KVA Korea Veterans of America Homepage

KWVA / KVA Chapter #299 Accomplishments

Chapter #299 was the first Korea Veterans Organization in the country to put up a monument honoring all veterans who have served in Korea.

Chapter #299 was the first Korea Veterans Organization to have a State Bill (Mass. Senate Bill 2136) passed honoring all post war veterans who served in Korea.

Chapter #299 members were actively involved in getting sponsorship for the KDSM.

Chapter #299 members were actively involved in getting sponsorship for Maine Bill LD 1148 (KSDM on Maine License Plate).

Chapter #299 members were actively involved in getting sponsorship for Pennsylvania Bill HB 2295 (KSDM on Pennsylvania License Plate).

Chapter #299 members were actively involved in getting sponsorship for Minnesota Bill SF 2540 (KSDM on Minnesota License Plate).

The Korea Veterans of America have decided to join their brother veterans in the Korea War Veterans Association. We did this to show unity between all Korea veterans and to help work on a federal charter for all Korea Veterans in the country. The Korea Veterans of America will be the biggest KWVA Chapter of Korea War and Korea Service Veterans in the country. We will be Chapter #299. We want other KWVA Chapters throughout the country to emulate the Korea Veterans of America by integrating younger Korea Veterans into their chapters.

Meetings and Event Schedule (2010)

Note: All meetings start at 12:00 Noon. Board of Directors meet for 30 minutes after all meetings.

February - No Meeting.

March 6th - Saturday - New England Joint Union Board, 149 Mechanic Street Leominster, Ma. 01453-5750 Tel: (978) 840-4701.

May 8th - Saturday - Special meeting/wreath laying at the KVA monument: Middleboro VFW, 12 Station Street Middleboro, Ma. 02346 Tel: (508) 947-8648.

May 12th - Wednesday - Dedication of KVA Marker at Winchendon Mass Cemetery at 11:45am. Contact Ken McKenna at 978-345-6259 for more information.

June 5th - Saturday - New England Joint Board 149 Mechanic Street Leominster, Ma. 01453-5750 Tel: (978) 840-4701.

August 7th - Saturday - Summer cookout at AMVETS Post 79, Prime Park Way Natick Ma. 01760 - Private beach, BBQ - $10 per person / $15 per family.

September 11th - Saturday - Middleboro VFW, 12 Station Street Middleboro, Ma. 02346 Tel: (508) 947-8648.

October 2nd - Saturday - New England Joint Union Board, 149 Mechanic Street Leominster, Ma. 01453-5750 Tel: (978) 840-4701.

December 11th - Saturday - West Roxbury Elks, 30 Spring Street West Roxbury, Ma. 02132 Tel: (617) 323-1125.

Korea Veterans of America, Inc.

Massachusetts State House

Room 545-2

Boston, MA 02133

(617) 523-1441

KVA Links:

1. KWVA - www.kwva.org

2. Korean War Educator - http://www.koreanwar-educator.org

3. Korea-Cold War Families of the Missing - www.koreacoldwar.org

4. Department of Veteran Affairs - www.va.gov

5. My Healthe Vet (Gateway to Veteran Health and Wellness) www.myhealth.va.gov

6. U.S. House of Representatives - www.house.gov

7. U.S. Senate - www.senate.gov

8. BKVA (British Korean Veterans Assn.) National website - http://www.bkva.co.uk/

9. KWVA/KVA Vendor Phil Darbonne www.mophproducts.com

10. Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association - www.coastguardcombatvets.com

11. The Silver Star Families of America - www.silverstarfamilies.org (SSFOA is dedicated to supporting and assisting the wounded and their families of ALL Branches of Service and ALL Wars.)

12. Veterans and Mesothelioma - www.asbestos.com/veterans/

The USFKVO was founded and incorporated by KWVA National President Colonel Lou Dechert and KVA Commander Jeff Brodeur in Alexandria Louisiana on December 4, 2004. The USFKVO is a partnership between the KVA and KWVA and any other Korea Veterans Organizations that want to enhance the ethos of Korea and it's aftermath. The USFKVO will be used as a think tank to help all Korea veterans who served in defense of the Korean Peninsula. Many issues have been brought up to help enhance the sacrifices made by Veterans of Korea. Some issues have been encountered head on to ensure the survival of Korea Veterans Organizations and to ensure the sacrifices of all who served in Korea are never forgotten for generations to come.

