Boo Coo News
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
VVA154.com
Mount Clemens, Michigan
FEBRUARY 2014
WELCOME HOME!
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
7 P.M. SECOND WEDNESDAY
OF THE MONTH
AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 4,
401 N. GROESBECK HIGHWAY
SOUTH OF ELIZABETH ROAD
***
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
16945 12 MILE ROAD
ROSEVILLE MI 48066
(586) 776-9810 PHONE
(586) 776-9683 FAX
MONDAY - FRIDAY
10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
STOP BY. HANG OUT &HELP OUT.
***
BOO COO NEWS DEADLINE:
PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING
TO SUBMIT ITEMS, PHOTOS, AD COPY:
MAIL, FAX OR DELIVER TO THE
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
Chapter Member’s Name Goes on National Memorial
eceased chapter member Hank Drozdowski’s name will be added to
the national memorial in Washington on May 11, 2014. For those of
you who knew Hank, this is a fitting honor. Although not a chapter
member for long, Hank served on the honor guard and was also the
armorer during that time. Hank was severely wounded during Operation
Cedar Falls and was one of those soldiers who never physically recovered
for the remainder of his life. He underwent more surgeries than can be
counted as he struggled valiantly, and with dignity, until his death. Because
he is part of a select group of soldiers that died as a direct result of their
service in Vietnam, he is being honored by having his name added to the list
of KIAs on the national memorial. Several of the chapter members are
planning on attending this ceremony honoring our brother Hank. A
followup article will be published when they return.
D
Correction
he caption in the January issue under the picture of the check
presentation was incorrect. The presentation was made by UAW Local
1700 from the Chrysler Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, not Ford
Motor Company as was listed.
T
Chapter Motorcycle Raffle Continues
he raffle for the 2014 Harley Davidson
Road King C.V.O. (Custom Vehicle
Operations) motorcycle continues. This is
truly a one-of-a-kind bike, custom in every
respect. We have between now and the Ride
for Freedom to sell as many tickets as we can,
and make a large donation to support the Vet
Center. Tickets are $20 each, and make sure
you inform buyers that the chapter pays the
sales tax on the bike for whomever wins it. This bike probably has a retail
price of close to $36,000. If you win it and don’t have a real desire to keep it,
$30,000+ dollars could look real nice in your savings account. The calendar
shows several venues where the bike is going to be on display. Otherwise it
will be at Wolverine Harley-Davidson. Take a look. I’m certain that the bike
will sell itself. If you can sell tickets, or want to buy tickets, call or email
Randy Chom (in Pat’s absence through April 1) and he will make
arrangements to get them to you. Tickets will also be available at the
chapter meeting and the Vet Center. Randy’s phone number is 586-8995003 and his email address is mileater@hotmail.com Please help us make
this raffle a success. Thanks.
T
1,643
Americans
Still Missing in
Southeast
Asia
49 from
Michigan
President’s Message
appy 2014 to everyone. January really came in with a vengeance, and I hope that the worst that Mother Nature has to
throw at us is in the past. I can’t recall a more sustained, brutal winter.
Things are off to a good start for the chapter. After almost two years of struggling with the government bureaucracies,
we finally obtained our 501(c)(3) status for our food bank. This will enable us to receive assistance from some of the larger
food pantries in the county to keep our shelves stocked. Additionally, there are other large companies out there that have told
us they would put us on their charitable giving list if we were only a 501(c)(3) organization, so this will be a tremendous asset
to our continued operation.
The motorcycle raffle is underway, but ticket sales are somewhat lackluster due to the few people that are out there trying to
sell. We all have a vested interest in making sure this raffle is a success, so I again request everyone to either purchase a ticket
or take a book of ten to sell to others. It involves so very little effort that there is virtually no excuse for not helping out. Events
that will need support are published in the calendar at the back of this newsletter.
Chris Franklin has begun assembling ideas and costs for putting on a chapter 30th anniversary picnic sometime this summer.
Dates and details are being worked on, will be presented to the board for approval, then communicated out to the membership.
Make sure you save time in your summer vacation schedule to participate in this event. It is unlikely that we’ll have a second
30th anniversary picnic.
The memorial wall crew already has over half of the summer dates booked, so it will be another busy summer for the
“wallflowers.” We’ll publish the events as they draw closer, and there is always a standing invitation for members to assist at
any of the venues throughout the year.
