THE VETERAN'S VOICE
Volume
23 Issue 12
DECEMBER 2003
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VIETNAM
VETERANS
MEMORIAL
PLAQUE
The Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Plaque was a grass-roots project initiated
by Ruth Coder Fitzgerald after her brother died in 1992 of non-Hodgkins lymphma
that was attributted to his exposure to Agent Orange. She felt that it was
necessary to publicly
recognize deaths attributed to the Vietnam War that were being
overlooked.
In 2000, the 106th
Congress passed legislation authorizing the plaque to be added to the ground of
the Vietnam Veterans Memrial and for it to be inscribed to
acknowledge and honor veterans whose premature deaths were due to their
service but who were not eligible for recognition by name on the wall.
The Wall is reserved for service members who died of wounds sustained in
the combat zone or in direct support of combat.
A roll of names is kept
in the rangers' kiosk near the Veitnam Veterans Memorial. It includes those who
did from cancers that the government presumes were due to Agent Orange. Others
were victims of post-traumatic stress disorder, through suicide, drug abuse or
alcoholism. It also includes civilians and soldiers who died during the war but
did not meet the Defense Department criteria.
The plaque, a 2x3 foot gray granite memorial tablet, will be
set, cathedral-style, into an extension of the plaza where the Three Servicemen
Statue stands, with views toward The Wall and the Women's Memorial. It will
read:
IN
MEMORY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED IN
THE VIETNAM WAR AND LATER DIED AS A RESULT OF THEIR SERVICE WE HONOR AND
REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund presented a $50,000 grant
to the American Battle Monuments Commission toward the cost of the plaque.
Harley Davidson Motor Company contributed $50,000, plus more than $33,650 was
given by veteran's families, friends, loved ones, and a variety of veterans
groups and other organizations, businesses and non-federal government sources.
For more information, please contact:
Ruth Coder Fitzgerald, President
Vietnam War In Memory Memorial, Inc.
808 Charlotte Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
or, if you have computer access, go to your search engine
& just type in Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaque. There are numerous sites to
visit and links for more information and support.
Cathy Booth
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Congratulations!
Members of American Legion Post 639!
You have generously donated more than $80.00 to pay the
postage for 2
care packages to be sent to service members stationed overseas!
The package already sent was truly appreciated. The collection jar will
stay out so that we can raise more money to send more packages! It is very
important to let all of our soldiers know how much their service to us and our
country is appreciated!
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Letter
to the Editor
24 October 2003
Members of American
Legion Post 639,
On behalf of the
soldiers of 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Engineer "Sapper Steel"
Battalion, I would like to sincerely thank the members of the American
Legion Post 639 and the Ladies Auxiliary for the generous care package that I
recently received. Being over here in the Republic of Korea
really makes you realize what kind of country the United States is and
also how easy it is to take for granted the conveniences of everyday life. My
soldiers cleaned out the box of supplies you sent in a matter of minutes and
really appreciated everything, especially the candy and hygiene supplies. I
admit the fact that we are not as in need of supplies as my fellow soldiers in
Afghanistan and Iraq, but something from home was greatly appreciated. I
mentioned that Kim Mello's son was in the Navy CB's in Iraq and focused on the
fact that you took the time to give something to the soldiers in Korea. I also
took the time to explain to my soldiers the importance of giving and supporting
soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen
who are deployed across the globe defending freedom and giving their lives
everyday to make the world a better place. While every service will continue to
claim that they are the best, I feel that my soldiers now have a better
understanding of the "One Team, One Fight" concept that includes
everyone from the Commander-in-Chief down to the stranger on the street that
thanks you for your service. Again, thank you for the care package and let
everyone at the post know that the 2nd Infantry Division is still proudly
standing guard on the Korean DMZ.
Chad E Carr
2LT, EN
Platoon Leader
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From
the Commander
The Mt Vernon veterans had a great time at our post and they
really appreciate all that was done for them. Thanks to all who planned it and
to everyone who helped that day. You made it a great day for a special group of
men.
Tom Williams and his band, The Lucky Boys played for the post
that night. They donated their time and their talent. The music was great and
everyone that was here enjoyed it and had a good time. A special thanks to Tom
and The Lucky Boys.
Burman Walker
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LADIES AUXILIARY
We've had a wonderful month in October. The children's party
on the 25th had 25 children and their families. They had piñatas for the
different age groups. Tom Booth did a fantastic job grilling 150 hot dogs
outside in the drizzle.
The kids had crafts and 3 different games this year, so
everyone took home candy and prizes. There were 3 age groups for costume
contests. Our judges, Bob Wilson and Bob Jestes, had a hard job deciding on the
winners. In the toddlers group we had 3 winners (they couldn't decide)-Ariana
Collins, O'Shea Herron, and Savanna Kusmaul. The 3-6 age group winners were
Izaak Kimsey and Taylor LaFoon. In the 7 and up group there were only girls,
Tiffany Casper and Tori Booth. Our winners received cash prizes.
