vietnam vet “gazette” -...

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Beaver County, PA

The 2015 Christmas Tree (see more pictures on page 7)

VIETNAM VET “GAZETTE” Issue 160 Together Then ..... Together Now January 2016

Chapter 862 Meetings

BOD Meeting 2nd Wed of the Month

Membership Meeting 3rd Wed of the Month

7:00 PM at the ROCHESTER VFW

Be Sure To See Important Dates to Remember Upcoming Events— 3

Members of VVA Chapter 862 again held a vigil from 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve until 1200 noon on Christmas Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Quay Park in Beaver, PA to honor and remember the seventy-three veterans from Beaver County who lost their lives as a result of the Vietnam War. Since these heroes were not able to spend Christmas with their families, we brought Christmas to them.

Frank Petz and Rich Kamzelski organized the vigil and scheduled a list of chapter members to cover the eighteen hour vigil. However, the number of chapter members who stopped by to visit the vigil during these hours far exceeded those who volunteered to fill the schedule. Fortunately, the weather was relatively warm for the season and that made the evening even more enjoyable for everyone who attended the event.

Residents from Beaver County occasionally came by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and to thank us for remembering our veterans. And they often brought coffee, snacks, and cookies to help us through the night. In fact, one young girl stopped by with her grandfather to sing a Christmas carol for us that she had just performed at her church. And there was no shortage of story telling throughout the evening and morning.

If you were unable to attend, then you missed a rewarding opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and share in the comradery that we all earned and enjoy. Happy New Year.

Larry Googins, President

Vietnam Vet Gazette August 2001 Page 2 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE January 2016

POW / MIA - Information taken from the National League of POW/MIA Families

December 15, 2015

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: In mid-October and again more recently, DPAA posted changes to the list of Vietnam War missing and unaccounted-for US personnel, now numbering 1,624. For various reasons, including wishes of the family, DoD announcements are often delayed far beyond the ID dates and sometimes not even made. The num-ber of Americans now listed by DoD as returned and identified since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 961. Another 63 US personnel, recov-ered by the US and identified before the end of the war, bring the total of US personnel accounted for from the Vietnam War to 1,024. Of the 1,624 still missing and unaccounted-for, 90% were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Cambodia and Laos under Vietnam’s wartime control: Vietnam-1,266 (VN-467, VS-799); Laos-302; Cambodia-49; PRC territorial waters-7. These country-specific numbers can and do fluctuate when investigations result in changes to locations of loss. Since formation in 1970, the League has sought the return of all POWs, the fullest possible accounting for those still missing, and repatriation of all recoverable remains

REPATRIATION OF REMAINS: On December 12th, remains believed to be those of four US personnel missing and unaccounted-for since the Vietnam War were honored in a repatriation ceremony at Noi Bai Interna-tional Airport in Hanoi. Turned in unilaterally by civilian Vietnamese and recovered during the 121st period of Joint Field Activities in Vietnam, the four remains were reviewed by Vietnamese and American forensic special-ists who determined the potential for being identified as US personnel. Our Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius was joined by specialists from DPAA’s Detachment 2 and the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) in honoring those repatriated. In remarks, Ambassador Osius reportedly expressed gratitude for the goodwill and increasingly efficient and effective cooperation being afforded by the Government of Vietnam. The League extends sincere appreciation to all – American and Vietnamese – whose authorization, policy and operational support and/or participation contributed to this repatriation and looks forward to further expanding the level of effort that can lead to increased accounting results.

DPAA DIRECTOR VISITS CAMBODIA, LAOS & VIETNAM: DPAA Director Mike Linnington recently returned from his first trip to the three most directly engaged Vietnam War countries. He first briefly visit-ed Cambodia, then made official calls in Vientiane, Laos, and flew by helicopter to visit DPAA and Lao personnel conducting field operations. He returned to Vientiane before going on to Hanoi to meet with senior officials there. On December 5th, Mr. Linnington briefed the Board of Directors on this important, introductory visit that came at a time of ever-increasing bilateral political, economic and military-to-military cooperation. He also visited DPAA and Vietnamese teams conducting field operations in Vietnam before flying back to the US, arriving in time for a DPAA-hosted Family Update in Portland, ME, on November 14th. More will be provided when available.