To restate the mention in the last newsletter, next month begins the nomination process for the officers and board members
for 2014-15. Five board members’ terms will be expiring and this presents a very good opportunity for some “new blood” to
get in on setting our course for the next year. Nominations will be held in February, March and April, with the elections taking
place at the April membership meeting. You may self-nominate if you wish. In order to get on the ballot, you must be a paid-up
member of the chapter and have a DD-214 on file in the office.
For those of you who took advantage of the tax exemption law for property tax relief, please remember that you MUST refile
with your local assessor’s office within the first couple of months of 2014 in order to remain eligible for tax relief this coming
year. It is NOT automatic, so don’t get caught with your pants down
Brian Bobek
20th Engineering Brigade (Combat) Vietnam, 1967-68
H
VVA CHAPTER 154 OFFICERS
President Brian Bobek
1st VP Gary Purcell
2nd VP Steve Bago
Secretary Mike Schneider
Treasurer Mike Jacobi
586-524-3806
586-243-6293
586-419-2212
586-567-0731
586-504-0781
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greg Bowman (2014)
Chuck Charbeneau (2014)
Gil Claunch (2014)
Ron Drdul (2014)
Dave Schoenherr (2014)
Mike Gardner (2015)
Larry May (2015)
Chris Scalise (2015)
Donn Sinclair (2015)
Gary Stephens (2015)
586-850-1800
586-431-7133
586-854-7842
586-899-7112
586-940-2568
586-615-1509
586-790-0008
810-278-1907
586-243-0222
586-747-8149
Boo Coo News Publisher
The Board of Directors
Boo Coo News Editor ~ Brian Bobek
Typesetting ~ Linda May
Thank you! to all of our advertisers, and to the dedicated
volunteers who provide copy and photos, those who act as
printer, proofreaders, mailing crew, facilitators & advisers
for Boo Coo News.
VVA State Council Newsletter
www.everythingveteran.com
TRUSTEES
Mike Gardner (2016), Fred Warner (2015), Mitch Malek (2014)
2011-2012 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Community Service
Constitution/By-Laws
ETABO
Finance
Government Affairs
Membership
Minority Affairs
Nominating Committee
Public Affairs
Veteran’s Affairs
Veteran’s Benefits
Women Veterans
POW/MIA
Agent Orange/Dioxin
Incarcerated Veterans
Veteran’s Health Care
State Delegates
Mike Gardner
Donn Sinclair
Chris Scalise
Mike Jacobi
Ron Drdul
Larry May
Steve Bago
Gary Sox, Bill Mault, Marv Domaradzki
Brian Bobek
Gary Stephens
Brian Bobek
Chuck Charbeneau
Tom Duff
George Sawyer
Dave Schoenherr
Gil Claunch
Mike Gardner, Brian Bobek,
Mike Schneider
SPECIAL & AD HOC COMMITTEES
AVVA Rep
Color Guard
Food Bank
Hospitalized Vets
Lottery
Merchandise
Michigan Memorial
Scholarship
Speaker’s Bureau
Webmaster
Welcome Home
Operation Christmas
Patrick Bozzi
Jim Watts
Gil Claunch
Tom Duff
Ron Bawks
Tim Ignash
Dave Schoenherr
Woody Horne
Mike Brink
Larry Sauger
Mitch Argyris
TBD chairman; TBD dance; TBD food; TBD toys
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 2
# HONOR
S
GUARD - The Point Team - Jim Watts, Commander
ince our last report, the following details were rendered:
Funerals: 4
3 Army, 1 Navy
1 WWII, 1 Korea, 1 Vietnam, 1 pre-Vietnam
Ron Kimm
Army
Pre-Vietnam
Paul Murray
Army
Korea
William Hess
Army
WWII
Thomas Buczynski
Army
Vietnam
Other Details: 2
Flag detail and food collection for the troops
Wreaths Across America at Cadillac East
Honor guard officers:
Jim Watts
Vice Commander
Treasurer
Armorers
Property Officer
Chaplain
Assistant Chaplain
In the study, his team compared
vitamin E against three other
treatments: the drug memantine (sold as
with your own doctor):
Namenda), vitamin E plus memantine, or
itamin E, known for its antioxidant
placebo. Vitamin E beat all the other
power, helped slow the
approaches, including the combination
progression of Alzheimer’s disease
treatment. Outcome measures included
in veterans with mild to moderate
not only patient’s daily function and
symptoms in a trial reported in the
cognitive health, but also caregiver
Journal of the American Medical
burden.
