Fall 2011 - Saint Joseph Health System

o.4
Vol.1 N
e
Apr-Jun
2011
Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another
The President Notes:
League Detachment 95, VFW Posts 1167, 360 and 982,
Disabled Americans Veterans Post 19, American Legion
Members from Posts 50 and 303. Iraq & Afghanistan
Veterans were also on hand for this WTC Ceremony. 9/11 Memorial in Mishawaka
Frank Piontek, President, VVA #1027
Hospital officials have not announced where the Tower 1
wreckage will be housed or when the official community
ceremony will take place. Turn to page 5 to see more
photos and coverage of this memorial.
As we all recalled 9/11 a few weeks ago, Saint Joseph
Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), our sole support for
this newsletter, once again extended their service to the
community.
Please note the very important announcement about our
raffle in the Treasurer’s Report on page 13.
On September 15, 2011, a
2.5-ton piece of steel and
concrete wreckage from
Tower 1 of the World Trade
Center (WTC) was guided
along the way from its
former habitat at Hanger 17,
JFK airport in New York City
to SJRMC in Mishawaka.
Another important move
has taken place in our VVA
Chapter 1027. Recently,
we changed our meeting
site from VFW 1167 to
the Marine Corps League
(MCL). We were kindly
greeted by retired GySgt
Brown, USMC, prior to our
meeting start.
An escort of Military
Motorcycle Riders from
The MCL is located north,
our Vietnam Veterans of
across from the St. Joseph
America Chapter 1027 and
Representatives from our Military Motorcycle Riders included, from River and due west from
Marine Riders from the
left, Brian Reppert, Red Knights; Tom Martin, Marine Riders;
the Farmer’s Market, on
Nick Nicodemus, Marine Riders; Pepe “Hambone” Lapham, VVA;
Marine Corps League #95
539 Parry Street in South
Jack Wilkes, Motor City Hogs and Brian “Bonehead” Balog, Marine Riders.
accompanied the WTC
Bend. Another kind note
piece to the hospital. A
from the Past Commander, of VFW 1167, Christian
private ceremony was held on the hospital campus that
Luciani (and VVA 1027 Member) can be found inside on
was attended by veterans groups including our Vietnam
page 8.
Veterans of America Chapter 1027, the Marine Corps
Bridging the Gap:
From WWII to Vietnam
When he returned to the States, Tom earned his B.A. from
the University of Florida. He served 30 years in the US Army,
spanning WWII, and the Korean and VietNam wars. His time in
the Army included tours in Italy, Germany, England, Japan and
Korea. Rising through the ranks Tom was promoted to Colonel
by 1962. Among his many military awards, he received the
Legion of Merit twice and a Bronze Star.
Colonel Finneran (Retired), Life Member, VVA #1027
Thomas Finneran was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 27,
1920. He moved to South Bend while in the 6th grade. At the age
of 21, Tom received his induction orders to join the Army. This
draft notice came in January 1942, just after the Pearl Harbor
attack.
Tom says, “My proudest moments were when I was the
representative of the United States at official functions at the
court of St. James in England. It was a tremendous feeling and
(Continued on pg. 9)
Design and publication of HEROES is sponsored by Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. www.sjmed.com
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V V A C h a p t e r # 1 0 2 7 • S t . J o e s p h C o u n t y • P. O . B o x 4 • S o u t h B e n d , I N 4 6 6 2 4 - 0 0 0 4
Upcoming Events
Board Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the
month at the Marine Corps League
539 Parry Street, South Bend, IN
574.233.0253
6:30 PM EST
All meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the
month at the Marine Corps League
TAPS
539 Parry Street, South Bend, IN
574.233.0253
7 PM EST
Terry S. Monroe Sr., 67, one of our charter members
died, May 9, 2011.
Veterans Day Ceremony
VFW Post 9820
November 11, 2011
Call 574.293.0761 or any officer listed
for details.
Dennis L. Smith, 65, died on August 12, 2011. He was
a Charter Member, and our Sgt-at-Arms and also our
State Delegate to the Indiana VVA State Council.
Contact Information for Other Veterans’ Events
American Legion Post 303
219.287.2696
Mess Call
VFW Post 360
www.vfwpost360.org
VVW Post 9820
www.vfwwebcom.org/in/post9820
Marine Corps League #95
www.mclstjoevalley.org
The Disabled American Vets
574.293.0761
Rolling Thunder Chapter #2
www.pcsource.biz/in2rollingthunder
Both will be greatly missed by all of us.
