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October 28th - 31st KWVA National Convention in Boston - KWVA Chapter # 299 hosted the KWVA National Convention here in Boston this past weekend.

Korean War Veterans Association Members from all over the country are just starting to just gather in Quincy Massachusetts for KWVA National Convention. Members will be coming in all weekend for meetings, DOD KW60 interviews, DOD KW60 Anniversery film festival and culminating Monday at the USS Constitution, Mass State House Reception and banquet featuring former US / UN Forces Korea Commander General Walter Sharp as guest speaker. The KWVA members consists of Korean War, Korea Defense Service, Korean DMZ Veterans.

Korean War, Korea DMZ, and Korea Defense Veterans. Two POWS, one who parachuted into Korea at 17 and was captured by the Chinese at 18. A great bunch of guys !!

KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 members Steve Elliott, USMC
Jeff Brodeur ARMY, Art Griffith ARMY, Lou Sardinia ARMY, KWVA Chapter # 187 member James McInerney USMC.

Freddy, owner of Joseph's Deli and Bakery , South Boston Ma is presented KWVA National Convention Challenge Coin
as official caterer of 2011 KWVA National Convention Boston.

KWVA / KVA CHAPTER # 299 FOUNDER AND KWVA CONVENTION CHAIRMAN JEFF BRODEUR, HYANNIS MA,  SPEAKS TO THE CONVENTION ATTENDEES AND THANKS KWVA PRESIDENT MACSWAIN FOR FOR HIS SERVICE AND RECOGNITION OF 6 NATIONAL AWARDS TO THE KWVA MASSACHUSETTS BASED CHAPTER .

ARTHUR GRIFFITH, LEOMINSTER MA ,KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR AND KWVA / KVA CHAPTER NATIONAL FUNDRAISING CHAIRMAN RECIEVES ONE OF HIS 2 AWARDS FROM PREISIDENT MACSWAIN !!

Korean War Veterans Association, Korea Veterans of America Chapter # 299 awarded 6 National Presidential Awards by KWVA National President William MacSwain. The Chapter brought in awards for National Fundraising led by KWVA National Director Art Griffith and KWVA Convention Co-Deputy Chairman, National Membership led by KWVA Past National Director ( 2005-2011 ), Chapter #299 Founder and KWVA Convention Committee Chairman Jeff Brodeur, National Color Guard and Convention Committee Co-Deputy Chairman led by Color Guard Otis Mangrum. KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 Commander Albert McCarthy is standing in for Otis Mangrum on the far right.

KWVA National President Bill MacSwain presents Presidents Award to Color Guard Otis Mangrum.

Former US / UN Forces Korea Commander General Walter Sharp with Brodeur family (Jeff, Maura, and Vincent).

KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 members Al Jenner Korea 79-80 ARMY, Steve Elliott Korea 1976 USMC, Former US / UN Forces Korea Commander General Walter Sharp, Jeff Brodeur Korea 1988-89 ARMY, Arthur Griffith Korea 60-64, 74-78 ARMY, Albert McCarthy Korea 72-73, USAF at KWVA National Convention Boston Ma.

KWVA Members meet the Governor Deval Patrick , Senator Thomas McGee and Represetative Carolyn Dykema who all presented citations to KWVA National President Bill MacSwain and the members of the KWVA.


October 20, 2011 Good Citizen Award - National Director Art Griffith (on right) and KVA #299 Director Henry Clifford awarded a Good Citizen Award to Donna Allard of the Leominster and Fitchburg Veterans Chorus.


October 1, 2011 KVA Meeting in Leominster

New KVA member and former KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to The United States Army) of 2nd Inf. Div. Kwanhyun Moon. Kwan Moon is the founder of the KATUSA Veterans Association which now has 8,000 members in Korea. He is a former sniper in the 2nd ID and he and his membbers would like to establish contact with other American 2nd ID members.


September 10, 2011 KVA Meeting in Middleboro - KWVA National Convention Oct 28 - Oct 31 Quincy Ma Marriott register now at www.kwva.org. All who register will get a commemorative pin. Korean Consulate Generals luncheon Nov 7 Boston Ma. KWVA / KVA CHAPTER # 299 Members who ordered jackets at the Middleboro meeting, the jackets are now in. Alot of members ordered jackets, it is nice to see that.  I will call each member or deliver them to our Leominster meeting. Next meeting Oct 1, Leominster Ma, Veterans Center at noon.