Association. More than 600 veterans
In the raw data, caregivers of those on
from 14 VA medical centers around the
vitamin E reported about two hours less
country took part in the VA-sponsored
per day of caregiving activity compared
trial.
against the other three groups. After
Although the disease progressed in all
statistical adjustments, though, the
treatment groups, vitamin E slowed the
difference remained significant only
disease by about six months, compared
when the vitamin E group was compared
with placebo. In other terms, it slowed
with the memantine group.
the worsening of Alzheimer’s disease by
According to existing clinical guidelines
almost 20 percent per year, compared
in VA and other health care systems,
against placebo. The main outcome
memantine is generally used only for
measure was a test of how well the
more advanced cases of Alzheimer’s. It
patients could perform activities of daily
typically provides some temporary
living.
slowing of the disease. Evidence for its
Lead researcher Maurice Dysken, MD, a
effectiveness in less severe cases has
geriatric psychiatrist, says a delay of this
been lacking. The new VA study supports
size in the disease’s progression can
those guidelines.
have a significant impact on quality of
All the patients in the study were also
life for patients and their family
on a cholinesterase inhibitor drug. These
members.
medications, known by brand names
“It could be very meaningful for
such as Aricept and Razadyne, block an
someone with early Alzheimer’s who is
enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine,
still functioning at a high level, and for
a brain chemical involved in learning and
his or her caregivers, to have a delay of
memory. The drugs are a firstline
six months in the progression of the
treatment for Alzheimer’s, especially in
disease over about a two-year period,”
the mild to moderate stage.
says Dysken. “When the disease has
These drugs often have adverse side
progressed to a severe stage, the benefits
effects, though, particularly nausea and
of a delay of this size are less apparent.”
Excerpt from a VA article, forwarded by
VVA National (something to discuss
V
Commander
Woody Horne
John Mohan
Ted Szymanski
Gary Stephens
Ted Szymanski
Ron Drdul
Chris Dembeck
diarrhea. Based on the new trial results,
Dysken says vitamin E is an attractive
alternative, in terms of effectiveness.
“We would say vitamin E is comparable
to any of the existing medications.” He
notes that it’s also less expensive.
Vitamin E supplementation is not
without its own risks. Some research
has suggested it may slightly increase
the risk of death. No such effect was seen
in the VA study.
Vitamin E is found in a wide variety of
foods, including eggs, whole grains, and
beef. But Dysken says getting the
nutrient from food is unlikely to achieve
the same benefits seen in the study.
Dysken says there’s no evidence to
suggest other types of vitamin E
supplements — such as natural,
food-based formulations, versus
synthetic chemical-derived ones —
would have any different impact on
Alzheimer’s.
According to Dysken and other experts,
vitamin E’s effects against the
brain-ravaging disease are likely due to
its antioxidant properties. Researchers
in VA and elsewhere are studying a
variety of other antioxidants for their
effects against Alzheimer’s. They include,
for example, compounds found in red
tea, red grapes, and the spice turmeric.
Dysken says it’s still “an open question”
as to whether vitamin E is unique in its
anti-Alzheimer’s properties, or simply
one of many antioxidants that could
achieve the same effect.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 3
VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER
Free Services
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday ! 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville ~ 586-776-9810
Macomb County Veterans Affairs Office SERVICE OFFICERS (file claims and answer questions)
Mary Barrette ~ Tuesdays ~ first-come, first-served basis
Carol Ann Turner ~ Thursdays ~ appointments only
HELP WANTED: Volunteers to staff the Vet Center and work on the food bank.
* ****
SICK CALL
Contact Ron Drdul
ropa30@comcast.net
or
586-899-7112
If you know of a death or illness of a chapter member or their family, please notify Ron Drdul so that we may
get the information in the Boo Coo News in a timely manner. All of the kind thoughts and prayers offered up
by our membership are truly appreciated by these folks, and apparently are working to help them through
their tough times. Keep ‘em coming.
The following reports have been received at the chapter
•
Chapter member Larry Mazzie has suffered a heart attack.
•
Chapter member Terry Dickinson suffered a heart attack, had a stent implanted, and
is home recovering.
•
Chapter member Fred Warner was admitted to the hospital with a serious bladder
infection and other ailments.
•
“Wallflower” merchandise chairman and chapter member Tim Ignash has undergone
bypass surgery with several blockages to the arteries leading to his heart.
