The New “Welcome Wagon” at Greater Pittsburgh Airport

VIETNAM VET “GAZETTE” IssueIssueIssueIssue 134 134 134 134 Together Then ..... Together Now November 2013

Up-Coming Meetings

BOD Meeting 2nd Wednesday of the Month

7:00 PM

AVVA - Meeting 6:00 PM

Regular Meeting 7:00 PM

At the

ROCHESTER VFW

Be Sure To See

Important Dates to Remember

Upcoming Events— Page 13

Page 2 Vietnam Vet Gazette August 2001

COMMITTEES

Executive Board All 724 Area Codes

L. Skip Haswell - -President -843-6930 Mike Mikulich - - 1st V.P.—266-6663 Jon Neely - - - - -2nd V.P.—891-2089 Lee Corfield - - Secretary —775-3027 Bill Muns - - - - Treasurer-—643-9169

Board of Directors

Blaine Allinder——————375-4168 Bob Eiler———————— 457-8234 Bill Harlow——————-—378-0984 Bill Laughner———-———-843-6828 James Montgomery———-—827-2782 John Namath———————847-9296 Nick Pavkovich——————847-0592 Don Villella———————-843-7401 Bill Weiss————————827-2460

Delegates

JoAnna Williamson 1st —— 847-9389 Tracey King ———————513-0389 Reuben Fuller ——————-378-4990

Nominating Committee * - - Denotes Chairman

Bill Bischak - - *- - - - - - - - - 774-4198 JoAnna Wiilliamson - - - - - 847-9389 Tony Squadrito - - - - - - - - - - 643-1714

Agent Orange

Jon Neely- - *- - - - - - - - - - --891-2089 John Helbing - - - - - - - - - - - 843-0706 Tony Yannachione - - - - - - - -770-2267

Associate Liaison

Cheri Pickering - - * - - - - - 643-4397 Dave Tucker - - - - - - - - - - - 774-4074 John Wakeley - - - - - - - - - - -378-6938

Color/Honor Guards

James Montgomery - - * - - - 827-2782 Don Pickering - - - - - - - - - - -643-5267

Community Affairs

John Namath - - * - - - - - - - --847-9296 Don Villella - - - - - - - - - - - - 843-7401 JoAnna Williamson - - - - - - - 847-9389

Constitution & By-Laws

Reuben Fuller - - * - - - - - - - 378-4990 Bill Muns - - - - - - - - - - - - - -643-9169 Tony Squadrito - - - - - - - - - - 643-1714 JoAnna Williamson - - - - - - - 847-9389

Finance Bill Muns - - * - - - - - - - - - - 643-9169 Bill Bischak - - - - - - - - - - - - 774-4198 Lon Hogue - - - - - - - - - - - - - 846-8857 Bill Laughner - - - - - - - - - - - 843-6828

Legislative

Pete Petroskey - - * - - - - - - - 643-8999 Mike Mikulich - - - - - - - - - - 266-6663

Membership

Lee Corfield - - * - - - - - - - - - 775-3027 Bill Harlow - - - - - - - - - - - - -378-0984 Bill Bischak - - - - - - - - - - - 774-4198 Tracy King - - - - - - - - - - - - - 375-4046

Page 2 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

POW Update UPDATED: November 1, 2013

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED-FOR: There are still 1,643 personnel listed by the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) as missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War. DPMO recently posted the identification of SSG Lawrence Woods, USA/SF, of TN, listed as KIA/BNR in South Vietnam on October 24, 1964. His remains were recovered on April 13, 2010 and identified September 4, 2013. Earlier, DPMO posted the identification of Colonel Francis J. McGouldrick, USAF, CT, listed as MIA in Laos on December 13, 1968, as now accounted for. His remains were repatriated May 22, 2012 and identified August 28, 2013. The number of Americans announced by DPMO as returned and identified since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is now 940. Another 63 US personnel, recovered by the US and ID’d before the end of the war, bring the official total of US personnel accounted-for from the Vietnam War to 1,003. Of the 1,643 unaccounted-for personnel, 90% were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Cambodia and Laos under Vietnam’s wartime con-trol: Vietnam-1,275 (VN-469, VS-806); Laos-308; Cambodia-53; PRC territorial waters-7; over-water losses on DPMO’s list of No Further Pur-suit cases number well over 600. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE & CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, PLEDGE SUPPORT: On September 20th, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, in remarks at the Pentagon’s ceremony commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition day, stated in part, “Words and promises cannot make the lingering uncertainty, the headache, and the heartache go away. But I hope it provides comfort to know that as long as members of our Armed Forces remain unaccounted for, the Department of Defense will do everything – whatever we can to find them and bring them home….we will not rest until we fulfill this pledge – no matter how long it takes…..Today, as the POW/MIA flag is raised in communities across America, we pledge to live by its creed, ‘You are not Forgotten.’” Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Martin E. Dempsey, USA, speak-ing at the Pentagon, stated in part, “…..a special welcome to the families of those still missing in action and all who remain dedicated to bringing them home. It’s a great honor to share this day with you… I am also in-spired by the efforts of the countless individuals and organizations that are dedicated to honor American prisoners of war and who continue the search for those missing in action….Their efforts reach deep into the four corners of the globe, into foreign lands far from home….. Today, as we fly the familiar black and white flag across our country, it’s not only a symbol to remember the POW and MIA community, it’s a charge – to keep faith with every prisoner of war, those still missing in action, their families, and our military community … to remain undaunted by time and undeterred by challenges… wherever our missing lie, wherever a prisoner waits, we will remain committed to freeing them….to not rest.… to not call our mission complete … not until our family is whole again.”