New members;

1) BUCK, RICHARD L , OCALA FLORIDA

2) SPANOS, NICHOLAS M. PLYMOUTH MA


August 11, 2011 - KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 founder Jeff Brodeur ARMY Korea 1988-89 and KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 Massachusetts State House Liaison Steve Elliott USMC Korea 1976-77 discuss Chapter membership at the State House Office. All Korea Veterans from 1945- to present are welcome to join chapter .


August 9, 2011 - Members of Cape Cod Veterans, the American Legion, Korean War Veterans Association Chapter # 299 present donations to the Roberge family for the new Johnny Ro Memorial Park dedicated to Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Veterans. KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 members present were KWVA Past National Director Jeff Brodeur, National Director Art Griffith and Color Guard Sgt Otis Mangrum. Anyone wanting information on the new memorial park or donationing can call Leominster Ma Veterans Agent Rick Votour ( Retired USMC 1st Sgt. ) at 978-534-7538.

New members this month:

1) Charles Assimakopoulos - Massachusetts - Army 2nd ID

2) Ray Macaloney - Massacusetts - Army 2nd ID


June 12th, 2011 - KVA Elections and Appointments:

Korea Veterans of America - Chapter 299 of the KWVA

Election of Officers 2011-2013 :

Reappointed :


May 30th Memorial Day 2011 - KVA Chapter # 299 at Arlington National Cemetery. Pictures were all taken by Cheryl DiPasqualle, official photographer of KVA Chapter 299 of the KWVA.

Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, VA = L-R Front row
XXX? Glock, VFW Honor Guard & KWVA member
William McSwain, President, KWVA
Thomas Mchugh, Chair of Ceremonies Comm, KWVA
Unknown VFW Honor Guard member
 
Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, VA = L-R Back  row
Otis Mangrum, Honor Guard Sgt., KVA
George Bruzgis, NJ State President, KWVA
Albert McCarthy, Cmdr. KVA Chapter 299 of the KWVA
Mark Liilikkala, Honor Guard, 299

Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC = L-R
Albert McCarthy, Cmdr. KVA Chapter 299 of the KWVA
Mark Liilikkala, Honor Guard, 299
Otis Mangrum, Honor Guard Sgt., KVA
William McSwain, President, KWVA
Thomas Mchugh, Chair of Ceremonies Comm, KWVA
George Bruzgis, NJ State President, KWVA
Arthur Griffith, Sr. Vice Cmdr. 299 & Fundsraising Chair, KWVA

Vietnam Veterans Memorial "The Wall" inWashington, DC = L-R
Mark Liilikkala, Honor Guard, 299
Albert McCarthy, Cmdr. KVA Chapter 299 of the KWVA
George Bruzgis, NJ State President, KWVA
Thomas Mchugh, Chair of Ceremonies Comm, KWVA
William McSwain, President, KWVA
Otis Mangrum, Honor Guard Sgt., KVA


May 23rd, 2011 - KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 founder and KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur, DOD's 60th KWVA Anniversary Committee Director Colonel David Clark and Assistant 60th KWV Director Jean Davis award certificates to KWVA/KVA Chapter # 299 officers Otis Mangrum and Art Griffith at the Quincy Marriott where the KWVA will hold their 2011 National Convention.

KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 founder and KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur, DOD 's 60th KWVA Anniversary Committee Director Colonel David Clark, and Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services Secretary Coleman Nee at the award presentation of KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 member Ken Cook who served with the US 8th Army Korea 1951-52 at the South Boston MA Korean War Memorial.

KWVA / KVA Chapter # 299 members Ken Cook and Jeff Brodeur place wreath at the South Boston MA Korean War Memorial with 60th KWVA Aniversery Committee Director Colonel David Clark.


May 20, 2011 - KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 sponsor of Wareham JROTC. Left to Right: Wareham High School Principal Scott Paladino, JROTC Instructor Wayne Chasson CW4 (Retired), and SFC Sheri Hudson (Retired), Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Taylor G. Nelson (Award Recipient of Plaque and check), KVA member Donald Hall, KVA member James Newman and KVA Treasurer Bob Joy.