•
Joy Roarke Dimuir is home recuperating from a recent hospitalization related to
diabetes.
•
Chapter member Ray Frazier is undergoing chemotherapy.
•
Associate member Darlene Domaradzki, wife of Marv, is recuperating from a surgical
procedure.
TAPS
•
The 91-year-old mother of chapter member Jim Lertola has passed away.
•
Past chapter and color guard member Greg Bond passed away on New Year’s Day.
•
Chapter member Ronald Tomaszewski passed away on January 8.
•
Chapter life member Charles Estep passed away. The honor guard posted guards, and
the chapter did a pass in review on Jan. 19.
Hospital Report
Tom Duff,
Chairman
ecause of the
inclement
weather
experienced in
January, there was no
trip to the Detroit
VAMC. The next trip
will be on February 12,
leaving the Vet Center
at 8 a.m.
B
Chapter Visits Ypsilanti Veterans Home
hapter member Gil Claunch was somehow tipped off to the fact that there was an
assisted living facility in Ypsilanti that housed 15 veterans. According to the staff,
these veterans never received any visitors and were not able to even receive some of
the necessary personal items that are required to maintain a reasonable quality of life.
There were stories of cards being drawn to see who would get a single bar of soap that
came in. Gil attempted to contact our sister VVA chapter on the west side to pay a visit to
this facility and make our brothers feel that someone cared. When we didn’t receive a
response, we did what Chapter 154 always does. We got the job done. Gil made contact
with the home and said we’d be happy to come out and pay these veterans a visit, much
like we do at the VA hospital.
Our friends at American House graciously agreed to provide a transit bus and driver to
take our members out to Ypsilanti. Unfortunately, the early spring storm hit, and we were
forced to delay the trip by one week. On January 28, several of our members jumped on
the bus and made the trek to Ypsilanti. They took the usual “goodies” that all veterans
appreciate, as well as a liberal supply of personal effects items for the residents. They
spent around an hour visiting with the veterans and making sure that someone out there
was thinking about them. Several pictures of the trip are here. The veterans certainly
appreciated us taking the time to come out and enrich their lives, even if only for a brief
visit. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 7.
C
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 4
ASSOCIATES OF VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA
http://www.avva.org
The Mission and Vision of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is to advance the work
of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. through cooperative projects and/or programs, to facilitate,
enhance and improve communication with our members and the general public and to continue
legislative efforts to ensure the rights of and benefits for all veterans and their families. Associates of
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., are dedicated to the aggressive advancement of realistic goals with
integrity and in the spirit of unity that reflects our commitment of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.,
all veterans, their families and communities.
JOIN THE ASSOCIATES! We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. AT THE VET CENTER.
MINUTES January 15, 2014 Present at meeting: Patrick Bozzi, Pat and Clark Cherry, Mary Squires, Pam Charbeneau, Pat
Drdul, Karen Mack, Cathy Cook, Gil and Phyllis Claunch
Meeting opened at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence. Since we had a new member, introductions
were made. Boz thanked everyone for their help with Operation Christmas. Operation Christmas was discussed and everyone
thought it went very well. Cathy reported that every child got gloves and a hat. Dance went well, three 50/50 tickets were
pulled with each winner getting $180. Silent auction made a considerable amount of money as did the basket raffle.
It was reported that we received a lot of toys from Toys for Tots towards next year’s function. We have received a few brand
new children’s jackets and some scarves, hats and gloves. Cathy will take them and store them at the library.
Welcome Home Vets Day was discussed and it was decided to serve cake and coffee at the March chapter meeting which will
be held on March 12, 2014. Karen Mack will check with Resurrection Cemetery to see if they will once again donate the cake.
She will let Phyllis know and we will go from there.
It was decided that we will not meet in February due to the fact that there is nothing going on until closer to spring and
Memorial Day and the Ride for Freedom. A meeting in March was not decided on. An email will be sent concerning this when a
decision is made. Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Phyllis Claunch, Secretary
Operation Christmas Thanks
would like to thank everyone that helped with Operation Christmas 2013 this year for all their hard work and dedication to
getting the job done for veterans and their families. We took care of 212 families and 450 children and they had a great
Christmas because of YOU this year. Our chapter and Associates once again proved they are second to none. Once again
thank you all for everything you did this year. God Bless you all and keep you safe and in good health.