POW News (cont on Page 3)

Chapter 862 Officers & Committees

(All 724 Area Codes)

Executive Board

L. Skip Haswell ..President.. ... 495-9612 Bill Laughner... Exec VP….. . .843-6828 Rich Kamzelski …1st VP……494-5752 Pete Petrosky ......2nd VP....... 643-8999 Lee Corfield ........Secretary..... 775-3027 Larry Googins .....Treasurer .... 869-7090

Board of Directors

Tom Robes ………1….…….728-4334 Don Villella ………1….......... 843-7401 Philip Morris………1………..643-5725 Gary Shaffer …...…2...............643-8941 Rich Tindell ………2......... .... 622-0724 Pete Herman……….2……….712-4324 Cliff Hawes……….3..... ......... 728-5065 Chuck Inman……...3…... ....... 709-7747 Rich Raich………...3…...412-974-6282

Delegates

Skip Haswell ........................... 495-9612 Bill Laughner .......................... 843-6828 Lee Corfield ............................ 775-3027 Pete Petrosky .......................... 643-8999 Larry Googins ......................... 869-7090 Rich Kamzelski ....................... 494-5752 Philip Morris ........................... 643-5725 Rich Tindell .......................... 622-0724 Chuck Inman…………………709-7747 Terri Carr ……………….330-692-1849 Pete Herman…..1st Alt……....712-4324 Dave Kane…….2nd Alt……...847-0634 Tom Reilly…….3rd Alt……...709-8617 Ray Rapp……...4th Alt………316-6786

COMMITTEES * Chairman

Agent Orange

Mike Coligure *………………412-613-1810

Color/Honor Guards Ray Litzinger* ............................... 378-5855

Community Affairs Dan Sinclair* ................................. 846-7475

Constitution & By-Laws William Weiss* ............................. 827-2460

Finance Larry Googins* ............................. 869-7090

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

Legislative Bart Farzati* .................................. 777-2193

Membership Gary Shaffer* ................................ 643-8941

Merchandise Bill Laughner* ............................... 843-6828

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

Vets 4 Vets Tom Robes .................................... 728-4334

Page 3 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

POW News (cont form Page 2)

VIETNAM: US-Vietnam POW/MIA Consultations were held Septem-ber 26th, led by JPAC Commander Maj Gen Kelly McKeague, USAF, with DPMO, DIA’s Stony Beach and Embassy-Hanoi participation. A commemorative dinner was held the night before to celebrate recent years of steadily improving POW/MIA cooperation. Although invited to attend, the League’s Chairman of the Board regretted and sent a letter that was read aloud and well-received, according to the JPAC Com-mander. The Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Vietnam, scheduled for No-vember, was initially postponed due to lack of funding. Once agreement was reached on a Continuing Resolution to temporarily fund the govern-ment, the Vietnam JFA was back on, though significantly reduced in scope. JFAs scheduled earlier in Laos, Cambodia and the PRC were in-definitely postponed due to lack of funding in time to continue, even at a reduced scope. In a very important development, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Na-tional Defense LTG Nguyen Chi Vinh was again in Washington, DC, for October 29th bilateral Defense Policy Dialogue. In response to a League request, Minister Vinh and his delegation agreed to meet with Chairman of the Board Ann Mills-Griffiths on Sunday, October 27th. After thank-ing Minister Vinh for taking the time to meet and for significant im-provements in cooperation, particularly since 2009, including increased provision of archival documents, access to previously restricted areas, and improved quality and professionalism of SRV participants working with US counterparts, Mills-Griffiths highlighted two areas on which support is needed: 1) agreement for the US to field additional teams in the central highlands where most of the remaining unresolved losses oc-curred; and 2) agreement for the two DIA Stony Beach POW/MIA inves-tigation specialists to be permanently assigned at the US Embassy in Ha-noi. In response, Minister Vinh stated 1) he had brought more documents sought by the US to turn over to DoD officials, 2) agreed to additional US personnel operating in the central provinces, and 3) that he saw no problem with permanent stationing of the two DIA specialists, providing their mission was clear, i.e. focused solely on POW/MIA-related infor-mation, indicating it should simply be handled as other assignments to the USEMB. Minister Vinh asked for additional US emphasis on and support for addressing “war legacy issues,” including demining and hu-manitarian assistance for the disabled and their families, and for informa-tion that might help locate Vietnamese who died and whose remains are not yet recovered. He suggested that bilateral US-Vietnam cooperation on the humanitarian accounting mission should serve as an example to the world of what can be accomplished by working together on such mat-ters. In a post-DoD meeting wrap-up, observers reported that Minister Vinh indicated there were no barriers to his government’s willingness to assist and again suggested publicizing the success of bilateral US-Vietnam cooperation on the humanitarian accounting mission.