KVA Fundraiser Leominster Mass. April 30th - Thanks to our KVA members for their fundraising efforts for the chapter in Leominster MA. Commander Al McCarthy, Don Christian, Otis Mangrum, Larry Swope, and John TiilIkkalla,


KVA Fundraiser Wareham Mass. April 23rd - Bob Joy, Don Hall and Jeff Brodeur on a cold nasty rainy day in Wareham doing some fundraising.


KVA April Meeting 4/2/2011 - KVA members at Middleboro Ma meeting discussing many subjects including up and coming elections and national convention in Boston Ma which the chapter will be hosting.

KVA officers Brodeur, McCarthy and Morris discussing chapter business with the members.


KVA March Meeting 3/5/2011 - KVA members met at The Veterans Center Leominster, Ma , 100 West St. on 5 March 2011 and discussed upcoming KWVA and KVA Chapter #299 elections and other business. Next KVA Meeting Middleboro Ma April 2, 2011 Middleboro Ma VFW. KVA Fundraisors Wareham  - Shaw's 127 Marion Road  at 9:00 AM and Shaws Leominster Ma April 23 9am - for more info contact Art Griffith and Bob Joy. KWVA National Convention Boston Ma coming up Oct 28 - Nov 1, 2011.

OFFICERS LARRY SWOPE, ART GRIFFITH, AL McCARTHY, CHARLIE MORRIS .


KVA Christmas Party December 4th - About 72 KVA Members and their families showed up at the KVA Christmas Party for great food, KVA Challenge coins, outstanding speakers, KVA coffee mugs and British Korea Veterans Assoc. Bookmarks given out from our friend and member Alan Maggs of the BKVA Durham Light Infantry. It was a great time and we appreciate all who attended and volunteered.

KVA MEMBERS  BRAD CHASE, VARTKESS TARBASSIAN, OTIS MANGRUM, JOHN BARBER, JEFF BRODEUR, VINCENT MANNION-BRODEUR.

US ARMY COLONEL PAUL BRICKER GUEST SPEAKER WHO IS DOING A FELLOSWHIP AT HARVARD AND FORMER 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION AVIATION COMMANDER.

KOREAN CONSULATE DEPUTY GENERAL OF BOSTON.

KVA Commander Al McCarthy, Don Christian (KVA Associate member; D-Day survivor; recipient of the Legion of Honor, Chavalier Level) , Korean Journalist Young-Eun Yang and KVA member Henry Clifford.


Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Dinner December 2nd - KVA members Jeff Brodeur and Bob Wagner represented the KVA at the Mass Fallen Heroes Dinner where they presented a KVA Challenge coin to guest speaker USMC LTG Kelley. Eleven Hundred people attended this great event.

The Brodeur family with other attendees at the dinner.


November 11, 2010 Veterans Day Ceremonies

KVA Director Bob Joy and member Don Hall place a wreath at the Middleboro Monument.

KVA Members Jeff Brodeur, Vincent Mannion-Brodeur, and Bob Wagner at Cape Cod Veterans Day Ceremonies.

Salute to Our Veterans - Grafton Job Corps

GR 105 Center Newsletter 11.12.jpg

Veterans John Thornton (Marines/Army) & Albert McCarthy (Air Force) / Grafton Job Corps Color Guard

Despite the chill in the air, the students and staff of Grafton Job Corps gave a warm reception to the men and women who participated in the commemoration of Veterans Day, in the 11 th hour, of the 11 th day, of the 11 th month. The Constitution of the United States sets forth the rights of citizens, but it is veterans who guarantee those rights with their blood, sweat, tears, and when needed, their lives.

Mr. Thornton, a retired Army Major and former Marine, served as Adjutant for the day’s activities. With precision and grace, he brought forth the GJC Color Guard for the presentation of the colors at the flag pole in front of the Administration building while our three hundred students and staff stood in respectful silence as the activities unfolded.

The Color Guard, consisting of Kurtis Killian, Jacqueline Smith , Seth Grassette , and Robert Gladwell , , delivered the flag to Mr. Dunlevy, USAF retired, and Mr. Germain, retired Army, who would prepare the flag for hoisting on the flag pole. Amanda DeShay, a current EMT student and USAF veteran, hoisted the flag as Ms. Reid sang the National Anthem. The beauty of her voice served to heighten the meaning of the words as the students, staff, and veterans were drawn into the event.