The USFKVO design was created by Don Struhar of Leesburg Florida. Don worked for many years at Jonstens and created the first Superbowl ring and First Lady Pat Nixon Presidential Seal. Don is a well known artist who also created the KWVA Florida State patch. Don Lived in Attleboro Massachusetts for over 30 years before retiring to Florida.

The USFKVO design is registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

USFKVO Resolutions: 1). Father Kapaun 2). Welcome Home Bill

New KWVA Patch was designed by Don Struhar. Don is a Charter member of the new KVA Chapter of the KWVA. Don also designed the USFKVO patch (see above). This patch is available through the KVA PX. It is 4 inches in size.

KVA Monument in Middleboro Mass. - Designed by Maura F. Brodeur.

Korea Veterans of America, Inc.

Chapter #299 of the KWVA

Veteran's Appreciation Day - Sunday, September 19th

KWVA NJ STATE COMMANDER GEORGE BURGZIS, KWVA/KVA CHAPTER #299 MEMBERS - VICE COMMANDER ART GRIFFITH, COMMANDER AL McCARTHY AND COLOR GUARD SGT. OTIS MANGRUM PLACING OUR WREATH AT ARLINGTON ON MEMORIAL DAY 2010.

Veterans Day 2009 - KVA Director Bob Joy, Alberta Joy and member Don Hall place a wreath at the Middleboro Monument.

Art Griffith and Otis Mangrum present Brigadier General Sutton from the Pentagon with a KVA Challenge coin at the October 17th grand opening ceremony of The Veterans Homestead site in Gardner Mass. - Art, Otis and Henry Clifford were there to represent the KVA.

May 9th, 2009 - The Korea Veterans of America Chapter #299 KWVA at the 5th year anniversary of it's Middleboro Monument. It is the first monument in the Country to honor all Korea Veterans who have served in defense of the Korean Peninsula and to all who paid the ultimate sacrifice from 1945 to the present date.

SP4 Vincent Mannion - WIA TIKRIT, IRAQ 3-11-07

Vincent is the son of Jeff and Maura Brodeur. Jeff founded the KVA and is a National Director of the KWVA. We have been following Vincent's progress since he was wounded to honor his service and sacrifice and to honor all of those brave men and women who protect our country and who are in harms way in the fight against terror.

April 22, 2010 - KVA Chapter #299 recognizes Spaulding Rehab Center in Boston for their work with the Wounded Warriors Program.

KWVA CHAPTER # 299 PRESENT SPAULDING REHAB ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR DIANE LAMB A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR SPAULDING REHABS SUPPORT AND CARE OF OUR NATIONS WOUNDED WARRIORS. KWVA CHAPTER # 299 ASST TREASURER BOB WAGNER, MAURA BRODEUR, NAVY VETERAN, VICE COMMANDER ART GRIFFITH, DIANE LAMB , LINDA PERRY OF WWP, WOUNDED WARRIOR VINCENT MANNION-BRODEUR, AND KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR REPRESENTED THE KWVA CHAPTER # 299, KOREA VETERANS OF AMERICA INC.

November 11, 2009 - Fenway Park Homebase Program - KVA member Jeff Brodeur with his wife Maura and son Vincent along with Mass Senator Paul Kirk represented the KVA at Fenway Park on Veterans Day for the new Homebase Program.

November 8, 2009 - Veterans honored at Patriots football game. Vincent was among those honored at the Patriots football game. KVA members Vartkess Tarbassian and Jeff Brodeur represented the Korea War and Korea Defense Service Veterans. KVA member Art Griffith represented Vietnam Veterans at the game.

July 2009 - Vincent was inducted as the first member of the newly formed OIF / OEF Veterans of Massachusetts - the first organization that specifically represents veterans of Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom – OIF), and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom – OEF) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This event took place at the Massachusetts State House.

KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur, OIF / OEF Director Ken Isaksen, Vincent Mannion-Brodeur, OIF / OEF Executive Director Dominick King at the successful launch of the OIF/OEF Veterans Of Massachusetts.

Maura Brodeur and Jeff Brodeur (Vincent's Parents), Massachusetts Lt. Governor Tim Murray, Vincent Mannion-Brodeur, Colleen Mannion-Brodeur (Vincent's Sister), Gold Star Mother Deb Booth whose Son Joshua was killed in action in Iraq, and Massachusetts Undersecretary of Veterans Services Coleman Nee.

Many KVA members were in attendance to support the new OIF /OEF VSO. Along with the Brodeur family were Honor Guards Art Griffith and Otis Mangrum, Adjutant Charlie Morris, and long time member Brad Chase. Otis Mangrum's daughter Nicki was also there to support the new VSO.

Vicent with KVA Honor Guard and Representative Linda Campbell - Vice Chair of Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee.

Vincent was escorted by KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 Honor Guards Art Griffith and Otis Mangrum who have represented the KWVA at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

March 2009 - Vincent receives Meritorious Service Medal

In a ceremony at Walter Reed Hospital Vincent was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Shown above with Vincent from left to right: Congressman Stephen Lynch, KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur (Vincent's Father), Congressman Randy Neuberger, Congresssman Jim McGovern, Congressman Bill Delahunt, Maura Brodeur (Vincent's Mother) and Senator John Kerry.

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry pins Meritorious Service Medal on Corporal Vincent Mannion-Brodeur - 82nd Airborne Division.

Vincent and Soldier from 25th Infantry Division at Walter Reed.

Vincent and parents this Fall at Fort Bragg with Captain Greg Sakimurga who was Vincent's Commanding Officer in Iraq.

Vincent Mannion at General George Patton House in Hamilton, Ma. (Oct. 5, 2008)

Vincent being presented Colors from General Patton Farm by Joanne Holbrook Patton (Wife of Major General George Patton Jr)

Maura Brodeur and Jeanne Holbrook Patton. Maura also designed our KVA Monument in Middleboro Mass.

4TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR THE BRAVE
July 13, 2008 American Legion Post 85
River Street, Woonsocket, RI
In Honor of US ARMY CORPORAL VINCENT MANNION 82nd Airborne Division WIA - TIKRIT - 3-11-07

I would like to thank the 400-500 bikers who attended. This was hosted by the Baystate/Ocean State Iron Indian Riders. Chapters from the Backstone Valley, Gunfighters, Combat Veterans Assn. Covenant, Bikers for Christ, and many individual riders participated. Roldo Cesaroni President of the Baystate/Ocean State Iron Indian Riders organized the event with the chapter.

Korean War Veterans Assn National Director, Massachusetts Governors Veterans Advsory Member - Jeff Brodeur - Father of Corporal Vincent Mannion.

Vincent with Blackstone Valley Chapter members.

Vincent with Mom and Dad and vehicle Vincent rode in.

SP4 Vincent Mannion - WIA TIKRIT 3-11-07 - Fort Bragg 5-22-08 - Memorial Day

Note from Jeff Brodeur (Vincent's Father) - I and my family just returned from Fort Bragg from a very memorable and momentous display of courage and sacrifice I have ever witnessed in my life by not only my son but the 82nd Airborne Division. My son Vincent returned to his unit 14 months after being severely wounded. On hand, were his friends to meet him SP4 Andy Taylor, SP4 Jared Wardell, Sgt. Hart and his whole company including Captain Greg Sakimura, his Company Commander. Friends from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval, 82nd Commander General David Rodriguez and his wife Ginny, Colonel Paul Bricker who commands the 82d Airborne Combat Aviation Brigade. 82nd CSM Capel. 82nd Water Reed Liaison SFC James Babin and SFC Jonathon Mackey. LTC Michael Lopez. and 82nd Wounded warrior Committee Vincent's Brigade Commander Bryan Owens, Deputy Commander Edmondson and 319 FA Commander DiRuzza. 2-505th Battalion Commanders LTC. Leung and LTC .Zeisman. Captain Sakimura provided us with 2 excellent escorts in LT. Keith Weaver and SSG John Sastre. Bert Schmitz from the 505th Panther Association was on hand to greet us. Vincent also met MOH Recipient from the Korean War Rudy Hernandez and President Bush welcomed all the families.

