AUGUST NEWS UPDATE:
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN DIRECTOR JOHN DURHAM'S SERVICES. THE FAMILY WAS VERY APPRECIATIVE OF OUR PRESENCE AND JOHN WILL BE MISSED. COLORGUARD MEMBERS ART GRIFFITH AND OTIS MANGRUM, BOB WAGNER, COMMANDER AL MCCARTHY, DIRECTOR BOB JOY AND WIFE ALBERTA, MAURA BRODEUR, CORPORAL VINCENT MANNION, MEMBER DON HALL ALL ATTENDED (picture below)
WE WANT OUR MEMBERS TO GO TO THE KWVA NATIONAL CONVENTION IN OCTOBER - AS OF NOW MYSELF, BOB WAGNER, ART GRIFFITH AND OTIS MANGRUM WILL BE ATTENDING. WE WILL BE PRESENTING A COUPLE OF RESOLUTIONS TO THE KWVA BOARD.
MASS HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER LUISA PAIEWONSKY WILL BE PRESENTED AN AWARD FROM THE KVA AT OUR OFFICE FRIDAY AT 11AM FOR HER SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS.
NEXT MEETING; Saturday September 6, 2008 - American Legion Post 341 - 1023 Main Street - Worcester, Ma.
NEW MEMBER; BOB WESSA BROCKTON MA
KVA DIRECTOR JEFF BRODEUR
July News Update:
Following are some updates on new members and 'The Gathering in Wahsington DC' and the new Federal Charter reception:
The Korea War Veterans Assn will be in DC next week for the Gathering (organized by founding member Jack Cloman) and a reception for the KWVA Federal Charter put on by Congress. The KWVA consisting of Korea prewar, Korea War , Korea Era veterans, Korea DMZ and all Postwar Service Veterans will be represented at the Capitol next week for the reception given by Congress for our Federal Charter. Myself, KWVA President Bill Mac Swain, KWVA 2nd Vice President Bob Banker and KWVA Legislative Officer Ed Buckman and past KWVA Secretary Bill Hutton will represent the KWVA at the reception. KWVA member and KWVF Colonel William Weber are some of the members who will be present. Past KWVA National President Louis Dechert will be missed. It was under his watch the charter was awarded. As Ed Buckman stated "the baton will eventually be passed to Post War Korean Veterans to carry on the legacy of the Korean War and its aftermath".
USMC SGT. SETH BAI of ATTLEBORO MA and USMC SGT. MIKE McCOY of DORCHESTER MA (2 tours in Iraq also). are the KVA's latest members. They were both present at the KVA HQS at the Mass State House . Both are active duty Marines and both received their Korea Defense Service Medal for service in Korea in 2003. Seth's 2 daughters were present and helped with membership cards in the KVA office.
Also recently joining the KVA were 1) Ed Shockley - Stoughton Ma 2) Alberta Joy - Wareham Ma 3) Scott Jennings - Ryegate Vermont
Korean War Veterans Assn National Director, KWVA/KVA Chapter # 299 Director Jeff Brodeur
July 4th Fitchburg Parade - KVA participated in Fitchburg 4th of July Parade. (see pictures on home page).
June 8th Chicoppee Meeting - Minutes of this meeting and last months meeting in Fitchburg follow: (see picture)
Minutes of the May and June, 2008 Meetings
- A motion was passed to create an inventory of items owned by the KVA. These items are currently in the possession of various KVA members so that they may carry out their responsibilities in their elected or appointed office. Members with items belonging to the KVA will be required to sign an inventory sheet for the items entrusted to them. At the end of the members elected or appointed term, or at request of the Board of Directors, members will relinquish the items they have signed for, or that rightfully belong to the KVA, to the Commander or his designee.
- The Treasurer and the Quartermaster will ensure that the KVA banking account balance and activity are accessible electronically between them and the Commander at all times. This will ensure greater transparency and oversight. Two signatures are needed to sign all checks in excess of $200.00.
- The Commander will be given a set of all keys to the State House office.
- Pauline Legace proposed, and will be in charge of, a “KVA Support Group” that she will form. The group will be open to men and women who wish to contribute time and effort in support of KVA activities. Bob Joy and Pauline will be working together on the By-Laws for this group.
- Highway signs emblazoned with “Welcome Home Troops” have been proposed for roadways coming into the State of Massachusetts. Art Griffith has been in touch with the folks who will be in charge of the erection of these signs and he has proposed that our color guard be present at the unveiling of the signage. So far, Art’s proposal has been positively received and is under consideration.