POW News (cont on Page 5)

VVA 862

COMMITTEES (Cont)

Scholarship

Lon Hogue* ....................... 846-8857

Sgt of Arms

Roy Barlett* ....................... 378-0272

Veterans Affairs - Advisor

Kathy Nairn........................ 770-4450 Veterans Assistance Committee

Bill Laughner* ................... 843-6828 Hospital Committee

Lon Hogue* ....................... 846-8857 Women Veterans

Terri Carr* ................. 330-692-1849

Auditing Committee

Bill Winkle* ....................... 774-2626 Wayne Cumer .................... 947-3859 Joe Mavero ......................... 494-1505

Webmaster

Lee Corfield* ..................... 775-3027 n3ial@comcast.net

Nominating Committee

Lon Hogue* ....................... 846-8857 Bart Farzati ........................ 777-2193 Ken Pingatore .................... 876-0335

PTSD

Rich McCracken * ............. 266-4914

AVVA 862 - Officers

President.. Bobbie Morris ... 643-5725

V.P. Marji Slawianowski ... 378-7315

Secretary . Donna Corfield . 775-3027

Treasurer . Sue Bridgewater. 643-0731

AVVA BOD

Betty Jacobs ....................... 774-7350 Sue Petrosky ...................... 643-8999 Barb Googins ..................... 869-7090

AVVA Membership Chair

&

Parliamentarian

Veronica Grant ................... 462-3713

Chaplain

Barb Googins ..................... 869-7090

Next Edition

VIETNAM VET GAZETTE

DEADLINE

December 1, 2013

Page 4 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

Minutes from October 16th, 2013 Meeting

Meeting called to order by President Skip Haswell @ 7:00 PM with Pledge of Allegiance and an Opening Prayer by Chaplain Don Villella . Attendance was “ 130 ” Veterans “Sick or In Distress” - None Mentioned Guests and/or Prospective Members - Bruce Marada, Harvey Flinchim, Rich Daman, Jim Dipper

Roll Call of Officers 14 - Present 0 - Absent 1 - Excused

Secretary’s Report: Minutes: were accepted as printed in the recent Newsletter. Treasurer’s Report: were read by Treasurer Larry Googins to be accepted as read, pending audit. Communications - Read by Secretary

Recommended Motions by the BOD that need approved by the body;

(1) Motion was made by Ray Litzinger 2nd by Michelle Wilcox to give Krista Kennedy from Moon High School $300.00 for her project of sending special pouches to Veterans overseas. Motion Carried (2) Motion was made by Joe Feltes 2nd by Dave Walker to use the dates of Sept 25th thru 28th 2014 which were available to us thru the “Wall That Heals” . Motion Carried.

Committee Reports:

Agent Orange - Mike Coligure - Mike gave a report on what he’s been working on. Dave Walker and Mi-chelle Wilcox attend a couple of these events and helped out immensely. Membership - Gary Shaffer gave us an update = VVA - 616 - Life - 423 PTSD - Connie McCracken spoke about the upcoming seminar. Memorial Committee - Rich Tindell has resigned . AVVA will take over the Memorial Committee. Legislation - Bart Farzati gave a report on what is taking place right now. Spoke about the letter he wrote. Vets 4 Vets - Tom Robes spoke about a picture they will be selling. He spoke about people who he’s been helping out. Honor Guard - Rich Raich spoke about recent events they did. POW Committee - Phil Morris - Phil gave report which is presently 1644 “Wall that Heals” - Bill spoke about meeting coming up on Oct 21st. here at Rochester VFW. AVVA - President Bobbie gave her report on what they are working on. They have 134 members now. Highway Clean up - will be cancelled this season. Will get it in the spring. Old Business - Marriott Points Skip explained. Bidding for these points started at 175.00. Bill Laughner took care over auctioning them off. Sold to Mike Butera for $220.00. Tom McCormack gave report on recent shipment sent out last week. That was the 12th shipment. New Business - Skip mentioned the upcoming Vets Day Parade. In Beaver. Terri Carr spoke about an up-coming Blood Drive in Brighton Twp Nov 22nd from 12 to 6 PM. DAV Dinner - Nov 9th. Cam Adamson gave the details. Cam has 3 Electric Wheel Chairs that he’d like to get to needy Veterans. Motion made by Mike Cokrilec 2nd by John Malack to donate $100.00 per month to the Wounded Warrior Project. Discussion followed on where a lot of the money goes. Motion was defeated. Motion Made by Jake Barsottini, 2nd by Wally Chevorunt. to have the BOD look into this Wounded Warrior Project deeper. Good of the Chapter - Lee explained about the trip to USAF Museum. Bill Laughner went over why we are having the “Wall That Heals” meetings. We have several committees where we will need help. Dave Marchetti spoke about a recent trip to Wright Patterson Air Force Museum. Chuck Inman spoke bout the Gold Star Mothers Dinner and Wreaths Across America..

