VVA Chapter 472 - 2007 News Archive
What Don Leavitt originally suggested as a “fun” activity for VVA
ch
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VVA 472 Raises Profile at Koby’s Swap Meet
Members of VVA Chapter 472 gathered at Koby's Swap Meet March 30 for the
annual membership drive. The drive coincided with the Vietnam Recognition
Day, set annually for March 30th to honor our Vietnam Veterans. While VVA
member George Prather directed people to the VVA booth, VMMC’s Paul
Fusco handed out pencils to sign a banner that is being sent to the troops
in Iraq and Afghanistan. Four-year-old Mickeala Potter signed as well.
Greeting and signing up new members were Nino Martinez, Sal Pellerito, Nicole
Nore of VVMC, George Prather, Don Leavitt, John Weaver, J. Reynold of the
Denton, Texas chapter of VVA, Eddie Martinez, Sam & Joyce Bonilla, Paul
Fusco, Pat O’Malley, Caryn Boxer and several Associate members.
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Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
Day in March
A major special event will recognize Vietnam Veterans on March 30, 2008,
and VVA472 will have a significant presence there. Vietnam veteran Joe Ramos
of Whittier, California, organized the event saying, “Because many Vietnam
veterans believe that they never got the thanks that other U.S. military
personnel has received in recent years, a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home event
has been planned. The event is set for Sunday, March 30 from 1 – 5 pm
at California High School Football Stadium at 9800 Mills Ave., Whittier.
In addition to formal ceremonies and speeches from dignataries, there will
be music, food, displays of military vehicles and other activities.
For more information, contact Joe Ramos at 562.761-2681.
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Members
Receive Certificates of Appreciation
John G. Weaver, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 472
and Angel Aviles, vice president of the chapter celebrate a combined total
of 45 years as members of the VVA. John became a life-time member 25 years
ago and Angel has been a life-time member of the Association for 20 years.
They received their certificates of appreciation at the Chapter's monthly
meeting at the Veterans Museum & Memorial offices on Saturday, Feb. 22,
2008. |
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| Veteran
Receives Purple Heart
US Marine, Dan Serino, a wounded warrior attended the Military Order of the
Purple Heart Dedication at the Veterans Museum & Memorial on February
22nd. He, along with a group of wounded veterans from the Iraq and Afganistan,
were honored for their heroism and sacrifice and their recent awards of the
Purple Heart. |
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Vietnam Wall turns 25
It’s hard to believe, but 25 years ago the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
in Washington, D.C. was dedicated. To mark this milestone, VVA national is
planning a major event for Nov. 10, 2007. So save the date and consider joining
veterans from across the country in D. C.
In an email letter to VVA members, Public Affairs Chairman Keith King writes,
“This is an open invitation to everyone, especially all members of Vietnam
Veterans of America, to show support for our fallen brothers and sisters
by representing them in Washington, D.C.”
The letter includes this link to the reservation form:
Click
here for the travel form.
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2007 Veterans Day
Parade
The largest turnout in recent memory marched behind the VVA 472 banner in
the 2007 Veterans Day Parade. Marchers included men, women, grandchildren,
two in wheelchairs and a bugler. At the reviewing stand, the VVA group stood
at attention while the bugler played songs of the armed services.
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2007 Veteran
of Year
 |
Rear Admiral Rod Melendez, executive director of the Veterans Museum &
Memorial Center and sponsor of the 2007-2008 Veteran of the Year Annual
Recognition Luncheon congratulates VVA 472 Veteran of Year Don LEAVITT during
ceremonies held Friday, November 2nd. A total of 32 honorees were recognized
for their devotion to the needs of Veterans and many civic duties county
wide. |
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New Member Fills Board
Vacancy
Nino Martinez recently sat in on a VVA Board of Directors meeting. He listened,
took notes, and then began making suggestions, coming up with ideas and
displaying the kind of energy needed to serve on any board of directors.
By the end of the meeting, Nino agreed to serve out the remaining term of
the vacant Treasurer/Secretary position. He will focus on secretary duties,
which means we needs someone to assist him with the treasurer's duties.
With this in mind, the board asks any VVA 472 member to consider serving
out the term of Treasurer/Secretary as Nino's partner. "It will be a shared
responsibility on an interim basis," says President John Weaver.