POW News (cont on page 3)

Chapter 862 Officers & Committees (All 724 Area Codes unless noted)

Executive Officers Larry Googins ..... President ..... 869-7090 Bill Laughner…...Exec VP.. .. .601-3597 Rich Kamzelski …1st VP……494-5752 Cliff Hawes ......... ..2nd VP 728-5065 Lee Corfield ........ Secretary .... 775-3027 Jake Barsottini…Treasurer......601-7293

Board of Directors

Gary Shaffer …...…3..............643-8941 Rich Tindell ………3......... .... 622-0724 Pete Herman………3….…….712-4324 Michelle Wilcox ….2………..847-3463 Don Villella ………2….. ....... 843-7401 Philip Morris………2………..643-5725 Chuck Inman…….. .1…... ...... 709-7747 Rich Raich………...1…...412-974-6282 Nick Pavkovich…...1………..847-0592

Delegates Bill Laughner .......................... 601-3597 Lee Corfield ............................ 775-3027 Larry Googins ......................... 869-7090 Philip Morris ........................... 643-5725 Chuck Inman…………………709-7747 Terri Carr ……………….330-692-1849 Pete Herman………….……....712-4324 Jake Barsottini…..…………....601-7293 Ray Rapp……………….…….316-6786 Michelle Wilcox ………..……847-3463 Nick Pavkovich ……………...847-0592 Rich Raich… Alt………...412-974-6282

Standing Committees

Agent Orange / Dioxin Mike Coligure ……………… 412-613-1810

Auditor’s Bill Winkle…………..…………...….774-626

Community Services Chuck Inman …………………….. 709-7747

Finance Bill Winkle……………………….. 774-2626

Government Affairs Bart Farzati ………………………. 777-2193

Membership Gary Shaffer……………………….643-8941

Minority Affairs Reuben Fuller ……………………. 378-4990

POW / MIA Phil Morris …………………….….. 643-5725

PTSD / Substance Abuse Rich McCracken…………………. 266-4914

Public Affairs (Vacant)

Veterans Affairs / Benefits / Advisor Kathy Nairn ……………………... 770-4450

Woman Veterans Michelle Wilcox ………………… 847-3463

VIETNAM VET GAZETTE January 2016

POW News (cont from page 2)

MORE GOOD NEWS: DPAA Director Linnington has decided to invite representatives of responsible national Veteran organizations to attend and observe briefings at DPAA-hosted POW/MIA Family Updates around the country. The League deeply appreciates this re-turn to including our Veterans in these meetings. Though often GENERAL FOGLESONG VISITS MOSCOW: US Chairman of the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs General Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong, USAF (Ret) traveled to Moscow to meet on November 9th with the Russian Co-Chairman, General Colonel Valery Aleksandrovich Vostrotin. The two Co-Chairs out-lined their hope for renewing and restoring the work of the USRJC and noted the importance of the new Russian Office of the USRJC located in the Embassy of the Russian Federation. This important office was opened in July of this year and is headed by Maxim N. Alekseev, an impressive Russian official with a diverse background and record of experience. The League welcomes this new initiative and looks forward to working with Mr. Alekseev and senior Russian officials in Moscow. It is past time to press forward and end the seemingly endless delays generally in content, the briefings given are firsthand and provided by responsible US officials. Since DPAA is stressing the importance of outreach and transparency, DPAA-hosted Updates provide an opportunity for both.

ACCOUNTING RESULTS: Although the pace of joint field re-coveries and investigations related to the Vietnam War has resumed to a higher level, the Vietnamese, in particular, have repeatedly called for increasing the pace and scope of such operations, in fact since 2009. In fact the political climate, regionally and bilaterally with Vietnam, lends itself to expanding cooperation across the board. Contact your elected officials and ensure they understand that there must be full funding, with increases as needed, including qualified personnel, for the new Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

Respectfully Submitted, Philip Morris POW/MIA Chairman

VVA 862 Committees (Cont)

Special Committees

Color/Honor Guards

Ray Litzinger….. ........ .....378-5855

Highway Clean UP Charles Ray……………...827-8310

Homeless Veterans Bill Porupsky ................... 495-7051

Newsletter / Webmaster Lee Corfield .................... 775-3027

Nominating / Scholarship Lon Hogue ...................... 846-8857

Veterans Assistance Bill Laughner .................. 601-3597

Other Positions

Chaplain Don Villella. ................... 843-7401

*

AVVA Chapter 862 Officers

President Bobbie Morris 643-5725

V.P. Marji Slawianowski 378-7315

Secretary Veronica Grant..462-3717

Treasurer Sue Bridgewater 643-0731

AVVA BOD

Keith Black……….....…..513-3177 Carl Curtis……..………...869-0294 Sandy Giordano…..…......203-4569

Parliamentarian

Veronica Grant……...…..462-3717

Chaplain Barb Googins…………….69-7090

Membership

Susan Smith….….…...…...728-6741

Minutes from December 16, 2015 meeting Called to order by President Larry Googins @ 7:00 PM

Opening Prayer by Chaplain Don Villella. Attendance was (176)

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Exec VP Bill Laughner

VVA Motto: “Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another”

Roll Call of Officers 14 – Present 1 – Absent – Excused

Introduction of Guest Speaker – Jesse Hutman from Career Link at the Beaver Valley Mall.