Next Meeting - November 20, 2013

Closing Prayer by Chaplain Don Villella Adjournment - Respectfully Submitted Lee Corfield - VVA 862 Sec

Page 5 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

POW NEWS (cont from Page 3)

Chairman’s Comment: There was noticeable warmth and responsiveness during discussions with the Deputy Defense Minister, a willingness to cooperate that has been evident to the League since 2009 and, along with the improved level of cooperation, there has also been a significant increase in the professionalism and quality of working level officials, clearly having received authorization and encouragement from senior offi-cials. These welcome developments related to Vietnam’s level of cooperation, especially a commitment that there are “no barriers” to POW/MIA accounting cooperation by such a senior MND official as Senior LTG Nguyen Chi Vinh, bode well for achieving greater success on Vietnam War accounting, so long as the US Government sustains funding and personnel levels and meets long-established agreements.. CAMBODIA: Consultations were held September 30th in Phnom Penh, also led by the JPAC Commander, with DPMO, DIA’s Stony Beach and Embassy-Phnom Penh participation. It is hoped the legal obstacles raised by the US bureaucracy will not recur to pose further difficulties for JPAC teams and counterpart Cam-bodian officials who, though puzzled, have been most patient. The long-delayed JFA in Cambodia was sched-uled to take place from October 23 – December 6th but was again postponed, as noted above. Operations in Cambodia by two Recovery Teams (RTs) and one Underwater Recovery Team (URT) have been postponed

twice this year.

LAOS: On August 16th, US-Lao Bilateral POW/MIA Consultations, led by JPAC Commander Maj Gen Kelly McKeague, USAF, with Embassy-Vientiane and DPMO representatives participating, were held in Vi-entiane, Laos. The talks were the most productive such discussions in quite some time. At long last, the Lao Government agreed to allow the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA’s) Stony Beach POW/MIA specialist to pursue field investigations year-round, on an as-needed basis. Though the details have yet to be worked out, the League welcomes Lao responsiveness to specific appeals, including on Stony Beach, contracting the use of smaller helicopters and on-site base-camping. These Lao Government decisions are in keeping with the im-proved political, economic and military relationship. This latter agreement was to have been tested during the October 16 – November 29th JFA that was postponed due to lack of funding. JPAC PUBLIC AFFAIRS PRACTICE: Investigative journalist Bill Dedman recently published a story on what he touts as JPAC’s “fake” arrival ceremonies. JPAC’s attempt to honor those recovered by re-creating a formal arrival ceremony should be viewed for what it was – a well-intentioned effort to honor deserving US personnel missing and unaccounted-for from our nation’s past wars and conflicts. Comment: JPAC’s determination to keep the issue visible is based on several factors, including the need to sustain adequate funding and personnel levels, but practical considerations such as cost were also para-mount. In reality, JPAC was re-enacting what used to be real-time ceremonies, by transporting flag-draped transfer cases (caskets), returned at varying times in recent weeks/months (often in the middle of the night), inviting the media and local veterans, and holding the “arrival ceremony” with all the tradition and formality earned by those being honored. The “sham” was that they had arrived earlier and the timing was staged. Was it smart? Not really! Was it well-intended? Yes, but it was also short-sighted and misled those attending. In the current poisonous environment of unproven accusations, investigations, legal actions and EEO complaints, the timing further undercut JPAC, the command at the heart of the accounting process. It is very sad, but this relative “hiccup” in the process should not be allowed to destroy confidence in the quality of in-country investigations, interviews, and surveys based on responsible analysis, nor in the end-result, the identification processes. Over-reaction by uninformed senior US officials and concerned citizens were most unfortunate, but demonstrate why DPMO and JPAC, as well as DoD, need to develop carefully thought out programs to educate currently serving military and civilian officials. Such programs could easily be made available through existing official channels and demonstrate, with briefings related to JPAC’s ongo-ing, worldwide accounting missions, that the US Government stands solidly behind those who serve, including if captured or listed as missing.

