reverently present for our flag day
ceremony, shucking corn at the Fall Fest, playing in the
pool league while welcoming other Veterans to our
home, visiting hospitalized Veterans, delivering clothing
donations to the downtown Michigan Veterans
Foundation, bs’ing with your fellow veterans about those
long ago days of our youth, you will have ample
opportunity to partake of Veteran and community
service and get rewarded for your efforts.
ANNUAL MAIN STRET CARWASH
Below is the schedule for our annual upcoming
carwash. Please arrive at your scheduled time. If
you’re not up to work the carwash, come on by for
a hot dog and pop.
Main Street Auto Wash - North or AA Road
Sunday May 15, 9 am-4 pm
9-11:30 am: Don Dignan, Dale Luebke, Gary Kubik,
Susie Wagner, Rick Ciaramitaro, Jan Spittler, John
Iaquinta, Bob Bryan, Al Dorey, Ron King and Forrest
Manley
11:30 am- 2:00 pm: Gary Pritchard, Bill Gravett,
Dennis Bielskis, Don Shannon, Dominick Grake,
Zoltan Nagy, Peter Glasgow, Dean Bell and Gary
Boucher
2:00 am-4:00 pm: Rich Whipple, Darrell Bazman, Jay
Roberts, Walt Wieber, Bob Paul, Bill Browning, Doug
Fox, Dave Banks, Gordon Dorey and Ted Enright.
I hope to see you at the May meeting. Bring a buddy.
It’s a great time to be a Veteran and a member of
Chapter 528.
Don Dignan
D/2/16 “Rangers
1st Inf. Div.
1967-1968
Wayne County Parks Fishing Derby
The annual fishing derby is scheduled for May 21, 2011
at Waterford Bend in Hines Park at 6 Mile and
Northville Rd. Bill Boudreau, Tom Brown, Dean Bell,
and “Bear” will once again chair this event. Volunteers
are: Rick Ciaramitaro, Jan Spittler, Doug Fox, Bill
Gravett, Al Kerbyson, Dennis Bielskis, Gene
Spurgess, Frank Gilbo, Gary Boucher, Bill Browning,
Jay Roberts, Don Dignan , and Bob Dew. Please be
there by 7:45 a.m.
Tom Brown, Editor
HDG III Corps
3rd & 9th Pershing
F.A. Ft. Sill, OK
3
Odds & Ends
Chapter Elections
The votes have been tabulated and the results are. Here
are your new elected officials for the upcoming year.
President
1st Vice President
Jay Roberts
Rick Ciaramitaro
2nd Vice President
Dennis Bielskis
Secretary
Treasurer
Ron King
Bob Dew
Board Members
(2 year)
(1 year)
Joe Agius
Don Dignan
Gary Boucher
Darrell Bazman
Bill Browning
Bob Paul
Lapsed Members: As of April 20, 2011 the following
individuals have not renewed their membership: Bob
Cohen and Rodney Tanner.
May VVA Renewals: Jim Austin, Mike Bush, Lorne
Roberts, Ken Ryan, Gene Spurgess and Ron Wroblewski
May AVVA Renewals: none
If you have already renewed thank you. If you have
not, please do so before the end of the month to keep
your membership current.
Color Guard Update
Color guard elections took place after the membership
meeting. I was reelected Commander and Rick
Ciaramitaro, Deputy Commander. The color guard will be
presenting the colors at the Joshua Trail banquet again this
year on May 20th and at the opening ceremony of the
Canton Cup soccer tournament on May 28th 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 the rifle squad will go directly to Rural Hill
Cemetery for the honor volleys. At 1:00 we will be at the
Canton memorial for their service.
Chapter Raffle
National Convention Delegates
Dennis Bielskis
Tom Brown
Bob Dew
Ron King
Jay Roberts
Nominating Committee Dean Bell
Mike Dicker
Bob Lamoureux
Rich Whipple
Let’s take a moment to thank our outgoing officers for the
great job they did this past year.