Introduction of Guests or Prospective Members – Gary Eggenberger, Chuck Higgs, Grant Farmer, Alfred Rodriguez

Members Sick or in Distress – Albert Mixon, Georgiann Robes, Tony Whited, Ron Heitzenrater,

Jim Juillerat, Harry Suttelle, Don Miller

Secretary’s Report: Minutes: Were accepted as read in the newsletter.

Communications - All communications were read.

Website - Was brought “On Line” this afternoon. Lee gave explanation and asked members to come up and view the site after the meeting. He will be there to help you with any questions.

Larry Googins mentioned about the need of a Secretary and Newsletter Editor in the future.

Treasurer’s Report: was read by Treasurer Jake Barsottini. Approved pending audit..

Agent Orange - Mike Coligure – Mike spoke about the sales at the Festival of Trees = $7,600.00. 1/2 of that amount will be split between VVA and AVVA. He ended up helping a lady from Youngstown with VA assistance.

Gov’t Affairs - Bart Farzati – Bart spoke about speaking with Rothfus about the Toxic Exposure Act. He spoke about the change at the Courthouse with the Commissioners. Kathy Nairn is the #1 VSO Contact Bart for the Website and info. He spoke about the Air Force doing away with the 21 gun salute.

Membership - Gary Shaffer - Membership 745 - LIFE 560. As of now, 67 members have taken advantage of the Life Membership Drive that is “in progress” till December 31st. POW MIA - Philip Morris made it real simple. Phil said to “Read the Newsletter.”

Veterans Assistance - Bill Laughner – Nothing pending right now. But remember if you know a vet that needs help, we would need a copy of their DD 214. He spoke about the upcoming 2nd Annual Blackhawk Golf outing May 21st. He has the Flyers, Stop up and get one. TET Party—Chairman Phil Morris spoke about the upcoming TET Party being held on February 20th. Price is $25.00 each or $250.00 for a table of 10.

AVVA Bobbie Morris - Thanked PJ’s for the food tonight. Gave VVA a check from AVVA ($1,752.00) from the Festival of Trees to be used towards helping veterans.

Tee Patillo - Read a “Thank You” note from Wallace Davis family that was recently helped.

Luke Patrino - Thanked VVA & AVVA 862 for the donation towards the Homeless Vets in his area. They were able to purchase 4 new beds for the Veterans.

Minutes (con’t on page 5)



Minutes (cont from page 4)

Good of the chapter:

Property Tax Rent Rebate Program - Larry Googins gave an explanation about this program.

We will have a speaker at the Jan 20th meeting with important information for members and their spouses/caretakers concerning “Advanced Directives.”

Larry spoke about a Free telephone for the hearing impaired that was talked about at the Veterans Breakfast Club. She will be speaking at the February 17th Meeting about how this works and how to get one.

Rich Raich the upcoming Blood Drive on December 31st and also spoke about looking for Ticket #341 to win the M-1 Garand raffle

Joe Mavero explained about the offer to join the Rochester VFW. They would love to have your membership. Jake Barsottini spoke about what it takes to obtain a “Service Dog”. He has information if you need it.

Closing Prayer was submitted by Chaplain Don Villella

Meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM

Respectfully Submitted Lee Corfield - VVA 862 Secretary

“Merry Christmas” & “Happy New Year” to All!

Veterans, or veterans’ families, needing assistance

When requesting help for needy veterans or their families, it is important to gather as much information as possible in order for us to make an accurate decision about the best way to assist. In order to do that, please provide the following information to the contacts listed below:

Veteran’s name, address, contact information

Military branch of service (active, reserve, retired) and a copy of DD-214 (if not on file)

Employed, unemployed, retired, etc. (from where)

Total monthly income (from all sources)

Total monthly expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities, food, clothing, etc.)