Respectfully submitted,

Philip Morris - Chairman, POW/MIA

Page 6 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

John Wakeley’s idea of “Honor Wagon’ becomes reality AVVA 862 member John Wakeley works up at Greater Pgh Airport in Airport Operations. John is al-ways watching things that go on around him. Mind you now, John had (2) two tours with the U S Army, so he had no other way to look at this other than being a Veteran himself. One day he noticed one of our local KIA’s being removed from an airplane which got his attention. Curiosity got the best of him. He wanted to see how they did it. Since September 11th 2001, the hearses are not allowed on the ramp anymore to pick up the caskets. Now John is glued to watching the baggage handlers and the removal of this casket. He watched them take it and place it on the baggage cart, as he worded it, “like a Set of Golf Clubs” He goes on to explain that the baggage carts are not the cleanest. After John watched all this, with Blood beginning to boil, he felt that something needed to be done. He went back and talked it over with another co-worker Mark Chamoditz. Mark talked to people at the Airport Authority office and convinced them to donate a baggage cart for refurbishing. John sat down with Paper & Pencil and started drawing up some ideas. On August 21st, John walked into our VVA 862 BOD meeting and explained everything that goes on at the airport any time the remains of one of our fallen heroes comes home and how they were handled. He ex-plained his idea and showed sample pictures of what he’d like to see on it. He explained that he’d already got a cart donated and wanted to know if any of our guys wanted to take this project on. Rich Kamzelski & Rich Tindell decided to do this project themselves. After more discussion, our BOD voted to approve $1,000 to get this cart started. They went and picked up the cart up and took it to Kamm’s garage to begin preliminary work. Larry Googins and Jerry Fisher happened to be up at Hall Industries talking to them about the Veterans Bridge and the cart came up in the conversation. The fellow at Hall Industries told them, you know we take care of all those carts at the airport. We’d be willing to help you with your project. Well. The rest is history. As you can see by the picture, with the businesses that did the work, it came out absolutely perfect. “Special Thanks” goes out to the following businesses. Signs by Sam, Pfaff Custom Welding LLC, the

Airport Authority, Beachem’s Sandblasting Service and Hall Industries from the Franklin Twp / Ell-

wood City area. We also found out that Harold Hall (founder of the business) is also a veteran.

Rich Kamzelski stated that, what was hard to believe was that most of the businesses who worked on the wagon donated everything. Hall Industries completed the refurbishing Free of charge. John Wakeley has come up with several ideas through the years but nothing as strong as this. With the VVA Logo on it and Our VVA Motto “Never again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another” this “Honor Wagon” will last a long time after we are gone.

You will see all 5 Branches of the Ser-vices and Pennsylvania National Guard has also been added. Hopefully some other cities will see this and do the same thing. “Thank You”

to all who worked on this.

It is “Greatly appreciated”.

Page 7 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

AVVA CHAPTER 862 MINUTES

October 16, 2013 The October 16, 2013, meeting of the AVVA Chapter 862 was opened by President Bobbie Morris with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence for POW/MIAs. Marilynn Piccerilli made a motion to accept the minutes as printed in the newsletter. It

was seconded by Judy Hage. Motion carried. Treasurer Sue Bridgewater gave the Treasurer’s Report. Membership Chairperson Veronica Grant gave the Membership Report. We now have 133 members. Total for the Poppy Sale was $1047 this year. The billboard advertising Agent Orange is located on Stephan Hill. Bobbie showed what the ad looks like. A motion to pay for the additional cost of the ink and the paper for the billboard was made by Sue Bridgewater and seconded by Betty Jacobs. Motion carried. Sue Bridgewater will meet with Larry Googins to check on the Tax Exempt form. Still checking on Bonding Ins. P & P changes are on hold. November 11th we will hold the annual Agent Orange Balloon Release at noon. We will be doing a program. Barb Googins will do the Wreath Margi Slawianowski will be contacting Beaver Valley Rehab and Nursing Center where we can visit the veter-ans. The Wall that Heals will be here September 26 to 28th. Help will be needed. The VVA has asked if the AVVA will take over caring of the flower bed at the memorial. Linda Tice made a motion we take over the planting and caring of the flowers at the memorial in Beaver. It was seconded by Barb Googins. Motion carried. Betty Jacobs made a motion to pay Judy Hage the $12 over the original $30 dollars allowed. It was seconded by Veronica Grant. Motion carried. Next meeting is November 20th. Meeting adjourned