Gary Purcell
Operation Christmas Chairman
I
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 5
Minutes of General Membership Meeting 1/8/14 ~ Submitted by Mike Schneider
M
eeting called to order at 1900 hours by President Brian Bobek. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silence
observed. Introduction of officers. Motion made by Leo M, seconded by Gary S to accept minutes as published in the Boo
Coo News. No treasurer’s report this month.
Committees:
POW/MIA, hospital and color guard reports to follow. No
speakers bureau, merchandise, Agent Orange, membership or
state council reports.
Scholarship: Woody thanked the board and the chapter
members for raising the amount of scholarship awards. Forms
available from Woody or at the Vet Center. Must be turned in by
April 1 and awards presented at the June chapter meeting.
Lottery: Jim thanked those who help each month, the sellers
and buyers also. He then presented a check for $5,000 to the
chapter for proceeds from the monthly raffle. Thank you Jim and
your crew for your hard work.
Traveling Memorial: Still at the Royal Oak Historical Society
Museum. Many dates are already booked for 2014 and more
requests coming in daily.
Associates: Meeting held Jan. 15 at the Vet Center. Peg thanked
all who worked so hard for Operation Christmas.
Operation Christmas: Gary thanked all the associates and the
chapter members for their hard work and helping to make this a
success once again. Toys for Tots called and said they had more
toys for us to pick up and we will use them next Christmas.
Bike Raffle: Pat has turned in $16,600 so far from selling tickets
at Wolverine Harley and some other venues. The bike will be on
display in Birch Run, Novi Camper Show and Autorama among
other shows. Please try to help volunteer at these events and
help make this a success. This will benefit the chapter and any
small effort helps.
Picnic Committee: Chris Franklin is the chairman and he has
done some preliminary work in finding food vendors and
entertainment. More information will follow and we hope to
make our 30th anniversary special for all.
Old Business:
You must go back and see your local tax assessor to receive
exemption for 2014, you must file every year. Widows of
100% disabled vets are entitled to this also. 501(c)3 status
was finally approved and it was a nice Christmas present.
This is only for the food bank which will help greatly. No
word yet on the 50th anniversary flag. Chapter challenge
coins have been reordered and will be available soon.
New Business:
Member of the year forms available in the Boo Coo News
and at the Vet Center. They must be turned in by February
15, return them to Gary Stephens. Get your email address
to Brian so you can get relevant information in a timely
manner. Chapter members scheduled to visit an assisted
living home in Ypsilanti to bring some cheer to veterans
who live there. We tried to notify the Washtenaw County
chapter of VVA to let them know we were coming into
their territory but to no avail. A report on the visit will be
made next month. Nominations for all offices begin in
February and continue in March and April. Elections will
be held at the April meeting. Throw your hat in the ring to
become more involved in chapter business. Your
membership dues must be current and we must have a
copy of your DD214 on file. We have been told that we
must have 75% of membership’s DD214s on file to
maintain our nonprofit status. Veterans who are
journeyman trades-people are entitled to a free state
license for their trade. Al Marino of Sorrento’s Pizza has
stated that he will continue to donate to the chapter for
another year. Thanks Al, now go out and order a General
from Sorrento’s.
50/50 ticket #235612 won by John Bommarito who
donated his share to the food bank. Thanks John. Motion
by Larry M, seconded by Joe R to adjourn.
nformation from the DAV: Chairman Bernie Sanders of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs introduced critically important
legislation, S. 1950, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. If enacted, S.
1950 would accomplish many of DAV’s most important priorities and legislative goals based on national resolutions approved by our
members. This massive bill would create, expand, advance, and extend a wide array of VA benefits, services and programs that are important
to DAV and to our members and their families. For example, responding to a call from DAV as a leading voice for wounded, injured, and ill
veterans, it would create a comprehensive family caregiver support program for all generations of severely wounded, injured and ill
veterans. Also, the bill would fulfill DAV’s ongoing drive to enact advance appropriations for VA’s mandatory funding accounts to ensure that
in any government shutdown environment in the future, veterans benefits payments would not be delayed or put in jeopardy. This measure
also would provide additional financial support to survivors of service members who die in the line of duty, as well as expanded access for
them to GI Bill educational benefits. A two-plus year stalemate in VA’s authority to lease facilities for health care treatment and other
purposes would be solved by this bill. Crucially, the bill would fully restore military retirement cost-of-living adjustments that were
outrageously reduced in the 2013 House-Senate budget agreement and the subsequent appropriations act. These are but a few of the myriad
provisions of this bill that would improve the lives, health, and prospects of veterans—especially the wounded, injured and ill—and their
loved ones, if enacted into law.
