A Non-profit National Veterans Service Organization Chartered by Congress VVA 472 News & Photos [ FRONT PAGE]   CHAPTER 472 Flag Day Parade Congressman Duncan Hunter stopped by to visit the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 472 as they were preparing to march in the annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade. A Salute to Old Glory was the theme for this small town celebration. Pictured left to right Sal Pellerito, President of Chapter 472, Lyle Eddie Martinez, member and Chapter Advisor, Congressman Hunter, a former officer who served in Iraq, Sunny Ferrand, coordinator for the parade,Paul Guedon, member, Ronnie Murphy of the American Indian Association of Veterans and newest member.Also pictured is the daughter of Congressman Hunter. . CHAPTER 472 Election Left to right: Sal Pellerito, Ted Ewing, Don Barnard, Angel Aviles, Robert Destatte, Don Jones, Don Leavitt, and Nino Martinez. Sal Pellerito being sworn in   VVA CHAPTER 472 JOINS IN SAN DIEGO TET CELEBRATION As special guests of the Vietnamese Community of San Diego, Chapter 472 and Color Guard joined in celebrating the 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival 2009, held recently over a three day period in Balboa Park. Hosted by the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance, in this The Year of the Ox, the Chapter joined a contingent of US Marine color guard as well as a group of Vietnamese old guard patriots in Saturday Welcoming Ceremonies. The two U.S. Marines of Vietnamese ancestry stood proudly with the Chapter's Color Guard. On hand for the festival was Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, and a contingent of the Board of Supervisors, as well as Ass't Chief of Police and other dignitaries, who sponsored the three day event. The Youth Alliance exhibit a creative energy and fervor to carry on the Vietnamese cultural pride here in the community and abroad. Over a hundred of these youth, attired in different shirts to match their duties welcomed the visitors, handed out brochures and directed many to the areas where food, wares and traditional events were taking place. It was a well organized and sponsored event now in it's fourth year. Many of the sponsors are very prominent in the community and displays thier support of the community service and support to the City. Many Vietnam Veterans and military personnel came out in full support and those in uniform were admitted free of charge. More VVA472-Tet Pictures   CHAPTER 472 Christmas Party Paulette Aviles has just checked out the decorations and Christmas tree at the Chapter 472 Christmas party that was held on Saturday, December 13. Over 40 members attended and participated in the gift exchange and the great food that was prepared by the members. The offices were decorated for the holiday event and a festive and warm atmosphere prevailed. More Christmas Party Pictures     CHAPTER 472 HOLDS SUCCESSFUL CASINO NIGHT After some seven months of planning, the Chapter conducted their first Casino Night at the Admiral Baker Recreational facility in San Diego. Spearheaded by Committee Chairman Sal Pellerito, an expert in these type of activities the event which was sponsored by the PURE BioScience Company and their generous matching donation were present to a full house of over 200 guests. Twenty tables of gaming were available and although no money was exchanged, a grand total of over seventy gifts were raffled off for winner's tokens at the end of the evening. Alice Palmer, with a $5.00 donation won the grand prize of a new 37 inch television set. Other generous donations were also raffled off while a nearby silent auction item netted the Chapter a $1000.00 for a single dinner in Napa Valley. Overall the Chapter netted over $6700.00 clear. Although a great success, Sal recommends any Chapter considering this to plan at least a year in advance. He said he was available for technical support and that a venue onboard a military installation or recreational center is recommended since there are no permits required. It is imperative that donating sponsors pay for the expenses which can be astronomical. Kindly e mail vva472events@aol.com for further information. More Casino Night Pictures     VETERAN'S DAY PARADE 2008 The Veterans Day Parade was a grand success. With over 35,000 patriots watching along the parade route, the Chapter, some FIFTY-ONE STRONG rode, walked, or cycled behind a truck loaned by the gracious EL NOTRE TOWING COMPANY of Escondido. Through the efforts of member George Prather, the members decorated the truck and displayed our flags. A contingent of Vietnam Veteran motorcyclists escorted the truck from the museum parking lot to the downtown area. To the tune of revving their engines and a tremendous air horn blasts, the parade started just a little late. Twenty two rode on the truck along with members of the Vietnam community who were invited for the first time. Later reports remarked this was the largest attended parade in the city's veterans day celebrations. The remaining members walked and greeting many veterans of all wars who warmly applauded their fellow veterans. Many military families were present along the route.     CHAPTER 472 VETERAN OF THE YEAR Lyle Eddie Martinez was recently selected as the Chapter's nominee for the San Diego County Veteran of the Year. Selections will be made at Veterans Museum & Memorial ceremonies and luncheon at the Scottish Rite Temple, Mission Valley, on November 7, 2008. Lyle served in the US Army in Vietnam for a year. He was discharged in 1969. He has been a resident of San Diego since 1987. Lyle's involvement with the Chapter began in November 2006 at the Veterans Parade. There he was among several Vietnam veterans who participated in the annual parade. He vowed he would change all of that and he did so in 2007 when 30 participants marched in the parade. Two veterans in wheel chairs proudly joined in the parade. Eddie, as he likes to be addressed has set a new precedence as the Chapter's nominee. He was instrumental in conducting two productive rummage sales at the museum with five other members and collected over $2000.00 so the Chapter could fulfil it's obligations to Stand Down and Home Front. He also set up two separate events at Koby's to garner new members for the Chapter and the Museum. He has personally signed over 20 new members and associates in the previous year. Although not in the best of health, Eddie volunteers to docent at the Museum. He has reached out to the Vietnamese community to make contact with these freedom loving people. He was greeted by the people who enjoyed his concern for them and their welfare. A very generous veteran, he has given and provided assistance and help when asked, all without question. Although not able to physically be involved with the Chapter's participation in the Del Mar Fair and Marble Tourney, he nevertheless provided his collection of large rare marbles which were made into beautifully crafted trophies by a fellow veteran. They were all distributed by July 5 at the Fair. Eddie does exemplify the Vietnam Veteran. He cites the need to rekindle the Chapter into a viable and useful contributor to the community and especially the forgotten veterans. He is tireless in these efforts and says he is honored to have been chosen this year. You can rest assured that this honor will spark him and perhaps ignite the Chapter into what it should be and what it used to be.     