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Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 JUNE 2017

WELCOME HOME!

VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER 18025 15 MILE ROAD CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403 586-776-9810 PHONE 586-776-9683 FAX

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month at VFW Bruce Post 1146, 28404 E. Jefferson Ave., St. Clair

Shores Boo Coo News deadline: previous

month's meeting. To submit items, photos, supporter

ad copy: email, mail or deliver to the Veterans Support Center

Chapter 154 Member of the Year Receives Award

hapter member Jim Watts has

Cbeen named VVA 154's Member of the Year for 2017.

He joined the chapter over 10 years

ago and the honor guard eight

years ago. He became the

commander of the honor guard in

2012. Due to physical health issues,

Jim stepped down as commander

in 2016.

Watts enlisted in the Army in

1965. He did basic at Fort Leonard

Wood, MO. After completing AIT

training as an 11 Bravo (infantryman) at Fort Polk, LA, he was sent to jump school with the

Chapter president Steve Bago, Jim's wife Melinda, his daughter Mo and Jim Watts

82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. He spent two tours in Vietnam between 1966 and

1968. During his first tour, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division.

Being asked how he felt to be named Chapter 154's Member of the Year Watts said "I was

totally shocked. I had no clue. I was very surprised. I thought a lot of guys could have, and

should have, received the honor. For whatever reason, I was selected."

"When I received the award at a chapter meeting I saw my wife and I thought something

was wrong at home. Then she smiled at me," Watts said. "Upon receiving the award, I was

receiving it for everyone in the chapter. A lot of guys out there do a good job. I accepted it

for them, as well as for myself."

Chapter president Steve Bago said, "Jim fought through two knee surgeries and was able to

guide the honor guard in performing all of their duties. He has formed a bond with his team

and others in the chapter with lasting friendships. Jim has dedicated his time to serving on

the Point Team. He served as a rifleman, vice commander and commander. During the

course of the year, Jimmy received a knee replacement which sidelined him for a time but

soon he was back performing his duties in the style of a good paratrooper. Congratulations

to Jim."

Board of Directors Election Notice

1,611 American Still Missing in Southeast Asia 49 from Michigan

t the April chapter general meeting an error was made in the counting of votes for the

Aboard of directors. The voting resulted in a tie between two candidates: Leo Lalonde and Chuck Charbeneau. As you recall, the election was a little different because one of the current board members was vacating his seat to move up to the executive board. This meant we had to place six board members rather than the usual five. As this was kind of an unprecedented situation, the President and the Election Committee Chair met and made a decision that the incumbent director, Leo Lalonde, should be named as the two-year board member, and Chuck Charbeneau named to complete the term of one year due to the vacating of the one seat.

Continued on page 3

President's Message # Steve Bago

've just returned from a Region 5 Conference in Ohio. For

Ithose unaware, Region 5 is all VVA chapters located in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The discussion was

directed mainly on the legacy that VVA will leave for this

country.

Give us your thoughts so that we can accurately present them to the national organization. Aside from the national elections, this will be the big topic of discussion at the convention later this summer. The actual voting on this issue will not take place until the 2019 convention.

The current position is that we are a "last man standing" organization. When we are gone, the VVA goes with us. Let me say that again, "When we are gone, the VVA goes with us." That is something to think about. Is that what we want? I need feedback from the chapter as to what route we wish to follow.

We have two options ahead of us. We can either stay as a "Last Man Standing Group" and watch our entire work die, or we can vote to change the eligibility requirements to include younger veterans. I need you to think about this and give me feedback on what route we wish to follow. We were elected to represent the chapter to the national organization.

We have our new tri-fold informational booklet available at the Vet Center. Inside you will find our selection of active committees. Read about them. ASK about them. We'll be happy to inform you about each and explain what you could do to help. You won't be turned away. New ideas are always welcomed.

Enjoy the summer now that the warm weather is here. Respectfully,

Steve Bago President

VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD

President

Steve Bago

586-524-3806

1st VP

Gary Purcell

586-243-6293

2nd VP

Dave Schoenherr 586-940-2568

Secretary

Mike Schneider 586-567-0731

Treasurer

Mike Jacobi

586-504-0781

Board of Directors Exp. 2018

Greg Bowman 586-850-1800

Chuck Charbeneau

Gil Claunch

586-854-7842

Ron Squires

586-747-8881

Jim Watts

586-524-9705

Past President Brian Bobek

Board of Directors Exp. 2019

Glenn Cash Leo Lalonde Donn Sinclair Joe Spencer "Bobby" Steward

586-838-9851 586-243-0222 586-277-8992 586-321-9847

Boo Coo News Publisher - The Board of Directors Boo Coo News Editor - Brian Bobek Typesetter - Linda May Thank you to our sponsors!