November 8th we hosted 17 veterans from the Mt Vernon Nursing
Home. They had donuts, juice and coffee and then were in the Veterans Day
parade. When they returned to the post, they
were served lunch prepared by Clark, Kim and Jim. Thanks to all who helped.
On the 12th we had guests in from the St Louis American
Legion Riders, Chapter 1 in Missouri, Al Branch, Dave Turner and Wayne Wallace
stopped in after being involved in veteran events in Branson. They enjoyed their
visit and invited members from here to stop in and visit their post.
Mr. Dave Deatherage, from Independence, MO was also in and is
interested in starting a group of Airborn, Paratroopers and glider operators. He
left information concerning this.
LuAnne
went to a district meeting in Jefferson City this month and had a very good time
working on programs for our upcoming year.
The
15th, we hosted the Young Marines for a chili supper fund raiser. They performed
a balloon release that included colored balloons, each representing a branch of the service,
camouflage balloons for active service
members and black balloons for the POW/MIA's. We must always remember
these people.
December
7th we will be having the Toys for Tots Bike Ride. Howard Lampe will be fixing
chili for the post this year. Come out, bring a toy, and have chili with
everyone.
Post
639 will host the 17th District Auxiliary meeting on December 14. We will have
our
children's
Christmas party on the 20th from 1-3.
LuAnne
and I will be going to Mt Vernon to wrap Christmas presents for the veterans we
will be adopting.
Ladies,
just a reminder, we are still not a 100% on renewals. The district is having a
contest to reach the 1st with 100%. So! Ladies, the ball is in our court. Right
now we are in 2nd place, let's win this award!
Kim
Mello
Vice
President
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FROM
YOUR CHAPLAIN
Condolences-
To John Woodruff for
the loss of his father.
To Lee Walton on the
loss of his father.
Keep in your thoughts
and prayers Dale Hendershott's mother and Kim Mello's father, both were in St.
John's Hospital.
Christmas is coming.
Let's keep in mind the true meaning of this holiday. A baby was born 2000 years
ago, lived to age 33. He traveled no more than 35 miles from his birthplace,
never owned anything except his clothing. He
changed the way we look at our calendar date, from BC to AD. Just something to
think about.
Let's not forget our
military men and women here in the States and overseas and also our POW's and
MIA's. This can be a very depressing time of year for them.
Hope you have a Merry
Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year.
Bob Carroll
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BINGO
IS MOVING TO FRIDAY NIGHT!
Beginning on December 26, Bingo will move to Friday nights.
This is an opportunity for the post to raise even more money and will hopefully
allow more people to find time to
help! We hope to see you there!
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Adjutant
Report
Membership is still
coming in fair. If you have not renewed for 2004, please do so now! Still
looking for someone to replace me as adjutant. I will not run again, so come
next election I am done. So, if you have any interest, please see me or Burman
& let us know.
Mark Reed
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Bingo
Report
Bingo is the same, no
workers. If you want to know more about bingo, come out & work it, then you
will know. And thanks to the workers that do work.
Mark Reed
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From
the Editor
Thank you for bearing
with me while I get used to the privilege of doing the newsletter.
I realize that it has been a bit late the last few months and that some
people have not received their copy. Hopefully, I will improve the timeliness
and quality as I learn how to run this program. A special thank you goes out to
JC and Phil for all of their help. None of the newsletters would have been
published at all without their invaluable assistance!
Cathy Booth
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Congratulations to
Mike and Eva Hannah on their marriage on November 8, 2003.
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UP
AND COMING EVENTS
December 7 - Toys For Tots Bike
Ride. Bring a toy & enjoy Howard Lampe's famous chili!
December 13 - Christmas
Party and December Birthday Party. Come dance to the wonderful
Lucky Boys from 8-12!
December 14 - 17th
District Meeting 1:00. Tickets for the meeting and meal are only $6!
December 20 - Children's
Christmas Party 1-3.
Bring the children and enjoy the fun!
December 31 - New
Year's Eve Party with the Rockin L's!
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BINGO
IS MOVING TO FRIDAYS
ON
DECEMBER 26!
Until
then
It
will continue on
Wednesdays
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The Veterans Voice will be happy to print articles or letters
that are submitted if signed, sources can be verified, and the content matter is
not inflammatory. The deadline for contributions
for the newsletter is on the 15th of each month.
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AMERICAN
LEGION
POST
639
BINGO
EARLY
BIRD 6:30
GUARANTEED
PAYOUT $4800
PLUS
PROGRESSIVE
&
PULL TABS
Located
at
2032
W Bennett Street
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Vietnam
War Memorial
American
Legion Post 639
2660
So. Scenic
Springfield,
MO. 65807
417-882-8639