I
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 6
POW/MIA
A
Welcome Home!
``When one member of the armed forces is not
worth the effort to be found, then we have lost
our honor.`` ~~ VVNW
1,643 Missing
49 Michigan
REMEMBER THE MICHIGAN POW/MIA
for FEBRUARY
POW/MIA Homecomings
# Submitted by Tom Duff
POW/MIA chairman 9th Inf. ‘68 - ‘69
Æ
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
"I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured --- even
prepared to be killed. I was not prepared to be abandoned by my
country." Former POW U.S. Navy Captain Eugene "Red" McDaniel
Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag.
Display a POW/MIA decal. If you need a POW/MIA decal for your
car, truck or bike, or certificate of appreciation for flying a flag,
see Tom Duff
National League of POW/MIA
Families is on Facebook with the latest updates.
*********
If a company or homeowner is flying a POW/MIA flag,
let Tom Duff know so we can give them a certificate.
man is not dead until he is forgotten. We
will never forget. Welcome Home!
WWII
No new recoveries
More than 73,000 remain missing.
Korea
Cpl. Cletus Lies, Army, M> Dakota. MIA 12/1/50.
Accounted for12/7/13.
Cpl. Joe Howard, Army, Florida. MIA 12/1/50.
Accounted for 12/5/13.
SFC Joseph Grant, California. MIA11/30/50.
Accounted for 12/5/13. Died in captivity in 1951.
Cpl. William Newton, Army, Texas. MIA 11/30/50.
Accounted for 11/20/13. Dies in captivity in 1951.
PFC Jerry Craig, Army, Louisiana. MIA 12/2/50.
Accounted for 11/19/13.
7,896 remain missing from Korea.
Vietnam
No new recoveries.
1,643 remain missing from Vietnam, 49 from
Michigan.
Chapter members spend some time with vets
at a Ypsilanti veterans housing facility.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 7
Scholarship Award Applications Underway
he 2014 application process for the Jack Boyd Thomas
Memorial Scholarship has officially kicked off. This year, the
board of directors has voted to increase the allotment for
each student receiving a scholarship. The scholarship amount has
been increased to $1,000 per student, up to a total of four awards.
The official paperwork can be requested from Woody Horne,
Scholarship Chairman, but here is a quick outline of the
requirements:
Student must be a graduating senior from high school
Student must submit a completed application and provide the
Italian American Delegates
following information:
Honor Chapter
•
A transcript of high school grades, including class ranking
(if known) and standardized test results of SAT or ACT.
For the second consecutive year, the Italian
American Delegates made a contribution to Chapter
•
A personal letter stating ambitions and goals,
154. Their organization identifies several companies
extracurricular activities and achievements, and any
each year to be the recipient of money for doing good
offices or leadership positions held while in high school.
things for the community. They have recognized our
•
Applicants must be dependent children of paid up, full
chapter as being a key factor in the betterment of
voting members of Chapter 154.
veterans in our county. This year they increased the
•
Dependent
children include natural children, stepchildren,
award over last year, and wish to continue
legally
adopted
children and grandchildren.
increasing it in future years. Jack Tocco and Mike
•
Children
of
Associate
members are also included in this
Tocco (no relation) presented the check on behalf of
program.
the IAD, and we certainly appreciate their support.
Applications must be submitted on or before the deadline date of
April 1, 2014. Successful applicants will be notified on or about
May 1, 2014.
Please contact Woody Horne if you need additional information and to get a copy of the application packet without
delay. Each year we come down to the wire with people submitting paperwork late. Increasing the amount makes this
award much more meaningful, so make sure you get your student in the process.
T
Pancake Breakfast with Santa
n December 14, the annual pancake breakfast was held, sponsored by
Fraser Representative Fred Miller and Commissioner Kathy Tocco. It was
held at the Fraser Lions Club and was attended by several members of the
chapter as well as the general public. This is a yearly tradition and many people
know of the good work of Chapter 154 and turn out to support us. The “cost” of
the breakfast is the giving of food items that go to stock the shelves of our food
pantry. In addition, many people contribute money via donation to assist us. This
year a sizeable check was presented to the chapter on behalf of the Utica
Education Association. Santa was in attendance to hear our Christmas present
requests, but I think that we might have been naughty because no Corvette was
under my tree this year. Many thanks, as always, go out to Fred and Kathy for
their continued support of our chapter.