There were two short speeches given, one each by Mr. Thornton and Mr. McCarthy, former USAF Captain. Together they provided perspective on the history and evolution of Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, and a view of veterans as guardians of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

The names of the fourteen staff and one student veteran were read by Mr. McCarthy along with the names of Job Corps graduates currently in the military. The activities ended with a moment of silence for Dan Martel who died this year. Mr. Martel, retired Army, and long time manager of the GJC Cafeteria, and Chris Harris, active duty –Army, and former Protective Services student.


October 9, 2010 - KVA Fundraiser in Wareham.

KVA MEMBERS AT STOP AND SHOP WAREHAM MA DOING FUNDRAISING - THANKS TO BOB, ALBERTA, JEFF, BOB AND DON.


October 8, 2010 - Korean Consulate General Luncheon in Boston.

KVA MEMBERS WERE WELL REPRESENTED AT KOREAN CONSULATE GENERALLUNCHEON FOR THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN BOSTON MA. KVA HAD 2 1/2 TABLES FULL OF MEMBERS AND PRESENTED CONSULATE GENERAL KIM A PROCLAMATION FROM THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE.

KVA MEMBERS KEN COOK, ART GRIFFITH, CHARLIE MORRIS AT KOREAN CONSULATE LUNCHEON.

KVA Members Bob Joy, Alberta Joy, Don Hall and Bob Wagner at Korean Consulate Luncheon..

KWVA NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND FORMER COMMANDER FRANK MEO, KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR, KWVA PAST NATIONAL DIRECTOR RUSTY TROMONTE AT KOREAN CONSULATE GENERAL LUNCHEON IN BOSTON MA.

KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR AND KVA FOUNDER JEFF BRODEUR AND KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR AND KVA VICE COMMANDER ART GRIFFITH PRESENT KOREAN CONSULATE GENERAL KIM A CONGRESSIONAL PROCLAMATION AT KOREA CONSULATE GENERAL 60TH ANNIVERSERY LUNCHEON.

SENATOR SCOTT BROWN WITH KWVA CHAPTER # 299 MEMBERS AT THE KOREAN CONSULATE GENERAL LUNCHEON.


September 19, 2010 KVA Car Show Fundraiser - THE KVA CAR SHOW WAS A GREAT SUCCESS THANKS TO OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS ESPECIALLY ART, OTIS, CHERYL AND JR'S PUB IN FITCHBURG.  KVA CAR SHOW PATCHES WERE GIVEN OUT TO ALL PARTICIPANTS.

PRESENTATION OF KVA PLAQUE TO CHUCKIE - OWNER OF JR'S PUB.

WOUNDED WARRIOR VINCENT MANNION-BRODEUR at KVA Car Show.


September 11, 2010 Meeting


KWVA Annual Meeting Washington DC / 60th Anniversary - KVA Chapter 299 members and KWVA National Directors Jeff Brodeur and Art Griffith attended the KWVA Annual Meeting in Washington DC.

KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTORS AND CHAPTER # 299 MEMBERS JEFF BRODEUR AND ART GRIFFITH RECIEVE KWVA PRESIDENTS AWARD FROM KWVA NATIONAL PRESIDENT BILL MACSWAIN.

KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTORS JEFF BRODEUR , TOM MCHUGH AND RICK AND ART GRIFFITH VISIT WOUNDED SOLDIER  FROM THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION AT WALTER REED.

KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST GENERAL JAMES CONWAY , COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.


July 10th, 2010 Fundraisers - KVA Fundraisers were held today.

Bob Wagner, Jim Newman, Don Hall, Jeff Brodeur at Shaws in Wareham.

Bob and Alberta Joy, Brodeur, Wagner


June 5th, 2010 Leominster Meeting - The KVA had another successful meeting today in Leominster with many issues discussed. I would like to thank all our members and our 2 mascots who attended for one of the most productive meetings we've had. We as a chapter will be gearing up for several events this year to include the KVA Car Show in July, The National Convention in DC, our next meeting, new PX items, bylaws,  and our annual Christmas party. Also,  we would like to say good luck to our Adjutant Charlie Morris who will be undergoing knee surgery shortly.

Founder - Jeff Brodeur


Memorial Day May 31st, 2010 - Korea Veterans of America represented the KWVA at Arlington National Cemetery. KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 was led by Commander Al McCarthy (Worcester, Ma.), Color Guard Sgt. Otis Mangrum (Fitchburg, Ma.), and KVA Vice Commander Art Griffith (Leominster, Ma.). The Chapter has represented the KWVA National at Arlington on Memorial Day and Veterans Day for several years.