HELIX HIGH VETERANS HONORED The Veterans of three wars were honored at a recent luncheon and dedication of a plaque in their honor at the Helix High School Charter School in mid May 2008.     TIME TO THINK CHRISTMAS PARTY IT IS THAT TIME again to think of our plans for Christmas and the Great White Elephant that seems to take over and create a great time for all. Decorating the offices at the Chapel has been discussed with Christmas Tree and decorations galore. We can decide on the 20th. The turnout for the Christmas 2007 was great as you can see; let's do it again and better!     PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT US ARMY Dan Serino attended the Purple Heart Dedication at the Veterans Museum & Memorial. He and many of his comrades were on hand to dedicate the red granite monument to the Purple Heart recipients of San Diego County, as well as other notable veterans of the Vietnam era.     WHY WE LIVE HERE - THE TALL SHIPS IN TOWN The three masted GLORIA arrives in San Diego on her visit to our fair city. She was accompanied by sixteen other sailing ships of all types. She was led by a US Navy frigate and a US Coast Guard training bark. .     LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE Chapter 472 enjoyed an early march in the fifteen spot near the front of the parade. Although following horse "grenades" left on the road, the contingent of the membership nevertheless manuevered the one mile jaunt to the cheers of so many grateful on lookers. An inspired short mile trip was very rewarding to the marchers. .     VVA472 at STAND DOWN 2008 The Vietnam Veterans Chapter 472 supported the annual drive of the Stand Down retreat for Veterans and the homeless of San Diego County. The three day event concluded with a breakfast on Sunday for 1000 veterans who sought, legal, medical, dental and other support assistance. The Chapter assists with an annual $500.00 contribution for the tent as well as personnel support in this important event that tends to the needs of the Veteran. .     HELIX HIGH SCHOOL INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAM FOR VETERANS Allison Dreylinger, dedicated her Helix Senior Project to all Veterans of the area. Inspired by the Speaker's Bureau of the Chapter that visited the previous November, Allison fulfilled her dream as she unveiled and showed her project at mid-May ceremonies in the Quad of the high school. Veterans from Pearl Harbor and the Vietnam War were on hand. They all appreciated their names inscribed on the black marble plaque. Don Armitage remarked that he never thought he would "be alive to see my name on a memorial plaque".    NORTH COUNTY VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION President John G. Weaver, (left), Jack Frazier, Lyle Eddie Martinez and Nino Martinez were several of the Vietnam Veterans who attended the May 2008 dedication of the North County Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Located across the street from the Army & Navy Academy, the gigantic black granite stone is engraved with the name of 124 North County Vietnam veterans who gave their lives while serving their country. A little park flanks the peaceful site and is maintained by the Academy and Carlsbad High School, where Mr. Frazier teaches. He was instrumental in obtaining the land and all of the funds collected over a five year period.     LAYING OF WREATH Under the direction of BGEN Stephen M. Bliss, USA, President of the Army and Navy Academy (rear), Carlsbad High School teacher and Vietnam Veteran, Jack Frazier (left) laid the wreath in honor of those North County Vietnam Veterans who gave their lives for their country in Vietnam. Assisting with the wreath is C/MAJOR Alexander MUI and Carlsbad Mayor Mr. Claude 'Bud' LEWIS at recent ceremonies in Carlsbad, California. This five year effort by Mr Frazier to seek funds for the massive black monument resulted in it's placement in a prominent donated area near the Academy and Carlsbad High School. A list of the 124 men of North County named on the monument are also etched on the Memorial at the Balboa Chapel Museum & Memorial Centersite, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego. They are all listed among the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.     SECOND RUMMAGE SALE APRIL 2008 CHAPTER 472 conducted their second rummage sale at the Balboa Chapel. There were seven sellers who came as early as 6 AM. Many Chapter members bought in goods to be sold. The Chapter collected about $800.00 in a six hour period. BOO-BOO, a pup visitor was all ears listening to what Don Leavitt was saying (not pictured). BLUE STAR MOTHERS VISIT THE SALE Blue Star Mothers Chaplin Dr. Sarah M. Young and President Patricia A. Regan dropped by for a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Rummage Sale. Sarah reports that her Grumpy purchase was for her husband.     PURPLE HEART AWARD CEREMONY RADM Rod Melendez, director of the Veterans Museum & Memorial, Balboa Park presents Ms Rhea Sims, of San Diego, her brother William Peterson's long awaited Purple Heart. William, was presumed lost at sea and subsequently missing in action during the night of November 13, 1942, off Savo Island at the 2nd Battle of Guadalcanal. His ship, the gallant destroyer CUSHING DD376 greatly damaged, hit over 20 times, but still fighting to the last went down with 71 shipmates and lies in Iron Bottom Sound. The presentation and citation were through the efforts of the Vietnam Veteran Association, Chapter 472 who follow the Association motto of: Leaving No Veteran of Any Era Behind. MRS RHEA SIMS accepted the Purple Heart posthumously for her brother William Peterson Jr. On hand for the presentation at the Veterans Museum & Memorial on Memorial Day 2008 are (left) daughter Jackie Vasquez, Linda Michaels and Congresswoman Susan Davis.     OLDER NEWS