DEROSSET PRINTS FOR FUNDRAISER
2011 DEC 13
"REACHING OUT" is the latest art creation by Richard DeRosset, Chapter 472
Historian and Artist. This original work was made for Don "Doc" Leavitt,
a Board member of the Chapter.
Richard framed a copy and presented it to the museum for their collection.
The scene is the junction of the original wall while a Medic helicopter is
reflected in the center area.
The posters when completed will be available with a portion going to the
Chapter non-profit fund where it will be used to assist our veterans in need.
The completed poster will totally compliment the original work of art and
will ultimately become an icon and a reminder of always remembering our comrade
in arms of that Vietnam era.
VVA472 CHRISTMAS PARTY
2011 DEC 10
Chapter 472 celebrated the Christmas season with their annual Christmas Party
in Balboa Park.
The Board members decorated the Santa Fe Room of the Balboa Park Club and
the expected 45 members came laden with food and gifts for the exchange.
(pictured) 1st Vice President Ken "Santa" Johnson entertained the KISTER
Family, our 2011 Christmas family. The Escondido, Ca. family were honored
for their devotion and always ready to entertain with their singing and dancing.
Saturday was a surprise as they conducted dances from the Nutcracker, some
Spanish and Russian dances in full costume. Their parents home school the
children: Samara, Emily, Kitty Lou, Buddy, Dalion, and Matthew. Alicia Kister
teaches the dance and singing while Jay Kister plays the guitar.The family
attended the Mothers Day Brunch, the Memorial Day evening services and a
Chapter meeting. They were initially discovered at the museum, when they
popped in and sang for the patrons.True American Patriots.
Four certificates of appreciation were also delivered to Mr. Luc Nguyen,
for furnishing the parade vehicle; Mr. Don Doc Leavitt for returning to the
Board and his generous contributions; Mr.Richard DeRosset, for the beautiful
donated art to the Chapter; and Mr. Odell Ranger Wilson for his nation wide
marathons carrying the POW/MIA flag; a constant reminder that those not with
us are still being reminded of absence.
VETERAN'S DAY PARADE
2011 NOV 11
Over 100 Patriots on motorcycles escorted the three Parade vehicles to downtown.
There were an estimated 30 thousand along the parade route. The members met
at the museum and decorated the vehicles. Thanks to Luc Nguyen for furnishing
the truck for this event.
VETERAN OF THE YEAR
2011 NOV 08
The members attended the VOY in support of Ken Johnson, our MOY. The forty
or more years of his volunteer service was detailed in the Chapter's letter
of support.
2011 Veteran of the Year and VVA Life MemberJoe Brunner congratulates David
Dickey as the 2012 San Diego County Veteran of the Year.
On hand for the Luncheon were Eddie Martinez, Bruni Cleveland, Don Barnard,
Richard DeRosset, Diane Bruckman, Nino Martinez, Linda Johnson and family.
SMOKEY JOE'S
2011 NOV 06
A few members attended the local College rendition of Smokey Joes, a fine
musical play with college age students and thespians performing on a rainy
afternoon in town.
AGENT ORANGE TOWN HALL
2011 OCT 30
AVVA and VVA Chapter 472 hosted the First Annual Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting
in Balboa Park at the end of October. Three speakers were on hand and detailed
information that is very important to those that served in country. The next
meeting is set for April 2012.
AVVA President Linda Johnson coordinated the event along with VVA President
Don Barnard.
MASSING OF THE COLORS
2011 OCT 28
Eleven Chapter AVVA and VVA members participated in the Massing of the Colors
in Balboa Park. The annual event honors our American Flag and the Units that
carry this symbol of our America.
KOBEY'S AWARD
2011 OCT 01
The Chapter AVVA and VVA members were on hand to present a letter and certificate
to Kobey's for their generous support of the Veterans. (see avva472.org for
more photos).
9/11/2011 TEN YEARS LATER
2011 SEPT 11
The AVVA/VVA472 membership were honored to have a visitor to the Veterans
Museum & Memorial on 9/11. Accompanied by his wife Christina, John ROBERT,
at the invitation of AVVA member Richard DeRosset, invited the couple to
sign the museum mural that depicts the aftermath of that fateful day in
September. John spoke of his experience that day and his connection with
Engine 54, 4 Truck, NYFD, to about ten AVVA members that came down to witness
the signing.
Christina Robert wrote on the mural near the image of two fireman standing
next to a small statue that survived the downing of the two Twin Tower buildings:
To my 34 brothers that the moments we had together....and honor to serve
with you...
Shortly afterwards, John affixed his name to the mural. Richard remarked
that he was actually working on one of the five murals and the Pearl Harbor
mural in particular when he noticed the absence of aircraft noise of passenger
planes over the museum had ceased.
He knew something was wrong at that moment when the flights were shut down
earlier.
John's signature joins that of Sen. John McCain as well as hundreds of prisoners
of all war that are nearby on the same mural title Triumph and Tragedy. The
other murals nearby honor the survivors of that other day of infamy: Pearl
Harbor, where many of those that survived that day have signed their name.
INURNMENT AT FT ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETERY
2011 AUG 17
The Chapter received an e mail from a Vietnam Veterans family for support.
The Patriot Riders members of VVA member Bruce Forman and Lucia Forman, a
AVVA member joined many of their brothers to salute Robert Lee Davis of Illinois.
His wife Carol came down from Illinois for the service. Robert was a BT3
in Vietnam and died in August 2010.
His final wish was to be buried at the National Cemetery.
MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
2011 MAY 26
(Click for full size)
MOTHER'S DAY BREAKFAST
2011 MAY 08
President Don Barnard and Event Coordinator Rene Rodriguez applaud the Kister
Family Singers on their performance at the annual bruch. This patriotic family
will be the Chapter Family honored at their December 10 Annual Christmas
Party.
VVA472 ELECTIONS
2011 APR 22
The 2011 VVA Chapter 472 Election was held last Saturday. Newly elected President
of the 472, Don Barnard performed first duties by swearing in the new Officers
and Board to serve to April 2012.
Board Member George Prather,Jr.,
First Vice President Ken Johnson
Board Member Richard DeRosset
Board Member Ed Lindley,
2nd Vice President Sal Pellerito
Board Member Bruce Forman
Secretary/T. Nino Martinez.
In the near future, the President will select another Board Member making
a total of nine
See more pictures in the Gallery |