As I indicated last month there were 2 drawings at the
April meeting. Winners of the lifetime memberships are
Dennis Waling and Darrell Bazman. Congratulations
Dennis and Darrell and thank you Pat Klopschinsky for
the additional drawing.
Memorial Run
Our 6th annual Memorial Run will take place
sometime in June. Date and location have not been
determined at this time. Further details will be
forthcoming. All are invited to attend. This is not just
a color guard event. We do this each year to pay our
respects to those in the chapter who have gone before
us.
Membership
We had 5 individuals join our chapter this past month.
Dave Dershinski, Army, recruited by Gary Kubik, Dale
Sirkle, Army, recruited by Ron King and Dominick Grake,
Army, recruited by Don Shannon. Clyde Rains, Army,
joined after attending our last meeting and Jeff Yoshikawa,
Army, has transferred his membership from the Westland
chapter. Welcome to Chapter 528 Dave, Dale, Dominick,
Clyde and Jeff. Our current membership stands at 209
individual and 56 associate members.
Dropped From Roster: Bob Carris and Lorne Johnston
Bob Lamoureux
Co. C, 3/47, 9th Inf. Div.
“Mobile Riverines”
4
State Council News
Gary Estermyer, State Council Delegate
USARV, 58th
Field Depot
Qui Nhon
It was foggy on the way to Howell on Sunday, April
10, 2011 but the sunny 75 degree ride home was
definitely two-wheel weather.
President Ken Diegel opened the meeting at 10:00
AM with the pledge and a prayer. Ken immediately
announced that the next regular State Council meeting
was scheduled for July 17th in Howell. It was then
announced that Tim Driscoll is the new delegate from
Washtenaw County Chapter 310. Ken also announced
that Lupe Alviar (Chapter 31) and P’Nut Hicks (Chapter
287) are dealing with personal illness.
Secretary Ray “Doc” Essenmacher then called roll.
All the officers were present and sixteen chapters were
represented. “ Doc” mentioned he has already begun
receiving some chapter election reports, please keep
them coming.
Treasurer Don Godek then gave a brief financial
report. The good news was that the State Council had
received a $25,000 grant from an organization known as
Others First. A court hearing is scheduled for the end
of this month regarding the Howell property.
Discussion began regarding the written Treasurer
report. Don agreed to provide more details. Ken then
reported he would be sending out a letter to all chapter
Presidents regarding the Councils financial situation.
Details on the May 21st meeting will follow.
Tim Driscoll reported on the Agent Orange town hall
meeting held on April 10th. This Chapter 310 public
awareness event was attended by 85-100 people. Many
speakers and panel members presented a very
informative session. This was a great chapter project
that could be copied by any other chapter.
Jack McManus, Chapter 310, reported that Jack
Devine (currently in Vietnam) had been in talks with
various legislative departments and other veteran
organizations and he is hopeful
that some VVA funding will be restored.
Tom Meinhardt, Region 5 Director, (Chapter 284)
discussed the upcoming Region 5 Pre – Convention
Conference. It will be held from June 24-25, 2011 in
Indianapolis, IN at the Hilton North, which is just off
I-69. All Michigan delegates are invited. The
conference will run from 9 – 5 on Friday and 9 – noon
on Saturday. Rooms are $79.00 and registration is $40.00
which includes coffee, tea and Danish Friday and
Saturday AM, dinner on Saturday evening and conference
materials. I have a copy of the registration form if
needed. Tom also informed the delegates that 11,088
burials have taken place at Great Lakes National
Cemetery as of March 31, 2011.
Vice President John Riling reported that he has been
working on the casino fundraiser.
“Doc” reported that Army suicides continue to be sad
reminder of the effects of war. If you happen to meet a
young ‘troubled’ veteran you should suggest they get
VSO representation and VA medical help.
Phil Smith, Service Director, reported there is now a 1
year claim backlog with appeals taking 1 ½ years.
Recoveries through January are $6,649,013.00. February
and March numbers are pending. Patience is required if
you’re trying to contact the Service Office as Phil is the
only employee. Some volunteers have helped out which
is greatly appreciated. Phil also reminded us of
www.ebenefits.va.gov, which is an on-line VA connection.