Lunch with the Vietnam Veterans
2nd Thursday every month
Noon at Yakety Yak Café
701 W. 4th St., Mishawaka
574.255.8601
All Navy/Marine Lunch Brunch
1st Wednesday every month
Noon at Allie’s Café
2323 W. Mishawaka Ave., South Bend
574.232.9520
Seadogs
3rd Wednesday every month
Noon at Honkers
211 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka
574.259.3000
2
Message from the
Vice President
Dave Martin (66’-67’ In-Country)
Your chapter
continues
to grow. For
those reading this and
not yet members, you are certainly welcome to come
join and be part of something that is, and will make a
difference to all Veterans. Those that are members, we
thank you and look forward to your continued support.
Chapter 1027 is now more then 80 members strong, with
lots of room for many, many more Veterans in our area
that will benefit from joining.
approach to developing our own poppy; with a theme of
Agent Orange. Also, we have embraced a new theme
for our Chapter, named “We Bridge The Gap.” The
underlining current is our strong believe and support
for the saying that Never Again Will One Generation of
Veterans Abandon Another. Our desire is to “Bridge The
Gap” between our wartime and before, with those involved
in Desert Storm to current veterans. The more we help
each other, the easier the load becomes. Seriously, forget
the old adage we learned while in the service which was
“never volunteer.” It IS ok to take that step forward and
lend a hand.
We have a solid combination of new and reoccurring
projects that set us apart from other groups. Some
examples of reoccurring projects are: continuing
participation in local parades; various breakfast and lunch
groups; and support for the Military Appreciation Day
at South Bend’s Coveleski Stadium. A somewhat new
and exciting project is we are taking a forward thinking
Remember, you, personally CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
to another Veteran. Thank you for serving our country and
protecting our freedom. Welcome Home!
Respectfully written,
Dave
About VVA Chapter 1027 St. Joseph County, IN
Officers & Board of Directors
President: Frank Piontek
Phone: 574.335.2441
Email: piontekf@trinity-health.org
Vice President: Dave Martin
Phone: 574.289.9428
Email: martind@1stsource.com
Secretary/Founder: Earl Simon
Phone: 574.277.1255
Email: paulswim@att.net
Treasurer: C. David Guzicki
Phone: 574.233.8594
Board: Jerrol Satterfield
Phone: 574.259.3222
Board: Christian Luciani
Phone: 574.271.7584
Email: purestair@yahoo.com
Board: Charles McDonald, Jr.
Phone: 574.271.9945
Email: CharlieMcDonald@remax.net
Board: Darwin F. “Buzz” Stock, Jr.
Phone: 574.257.4797
Email: buzzdotcomc@sbcglobal.net
Board & Sgt. of Arms: Harold (Spider) Draves
Email: spiderworks1@att.net
Chaplain: Dennis Porter
Phone: 574.243.9193
Historian: Ralph Bakle
Email: ralphbakle@sbcglobal.net
Want to receive HEROES
?
If you would like to receive a
co
py of HEROES,
simply provide one of our officers w
ith your
address and we will add you to th
e mailing list.
Membership not necessary.
3
VA Extends Agent Orange & Gulf Wars/Afghan Benefits
Agent Orange: Diseases Related to
Agent Orange Exposure
Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses:
Infectious Diseases
VA assumes that certain diseases are related to qualifying
military service. These are called “presumptive diseases.”
VA has recognized certain cancers and other health
problems as presumptive diseases related to exposure to
Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.
www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/infectious_
diseases.asp
VA presumes certain infectious diseases are related
to military service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan.
Eligible Veterans may receive disability compensation
and health care for these diseases.
Also, VA presumes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
diagnosed in all Veterans with 90 days or more continuous
active military service is related to their service. Veterans
may be eligible for disability compensation and health care
benefits for diseases that VA has recognized as related to
exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.
VA presumes the following infectious diseases are
related to military service in Southwest Asia theater
of operations during the first Gulf War starting August
2, 1990, through the conflict in Iraq and on or after
September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan. Veterans must
have the diseases within the time frames shown above
and have a current disability as a result of that disease
in order to receive disability compensation.
Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent
parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange
and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange
exposure may be eligible for survivors’ benefits.
• Malaria
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacter Jejuni
• Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever)
• Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
• Nontyphoid Salmonella
• Shigella
• Visceral Leishmaniasis
• West Nile Virus
Veterans’ Diseases Related to
Agent Orange Exposure
• Acute and Subacute Peripheral
• AL Amyloidosis
• Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease)
• Chronic B-cell Leukemias
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
• Hodgkin’s
• Ischemic Heart
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
• Prostate Cancer
• Respiratory Cancers
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma,
Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
For more information contact your local veterans
service officer on page 8 of this issue.
4
We honor
life
A piece of history is forever with Saint Joseph Regional Medical
Center in Mishawaka.
SJRMC was privileged to receive a World Trade Center memorial piece, a
combination of concrete and steel weighing over three tons from Tower 1, that
will permanently be installed and displayed on the campus.
It is a tremendous honor to have this piece to serve as a permanent
remembrance. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a special ceremony to
accept and bless the memorial on September 16, 2011.
sjmed.com
5
Photo Album
in
George Wach on the door gun
Bong Son
Mike Bella & Jeep in Saigon
ek
ship? Piont
r
e
d
a
e
L
A
VV
, July 1969
k
o
k
g
n
a
B
R
(age 19) R&
6
any
George Williamson in Germ
Sitting is my young
er brother, SP5
Terry L. Nimtz.
He served most of
his time in Germany, came home remain
ed in the Reserve
s
then spent one
year in Desert St
orm. In the VA Ho
spi
tal in Saginaw,
MI, they discovered
bone cancer. Three
months later he
passed on to anoth
er term of service
forever. He was 62
years old. Standin
g is SP5 Roger
C. Nimtz., Roger
Served in Viet N
am from 1966 - 196
7 at the Bien Hoa
Air-force base. Wa
s Crew Chief and
Gunner on both
the “B” and “D” hel
icopters. Roger is
a Life member of
our VVA.
Ralph Balke in Vinh Te,
10 November 1969
Bridging the Gap: C.David Guz
icki
(center, our 1027 Treasure
r) with Tim
Jones (New York) and Bra
ndon Young
(Indiana) at Kokomo (9/17/
2011). The
younger Marines served in Ira
q and Afghanistan with 1-2 Bravo, lst
Plt.
7
Note from Our Members
Message from the
Past Commander
As Commander of VFW Post 1167 until
June 18, 2011, I would like to thank
the organization of Vietnam Veterans of
America Chapter 1027 and the following
individuals for their participation and
financial support of Post 1167: Earl
Simon, Frank Piontek, Dave Martin,
Dave Guzicki, Buzz Stock, Denny Smith,
Dennis Porter, Charlie McDonald, Dave
Rottenhoffer, Jerry Satterfield, Ralph
Bakle and a special thanks to Kevin
Kelsheimer for his tireless dedication,
long hours and hard work in helping
the Michiana area veterans and their
families.
it. Thanks again to every one of our veterans for serving
our country and being part of a VVA chapter.
I am glad that the VFW was able to provide a place for
the VVA meetings and that both groups were able to work
together in bridging a gap for past injustices to returning
Vietnam veterans. On a social note, the lunches at Yakety
Yak Café on the 2nd Thursday (at Noon) of the month are
a great way to get together, enjoy comradeship and share
war stories. I hope to see as many of you there as can make
Christian Luciani, Past Commander, VFW 1167
President’s Note: Christian is first-rate leader, a terrific guy
and IF anyone needs any Quartermaster Gear from any
branch of the military from any war, Christian knows how
to find and deliver it to you.