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.

KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR TOM McHUGH ALONG WITH KWVA/KVA CHAPTER # 299 MEMBERS ( BASED OUT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE ROOM 545-2 ) LAY THE WREATH FOR THE KOREAN WAR VETERANS ASSN AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY ON MEMORIAL DAY.  

( PHOTO BY CHERYL DIPASQUELE )

KWVA/KVA CHAPTER # 299 COMMANDER AL McCARTHY AT KWVA NATIONAL MONUMENT WITH KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR McHUGH AND KWVA NJ COMMANDER GEORGE BRUZGIS.


May 12, 2010 - Dedication of new KVA Marker at the Winchendon Mass State Veterans Cemetery - Program and pictures below.

Memorial Dedication for Korean War and Korea Service Veterans. Winchendon Veterans Cemetery - Wed. May 12, 2010 (1145 hrs.) All veterans Orgnizations. Gold star Mothers/Fathers, Blue Star Parents etc.

Master of Ceremonies --- Otis Mangrum - KVA 299 Color Guard Sgt./Sgt. @ Arms

Opening prayer --- Henry Clifford - Vice Commander ITAM/ Past sr. Vice Commander KVA 299/KWVA

Pledge of Allegiance --- All

Welcome --- Otis Mangrum

Recognition of post, Auxiliaries and others present. Don Christen, WWII veteran, member of numerous vet. Org. Patroit Guard. Thanks to Fitchburg Police Retirees and Leominster Fire for donations toward this monument. Without donors we couldn’t have made this day happen. State and City Officials. Thanks to Winchendon Veterans Cemetery Staff. Jim Breio manager

Special Reading --- Otis Mangrum

Principal speaker --- Jeffery Brodeur - National Director KWVA/ Co Founder KVA 299 Escorted by Honor Guard / sr. Vice Commander Art Griffith

Thanks to the Monument Committee.--- Dir. Jeffery Brodeur & Jr Vice Commander  Kenneth McKenna

Native American Ritual --- Lester Jordan

Placement of Wreath ---Thomas Blanchett & James Hank, Members of KVA 299

"OUR NATION HONORS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THEY NEVER MET"

National Anthem --- Charles Hauler, IVC/ Korean War Veteran

Taps

Closing Prayer --- -Pauline Legace - Chaplin KVA 299

 

A DONATION WAS MADE BY THE FITCHBURG POLICE RETIREE'S ASSN. SEVERAL WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE KVA .

KVA MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS AT THE DEDICATION OF KVA MARKER. COLORS ARE PRESENTED BY ROLLING THUNDER.

KVA MEMBERS   ESCORT THE WREATH TO THE MARKER.


May 8, 2010 - KVA Middleboro and Bourne Cemetery Ceremonies - KVA members placed wreaths at the KVA monument in Middleboro and at the Bourne Cemetery KVA marker.


May 7, 2010 - 82nd Airborne Freefall Team visits KVA - Members of the 82 Airborne Freefall Team met the Lt. Governor, the DVS, and Chairman Harold Haughton. They then spent some time in the KVA office prior to performing a jump into Fenway Park.

KWVA National Director  Jeff Brodeur  presents KVA Vice Commancer Art Griffith a Certificate of Appreciations from the 82nd Airborne Freefall Team to KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 for it's outstanding service to our Nations Veterans.


May 1, 2010 - Wareham and Leominster KVA Fundraisers - Thanks to all who participated in these fundraisers - pictures below.


April 22, 2010 - KWVA Chapter #299 recognizes Spaulding Rehab Center in Boston for their work with the Nation's Wounded Warrior 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.

KWVA CHAPTER # 299 PRESENT WWP REPRESENTATIVE LINDA PERRY A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR WWP'S SUPPORT AND CARE OF OUR NATIONS WOUNDED WARRIORS. KWVA CHAPTER # 299 ASST TREASURER BOB WAGNER, VICE COMMANDER ART GRIFFITH, LINDA, VINCENT AND KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR REPRESENTED THE KWVA CHAPTER # 299, KOREA VETERANS OF AMERICA INC. LINDA WAS ALSO PRESENTED A PATCH AND PIN FROM THE CHAPTER. JR. VICE COMMANDER KEN MCKENNA MADE THE KVA CERTIFICATES.