- Outgoing KWVA President, Lou Dechert, appointed KVA Chapter #299 to represent the KWVA at the Memorial Day ceremonies in Washington. According to KWVA National Director, Tom McHugh “A very special thanks should go to Chapter #299 for the fantastic effort they put into this weekend. They were a credit to the KWVA at all times.” The KVA was represented by the Commander, Al McCarthy, Sr. Vice Commander, Art Griffith, Color Guard Sgt. Otis Mangrum, and KVA Photographer/Acting Chaplain, Pauline Legace.
- A motion was approved to have a “Table set for One” at all KVA dinners. The table will be set in remembrance of all POW/MIA’s. Pauline Legace brought forth the suggested which was unanimously approved and has since purchased a POW/MIA covering for the chair.
- The Third Army’s “Old Guard” Drill Team and “Pershing’s Own” band will be in Worcester at the DCU Center on September 19 th and 20 th. Tickets have been ordered and are free to KVA members, family and friends. The KVA will be attending the Saturday, September 20, 2008 show at 2:30 p.m. in full uniform with ribbons. For tickets, call the Commander by August 15 th at 508-277-7300.
- The winner of the Father’s Day Bonanza fund raiser was drawn at the Chicopee, MA meeting. The five hundred dollars worth of scratch tickets was won by Rae Parks. The winning ticket was sold to him by member, Charlie Morris.
- A motion was passed regarding uniforms for various KVA meetings. Members attending regularly scheduled meetings are expected to wear black shoes and black socks, black pants and black belt, embroidered Navy blue polo shirts and regulation black hats (available through KVA). The formal black sport coat with military ribbons, white shirt, and black necktie will be worn when dignitaries will be attending meetings (this will be announced in advance of the meeting) and at the annual Christmas party.
- Two magnetic signs were purchased for use on the sides of the vehicle driven in Washington over the Memorial Day weekend. Going forward, the signs will be used whenever KVA officers are driving themselves and others to and from meetings, events, and in parades. This will give us visibility as a group since the website is very visible on the signs.
- A motion was passed to purchase two magnetic signs for the Commander’s car, to be used whenever he is driving himself or others to and from meetings, events, and in parades.
- The Commander has written to the Korean Society of New England requesting that they entertain the idea of having three of their veteran members participate with three of our veteran members in a Joint Color Guard. Appearances of the Joint Color Guard could be at the annual dinners of each organization and special events on formal occasions. The KVA would carry the American flag, the 50 th Anniversary Korean War flag, and the POW/MIS flag. The KSONE would carry the Korean flag and two rifles. We should hear from them shortly.
- The Korean Society of New England has invited KVA members to attend, free of charge, an “Appreciation Dinner,” complete with entertainment, on June 21, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Asian Culture Center, 400 West Cummings Par, Woburn, MA. KVA members interested in attending must call Commander McCarthy immediately at 508-277-7300 so the number of attendees can be given to the KSONE for their planning purposes.
- A motion was passed to buy a stand for the POW/MIA flag.
- Certificates of Appreciation were authorized for those organizations which allowed the KVA to due fund raising on their premises. Additionally, certificate will be given to organizations which allow us to use their facilities for meetings. This will be done on an ongoing basis and each certificate will contain the KVA web address for marketing and membership development.
- Fundraising Chairman, Art Griffith and Fundraising Assistant Chairman, Ken McKenna announced that a fundraiser is being planned for October, 2008, similar to the one held in April.
- A check for $100.00 was presented to Cadet 1 st Sgt. Rebecca Rugg of Monty Tech High School ROTC in Fitchburg. The presentation was handled by Jr. Vice Commander, McKenna.
- Larry Swope, Adjutant/Director/Chaplain of the KVA was the key note speaker at a Memorial Day commemoration in Ashby, MA with a photo published in the Telegram and Gazette.
- Commander McCarthy addressed the 300 students and staff of the Grafton Job Corps in N. Grafton, MA at a Memorial Day assembly (following his return from Arlington. The subject was “Duty, Honor, Country.” An article and picture were published on the front page of the Grafton Globe.
- The KVA will consider inviting Veteran’s Agents to meetings in the hope that they will point returning/retiring Korean service veterans to our organization for possible membership.
- The Korean Society of New England made a sizeable donation toward the purchase of a digital camera for the KVA. A camera, case, and tripod were purchased with $300.00 left over. The excess funds were put into the Treasury for safekeeping. A motion was passed at the Chicopee meeting to restore the $300.00 for the purchase of a telephoto lens for the camera. This will allow better close-up photos of events, taken from a distance, such as at the Arlington Cemetery Amphitheater when the President addressed the crowd.