Please contact Weaver at 619.282-6089 or Vice President Jim McBride at
858.204-9933 if interested in helping.
Nino joins his brother Eddie Martinez, recently elected at large board member
who coordinated the chapter's first fund-raising Rummage Sale.
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First Rummage Sale Huge
Success
VVA Chapter 472 held its first ever rummage sale on Sunday, Sept. 9 and raised
more than $1,000. "This was a major fundraiser for us, and the largest measure
of credit goes to new members Eddie Martinez and his brother Nino Martinez.
Both are also are on the board of directors.
"Eddie was really the ramrod for this event," says Nino "Many buyers responded
to the ad in the Union Tribune newspaper and arrived at 6 am. Sales were
brisk and good, and mostly completed by 1 pm." Lita and Inez Martinez, associate
members and wives of Nino and Eddie Martinez, assisted in the sale of items
of interest to women who were the majority of shoppers.
The sale took place on the grounds of the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
in Balboa Park, from 7am to 2 pm, though most of the sales were completed
by 1 pm. All items were donated by chapter members. Some set up displays
to sell while others dropped off popular items that sold quickly. Five committed
members and two associates were present all day long.
The members present, who made this event possible, brought a level of exuberance
and zeal and steadily made continuous sale of good quality items, added Nino.
They enjoyed the day, displaying hundreds of items, selling a great deal,
and meeting the public. One associate member purchased a memento and donated
an extra $5 to the chapter.
"This fundraiser will allow our chapter to continue to operate without financial
uncertainty, but it also brought a new level of energy and excitement among
board members. Thanks to all who made it possible. Hopefully, we can do this
again in the future."
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Stand Down Offers
Helping Hand to Homeless Vets
Each year, hundreds of homeless veterans in San Diego receive a wide range
of vital services over the course of three days—it is called Stand Down,
and it will be held July 13-15, 2007. During the three-day
weekend, needy veterans and their family members receive food, clothing,
medical, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and referrals,
and most importantly, companionship and camaraderie.
“VVA 472 members have supported Stand Down for many years, and we will
participate again this year by setting up and serving breakfast on Sunday
morning, as we usually do,” says VVA President John Weaver. “We
are asking chapter members to meet at the mess area on Sunday morning, around
6:30 am.”
Directions: Stand Down is located on the campus of San Diego High School.
The entrance is off of Park Blvd. and will be well marked. To volunteer for
other jobs (tent leader, medical, data entry, clothing etc.), call Veterans
Village of San Diego at 619.393-2011.
VVA members who show up to serve Sunday morning breakfast will be directed
to the sign-in area (It takes only a few minutes, and name tags will also
be given out to be filled out by the volunteer).
According to Ted Ewing, long-time member and former president of VVA 4672,
“It is important to support Stand Down for the simple reason of what
it is, and what it represents.”
Ewing continues, “During the Vietnam War, a Stand Down took place in
well protected areas where troops were safe, and could feel safe enough to
relax and recuperate from the field. So it is today when Veterans of several
wars need a place to relax and recuperate from their daily strife on the
street, homeless, unemployed/underemployed, and everything else each one
of them endures on a daily basis. We who do not have to cope with that stress
must come together, however briefly, to show our brother- and our sister-Vets
that we still care for them, about them, and have come together to provide
what we can to help them. There is even opportunity for some to sieze the
initiative and start the task of reintegrating into society. Yes, it is very
important for VVA, Chapter 472, to support Stand Down.”
Ewing explains some of the history of Stand Down and the role of VVA 472.
“I know that years ago many of the core group that started Stand Down
were also active 472 members. Our guys had a very definite presence during
the event itself. David Holton was the staff photographer working for VVSD,
Don Armitage was in charge of the clothing distribution, Jerry Stadtmiller
gave counseling sessions, etc. Several of us served as tent leaders. Our
VVA 472 Color Guard was there. We monitored the parking lots. We had a big
booth right in the middle of things. We contributed $500 annually; this year
it's more. All in all, participation was performed "as needed" and therefore
varied year to year. We were expected to be at the planning sessions, and
former director John Smith, among others, kept our chapter well informed
of what the plan was.”