To get a premium account set up you will have to do an
in-person authentication meeting at the Regional VA
Office at 477 Michigan Ave, 12th floor, take 2 ID’s with
you.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 21 – Chapter 9, 30th Anniversary party
Chapter President’s meeting
May 27/29 – Coldwater, Civil War Days
May 30 – Dearborn Memorial Day Parade
June 24/25 – Region 5, Indianapolis, IN
July 3 – Run To The North Wall XVI
July 16 – Howell Chapter pig roast
July 17 – State Council meeting, Howell
Aug 17/20 – VVA National Convention, Reno
Mayflower/Lt Gamble VFW Post 6695
Ladies Auxiliary HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Saturday, November 5th 2011 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: $2.00
This well publicized show features the talents of
dozens of crafters and artisans. There will be items
from crafters, specialty dealers, bake sale, and a light
lunch will be available. We hope that you will be able
to stop by and do some Christmas shopping and
support our VFW Ladies Auxiliary. You will find some
special and unique gifts here. We are looking for
additional vendors and exhibitors; contact the ladies
listed below for applications.
For more information, contact:
Linda 586-215-7580
Patty 248-486-0001
Janet 734-459-6774
5
Chaplain’s Corner
The Bribe That Didn’t Work
(How the Truth of the Risen Christ Has Prevailed)
Something that was said on Easter Sunday caught my
attention while our pastor was reading scripture from
the book of Matthew (the first book in the New
Testament). The scripture was about Jesus Christ’s
resurrection from the dead.
personally witnessed. There was no monetary gain for
these disciples who witnessed Christ, so why would they
have put themselves in danger with those in power? If
the resurrection of Christ was a hoax, why would these
men die instead of recanting what they had seen?
The resurrection is not a hoax. It happened! Christ is
alive, and He died for all of us sinners. Because I have
made Christ my Lord and my Savior, I am secure, loved,
satisfied, and have a calm assurance of eternity. I am
loved by my Creator!!
Note: I do want you a& to know, that if you ever need someone to
talk to and there doesn’t seem to be a neighbor, family member,
Pontius Pilate was telling his guards how to guard the
etc. that you feel that would understand, please ca& me up and I
tomb that Jesus was laid in, after His horrific death on
wi&
be available most any time to meet you for a beer, coffee, or
the cross.
whatever. I hope I have gained your confidence in keeping
Matthew 27, verse 65: “Take a guard, Pilate answered. Go
make the tomb as secure as you know how”. So they (the guards) whatever is discussed, between you and me.
went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone
In His service,
and posting the guard.” (We all remember guard duty!)
Matthew 28, verses 2-4: “There was a violent earthquake, for
an angel of the Lord came down %om heaven and, going to the
Rich Whipple
tomb, ro&ed back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was
like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards
HHC/2/503d Infantry
were so a%aid of him that they shook and became like dead
173d. Airborne
men.” (The mighty Roman soldiers were defenseless!)
Brigade
Matthew 28, verses 5-6: “The angel said to the women (who
had come to spread spices and perfumes on Jesus’ body) “Do
not be a%aid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who
was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Now here is where it got my attention. In verse 11-15:
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went
into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that
had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders
and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,
te&ing them, “You are to say, His disciples came during the
night and stole him away while we were asleep. If this report
gets to the governor, we wi& satisfy him and keep you out of
trouble”. So the soldiers took the money and did as they were
instructed.
So a bribe was given to the soldiers, who took it “lock,
stock, and barrel” to keep them out of trouble, as well as
not telling anyone what they had seen and experienced.
The elders and chief priests thought the problem of not
finding the body, would go away, but it didn’t. The
eleven disciples who had witnessed the risen Jesus, were
threatened, tortured, and several were killed because
they would not recant their belief and what they had
Be sure to designate VVA Chapter 528
when turning in your vehicle.