Family size (spouse, children, dependents)

Other agencies that have been contacted for help and what was their response

For financial assistance, the approximate dollar amount needed and/or requested

The name, address, & contact information of the company or business to receive payment

Any other pertinent information that may be important

Your personal assessment of the need

Contact either Bill Laughner (VVA) or Carl Curtis (AVVA) for assistance. Thank you for your help.

Bill Laughner, VVA Chairman Carl Curtis, AVVA Chairman Veterans Assistance Committee Veterans Assistance Committee


POW/MIA MISSING MAN TABLE & HONORS CEREMONY

As you entered the room, you may have noticed a special table; it is reserved to honor our missing men. Set for six, the empty chairs represent Americans who were or are missing from each of the services – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard – and civilians, all with us in spirit. Some here were very young, or not yet born, when the Vietnam War began; however, all Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call and served the cause of freedom in a special way. Let me explain the meaning of this table, and then join me for a moment of silent prayer. The table is round – to show our everlasting concern. The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans….and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers. The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them. A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families – who long for answers after decades of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return – alive or dead. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast. The chairs are empty – they are missing…………….. (moment of silence) Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America’s POW/MIAs, to the success of our efforts to account for them, and to the safety of all now serving our nation! Respectfully Submitted, Philip Morris POW/MIA Chairman


2015 Christmas Vigil

Christmas Eve (early)

Christmas Eve Carol

Christmas Eve (later)

Christmas Day - Finale Salute


Associates of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 862

(There was no AVVA meeting in December)

Next AVVA Meeting January 20th, 2016

Rochester VFW @ 6:00 PM

Agent Orange Balloon Release—November 11, 2015

Recent picture from our Christmas Gift Giving at the Beaver Valley Nursing Home in Chippewa


(Getting Around) the New VVA 862 Website

Across the top of the New Website, you will find 11 TABS

VVA 862 - Agent Orange - AVVA - Committees - Community - Contact VA

Events -Links - Memoriam - Membership - Newsletter

Now, take your cursor and let it lay on top of each one and you will be able to see what’s listed under each Tab.

If you see something under that Tab that you want to look at,

Just click on that Tab and after it opens, scroll down to it.

It’s that easy!

Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862

Update on our AVVA Lifetime Membership Special

Congratulations on all of you who had taken advantage of the membership sale with twenty-one (21) lifetime renewals.

I would like to welcome the sixteen (16) new Life Members to AVVA

Chapter 862.

“Thank You” and looking forward to working with you in 2016

Bobbie Morris President, AVVA 862

Nikki Curtis Christopher Spencer John C Wilcox Michelle D Wilcox (dual member) Cheryl Vaughn Patricia Szell Gloria Villella Baylor Villella

Lydian Fisher Kaleb Martin Idamae Gower

Mark A Googins Troy L Googins Suzanne Perkins

Roseanne McDermott Karen Shannon


HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO OUR MEMBERS

February

Charles Elia ..................... Feb 1

Charles Talbot ................. Feb 1

Steve Watson ................... Feb 1

Ed Frankovich ................. Feb 2

Frank Petz ........................ Feb 3

David Smail ..................... Feb 3

Bill Crowley .................... Feb 4

Joe Dombrowski .............. Feb 4

Tom Britt ......................... Feb 5

Janie Ammon ................... Feb 6

Ron Gardner .................... Feb 6

Michael Bieselt ................ Feb 7

Tony Hovanec ................. Feb 7

Steve Martin .................... Feb 8

James Montgomery ....... Feb 11

Rich Shanor ................... Feb 11

Paul Grimes Jr ............... Feb 12

Wm Stokes .................... Feb 14

Charles Herdt ................. Feb 15

Allen Masko .................. Feb 15

Ed Powers ...................... Feb 15

Mike Samangy ............... Feb 15

Chuck Schultheis ........... Feb 15

Gerald Ferguson ............ Feb 16

Pat Fowler ...................... Feb 16

Bob Jewell ..................... Feb 16

Lee’s Tid Bits:

As you look thru the January Newsletter,

you will find that a lot of our Items have

been moved from the Newsletter to our

VVA 862 Website.

For Example: If you haven’t noticed,

the List of our VVA 862 Owned

Businesses that I usually put in the

January Newsletter is now at the Bottom

on the VVA 862 Tab.

Still not sure about our new Website

yet, Are You?

You may want to take your time and look

over the Website. It has been upgraded

for this purpose. After you first log on,

Take your Cursor and let it lay on top of

each Tab as you move Left to Right. That

way, you can see what is under each Tab

before you click on it. There are items

listed that will most likely answer your

questions. If you have a question, be sure

to look at our Website first. You will

probably find your answer there.