Veteran Service Officers
JD Swift
President’s Note: If you need to know anything about
Local, National or Obscure Veterans Issues, JD is your
Logistics Officer. Picture is JD’S LZ BETTY IN 1969
Please see the following for the names telephone contact
information for the 2nd District County Veteran Service
Officers. These are the point people to get your VA claim
started:
St Joseph....... Kevin Kelsheimer . ..... 574.233.9978
Elkhart ......... Drew McClain ............ 574.523.2342
LaPorte . ....... John Wantuch ............. 219.326.6808 x 216
Porter ........... Louis Stanko . ............. 219.465.3587
Starke............ Golden Richie . ........... 574.772.9132
Marshall........ Josh Wakeland ............ 574.935.8543
Fulton........... Bernie Holloway ......... 574.233.2217
Cass.............. Larry Lowry ................ 574.753.7861
Howard......... Bob Ladd . ................... 765.456.2511
Miami........... Jay Kendall . ................ 765.472.3901
x 217 or x 271
White............ Tom Carter ................. 574.583.5937
Carroll.......... Larry Leach . ............... 765.564.2502
Pulaski.......... Steve Seifert ................ 574.946.3751
8
100 Years & 10, 000 Miles
Ralph Bakle, Historian
In 1967, 10,000 miles from the banks of the muddy Mississippi, US Army infantrymen of the 9th Division and the
Navy’s Task Force 117 were combined in a river warfare
mission using tactics based upon strategies deployed in the
Civil War. These 2 units were known as the MRF (Mobile
Riverine Force). The North Vietnamese Army and the Viet
Cong owned the southern region of Vietnam. The mode of
transportation was not roads or highways but waterways.
In Vietnam, General William Westmoreland found himself faced with the same types of geographic obstacles that
confronted General Ulysses Grant during the 1860’s in
sections of the American South. In Vietnam, the combat
elements of the MRF had to secure 26,000 miles of the
Mekong Delta with hundreds of waterways.
9th Infantry Embarking on a MRF Mission
VVA Chapter 1027 members Mike Bella,
Dave Rothenhofer, Joe Focosi and Ralph Bakle served
with the 9th Infantry Division and Task Force 117
basic boat handling instruction was all that was needed.
The kill ratio for these troops was 11 to 1 in favor of the
MRF. The 9th Division left MRF operations around 22
August 1969 as most rotated home. The Navy turned it’s
last boats over in late November 1970.
The first Riverine assault took place on 15 May 1967 in
the Cam Son Zone where 9th Division troops met head
on, and crushed, the 514th Viet Cong Local Force Battalion. On this marshy battlefield, 2nd Brigade firepower,
supporting the Naval craft and Allied Units killed over 113
enemy soldiers. Undeterred by these losses, the enemy
remained in this Area of Operations for battles and other
encounters over the next 24 months.
President’s Note: Ralph “The Admiral” Bakle is the chapter
historian. Ralph is also a computer digitalized image expert. No Admiral - no pictures in our newsletter. See Ralph
for all your photo needs, particularly when converting Nam
polaroids.
The Army discovered no special training was required for
soldiers to deploy into Riverine combatants. Five hours of
Bridging the Gap:
From WWII to Vietnam
Junior ROTC at Airport High School for 4 years. He and his wife
currently reside in Newberry, South Carolina. They have been
married 68 years. Colonel Finneran is a life member of our VVA
Chapter 1027.
(continued from page 1)
a great honor to ‘show the flag’ at official functions; meeting
members of the royal family and high ranking dignitaries
from the other nations of the world. Those four years were the
highlight of my military service.”
Our member Tom says, “The worst periods of my career were
the loss in combat of my relatives and close friends during WW
II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. One can put many of the
incidences of war aside: But the loss of close friends will never be
forgotten.”
His advice to all veterans is to “Look at the good things you
experienced in the military and do not mull over the bad.”
After Colonel Finneran retired in 1972, he settled with his
family in West Columbia, South Carolina. There he taught
9
The Scoop
Special Notice
Marine Veterans Stationed at
Camp Lejeune
If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help
RIGHT NOW, please call this toll-free number
1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are
a veteran. All calls are confidential.
If you were stationed or worked at Camp Lejeune before
1987, you may have been exposed to contaminants in the
drinking water supply. Visit this site for more information
and to register for water testing notifications:
https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clwater/Site/background_information.html
Aint It The Truth
“The problem with the Vietnam War is
that too many survivors are dying.”