6
Memorial Wall Project
Here is an update of the Memorial Wall project and
tentative schedule of events that are planned for June
16th – 19th 2011. The wall comes into town on
Wednesday June 15, 2011 and will be at the Hampton
Inn located on Haggerty Road South of Ford Rd.,
Canton Township. On Thursday Morning June 16th,
2011 at about 9:00 am the Patriot Riders and the
American Legion Riders with about 200 motorcycles
will escort the wall to the site with the assistance of
the Canton T0wnship Police Department. Once the
wall arrives at Heritage Park it will be assembled and
open for visitors in the afternoon. The opening
Ceremony will happen at 6:00 PM on Thursday June
16th, 2011. Chapter 528 Color Guard will open the
ceremony with the posting of the colors. The wall will
be officially opened at that time, the normal hours of
operation will be from 9:00 am till 9:00 pm Friday
June 17th, Saturday June 18th and on Sunday June 19th
we will have the closing ceremonies at 5:00 pm after
which the wall will be dismantled and loaded into the
truck. It will return to the motel Sunday night and
leave Michigan on Monday morning.
On Saturday June 18th starting at about 12:00 pm Rich
Ciaramitaro and a group of volunteers will start
reading the names of the soldiers that were killed in
Vietnam from Michigan only. After each name is read
a bell will be tolled.
All of the volunteers will check in with Dennis Bielskis
or Debby Bradley as they come onto the site to work.
We will have a location set up with a sign for
volunteers to check in and they will be assigned duties
for the times they are signed up for. Currently we are
planning on 2 hours shifts for each volunteer and you
can work as many shifts as you like. We will have the
Canton Young Marine Detachment, the Sea Cadets
and the Boy Scouts working with volunteers. We are
working with Canton Twp Leisure Services
department Paula Kosbe paula.kosbe@canton-mi.org
who is combining the names of all volunteers that have
signed up. This way we will have one master list of all
volunteers with times to work. We will send out an email copy prior to the start of the program.
We have to prep the site ourselves. This means we will
need help getting the grounds ready to accept the wall
on Thursday June 16th 2011. This will involves laying
the sidewalks out, the tents, product sales, military
memorable displays, information tent. We are planning
on using wood chips that Canton Township is supplying
and landscaping supplies from a local landscaping
company. We are going to need workers starting on
Monday June 13 and for each day after that. We plan on
starting work around 9:00 am each day. We will have to
move the wood chips, lay out the landscaping cloth and
anything else that needs to be done in preparation for the
arrival of the wall. This is one of the more important
parts of the project. So we need all the help we can get
starting on Monday June 13th 2011.
Dennis Bielskis
11ACR 2nd Sq F Troop
John Spencer
123rd Transportation Co, Cam Ranh Bay
Joy Road Adopt-A-Road Pick-Up
Sat. April 23, 2011
Dennis Waling, Forrest Manley, Don Dignan, Judy
Thomason, Jim Hodgson, Jerry Thomason, Ron King, Bob
Lamoueux, Pete Glasgow, Dennis Bielskis and Rich Whipple
7
History of Chapter 528
Ann Manning (left), fifth-grade teacher at Plymouth
Christian Academy in Canton, accepts an American flag
and a certificate of recognition from treasurer Linda
Mentink, past state president Caroline Van Gorder and
junior vice president and community chairperson Nancy
Dignan of the Mayflower Lt. Gamble Post 6695 Ladies
Auxiliary. The flag and certificate were presented as part
of the post's Americanism and Community Service
initiatives. Linda and Nancy are members of Chapter
528 AVVA.
Fish Fry 2011
Jim Kimball, Don Dignan, Dale Luebke, Nancy Dignan,
Don Shannon, Dominick Grake, & Janet Nippa
I was a Counterintelligence Agent and served primarily
with the 101st Airborne, 2nd Brigade, LZ Sally. To be
sure, I did serve with other units in Vietnam, however,
usually the 101st. For your knowledge depending on
assignment I could be anywhere in I Corp on any given
day. I worked with the CIA (Air America), Phu Bai and
other intell units. Hopefully this is not too confusing. As an agent I
could be working on base security, security clearances,
sabotage, espionage or maybe a subject interview. State side I was involved in undercover work during the
campus riots of early 1970 in addition to my other
assignments listed above.