O
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 8
Give Some Care
Submitted by Donn Sinclair
stopped at the store last night on my way home. I was wearing my chapter jacket when a young Afghan vet, former Marine,
came up, introduced himself and struck up a conversation. In a nutshell, if the store hadn’t closed we’d still be there. It’s not
the first time this has happened to me. The young man talked about his service, deployment, injuries incurred, his
encounters with the VA and how things have been since he returned to civilian life. What I’ve taken away from these
conversations is today’s vets feel quite alone, isolated and unappreciated. They haven’t faced the hostility we did, (something
this young man and the others I’ve talked to credit us for), but they feel very few, if any in their age bracket have a clue what
they’ve been through. These young men see one of us and despite the age difference, recognize what we as veterans have in
common. The shared experiences of military service, especially with regards to deployment to a hostile environment, as well
as returning to a public that, at best, can’t relate to their situation or at worst, is indifferent. The bottom line here is, if you run
into one of these young vets and they want to talk, spare him a few minutes of your time. He’ll feel a whole lot better knowing
he’s not alone, and I guarantee you’ll feel whole lot better for listening.
I
Member(s) of the Year
Nominations
he annual Member of the Year
nominations are now underway.
Please use this form or picked up
one at the Vet Center. This is an
opportunity for members to nominate
someone who consistently goes beyond
the call of duty in some facet of service
to this chapter. Persons previously
receiving this award are not eligible to
be nominated again.
It has been decided to, once again,
make awards to more than one chapter
member. The MOTY committee cites
advancing age as a necessity for making
multiple awards. If you feel strongly
that someone deserves this recognition,
please fill out an application and
drop/mail it back to the Vet Center to
the attention of Gary Stephens.
Note that you have until February 15
to get the application back. Your
nominee will be reviewed by the
committee, and the awardees will be
named at the March general
membership meeting. Time is getting
short, so act quickly.
T
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 9
21184 Cass Ave.
Clinton Twp.
Company of
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Buy Direct • Quality Granite &
Bronze Cemetery Monuments •
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586-463-9551
Re/Max Suburban Inc.
“Since 1987"
Residential & Commercial Real Estate
Private Sales – Short Sales –
Bank-Owned - HUD
!
Ray Nadolski
Realtor and Chapter 154 member
•Office 586-262-2000 • Cell 248-705-3794
raynadolski@hotmail.com
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2014 - Page 10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Activities are
at the Vet
Center unless
otherwise
stated
February 2014
1
2
VVA State
Council mtg
in Howell
3
Pointman
Ministries
7pm
4
Service
Officer 10-4
5
Chapter
board mtg
7 pm
Feb.4-9 sell raffle
tickets for the
bike in Novi
bike raffle
6
Service
Officer 10-4
7
8
bike raffle
bike raffle
14
15
Deadline to
turn in
Member of
the Year
forms.
AA & Alanon
7pm
bike raffle
9
10
bike raffle
11
Service
Officer 10-4
Honor guard
meeting
16
23
bike raffle at
Gibraltar
South
17
24
18
Service
Officer 10-4
25
Service
Officer 10-4
Honor guard
meeting
12
Hospital visit 8am
Gen Mem mtg
American Leg.
Post 4 Mount
Clemens 7pm
19
NO
associates
mtg
26
Veterans of
Modern
Warfare mtg
13
Service
Officer 10-4
United Military
Families 7pm
AA & Alanon
7pm
20
Service
Officer 10-4
AA & Alanon
7pm
27
Service Officer
10-4
AA & Alanon 7pm
21
22
Feb. 21-23
raffle the
bike at
Gibraltar
South
bike raffle at
Gibraltar
South
28
Looking
ahead: April 1
deadline to
submit
scholarship
apps
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154
P. O. Box 1114
Mount Clemens MI 48046-1114
OPEN to read the GOOD NEWS about Chapter 154
WWW.VVA154.COM
a VVA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR!
FEBRUARY 2014 issue of BOO COO NEWS
Veterans Support Center ~ 16945 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville MI 48066
(586) 776-9810 ~ (586) 776-9683 fax
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
All Volunteer-Run
Chapter Business Center
Veterans Food Bank
Employment Assistance
Veterans Benefits Service Officer
Free Counseling
Information
Camaraderie
Drop In & Hang Out & Help Out
1,643 still
unaccounted for;
49 from Michigan