Respectfully Submitted, DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED

Donna Corfield

Page 8 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO OUR

MEMBERS

NOVEMBER

Hope McFee........................ Nov 1

Albert Montillo ................... Nov 1

Albert Emler ....................... Nov 2

Mike Patterson .................... Nov 2

David Knorr ........................ Nov 3

Alan Hazelwood ................. Nov 3

Tom McCormack ................ Nov 3

Rich Corbett ........................ Nov 4

Cliff Hawes ......................... Nov 4

Glenn Rethage .................... Nov 5

Regina Shea ........................ Nov 6

Jim DiBenedetto ................. Nov 7

Bill Dorwarth ...................... Nov 7

Eugene Martucci ................. Nov 7

Joe Whitehill ....................... Nov 8

John Bacher ........................ Nov 9

Steve Wuebbles .................. Nov 9

Veronica Grant.................. Nov 10

Larry Slem ........................ Nov 10

Tom Cekovich .................. Nov 11

Rich Packer Sr. ................. Nov 11

Anthony Siegel ................. Nov 11

Ron Bruce ......................... Nov 12

Dave Kunsman.................. Nov 12

Arden Sams ....................... Nov 12

Phyllis Weiss .................... Nov 12

Teresa Carr........................ Nov 13

Don Dreyer ....................... Nov 13

Lee’s Tid Bits

At the recent VVA Convention, I

talked to a several chapters and found

out, several chapters do not use Bulk

Mailing. They quit mailing out Hard

Copies a few years ago. That saves them

a lot of work. If a member does not have

email, then they send it to a designated

relative / family member, and even the

neighbor next door who in turn, then

Prints it out and gives it to that member.

This might be something for our chapter

to look into in the future. Let us know

how you feel about this.

Well this topic is still under dis-

cussion. We are waiting on Feedback. If

we don’t get any, then there could be a

chance we could go all Electronic. Let

us know your thoughts.

Congrats John!

Congrats to my long time friend

John Wakeley for his latest project. The

“ W e l c o m e W a g o n ”

I worked with John before he

went in the Army and then after he came

back. I’ve known him and his dad

(Duane) from working down at St Joe

Lead, St Joe Zinc, Zinc Corp of Amer-

ica and now Horsehead Corp. John

helped me with one of my poems I

wrote when St Joe shut down the first

time in December of 79. It was titled

“The Night Before Shutdown” Then he

left for the Army. I don’t have enough

room to note all the different things he’s

accomplished since he got out of the

Army. He is one special person of

which we are glad to have him in our

AVVA 862 Chapter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO OUR

MEMBERS

NOVEMBER

Philip Morris ......................Nov 13

Kenneth Sevacko ...............Nov 13

Wynn Starr .........................Nov 13

John Adams .......................Nov 14

Jon Kloos ...........................Nov 14

Ronald Wallace .................Nov 14

Sylvester Kubacki ..............Nov 15

Chuck Timblin ...................Nov 15

Pat Polis .............................Nov 15

Rev Keith Black ................Nov 16

Mike Foley .........................Nov 17

Joe Glass ............................Nov 18

Peter Bau ...........................Nov 19

Bill McCartney ..................Nov 19

Don Demacio .....................Nov 21

John Farmer .......................Nov 22

Kathy James .......................Nov 22

Bettie Jacobs ......................Nov 22

John Szatkiewicz ...............Nov 22

Joe Corrigan .......................Nov 24

Rich McCracken ................Nov 24

John Angelucci ..................Nov 26

Drew Grivna ......................Nov 26

George Yaccich .................Nov 27

Donna Corfield ..................Nov 28

Ken Elliott .........................Nov 30

John Marx ..........................Nov 30

Kenneth Young ..................Nov 30

The views and opinions are solely that of the writer and do not necessar-

ily reflect the views and opinions or policies of the Vietnam Veterans of

America, (National, State or Local).

All articles written by the editor unless otherwise stated.

Submissions will be gladly accepted by the editor.

Lee Corfield - Editor VVA 862 Beaver County, Pa

140 Knob Vue Drive

Freedom, Pa. 15042

VVA CHAPTER 862 IS ACCEPTING ORDERS for memorial walkway bricks to be placed at the Vietnam Memorial in Beaver. You may honor Veterans of the armed services, loved ones and friends (both living and deceased) with an “In Memory of” brick. You may also want to honor your American Legion post, your Veterans of Foreign Wars post and/or all Veterans Service Organizations. Orders are accepted year round, with placement every spring and fall. Engraving is donated by Rome Monument in honor of county veterans.

Mail completed forms to:

William Laughner 119 Jonathan Drive Darlington, PA 16115

Please Note: Our Chapter Web site has been updated with several

“Links” with more being added everyday. Check all the “Links” !

“Agent Orange” Link now has a Reference to all the Illnesses Re-

lated to Agent Orange along with the Birth Defects and it also in-

cludes the “Faces of Agent Orange” This would be a Good Link to

refer your friends to that don’t know what Agent Orange is and how

it can affect your family.

Watch Daily for any “Special Announcements”

Go to http://www.vva862.org & “Check it Out”

Page 9 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

National Museum of the United States Air Force - “TOUR”

Instead of going to Washington DC for the yearly Rolling Thunder Ride we do every year, I was think-

ing of staying home that weekend and attending our own parade for a change. In place of that, on a different

weekend, if there is interest, I’d be willing to organize this trip. Donna and I have been there 6 times and are

willing to go again. We could drive out on our own on a Friday, Tour the Museum on Saturday, and drive

home on Sunday. It’s about a 5 to 6 hour drive, depending on how you drive. You can’t get in the rooms till

after 3:00 pm so you can plan your trip accordingly.