Now you can understand why it took me many years to
join the VVA. I never felt I belonged with the people
that served that were shot at or worse. To be sure, I
was shot at more than once in so called non-combat
areas. I was trained and fluent in the Vietnamese
language.
This web page is only in the beginning stages.
Hopefully, with the help of our "Original Members" I
will be able to come up with a historical chronology of
our Chapter. As far as Cheri Schlott reports: The
Chapter started in November of 1989 but the Chapter
didn't become official (registered with National VVA)
until September 13th of 1990. Rick DiVeto was the
unofficial President for those first meetings. The first
official President of the Chapter was Greg Huddas.
Mike Schlott was the second. Bob Cohen was the
secretary for those beginning years. Don Dignan’s first
meeting was in May 1990 at the Canton library. He
remembers the following members being around: Dan
Stengle, Gary Estermyer, Joe Kato, John Ligner, Tim
LaGrow, Greg Huddas, Joe Agius, Bob Cohen, George
Klepack, Hank Giles and Mike Schlott.
Richard Waldecker
Chapter Historian
101st Airborne
2nd Brigade
8
AVVA Report
AVVA Michigan Association Meeting Apr 10, 2011
Meeting was called to order by President Nancy
Diegel, who led us in the pledge of allegiance and then
gave a short prayer. Nancy talked about her goals and
expectations for the upcoming year. Nancy said the
AVVA members should feel they can talk to her and
not feel what they have to contribute doesn’t matter.
Secretary Norma Demerly read the Minutes from the
March 19, 2011 Meeting. Vice President Betty noted
one correction in the Minutes. Edie made a motion
that Michigan AVVA pay the cost for lunch for all
members in attendance today. It should have said all
members and guests in attendance today. Treasurer
Cecilia read her financial report. Cecilia explained
about the new checking account opened and that the
four board members are on the account.
There was a discussion concerning changes to the
National By-laws and Policies and Procedures. We will
look at ours when National AVVA approves their ByLaws. Nancy will check with Pat Furno who is the
National Chair for the By-laws and Policy and
Procedures. Nancy asked how many members may be
going to National Leadership Convention in Reno.
AVVA will have one table at the National Convention.
We discussed what we wanted to do for fund raising.
AVVA will be holding a 50/50 raffle, possible silent
auction items and a scratch off ticket. Cecilia
motioned we spend the $300.00 dollars to buy the 25
scratch off tickets. Motion was seconded by Jane Dady.
Motion passed. Nancy also asked if any members were
going to attend the Region 5 Conference in
Indianapolis. There will be an AVVA Regional meeting
in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 24th and 25th. Cecilia
showed us the map with tags for all the current VVA
Chapters in Michigan. Nancy passed out spread sheets
for the girls to mark up the events they help with in
their Chapters. Our next AVVA will be in Howell, MI
scheduled for July 17th 2011 at 10 am.
Respectfully!
Norma Demerly AVVA Rep
AVVA State Secretary Kokomo 2011
We have received Confirmation on our 12 Lots for
this years gathering in September. We will be trading
Lots 720 & 721 E. for 338 & 339 E. after we get there
in Sept. This will allow us to Square off this year. Only
problem I see, is we won't have room for any large
Campers!
Dale M. Luebke
355th Tac Fighter Wing
357th Tac Fighter Squadron
Members In Distress
Aggie Little is recovering as an out-patient for
heart surgery.
Mike Steffes spent a few days in the hospital
fighting an infection in his leg.