VVA 862 Website

Just about everything you need to know

is right here. There is nothing you can do

to hurt it or damage it. Feel Free to look

around.

Right now the Pictures (Galley) is

holding us up but he’s working on it.

If! You have any questions after

that, Please email me and ask me what

ever question it is and I’ll be glad to

answer your question if I can. I’m trying

to make this changeover as easy as I can.

Lee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO OUR MEMBERS

February

Russell Potts .................. Feb 16

Alan Wilenken .............. Feb 16

Ken Aikens .................... Feb 17

Fred Fattore ................... Feb 17

Dave Matthews ............. Feb 17

Jim McCormick............. Feb 17

Larry Selick ................... Feb 17

Sue Pierce ...................... Feb 19

Janet Say ....................... Feb 19

Val Kuebel .................... Feb 20

Gary Gilchrist ................ Feb 20

Tim Weigel ................... Feb 20

Louis DeOld .................. Feb 21

Louis Traynor ................ Feb 21

Dan Varna ..................... Feb 21

Ed Kalish ....................... Feb 22

Doug Pavkovich ............ Feb 23

Pat Murray..................... Feb 23

Bill Weiss ...................... Feb 23

Scott Little ..................... Feb 24

Jeff Hess ........................ Feb 26

Vincent Marinke ........... Feb 26

Rich Beradelli ............... Feb 27

Roy Ruckert .................. Feb 27

Bill Olenik ..................... Feb 28

Next VVA 862 Meeting

January 20th- 7:00 PM

vva862.org

vva862.org

Please Note: The views and opinions are solely that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. (National, State or Chapter).

All articles are written by the editor unless otherwise stated. Submissions will be gladly accepted by the editor. We reserve the right

to edit submissions as space allows.

Lee Corfield - Editor VVA Chapter 862

140 Knob Vue Drive Freedom, Pa. 15042


"TET Party Reunion Tickets" Are available NOW

Call me at 734-843-6828 or

mail a check to me at: Bill Laughner

119 Jonathan Drive Darlington , Pa.16115

You may reserve a table of 10 for $250.00 or

buy single tickets for $25.00 each.

Upcoming Chapter 862Upcoming Chapter 862 Special Meetings & EventsSpecial Meetings & Events

Feb 3 - Tet Party Reunion planning meeting, Rochester VFW @ 7:00 PM

Feb 15 - Tet Party Reunion planning meeting, Rochester VFW @ 7:00 PM

Feb 20 - Tet Party Reunion, The Fez, Hopewell @ 5:00 PM (see page 11)

Apr 2-3 - Maple Syrup Festival, Brady’s Run

Apr 6 - Veterans Breakfast Club, Seven Oaks Country Club @ 8:30 AM

May 7 - Chapter 862 Spring Banquet, Rochester VFW @ 6:00 PM

May 30 - Memorial Day Parade, Beaver

Other Fun Events

Apr 21 - Veterans Voices Gala, Heinz History Center, 5:30 PM

May 21 - Armed Forces Golf Outing, Black Hawk Golf Course @ 8:00 AM

You may honor Veterans of the armed services, loved ones and friends (either living or deceased) with an “In Memory Of” brick. You may also want to honor your American Legion post, your VFW post or any other Veterans Service Organizations. Orders are accepted year round, with placement every spring and fall. Engraving is donated by Rome Monument.

Mail completed form to:

VVA Chapter 862 P.O. Box 26 Rochester, PA 15074

Memorial Walkway bricks at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Beaver, PA

Vietnam Veterans of America Membership

Is open to any Veteran who served

Anywhere during the Vietnam War era

Name:_________________________________Phone:______________Birthday___/___/___

Address:__________________________City:__________________State:_____Zip_________ ____ I served in the US military (for other than training purposes) between 8/5/1964 & 5/7/1975, OR

____ I served in the US military in Vietnam between 2/28/1961 & 5/7/1975

____ DD-214 enclosed

____ NEW MEMBER

____ RENEWAL - Membership Card #_________________

____ One (1) Year Membership $20.00

____ Three (3) Year Membership $50.00

____ Life Membership $75.00

____ I did not serve in the military during these times, but I wish to join the

Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) - $20.00 / Year

Mail completed form to:

VVA Chapter 862

P.O. Box 26

Rochester, PA 15074

vietnam vet “gazette” -...

Documents