For more information on Stand Down and Veterans Village of San Diego, follow
this link:
http://www.vvsd.net/index.htm
and click on Stand Down.
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Picnic Planned for Membership
Meeting
“Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Fish are jumping and the
cotton is high.” The VVA 472 general membership meeting will be
a no-cook, potluck picnic. The date is Saturday, June 16, starting at 4 pm
at the Veteran Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.
“Everyone is invited to bring enough food for themselves and something
to share with the group,” said President John Weaver. “The chapter
will provide water, soda, coffee, condiments, plates, napkins, and plastic
utensils.”
Special guests may join us at the picnic. Don Leavitt invited active duty
members from the Casual Company/Unit at Naval Regional Medical Center (Balboa)
to come and spend some time with us. This is consistent with the VVA founding
principle that never again will one generation of Veterans ignore another!
Also, a brainstorming session will explore possible activities that our chapter
could engage in to support segments of the San Diego community.
So please plan on attending this general membership meeting—it will
be fun and meaningful.
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Good Turnout, New Faces at Annual Meeting
About 25 members and spouses—including new VVA members—turned out
for last month’s annual meeting. Don Jones, Sam Bonilla and Eddie Martinez
were first time attendees, and two— Sam and Eddie—agreed to serve
on the board of directors.
The aroma of smoking hamburgers and hot dogs, plus a pot luck buffet of assorted
salads, pastas, beans, breads, and desserts created a festive environment
for the meeting. Several in attendance won door prizes including a boom box,
VVA mugs, and a POW/MIAT-shirt.
Several topics were addressed during the business portion of the meeting:
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Re-energizing the Speakers Bureau
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VVA members conducting tours of the Veterans Museum
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Memorial Weekend plans
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Financial support for Stand Down
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Election of officers
There was discussion and widespread agreement that quarterly VVA member meetings
should be held monthly. Don Leavitt said that this may give more people an
opportunity to become active. Others suggested that these monthly member
meetings be held in different locations and on different days and times to
give more people a chance to attend. Implementation of this plan will be
announced in coming weeks.
Results of the election of officers:
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President John Weaver
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Vice Presidents Jim McBride and Angel Aviles
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Board members Don Armitage, Sam Bonilla, Ted Ewing, Don Leavitt, Eddie Martinez,
and Carl Nelson
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Nominating committee: Don Leavitt and Claudia Stephens
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State Council delegate: John Weaver, Don Leavitt (alternate)
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National Convention delegate: John Weaver and Angel Aviles
“I want to thank everyone for agreeing to serve, and add that we still
are in need of a Secretary/Treasurer,” says John Weaver. “In addition,
I wan to thank Sam Bonilla and Eddie Martinez for bringing new life to our
board this year.”
Be sure to check
Upcoming
Events for a list of what’s coming in the coming weeks.
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Brighter Christmas for Struggling
Family
VVA 472 members dug deep into their pockets at the chapter’s recent
Christmas party and donated $210 for a needy family. The director of VVSD’s
Welcome Home Family Program identified a female veteran and her two children
as a family that could use a helping hand. Pat McTague spoke to the mother
for gift ideas. Then she and Sue Speck went shopping and came home with clothes
and gift certificates, which will be given to the family on Christmas by
Yvette Harlan, director of the VVSD program.
McTague has coordinated this effort for the past four years on behalf of
VVA 472. “It’s definitely a good experience and I like the idea
of veterans helping veterans—it fits in nicely with the VVA mission,”
she says.
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VVA Sets Sail on
MIDWAY
Well, not exactly sailing. But VVA 472 members, along with friends and family,
boarded the MIDWAY recently for a 2-hour guided tour by Joe Ciokin, a chapter
member and senior docent of the MIDWAY museum.
"We haven't had a community activity in a while, so this tour was a way to
bring some of our members together on an outing," said Jim McBride, who organized
the event. "If VVA members have ideas for other outings, please let me know."
Send ideas to vva472events@aol.com. |
Eighteen people went on the tour, climbing through narrow hallways, steep
steps, and getting rewarded with magnificent views of the flight deck.