Do you have a Shotgun, Rifle, Handgun or
Black Powder firearm that you want to
turn into CASH? If you do then give Joe a
call at 810-394-3198 We are licensed to
come to your home and purchase your
firearm. So give Joe a call or email at
joes59pontiac389@att.net
In Memoriam
Deceased VVA Chapter 528 Members ""
Service"
Dates of Service
Richard Diveto" "
Jeffery Stewart" "
Gary Smith"
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Delbert Haddock "
Marvin Schultz" "
Bryan Tubbs " "
Charles Sperry" III "
Thomas Labowitch"
John Hinman" "
Edward Cafruny""
Jerry Gibbons" "
Robert Cicotte" "
T. Joseph Dorey" "
John Macik"
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Basilio Rivera" "
Chris Busse"
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Thomas Butterfield"
Dennis Lowry" "
Michael Ramsey""
George Troell" "
Larry Jarvis"
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Joseph Kato Jr." "
Tom Snell"
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Kris (KC) Brimer "
Cornelis McGowan "
Harry Bryant" "
Richard Torossian"
Franz Brenner" "
Tim Klopschinsky"
Michael Weaver""
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Deceased AVVA Members / Spouses
Henry “Bob” Smith"
Robert Nelson" "
Cynthia Estermyer"
George Salhaney""
Stanley Jenkins" "
Judith LaGrow" "
Carol Luebke" "
William Jakobcic"
Dorothy Dorey" "
Floyd Riley"
"
Lynn Wallace" "
Denise Cain"
"
Patricia Hull"
"
James St. Holmes"
Anna Smith "
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Adam Hays"
"
Karen Ligner" "
1923 - 1995
1929 - 1995
1951 - 1998
1931 – 1998"
1924 - 2000
1949 - 2003
1947 - 2003
1943 – 2003
1924 - 2004
1933 - 2004
1961 - 2005
1953 - 2005
1946 - 2006
1969 - 2007
1923 - 2008
1930 - 2010
1950 - 2010 "
"
9
10
Darrell Bazman, Co-Chair
Bob Paul, Co-Chair
11
then
12
Calendar by Gary Estermyer
VVA 528 Membership Meeting Monday May 9, 2011 1426 S. Mill St.
VFW Plymouth, MI Come on and join us! 7:00 p.m. (1900 hours)
VFW May Events
3rd - Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 7:00 p.m.
6th - Karaoke 8:00 p.m.
10th - General Membership Mtg. 7:00 p.m.
17th - Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
19th - Men’s Auxiliary Meeting 6:30 p.m.
20th - Karaoke 8:00 p.m.
May Birthdays
Jim Austin, Terry Blumberg, Les Brookins, Guido Capaldi,
Ernie Costantino, Howard Doll, Ed Florence, Jerry Galda,
Frank Gilbo, Gary Grant, Jim Hodgson, Jergen Juziuk,
George Klepack, Leo Ksiazek, Larry Luceus, Christine
Roberts, Roger Schlee, Dan Stengle, Benjamin Tallman, Ron
Wilson, Dale Wofford
The Bear’s Den
May 21st, I will be part of the Gestopo at the fishing
derby in Hines Park and I will have Cruise Raffle tickets
for ten dollars each. After the Memorial Day Parade, we
will be serving Marion's SOS in the Post Lounge. June
2nd they will be working on the old ticker again. I will
miss 2 days at the lounge. Cold beer and good friends
are always there. Sign in! Anyone can win!
DIVE...Dive....dive!
Gary “The Bear” Kubik
TM2 (SS)
USS Gudgeon SS567
USS Diodon SS 349
Sub Sq. 5
13
528 Board of Directors 2011
Bob Paul, Joe Agius, Darrell Bazman, Bill Browning, Gary
“Ouch” Boucher, Ted Enright, Don Dignan and Gary Pritchard
Bob Dew Executive of the Year
President Mike Steffes
Judy Thomason AVVA Member of the
Year Norma Demerly AVVA Rep.
John Iaquinta Chapter Member of the Year
President Mike Steffes
Doug Fox Board Member of the Year
President Mike Steffes
Forrest Manley Honor Guard Member
of the Year Cdr. Bob Lamoureux
Swearing In Ceremony
Norma Demerly, Ron King, Gary Boucher, Jay Roberts, Bob Dew, Bob
Paul, Rick Ciaramitaro, Darrell Bazman, Joe Agius, Bill Browning, Dennis,
Bielskis, Don Dignan, Tom Brown, Bob Lamoureux and Dean Bell
14
We are pleased
March 26, 2011
We are pleased to announce an ongoing project and collaboration between the VVA Chapter 310 and the
Yankee Air Museum.[T1] The Museum has been planning and designing a Vietnam War Diorama which
will be centered around a Vietnam era “Huey” simulating an “LZ” operation. The construction phase of
the project will begin soon and while some military uniforms and artifacts have already been donated,
there is still significant cost remaining to complete the audio/visual, mannequins, weaponry and ground
effects. VVA Chapter 310 and the Yankee Air Museum will be teaming up together to sponsor a “Vietnam
Salute to the Huey” Event to benefit the funding for the construction’s completion and display
components.