- Plans are under development to allow members to place appropriate pictures, taken during their tour(s) in Korea, on the KVA website.
- Commander McCarthy will write to Graybeards expressing the desire of KVA members to change the name of Graybeards to something more inclusive of male and female veterans who served from 1945 to the present. Our suggestion is along the lines of VFW Magazine: “KWVA, Official Publication of the Korean War Veterans Association.”
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Commander Al McCarthy.
Memorial Day - Our Chapter was selected to represent the KWVA at Arlington National Cemetery on this Memorial day. The KVA Color Guard (Vice Commander Art Griffith and member Otis Mangrum) along with Commander Al McCarthy and KVA Photographer Pauline Lagace participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at the Korean War Memorial. They made our Chapter proud and did an outstanding job! (see pictures) More pictures are on the home page.
May 3rd Fitchburg Meeting - The KVA had their May meeting at the Fitchburg Elks. Fitchburg Mayor Wong was on hand and was presented a KVA Certificate from Commander McCarthy. (see pictures)
April 12th Plymouth Meeting - The KVA had a very successful meeting in Plymouth. We thank all the members who showed up and Les Peate and his wife Joyce who came all the way from Canada to attend the meeting. (see pictures)
1) A KVA woman's support group was talked about. Our dedicated chaplain Pauline is putting out feelers.
2) Up and coming ROTC Events in Wareham and Monte Tech was brought up.
3) KVA Color Guard at Arlington on Memorial Day will be representing the KWVA.
4) Art and Ken's Fundraisor with the scratch tickets is turning out to be very successful. Anyone who wants to buy tickets contact Art at artarmy2@comcast.net.
5) Next KVA meeting 5-3-08 at Fitchburg Elks on route 31 Fitchburg Ma. Pass the word!!!
6) KVA Dress caps will be available at the meeting .
7) Art is taking orders for KVA collared shirts as we speak. The ones we are wearing in the picture.
8) Les Peate invited the KVA to Ottawa Canada on June 15 for the Memorial Day ceremonies there.
9) Bob Joy was nominated and seconded as a new KVA Director.
10) A 50/50 fundraisor was held.
11) New recruiting flyers were left at both the local American Legion and VFW.
April 5th Fundraiser - KVA Fundraiser was very successful and doubled the amount raised last year thanks to the efforts of Al McCarthy, Art Griffith, Ken McKenna, Pauline Lagace, Bill Haase, Otis Mangrum, Henry Clifford, Charlie Morris, Don Hall, John Durham, Jim Newman, Bob Joy, Bob Wagner, Jeff Brodeur, and Leo Beauchemin. (see pictures)
February 2nd Natick MA Meeting - February meeting of KVA Chapter #299 of the KWVA was held at the AMVETS Post 79 in Natick Ma. At the meeting the new KWVA/KVA jackets with logos were worn for the first time. (see pictures)
December 2nd KVA Annual Christmas Party - One hundred fifty veterans, friends and family showed up for the KVA Christmas party. Media were present as well as KWVA National President Colonel Louis Dechert, Mass Veterans and Federal Affairs Chariman Anthony Verga, Mass DAV PSC Tom Daley, Mass PSC AMVETS Tom Glenn, KWVA Cape and Island Chapter Commander Bill Hennessey, KWVA Past National Directory Rusty Tramonte, KWVA National Director Jeff Brodeur, Past New Hampshire VFW Commander LTC Gene Pawlik, KVA Commander Albert McCarthy, KVA Vice Commander Art Griffith, KVA Jr. Vice Commander Ken McKenna.
Also present were some very special guests; 82nd Airborne members and Iraq War Veterans Captain Greg Sakimurga, 1st Sgt. Mike Shurko and guest of honor - PFC Vincent Mannion. PFC Mannion was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal by his Company Commander (Capt. Sakimurga) and 1st Sergeant (Sgt. Shurko). (see pictures)
Following awards were given out: KVA Members of The Year - Ken McKenna, Otis Mangrum and Bob Wagner; KVA Award for Legislative Issues - Sarah Keller-Likins; KVA Recognition Award - KWVA President Louis Dechert and PFC Vincent Mannion; USFKVA Special Award - Art Griffith, Capt. Greg Sakimurga, 1st Sgt. Mike Shurko, Chairman Anthony Verga; KVA Certificate of Appreciation - Bob Joy.