Trustees

VVA State Delegates

VVA National Liaison Webmaster

Tim Ignash (2018) Tom Puruleski (2019) John Hages (2020) Brian Bobek Alt. Delegates Steve Bago, Chris Franklin, Mike Schneider Steve Bago Mike Sauger

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES

Agent Orange

Phil Michaud

Honor Guard

Glenn Cash

Food Pantry

Gil Claunch

Freedom Hill & Eastpointe Memorials Dave Porter

Hospitalized Vets

Tom Duff

Lottery

Jim Auito

Membership

Larry May

Merchandise

Tim Ignash

Michigan Traveling Memorial

Dave Schoenherr

Nominating

Mike Bilyk, Tom Puruleski, Gary Sox

Operation Christmas

TBA

POW/MIA

Tom Duff

Scholarship

Dave Rocco

Speakers Bureau

Ed Zysk

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2017 Page 2

(Special Election - JUNE 14)

This was a judgment call made on the spur-of-the-moment and probably didn't reflect proper rules of order in instances where there was a tie. Therefore, the board has decided that a run-off election should be held to more properly determine which candidate should hold which term of office. This situation will be announced via email to the membership, posted in the Boo Coo News, and discussed at the upcoming chapter meeting. Because of the timing of this run-off vote, it will be held at the June general chapter meeting. This should allow sufficient time for the membership to hear the issue and make their decision. Depending on the outcome of the election, the two candidates may or may not change their current positions. If the run-off election results in a change of positions, the information in our newsletter and website will be corrected to reflect the proper information. The election will be held on June 14. The process for the run-off election will be that same as the regular election: you can come to the Vet Center during business hours on June 14 to cast your ballot for one of the two candidates. You will need to show your membership ID to vote. If you can't get to the Vet Center you can vote at the general election meeting that evening. You will still need to show membership ID to vote at the meeting.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2017 Page 3

ASSOCIATES of VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA

Meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Vet Center

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

AVVA Chapter 154 Minutes May 17

Meeting called to order: 7 p.m. Pledge and moment of silence for those in harm's way and for our members facing illness and hardship. Three new members (one in attendance)

Jim Watts is the "VETERAN OF THE YEAR"

REPORTS: Food pantry: 68 families (serving 203 People) 5 ? Gaylords from Postal Workers Food Drive ? Gaylord from Kroger (Weekend of May 12, 13, & 14)

Honor Guard: 10 Funerals

p.m.? Snack bar will be opened for food and drinks. Sell tickets in advance.

Golf Outing: Deb Stefani and Mike Collins stated it is "In the Grove." Three different letters have been compiled for previous sponsors, captains and new donation. Both donations and liquor are starting to come in. June is the target month when everything starts happening. All forms will be on the websites of VVA Chapter 154, Fern Hill and hopefully Macomb County. Still looking for gift cards from associates. A new check-in procedure will be implemented, with only the captain receiving team number, card number and goody bag. Everyone will receive a Tigers hat.

Traveling Memorial: May 23 at American House (15 Mile in Sterling Heights)

June 1 at 6 p.m. at Mott High School (3131 12 Mile Road in Warren) for Military Wall of Honor. OPEN TO PUBLIC - - ALL ARE WELCOME

Hospital Committee: 14 members visited on May 10. Carlene in need of word search books. Next visit will be on June 14 leaving the Center at 8 a.m.

POW/MIA: WWII: three more found, leaving 73,000 Still missing Korea: Four more found, leaving over 7,000 still missing Vietnam: Three more found, Leaving 1,600 still missing Global War on Terrorism: 126 still missing Iraq/Afghanistan: six still missing

Car Show: Weekend of April 28, 29 and 30 with 147 Cars and 1,300 tickets sold.

Kroger Food Drive: Weekend of May 19, 20 and 21 at the Garfield and Canal Store (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Veterans Night at Comerica Park: June 15. Bus reserved, tickets are $50 and almost sold out. Check at front desk if interested. Bus to leave Vet Center at 6 p.m.

Scholarships: Seven applicants: four will receive $1,000; two will receive $500, one will receive $250. Will be handed out at the June general meeting.

Donations: $500 to Fisher House and $400 to Michigan War Dog Memorial

OPEN FORUM: Boz provided updated information on The Michigan War Dog Memorial informing that on June 10 at noon there will be a military burial of MWD Spaulding-K419. SSD June 24 at noon there will be the dedication of the Vietnam K-9 Memorial Wall. Address is: 25805 Milford in South Lyon MI 48178.