Vincent back with his Company B-2-505the PIR and friend SP4 Andy Taylor, 14 months after his injury.

Vincent's Battalion (2-505th PIR) made the jump into Sicily Drop zone and his company did the JRTX assault. President Bush was on hand to review the troops and unveil the new Global War on Terrorism Monument. He also awarded 3 Distinguished Service Crosses. 2 of those medals were awarded to 2 members of Vincent's Battalion (2-505th PIR). SGT. Chris Corriveau and SGT. Eric Moser who were part of a 4 man sniper team surrounded by hundreds of terrorists. The trapped team killed dozens of insurgents and only half of them made it off the roof top, Corrieiveau and Moser held until reinforcements from the battalion came to their aid. 5 Silver Stars were also awarded by the President, one to SSG Peter Rohrs of the 82nd Aviation Brigade for rescuing 12 critically wounded soldiers while under fire in Afghanistan.

President Bush and General Rodriguez review the Panther Brigade.

Vincent and his mother with 82nd Commanding General David Rodriguez at the new memorial.

The courage and valor displayed by the 82nd was incredible. If the public ever knew the sacrifices these men and women make. You don't hear any of these soldiers complaining about the war or having to go back. They know their mission and they do it. The country is very fortunate to have a unit like this. President Bush was at Fort Bragg all day and gave outstanding praise to the division for its valor. Guest Speaker LT. Gen Vines couldn't have said it better when he said he was watching the news and someone who made a last second basketball shot to win the game was described by the announcer as a hero for making the winning shot. What a laugh !! The real hero's were at Fort Bragg that day including my son Vincent. God Bless America.

The Final Chapter and a new beginning.

April 2008 - STATUS OF SPC VINCENT MANNION 82ND ABN - WIA 3-11-07

Recently, Vincent's Neurosurgeon came up to Boston to see and evaluate him. I had the pleasure of escorting Army Colonel Rocco Armonda MD around the city of Boston. Dr. Armonda gave presentations at both Spaulding Rehab and Mass General Hospital. He also ran the Boston Marathon on behalf of Vincent. Dr Armonda is a true American hero who has saved Hundreds of wounded American lives at Ballad Iraq, Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed. We are forever grateful to him for saving not only Vincent but all our troops lives. Vincent will be leaving Spaulding and coming home as an outpatient shortly. He will then be medically discharged from the Army.

April 2008 - Mass. DAV State Chaplain Lorraine Ahern and past American Legion National Commander Jake Comer (Vincent's cousin) present PFC Vincent Mannion a GPS at Spaulding Rehab.

March 12th, 2008 - Update on PFC Vincent Mannion - Vincent is recovering slowly and is scheduled for more surgery this month at Boston Medical. Please continue to keep Vincent and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

December 2nd, 2007 - Special Ceremony to honor PFC Vincent Mannion took place at the KVA/KWVA Chapter #299 annual Christmas party.

March 12th, 2007 - Special Request - Please keep PV2 Vincent Mannion, son of Jeff and Maura Brodeur in your thoughts and prayers. PV2 Mannion was seriously wounded when Task Force Lightning soldiers were attacked while conducting combat operations in Salah Ad Din province near Tikrit Iraq. Many of you met Vincent at last year's Christmas party where he presented challenge coins to the KVA on behalf of the 82nd ABN Assoc. and the 173rd ABN Assoc. In picture below KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur awards his son Vincent his Infantry Blue Cord at Fort Benning in Fall of 2006.

PFC Vincent Mannion September 9th Boston Sunday Globe Article

Note from Vincent's father, Jeff Brodeur - "I would like to thank everyone for their support for Vincent and our family.