May 21, 12-4 pm
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti MI
Robert Mason, author of “Chickenhawk” will be present to meet and autograph
Pig Roast with sides
60’s music with DJ “Big Daddy G”
WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and current military artifacts on display
Static aircraft displays
Live auction of military related items
You can help out by simply attending the event and have fun! You may also send a donation to:
Yankee Air Museum (specify on your check “for Vietnam display”)
47884 D.Street
Belleville, Mi 48111
Att: Robert Hassan 734-634-8791
Tickets available at: Yankee Air Museum website: http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/
VVA Chapter 310 website: http://www.vva310.org/
We look forward to the eventual completion and display of the Vietnam War Diorama at the Yankee Air
Museum and thank you again for your continued support of these important works.[T2] Sincerely,
Bob Kwiecinski
President
VVA Chapter 310
bobski9933@aol.com (734)429-0772
15
PRESENTS
RUN TO THE NORTH WALL
XVI
JOIN US SUNDAY July 3rd, 2011 FOR THE ANNUAL RUN TO THE
NORTH WALL, IN HONOR OF THE CANADIANS THAT SERVED
WITH THE U.S. MILITARY DURING THE VIETNAM WAR.
STAGING TAKES PLACE 9:30 A.M. AT R.C.L. BR. 594 - 5050
Howard Ave. LaSalle, Ont.
RUN LEAVES R.C.L. Br. 594 AT 11:20 A.M. SHARP!
Breakfast will be available at Br. 594 between 0900hrs and 1100 hrs
Cost for breakfast is $6.00
This years ride will be in memory of Ed Johnson, the Father of the
Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial who had Passed away Aug. 24th
2010
MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE NORTH WALL FOR 12:00 P.M.
OPEN HOUSE AND BBQ AT R.C.L. BR. 143 – 1570 Marentette Ave.
FOR MORE INFO GO TO www.northwallridersassociation.piczo.com
OR EMAIL: northwallriders@hotmail.com
PHONE: (519) 256-6797 or (519) 903-5893
EVERYONE WELCOME
16
4th
‘CAR SHOW FOR VETS’
ANNUAL CAR & BIKE SH0W
AND A ‘WELCOME HOME’ FOR OEF/OIF VETERANS
PRESENTED BY
MOTOR CITY MUSCLE CAR CLUB
In conjunction with
Local Veteran Organizations
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th, 2011
9:00am-3:00pm
P.L.A.V. POST 166
39375 Amrhein Rd.
Livonia, MI 48150
(Between Plymouth Road & I-96, at Eckles & Amrhein Roads)
All proceeds going to those who served to
Protect our Freedom
17
boat4vets
3rd Annual Boat Outing
July 16, 2011 (rain day July 30)
It's that time to start thinking about our veterans again. Time to show
them our appreciation for their service to our country. To tell them
"Thank: You". Remember the sacrifices they made so we can enjoy the
freedoms we have.
Are you a Veteran?
If you are WE...N.EEDYOU.
Call us and join in on the FREE food and fun on Lk. St. Clair.
Do you own a boat?
If you do WE NEED YOU.
Call us and become a part of our organization. Take a veteran out for a
boat ride then back for a BBQ. FREE food for you too.
Would you like to be a sponsor?
If you would WE NEED YOU.
If you can make a donation (of time or money or prizes for the vets)
Call us. We would love to have you join us in any manner you can do.
Call Mike Shawl- 810-742-0173 or 810-241-8025
Join now and remember to thank a vet today.