NEW KVA MEMBERS:

1)  GENE MOYER - PENNSYLVANIA - US ARMY 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION

2)  AL QUAIL - MASSACHUSETTS - US ARMY 3rd INFANTRY DIVISION

3)  JOE PICANZI -MASSACHUSETTS - USMC


April 3, 2010 Leominster Fundraiser - The Honor Guard fundraisor was held at the Leominster Wal-Mart Sat, 3 April from 0900-1300 hrs. I would like to thank Cheryl D. and Henry Clifford for their assistance. Thanks from the Honor Guard (Otis Mangrum and Art Griffith).

______

Otis Mangrum (left), Art Griffith (right)

Henry Clifford


March 6, 2010 Leominster Meeting

KVA March 6 Meeting - Group Shot


December 12, 2009 KVA Christmas Party - KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 Seventh Annual Christmas Party again turned out to be an excellent event. MA LT. Governor Timothy Murray was keynote speaker along with Deputy Secretary of Massachusetts Veterans Services Coleman Nee, the Boston Korean Consulate General, Past Massachusetts DAV State Commander Tom Daley, OIF/OEF Massachusetts Director Dominick King, Gold Star Mother and President Christine Devlin and Massachusetts Marine Corps League Adjutant Warren Griffin.  KWVA National Director and KVA Founder Jeff Brodeur was the MC along with KVA Chapter #299 Commander Albert McCarthy. Just under 100 KVA members and guests attended the party. Past KWVA National Director Rusty Tramonte was present with his Vice Commander Frank Hayes from KWVA Chapter #34 as well OIF/OEF Co-founder Ken Isaksen. Many new KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 members were present.  We had 1 Chosin Reservoir member present and 2 Operation Paul Bunyon members present and several who served in the Inchon invasion. The other members present served in Korea or during the war from 1947 to 1989. KWVA/KVA Chapter #299 Treasurer Bob Joy was awarded the KVA Member of the year award. KVA Bags were given out to the members and the food was catered from Joseph's in South Boston Ma.

Thanks to all who attended and see you see next year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From the officers and members of the Korean War Veterans Assn, Korea Veterans of America Chapter #299!

KVA Commander Al McCarthy, Color Guard SGT. Otis Mangrum, KVA Founder Jeff Brodeur and KVA Vice Commander Art Griffith present the Korean Consulate General of Boston a plaque.

KVA Commander Al McCarthy, KVA Jr. Vice Commander Ken McKenna,  KVA Vice Commander Art Griffith, Color Guard SGT. Otis Mangrum, KVA Founder Jeff Brodeur and KVA Director Bob Joy present  Massachusetts LT. Governor Timothy Murray a plaque from the KVA.

KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur and Massachusetts LT. Governor Tim Murray stand in front of the KVA original colors.

OIF/OEF Co-Director Dominick King is presented KVA Briefcase bag.

KWVA Past National Director and KWVA Chapter # 34 Commander Rusty Tramonte Corporal (Ret.)  Vincent Mannion-Brodeur and present KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur at KVA Christmas Party 2009 at West Roxbury Elks.

KVA Members and Guests at the Christmas party.

KVA Commander Al McCarthy discusses business with Mass. Lt. Governor Murray.

Iraq War Veteran Vincent Mannion-Brodeur and Afghanistan War Veteran Ken Isaksen at Christmas party.


November 14, 2009 - KVA Members Ken McKenna, Otis Mangrum, Henry Clifford, and Art Griffith were in attendence for the dedication of a Plaque honoring Army Pvt. Jonathan Roberge at LHS Vo-Tec.


October 27th KWVA Convention Dallas Texas - Minutes of the KWVA Member Meeting will be published in the next Greybeards magazine. The 2011 KWVA National Convention will be held in Boston.

KWVA/KVA CHAPTER # 299 VICE COMMANDER ART GRIFFITH (LEOMINSTER MA) AND KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR (HYANNIS MA) WITH COLONEL JAMES STONE, RECIPIENT OF CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HEROIC ACTION IN THE KOREAN WAR. COLONEL STONE SERVED WITH THE ARMY'S 1st CAVALRY DIVISION. GRIFFITH AND BRODEUR ATTENDED THE KWVA NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS TEXAS.