Retroactive Traumatic Injury
Benefits No Longer Just For OEF/
OIF Injuries
“The Uneducated, were leading the
Unwilling, to do the Unnecessary for the
Ungrateful.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is extending
retroactive traumatic injury benefits to Servicemembers
who suffered qualifying injuries during the period Oct. 7,
2001 to Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of the geographic location where the injuries occurred. Visit this site for more
information: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.
cfm?id=2169
Authors Unknown
Fathers Words to
Their Sons &
Daughters
Statement from VA Secretary
Eric K. Shinseki on the American
Jobs Act
On September 12, the President sent the American Jobs
Act to Congress for consideration. With the American
Jobs Act, the President is again demonstrating unwavering
support of Veterans and of business by putting forward an
aggressive plan that will help create new jobs for Veterans
and boost the American economy. Visit this site for more
information: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.
cfm?id=2163
Share your intimate story. VVA 1027 Member and Writer
seeking anecdotes communicated from your father to
you before he or you left for Vietnam. I am working on a
research project and intend to consider your input as part
of my research publication. Be a part of this.
Asbestos Exposure
President’s Note: Lets all support the Major in his research project.
Contact: Ralph W. Berry, Maj. USA (Ret) at
574.292.2413 or berringtonhghts@aol.com.
Any veteran transported or serving aboard a navy ship/dry
dock from 1940 to 1979, visit: www.publichealth.va.gov/
exposures/occupational_environmental/asbestos.asp#how
For a listing of Naval Ships with high risk for asbestos
exposure visit: www.asbestosclaims.org/virginia-shipyardsasbestos.html
10
Remember Your Indiana Veterans Benefits
President’s Note: Mayor Dave Wood
and the Mishawaka City Council were
the only city in the State of Indiana to
recognize National Vietnam Veterans
Day (on 30 March 2011).
Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood reminds all Hoosier
Veterans that the State of Indiana offers significant
Veterans Benefits. Some of the State benefits that may
apply include:
• Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery
• Motor Vehicle License Plates
• Peddlers, Vendors, or Hawkers License
• Property Tax Abatements
• Remission of Some Fees and Tuition for the Child/
Children of a Disabled Veteran
• Remission of Fees for Indiana Purple Heart Recipients
• Resident Veteran Hunting & Fishing License
• County Veterans Service Officers
• The Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Children’s Home
• Employment Assistance
• Vital Documents For Veterans Benefits
• Golden Hoosier Passport
• High School Diploma Program for WWI, WWII, Korea
and Vietnam Veterans
Update from Congressman Donnelly
This month, I have several updates to share about my work
on behalf of veterans both nationwide and here in north
central Indiana.
First, I’m pleased that the House of Representatives voted to
authorize $6.7 million for a new veterans’ health facility in
South Bend. This authorization is the most significant step
toward improving care for veterans in the South Bend area
since the VA announced approval of a larger South Bend VA
facility in April of 2009. This new health facility will mean
that Hoosier veterans in the South Bend area will not need
to travel as frequently to Fort Wayne, Marion, or Indianapolis
to get the kind of care that most Hoosiers get close to home.
The legislation authorizing this funding is now pending
before the Senate.
Also, earlier this year, I reintroduced The Rating and
Processing Individuals’ Disability (RAPID) Claims Act,
H.R. 2377, which would improve the turnaround time
and efficiency of the VA’s disability claims process. I first
introduced The RAPID Claims Act in June 2010 and it
passed by voice vote as a part of The Veterans Benefits and
Economic Welfare Improvement Act of 2010, but the 111th
Congress adjourned without the Senate holding a vote on
the bill. I will continue to work hard to improve the claims
process this Congress.
In addition to the RAPID Claims Act, I introduced The
Ensuring Servicemembers’ Electronic Records’ Viability
(E-SERV) Act, H.R. 2470, which
would improve the efficiency of the
current electronic health record
system for military personnel and
veterans.
To help veterans obtain and keep
jobs, I signed on as an original
co-sponsor of The Wounded
Veteran Job Security Act, H.R.
2875, which would ensure that
our veterans are not discriminated
against in the workplace for time spent receiving treatment
for injuries caused by their service. I also I hosted a Job
Seeker Workshop in July and one of the breakout sessions,
titled “Veterans: Re-entering the Job Force After Serving your
Country,” focused on helping veterans get good jobs here at
home.
I am dedicated to continuing my work to see that military
personnel and veterans receive the respect and dignity they
have earned. I encourage you to contact my office to give me
your opinion on veterans’ issues or to let me know if there is
any way I can assist you.
Congressman Joe Donnelly
VVA Chapter 1027 does not endorse any political party/group or individual.
We do provide information relevant to Veterans from our local elected
officials.