I know of a Holiday Inn that is real close and through some short cuts I’ve learned, we can be at the museum

in 10 minutes. It’s only 4.8 miles. Ok Now! I see we have an “Interest” Several members have emailed me,

came up to me at the meeting and left phone messages that they are interested in making this trip. I will be

passing around a Sign Up Sheet at the next meeting on November 20th. If you’re interested, please be sure to

sign it. I have to know how may rooms I am looking for. I won’t know the exact Room rate until I see how

many rooms I need. The more rooms, The lower the unit price. If we go over 30 rooms then we have other

benefits.

Possible Dates : that are available June 6 th & 7th, July 11th & 12th, All weekends in August are still

open. Let me know on the “Sign Up Sheet” which Dates fits your schedule..

Prices: It we stay under 30 rooms, They could be $109.00 per night, If we go over 30 rooms, he said he

could bring it down to approximately $100.00 per night.

If we can get 30 or more, we could have a Meet & Great Room on Friday evening once we all get there.

Page 10 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

Page 11 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

Legislative Update November 2013 On October 28th, “the House passed veterans legislation that included a bill written by Rep. Chris Gibson, Col. USA (Ret). This bill, H.R. 1494, the Blue Water Navy Ship Accountability Act, was introduced in April, and is part of the Congressman’s effort to ensure Vietnam veterans get the benefits they have earned and deserve. The Blue Water Navy Ship Accountability Act was incorporated into H.R. 2189, which passed the House 404-1. Under current law, Blue Water Navy Veterans who did not set foot in Vietnam or serve aboard ships that operated on the inland waterways of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 have the burden of proof to demonstrate exposure to Agent Orange and the connection to their illnesses. These claims are decided on a case-by-case basis. The Bureau of Veterans Affairs maintains a list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships that operated within the vicinity of Vietnam; however, this list is imperfect and not comprehensive. Some offshore vessels docked to the shore of Vietnam, operated in Vietnam's close coastal waters and sent smaller vessels ashore. Congressman Gibson’s provision would require a comprehensive search to determine which ships are eligible for cover-age under current law, reducing the wait time when new claims are filed. This would help Veterans who are currently sick or, in some cases, have died and claims are being made by their surviving families. The information must be com-piled within one year, and provided to the Veterans Affairs Secretary, as well as be available publicly. In addition, Congressman Gibson’s bill, H.R. 543, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2013 would grant presumptive Agent Orange exposure status to US service members who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Presumptive coverage would enable eligible veterans to receive Veterans Affairs benefits if they suf-fer from any of the diseases the U.S. government has linked to Agent Orange”. (Website http://gibson.house.gov/ US

congressman Chris Gibson, 28 October 2013) H.R. 543, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2013 has not had a vote and is cosponsored by local Rep. Tim Murphy Lt. Cmdr. USNR. A companion bill may be reintroduced in the senate by Senator Kirsten Gellibrand (NY) Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) has introduced S. 1602, a bill “To establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces, to provide certain services to those descendants, to establish an ad-visory board on exposure to toxic substances, and for other purposes.” This bill was introduced on 29 October and has no cosponsors and no companion bill in the House. This has been a priority of VVA and especially AVVA for many years and we will be contacting all our legislators for support. The 2014 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay, SBP annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits will be 1.5%, effective December 1, 2013. It will first appear in the January checks, which will be paid on December 31. The Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 S. 932 Senator Mark Begich (AK) and its companion in the House HR 813 Rep. Jeff Miller (FL) have been indorsed by most Veterans Service Organizations as a way to fund the VA and keep it functioning in the event of future government shutdowns. Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 - Author-izes the provision of advance appropriations for the following discretionary (under current law, medical care) accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Veterans Health Administration Medical Services, Medical Support and Compliance, Medical Facilities, and Medical Research and Support; (2) National Cemetery Administration; and (3) Vet-erans Benefits Administration, Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program. H.R. 1971 was introduced by Rep. John Kline (MN) to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 to direct the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that each beneficiary other than an active-duty beneficiary who is enrolled in TRICARE Prime (a DOD managed health care program), as of September 30, 2013, may make a one-time election to continue such enrollment. This bill is cosponsored by Local Reps Tim Murphy and Keith Rothfus, who also support language in the FY 14 NDAA to restore Tricare Prime.

Governor Corbett signed Senate Bill 277, legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel that will expand job opportu-nities for Pennsylvania’s service members, into law on Friday (November 1).Previously, military personnel and veterans who have two years of experience driving a military commercial vehicle are eligible to waive the CDL skills test when certain criteria are met. One such requirement stated that the applicant is eligible for waiver if the applicant has legally operated certain equipment for at least two years immediately preceding application for a commercial driver’s license. SB 277 strikes “immediately preceding” from the law, providing military personnel and veterans with at least two years of military commercial driving experience the opportunity to apply for a CDL with the possibility of a waiver within five

years of their leaving military service. (http://www.senatoreldervogel.com/ 4 Nov 2013)

Page 12 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

We are now starting our drive for sponsors for “Wreaths Across America” wreaths for the Cemetery of the Alleghenies .