Jennifer Hissong suggested that the associates buy black shirts to be uniformed at funerals. A discussion will be held later as to how we want the logo on them.

Quarter Mania: Cathy Vaughan suggested Sept. 16 but with the overnight vigil on Sept. 15 was suggested we try for Sept. 9 instead. $10 entry fee will get you five paddles to make bids on auction/bingo items. Will be held at the Sterling Lanes at 14 Mile and Schoenherr from 6-9

Boz also stated that the remains of Fred M. Jones a WWII Veteran will be buried in Port Huron at Lake Side Cemetery on Saturday, May 20 at noon. He was a Father Flanagan Boys Town resident.

Motion to adjourn at 7:30 by Phyllis Claunch and Mary Squires

Hello Fellow Associates, Well it's less than two months away for the annual golf outing and we are in need of your help. We would like to ask EACH associate to get ONE hole sponsor or ONE donation from a business you frequent. How about your hair dresser, barber, nail salon, chiropractor, foot doctor, dentist, ice cream store, restaurant, cleaners, florist, movie theater, oil change shop, gym, or even your butcher, baker or even the candlestick maker! I think you got the point. Any denomination gift card or gift certificate would be appreciated. And anyone who wants to get a hole sponsor is much appreciated too. We have included the letter we use to approach a donation, along with the form for the donation. All we ask is that you TRY to get a donation for a good cause and we have a letter that explains what the chapter does for the vets. And if you're not sure how to ask for the donation, ask Mike, Erin or Carl for ideas. They did an awesome job last year! Mike is at the Vet Center on Wednesday from 10-4 and on Friday from 11-4 if you need to drop anything off. Or you can call either of us!

Debbie 586-463-5031 or Mike 586-772-2054

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2017 Page 4

HONOR GUARD # Glenn Cash, Commander

Reports Submitted by Glenn Cash:

Since my last report the color guard has done 9 funerals: 5 Army, 1 Air Force, 2 Navy and 1 Marine and they are as follows:

Edward Ronald Yurich Arlie Woods William Labancz Anthony Girard James Smith Robert Christopher DelVecchio Frank Bocick Andrew Ingrassia Timothy Shaun Downey

Army Army Army Army Army Air Force Navy Navy Marines

WWII WWII WWII Post WWII Vietnam Post Korea Korea Vietnam Era Vietnam Era

Glenn Cash John Mohan Gary Stephens Ted Szymanski Ron Drdul George Ortwein

Commander Vice Commander Treasurer Armorer/Property Officer Chaplain Assistant Chaplain

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

!

We also did a detail at Gibraltar Trade Center for our VVA car show where we brought in the colors, did a 21-gun salute and

sounded Taps

Hospital Plaque on Display

ospital Committee chairman, Tom Duff, came up with a novel idea. He wished to

Hhonor all of the chapter members who had worked diligently on the hospital committee who have now passed. He had a memorial plaque made up which, at this time, contains the names of five chapter members who supported the monthly visit to the VA hospital over many years. Their efforts made certain that our brothers and sisters that are in the VA hospital never felt that no one cared about them. The plaque is on display on the wall outside of the hospital committee room at the Vet Center. Stop by and take a look the next time you're in the building.

Currently the plaque contains the names of: Butch McAlister, Gene Borowski, Frank Griffin, Bill Mault and Dave Shirey.

HEPATITIS C TESTING OR TREATMENT

VA recommends testing for all veterans born between 1945 and 1965. Other reasons people should get tested for HCV is if you have ever shared a needle to inject drugs, even if it was only once or a long time ago. For additional reasons to get tested, please take a look at the VA's testing page.

VA can only test and treat veterans enrolled in VA care. If you haven't used the VA for health care before, check out the benefits website to determine if you are eligible and find out how to enroll. If you already use VA for your healthcare, talk to your doctor about testing and treatment. The hepatitis C test is available for all veterans enrolled in VA Healthcare. The test itself is free, although your usual office visit copays may apply. Ask your VA provider for the test at your next visit. If you have hepatitis C and are interested in the new treatments, please talk to your VA provider today.

The new treatments are able to cure most patients in about 12 weeks. There are no injections with the new treatments, only daily oral medications. Your usual office visit and medication copays will apply.

Not sure if you are eligible for VA healthcare? Take a look at the VA benefits website for eligibility information, learn how to apply for health benefits, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) for more information.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News JUNE 2017 Page 5

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