11
Message from The Honorable Joe Kernan
who served, and a special
congratulations to the
leadership of Post #1027
who made this all happen.
Welcome Home, and I look
forward to seeing you soon.
For all of us who spent any
time in Vietnam, it has
been at least 37 years, and
in many cases longer, since
we came back.
Our individual experiences
all had some similarities.
At the same time each of
us had experiences that
were unique and intensely
personal. And it was not
just what happened while
we were in-country; it was
also what occurred after we
came home.
There were a lot of wounds
that would never qualify for
a Purple Heart, but wounds
that still pose challenges for
many of us even after all
these years.
The best thing about my
time in prison was that
when I was down there was
always someone to lean on;
and when someone else was
down I could return the
favor.
That’s why the opening
of VVA Post #1027 is so
important. We now have an
organization in St. Joseph
County where we can reestablish old relationships
and build new ones – a
place we can call home.
My thanks to each of you
12
Governor Joe Kernan
114 E. Pokagon,
South Bend, Indiana
46617
Message from the Treasurer C. David Guzicki, USMC
Support Our Fundraiser
We are in the midst
of our first official
fundraiser. That is a
joint venture with our
friends at VFW 9820
and VFW 1167. Our
goal is to sell over 2,500
tickets. To achieve this we need every
members help in selling or buying the tickets.
organizations: Hacienda, The Skillet, LePeep, Logan’s
Roadhouse, Sonic, Meijer, Red Lobster, Martin’s
SuperMarkets, Chili’s, Four Winds Casino, Wal-Mart,
Home Depot, Claeys Candy, Grid Iron Wine & Spirits,
South Bend Silverhawks, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati
Reds, local Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine recruiters
and active duty/ROTC/Reserve Units, CJ’s Pub, Yakety Yak
Cafe, Quality Dining and Joe’s Liquor Store. If you get a
chance - please support these folks and thank them!
This raffle would not have been possible without the
numerous donations we received from the following
Semper Fi
Message from the Secretary Earl Simon
Recognition for Original
Charter Members
Going back a little bit with the history of our Chapter, we
would like to recognize the original Charter members who
signed our Vietnam Veterans of America petition at those first
two organizational meetings in May and June 2009. In order
to form a chapter, we needed 28 members to sign up, pay
dues and give us a copy of their DD 214. In two months, we
had 35 members sign the petition. Special thanks are given to
the following charter members. Those names are presented
here in order of signing the petition.
Earl Simon
Michael Martin
Clifford Nelson
James Cole
Frank Struck
Terry Monroe
Steve Wujcikowski
James Harman Ronald Bobelenyi
David Rothenhoefer Ken Morse (Deceased)
Jerrol Satterfield
Keith Petty (Deceased)
Joe Swift
Debra Barajas
Christian Luciani
Harold Draves Robert Barajas
Daniel Aaron
Christopher Pich
William Simon
David Dudick
Charles McDonald
John Kirk
Dennis Porter
Terry Fournier
David Andrysiak
Dave Martin
Joe Focosi
James Colson
Vernon Helminen
David Harrington
Dennis Smith (Deceased)
13
David Dean
Frank Piontek
We also welcome our Newest
Life Member, Roger Nimitz.
All Veterans are always
welcome. We thank you all
for your Service.
Support our VVA Chapter 1027
Donations of cash and property to VVA Chapter 1027 are tax deductible.
Never Again Will One Generation
of Veterans Abandon Another
We’re helping the veterans who are coming home wounded or disabled get the medical care they need. We’re also
assisting Gulf War, Afghan War and Iraq War veterans with benefits counseling and other essential services to help them
rebuild their lives after wartime service.
And we’re making sure the VA healthcare and other benefits aren’t the victims of shortsighted budget cuts that forget the
service of our new veterans, and neglect the sacrifices they continue to make even after they come home.
I hope you will continue to support all veterans by sending a gift to the VVA today.
Contact Frank Piontek or Dave Martin for details.