BRODEUR AND GRIFFITH WITH KOREAN AMBASSADOR AND KOREAN CONSULATE GENERAL OF HOUSTON TEXAS AT THE KWVA NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS TEXAS.


October 20th Winchendon Marker - Jack Barnicoat, owner of Barnicoat Monuments was presented a KWVA/KVA Mantle Piece by KVA Vice Commander Art Griffith, KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur and KVA Color Guard Sgt. Otis Mangrum before the Marker headed to the Massachusetts State Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon. This was the second KVA Marker placed in one week that Jack has created for KWVA Chapter 299. Last week a KVA Marker was placed at Bourne National Cemetery. These Markers honor all who have ever served in Korea and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the Peninsula. Jack created the Markers for the KVA at cost. The KVA appreciates his support to the Chapter and to all Veterans.

Jack Barnicoat is presented KVA Mantle Peice in recogniton of his support for the KVA and all Veterans.

Art Griffith, Jeff Brodeur, Wounded Warrior Vincent Mannion-Brodeur, Jack Barnicoat, Otis Mangrum.


October 17th Gardner Mass. Verterans Homestead Grand Opening - Art Griffith, Henry Clifford, and Otis Mangrum represented the KVA at the Veterans Homestead today in Gardner.

Art Griffith, Henry Clifford, and Otis Mangrum at Gardner.

Art and Otis present Brigadier General Sutton from the Pentagon with KVA Challenge coin at today's grand opening ceremony of Veterans Homestead in Gardner Ma.


October 15th KWVA/KVA Marker installed at Bourne National Cemetery - On a brisk New England day, the KWVA/KVA marker was installed at Bourne Ma. National Cemetery honoring  ALL Korea Veterans who served and paid the ultimate price. We would like to thank Barnicoat Monuments in Middleboro Ma. who did the engraving for free, all our donators and Paul McFarland and his staff for this historic day.

KWVA National Director / KVA Founder Jeff Brodeur with Bourne National Cemetery Director Paul McFarland.

KWVA National Director / KVA Founder Jeff Brodeur with Cemetery Installer Morris and Bourne National Cemetery Director Paul McFarland


May 9th Middleboro Meeting - Chapter #299 had it's May meeting at the Middleboro VFW. Following the meeting a ceremony was held at the Middleboro Memorial Park to celebrate the 5th anniversay of the KVA Monument. Pictures below by Pauline Lagace and Ken McKenna.

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.

KVA Chaplain Larry Swope reading off KVA deceased. Color Guard Sgt. Otis Mangrum ringing bell after each name is read. KVA Vice Commander Art Griffith, KVA Jr. Vice Commander Ken McKenna and KVA Webmaster Ron Kreusel look on.

KVA members Commander Al McCarthy, Don Hall, KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur, KVA Director Bob Joy, Iraq War Veteran Vincent Mannion-Brodeur, KVA Monument Designer Maura Brodeur, Kva Treasurer Bob Wagner, and KVA Member Jim Lewis.


Leominster Ma. - Thursday February 19, 2009

KVA Chapter #299 members (Ken McKenna, Art Griffith, Otis Mangrum, and Charlie Morris) turned out to honor Private Jonathan Roberge, who was killed in Iraq on Feb. 9th. Private Roberge was the first Leominster resident to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Private Roberge, 22, was on patrol near Mosul when a suicide car bomber attacked, also killing three other US soldiers and an interpreter. Private Roberge had graduated from Leominster High School's Center for Technical Education in 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Private Roberge. We honor his service and sacrifice.


October 19th 2008 - Beirut 25th Anniversary Ceremony - KVA Color Guard participates in a Ceremony marking the 25th Anniversary of the Beirut Barracks Bombing. Read more about this ceremony which honors those 220 Marines, 18 Navy and 3 Army soldiers who were killed in the attack at http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x398370529/

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MEMBERS WITH LTG DUNFORD USMC, KVA COLOR GUARD ART GRIFFITH, BOB WAGNER, OTIS MANGRUM AND KWVA NATIONAL DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR.

USMC LTG DUNFORD GUEST SPEAKER.

KVA COLOR GUARD AT BEIRUT MEMORIAL EVENT.


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KVA

Korea Veterans of America, Inc.

Chapter #299 of the KWVA

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