"What lingers in my mind was how wonderfully blessed the United States of
America has been to have young men and women, of all nationalities, creeds
and colors, give their lives in service to the country's defense," said Don
Dodson, who took the tour with his daughter. |
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Dust Off Medals for Veterans
Day
There's a new dress code for Veterans Day this year. Officials from the
Department of Veterans Affairs are encouraging all former service members
to dust off their medals and wear them next month as a show of pride and
patriotism. "You don't have to put them on only if you're in a parade," said
VA Secretary Jim Nicholson. "Wear them when you go play golf. Wear them when
you go to the store. Let America know that you took that oath and served."
The idea is based on celebrations in countries such as Australia, where veterans
and their family members routinely display their medals on national holidays.
Veterans organizations embraced Wednesday's announcement.
"I think it's a great way to increase patriotism," said Terry Shima, executive
director of the Japanese American Veterans Association. "More people will
recognize our veterans, and more people will think about our current armed
forces."
Herb Rosenbleeth, director of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, said two
of his World War II veteran relatives recently pulled out their old military
decorations and have begun sharing stories with the family. "They did other
things; they worked for 40 years and had good lives, but that's their biggest
source of pride right now," he said. "They want to be able to talk about
them."
Nicholson said the initiative is completely voluntary, and he reminded all
veterans to check their service history if they have questions about what
honors they did or didn't earn.
But he said he hopes that this will become a tradition for all national holidays,
and said he thinks it will benefit the current services as much as the retired
troops.
"I think this will start dialogues, inspire neighbors to talk to veterans
who live next door about their sacrifice," he said. "I hope it will help
with recruiting, because our veterans are the face of America."
Wednesday's announcement also featured several soldiers recovering at Walter
Reed Army Medical Center, who said they liked the idea of carrying that military
tradition well beyond their years in the service.
"It's just a great chance to show that it is something to be proud of," said
Capt. Robert Klinger, injured in Iraq earlier this year while serving with
the 1st Armored Division.
Weiichi Kuwayama, a veteran who served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
during World War II, had to search a bit to find his Purple Heart and Silver
Star to wear to Wednesday's announcement.
"Once you get them, you never wear them," he said of the medals. "You don't
want to parade around and show off. But now I have a reason to put them on."
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Vet Centers Offer Readjustment
Counseling
Whether you call it shell shock, battle fatigue, or Post Traumatic Stress,
the terms refer to virtually the same set of reactions to trauma. The reactions
can be evident soon after returning from a war zone, or they can be delayed
and may surface many years later. These conditions produce symptoms such
as anger, anxiety, depression, feeling nervous, isolated, having difficulty
sleeping and many more.
While the Veterans Administration offers comprehensive health care to veterans
of all wars, there is also a network of Vet Centers available to any veteran
who served during war times as far back as WWII, through Korean, Vietnam,
Lebanon, Somalia, Kosovo, up to the present Operation Enduring Freedom in
Iraq.
Steve Kelly, PhD, is the psychologist at the Vista Vet Center who spoke at
the VVA 472 General Meeting in July. He explained that Vet Centers provide
services to veterans and their families who are struggling with issues and
feel the need for professional readjustment counseling.
“All you need to do is show up at a Vet Center with your DD214 and
we’ll see you very quickly,” says Dr. Kelly. “There is no
cost.”
The presentation was scheduled to last 20 minutes, but those in attendance
found the presentation so interesting, that it lasted an hour. For more
information, call a Vet Center in Vista, 760.643-2070, or in San Diego,
619.294-2040.
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Stand Down: A “Hand Up”
to Homeless Vets
VVA Chapter 472 members can once again support homeless veterans during this
year’s Stand Down, a weekend of safety, security, food, shelter, medical
care and much more. Chapter 472 sponsors a tent to give a family secure shelter
for the weekend, and its members serve breakfast on Sunday morning, the 17th.
Stand Down is set for July 15, 16, 17 on the campus of San Diego High School.
VVA members interested in serving breakfast to fellow vets must arrive no
later than 7 am. The parking area is south and just east of the San Diego
High School athletic field. Access from Park Blvd is usually well marked.
Please “register” by calling 619.239-5977.
Vietnam Veterans of San Diego (VVSD) organizes Stand Down each year. For
more information about Stand Down, follow this
link:
http://www.vvsd.net/standdown.htm
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