Find us on
Facebook
Be sure to “Like” our new HEROES VVA
#1027 Facebook page. We hope that this
new method of communication will be a
place where we can connect, share photos
and information.
www.toysfortots.org
14
THE CHAPLAINS CORNER
Chaplain Dennis Porter Reflects
In the spring of 1968, I was with the 212th Military Police
Company as a sentry dog handler. The detachment I was with
walked the perimeter of an ammo dump at night. Sometimes,
after getting off duty in the morning, we would get cleaned up
and go into town. There was a favorite restaurant that we liked
to go for lobster tail, a small dish of butter and a loaf of French
bread that had small black pieces of protein baked in. This was
always washed down with a few bottle of domestic brew.
There was a radar/communication station located on the top
of a large hill in Vung Tau. One day after lunch, two other
men and I came out of the restaurant and noticed halfway up
the hill there was a line of white dots circling the hill. Being
inquisitive policemen, we felt it was our duty to find out what
these dots were…so we decided to climb the hill. When we
reached the dots we found out that they were information
signs. The signs read: DANGER THIS AREA MINED”.
The Bible is God’s
instruction book
for mankind. My
favorite verse is
John 3:16, For
God so loved the
world, that He
gave His only
begotten son,
that whosoever
believeth in
Him should not
perish, but have
everlasting life.
Replace the
word WORLD
with your name. That is how much God loves you no matter
what you have done. Just something to think about as you may
encounter your own minefields.
Having superior previous knowledge of mine fields (HEROESNewsletter - Volume I, #2, May-Sept 2010), I informed the
other men that it would be a good idea to vacate the area.
The Warrior’s Pledge
Oh warrior, my brother, my sister:
We once prepared for battle, and served our causes as best
we could. Perhaps we are stained by blood shed by others,
or carry scars from our own wounds. Yet our task is not
complete until we have acknowledged one another.
Oh warrior, my brother my sister, I offer to you the
following:
I will honor your experience of service, recognizing that
while your cause may not be mine, the terrors of war
bind us together. I will listen to your story, and share
with you my own, for without each other we cannot
know the truth, nor can we tell the story to our children.
I will value your life, even though in the past we may
have sought to destroy one another and may indeed have
destroyed lives precious to each other, today your life is
precious to me. I will give you the gift of my presence,
that we may know each other as the warriors we are,
complete our task, and welcome each other into our
homes.
Allan Cutter, 1999
These reflections
do not reflect the
sentiments of our
entire chapter.
15
Vietnam Veterans of America
VVA Chapter #1027
St. Joseph County
P.O. Box 4
South Bend, IN 46624-0004
VVA Chapter #1027 is open to all eligible veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between 2/28/1961 OR in any duty location between 8/5/1964 and
5/7/1975. Regardless of race, creed, sex, extraterrestrial status, et al.
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAN, CHAPTER 1027
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
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.
Name:
Date of Birth:
Address
City:
Home Phone:
State:
Zip:
Work Phone:
1)VVA Internet Access
Internet access to information and the
scoop on our local Chapter # 1027 can
be found at www.vva.org. How to access
our chapter:
On the left side, scroll down and click on
“Locate Your Local VVA Chapter.” Then
click on “IN” and find “VVA Chapter #
1027.” Click on that link and you are
there.
2)Local Chapter Updates
Route all changes, content and
suggestions to: Frank Piontek,
piontekf@trinity-health.org.
3)Link to Numerous Popular VA Forms
www.Hadit.com
Veteran to Veteran * Knowledge is Power
Veterans Helping Veterans thru the VA
Maze
Email:
Include:
Copy of DD214 – Discharge Document
Payment (Check payable to VVA Chapter #1027)
1 Year Membership...$20
3 Year Membership........ $50 (save $10)
Life Membership:
Age 29 & Under.....$250
Age 50 – 55.................. $225
Age 55 – 60.............$200
Age 61 – 65.................. $175
Age 66 & Over........$150
Mail to:
Important Numbers & Links
Vietnam Veterans of American, VVA Chapter #1027
St. Joseph County
P.O. Box 4
South Bend, IN 46624-0004
16
4)South Bend VA Outpatient Clinic
5735 S. Ironwood Road
South Bend, IN 46614
Phone: 574.299.4847 or 866.436.1291
Fax: 574.299.9073
5)Online Memorial
www.vitualwall.org
6)Agent Orange: Alphabetized Ships List
VA has released a list of U.S. Navy and
Coast Guard ships associated with
military service in Vietnam and possible
exposure to Agent Orange based on
military records: www.publichealth.
va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/
list.asp.