The Wreaths are $ 15.00 for an individual sponsors.

The wreaths will be available until Thanksgiving .

Please don't wait till the last minute, they are busy this time of year and we could miss the deadline.

Further information will be available at the chapter 862 meeting. Any Questions ? Contact: Rick Raich 412-974-6282 or Chuck Inman (Coast Guard) at 724-709-7747.

Calendar of Events for 2006 PAGE 12 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE January 2006

‘TOGETHER THEN” “TOGETHER NOW”

Calendar of Events for 2013

Page 13 VIETNAM VET GAZETTE November 2013

“TOGETHER THEN”“TOGETHER THEN”“TOGETHER THEN”“TOGETHER THEN” “TOGETHER NOW”“TOGETHER NOW”“TOGETHER NOW”“TOGETHER NOW”

A Message from AVVA Membership

Chair2. Veronica Grant

I want to welcome our New Mem-bers and “At Large” members who re-cently joined our AVVA Beaver County Chapter 862. Thank you for your support!

Debra Bowers Wendy Carr

Jim Christiania Julia Dever

Connie Gettings Margie Howe

Rose Kelly Sandra Kopac

Nancy Mallinder Marci Michalski Randy Peace Ruth Peace

William Perkins Bonnie Reilly

Stephen Reinhard Sandra Wilder

November

Nov 8 Honor Guard Practice 7:00 PM Midland

VFW

Nov 8 My War—Your War - Seminar for Veter-

ans and their families. 7:00 to 8:30 PM here at the

Rochester VFW.

Nov 10 US Marines Birthday

Nov 11 Veterans Day—Parade - Beaver

Meet in front of Citizens Bank 9:30 AM

Nov 13 BOD Meeting - 7:00 PM

Nov 20 AVVA Meeting - 6:00 PM

VVA Meeting - 7:00 PM

Nov 25 “Happy Thanksgiving

“No PTSD” Meeting this month.

December

Dec 7 “Pearl Harbor Day” 72 years

Dec 11 BOD Meeting Rochester VFW 7 PM

Dec 13 Honor Guard Practice 7:00 PM Mid

land VFW

Dec 14 “Wreaths Across America -

Gazebo Beaver

Dec 18 AVVA Meeting 6:00 PM

VVA Meeting - 7:00 PM

Dec 25 “Merry Christmas”

Dec 26 PTSD Meeting 7:00 PM Rochester

Cancelled Due to Holidays

Dec 31 “New Year’s Eve”

“ALL VETERANS

ARE WELCOME”

AT OUR PTSD MEETINGS.

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY IRAQ OR AF-

GHANISTAN VETS WHO WOULD LIKE

TO COME,

PLEASE LET THEM KNOW

THEY “ALL” ARE WELCOME

Next VVA 862 Meeting -

November 20th, 2013

AVVA meets at 6:00 PM

VVA Meets at 7:00 PM

VETERANS SALUTE BREAKFAST

Saturday November 16th, 2013 9:00 AM

CCA Athletics and Events Center - “Golden Dome”

Let Us Serve You! The event is Free and open to all Past & resent Military Members.

Guests can attend for $5.00

To Reserve your spot Contact: Amy McKissic at 724-480-3557

or Email her at—amy.mckissic@ccbc.edu

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Hosted by CCBC and Senator Elder Vogel

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA MEMBERSHIPVIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA MEMBERSHIPVIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA MEMBERSHIPVIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA MEMBERSHIP

IS OPEN TO ANY VETERAN WHO SERVEDIS OPEN TO ANY VETERAN WHO SERVEDIS OPEN TO ANY VETERAN WHO SERVEDIS OPEN TO ANY VETERAN WHO SERVED

ANYWHERE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR ERAANYWHERE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR ERAANYWHERE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR ERAANYWHERE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR ERA

Name:______________________Phone:_______________Birthday___/___/___ Address:___________________City:________________State:______Zip______ ____I served in the US military (for other than training purposes) between 8/5/64 & 5/7/75

Or ____I served in the US military in Vietnam between 2/28/61 and 5/7/75 ____DD-214 enclosed (Applications without DD-214 will be processed as Associate Memberships) ____Renewal Membership Card #_________________New Member:_____________ ____I wish to join the (AVVA) - Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America $20.00 P/Year Type: __ 1 Year Individual Member- $20.00 __ 3 Year- $50.00 __ Life Member Optional Time Payment $50 down/ $25/mth __ $250.00 (Ages 49 and under) __ $225.00 (Ages 50-55) __ $200.00 (Ages 56-60) __ $175.00 (Ages 61-65) __ $150.00 (Ages 66 + )

Return this form to:

GARY SHAFFER

VVA CHAPTER 862

709 OHIO AVE

MIDLAND, PA 15059