CHAPTER 528 HOMEFRONT
Chapter 528 Web Site: www.vva528.org
Chapter Officers& &
&
President "
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1st Vice President
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2nd Vice President "
Secretary"
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Treasurer"
"
MAY 2011
"
18
Chapter 528 Travel Site: www.travelvva528.com
Advertising Rates: 1 year $60; 6 mos. $45; 1 issue $15
Jay Roberts"
"
Rick Ciaramitaro " "
Dennis Bielskis
Ron King
Bob Dew"
"
Board of Directors
Joe Agius "
Darrell Bazman
Gary Boucher
Bill Browning
"
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Don Dignan
Ted Enright
Bob Paul
Gary Pritchard "
Committees
A.O./Health Care" "
AVVA Representative"
By-Laws" "
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Chaplain""
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Chapter Historian""
Color/Honor Guard"
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Constitution"
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ETABO" "
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Fundraising"
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Government Affairs"
Homeless Veterans"
Membership "
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Homefront Newsletter"
Editor & Publisher "
Assistant Editor"
Distribution Chief"
Product Sales"
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Point Man Ministries"
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POW/MIA"
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Public Affairs"
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Sergeant-at-Arms" "
Scholarship"
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Service Rep. "
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Sportsman’s Raffle""
State Delegate"
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State VVA Product Sales
VAVS Deputy"
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Website" "
"
Vaughn Hull"
Norma Demerly
Joe Agius""
"
Rich Whipple"
Dick Waldecker
Bob Lamoureux"
Rick Ciaramitaro"
Gary Estermyer"
Gordon Dorey"
Bob Dew""
Forrest Manley"
John Fleming"
Bob Lamoureux"
"
Tom Brown"
Don Dignan"
Dale Luebke"
Dale Luebke "
Gary Boucher"
Rich Whipple"
Ron Wroblewski
Rick Ciaramitaro
Al Kerbyson"
Don Dignan"
Jim Dorey"
Dean Bell"
Don Dignan"
Ron King"
Aggie Little"
Dennis Bielskis" "
Gary Estermyer"
John Riling
Vaughn Hull"
Tom Brown"
VVA Service Officer - State of Michigan
Phillip Smith - Director"
313-961-9568 313-226-4181
Veterans Crisis Centers&&
&
&
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Veterans Center" "
313-381-1370"
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Dearborn Crisis Center"
313-584-7800
VA Medical Center Detroit" 313-576-1000"
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Editor’s Note and Disclaimer
Articles, event dates, and photos must be submitted by the 21st of the month in order to be considered for publication. Send the
article or photo to Tom Brown 17730 Snow Ave Dearborn, MI 48124 or email Tom at tom@vva528.org or email Bill Boudreau at
wboudreau@comcast.net. Except as otherwise noted, all published articles become the property of VVA Chapter 528 and may
not be reprinted without the Chapter’s permission. Chapter 528 reserves the right to edit for space. Views and opinions expressed
are not necessarily those of the Chapter, the editor, or the National VVA. Mayflower Lt. Gamble VFW Post 6695 (734-459-6700)
CHAPTER 528 HOMEFRONT
MAY 2011
19
Vietnam Veterans of America
Membership in Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is open to
Vietnam Era Veterans as well as Associate Members of the Public at Large.
Name_________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________
Present Address_____________________________________________
City_________________________________ State__________________
Zip____________________
Branch of Service___________________________________
Date of Birth_______________________________
email_______________________________________________
$20.00 Annual Dues Enclosed_________________
_____ I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and would like to be a member
(Copy of your DD-214 Form or other proof of Service Enclosed)
_____ I am not a Vietnam Era Veteran, but would like to be an Associate Member
I want to give more. Enclosed is my check for $20.00_______$50.00_______
Other________________________
New Member______ Renewal______ Membership Card
No.________________________________
Today's Date___________________________________________
Return this form to:
Vietnam Veterans of America
Plymouth/Canton Chapter 528
P.O. Box 6319
Plymouth, MI 48170-0473
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Plymouth MI 48170-0473
P.O. Box 6319
Plymouth-Canton Chapter 528
Vietnam Veterans of America
Homefront