November 17th Plymouth Parade - Members of KVA Chapter 299 particitpated in Plymouth Mass. Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration Parade. (see pictures) Pictures taken by Pauline Lagace and Ken McKenna.
November 3rd - Veterans Day Ceremonies at Bourne National Cemetery - Members of Chapter 299 along with KWVA Cape and Islands Chapter, and Tauton Chapters participated in Veterans Day Ceremonies at Bourne National Cemetery. (see pictures)
October 20th - Korean War Monument Dedication in Worcester, Mass. - KVA Chapter #299 participated in the Dedication Ceremonies of the new Korean War Monument in Worcester, Mass. (see pictures) All the pictures taken in Worcester on 10-20-07 were taken by Pauline Lagace and Ken McKenna. A great connection was also made today with the Blue Star Mothers of Leominster and Chapter 299. Another connection made today was with bob Desmond and the Korean Society of New England in regards to the Korean Museum and a third connection with the Korea Society of New England and Chapter 299. It was a long day but I was very proud to be wearing anything that said KVA Chapter 299.
Jr. Vice Commander McKenna / Director Jeff Brodeur
October 12th - KVA Certificates of Appreciation Awarded - Bob Cambell of JR's Pub in Fitchburg accepted two Certificates of Appreciation from member Pauline Lagace and Jr. Vice Ken McKenna for all his help and support in our fundraiser. He also accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on the behalf of the Korean Society of New England for their donation to our fundraiser. (see picture)
October 6th Meeting - Todays meeting was held in Leominster, MA at the Veterans Center. Commander McCarthy opened the meeting at approximately 1200 noon to a body of sixteen people. Fifteen members (see picture) and one non member were present with several officers not available, but excused prior to the meeting. Commander presented the Salute to the colors with “pledge of allegiance” followed by opening prayer by Chaplain Swope. Roll call of officers to include those excused. Adjutant Swope read the last meeting’s minutes, motion to accept, seconded and passed. Finance Officer Wagner read the up to date treasurers report, motion to accept, seconded and passed.
Committees Reports: Junior Vice Cdr McKenna gave a presentation on the Canon Rebel camera that he raised funds to purchase for our Chapter, too many fine points to mention. Color Guard Mangrum gave an update on the special color guard uniforms that was almost completed. He also orchestrated the fund drive for the purchase, fittings and was told by the uniform company they would be models for their upcoming magazine. Senior Vice Cdr Griffith/Chairman of fundraising activities still needs support for upcoming fundraiser in Fitchburg/Leominster area next Saturday, 13 October 2007. Griffith also discussed the approved new blue informal shirt wear with monograms, price and info to members for purchase.
Commander McCarthy discussed upcoming events that will include our color guard presence as well as all members that can be available. Events such as October 20, 2007 in Worcester, MA. The Veterans Day event in Arlington, VA on 11 Nov, attended by Commander and Mrs. McCarthy. On Nov 16&17 the city of Plymouth,MA has a “Salute to Korea Veterans" weekend.
Body presented long discussion on getting info to all members and ways to improve communications to insure we all are involved of forward progress of our great state chapter. A lengthy discussion to set in motion of a unification of all state chapters becoming one.
A motion to adjourn, seconded and passed. Closing prayer by Chaplain Swope, salute to the colors, meeting was adjourned by Commander McCarthy with reminder of next meeting at West Roxbury in December.
Larry Swope, Adjutant/Director
September 8, 2007 Worcester Meeting - Meeting was held at the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Center. (see picture) Minutes of the September 8, 2007 meeting of the KVA in Worcester, MA follow below:
Schedule of future meetings: October in Fitchburg/Leominster, December in West Roxbury ( Holiday Party), February in Natick, April in Plymouth, May in Fitchburg, June in Chicopee, September in Worcester, October in Leominster, December in West Roxbury ( Holiday party).
Cold War Medal – You earned it – Call Senators to get it! The KWVA/KVA has joined with other veteran organizations to support the issuance of a Cold War Medal for everyone who was honorably discharged from the military between September, 1945 and December, 1991. The House has already passed HR 1585 which has a provision to issue the medal. Senator Clinton has introduced and Senator Collins has cosponsored a bill S.1963, and also an amendment S.Amd 2163 which also authorizes a Cold War Medal. Please call your senators and tell them you want them to support S. 1963 and S.Amd 2163. Most of our members would receive the Cold War Medal and it is important that our service be recognized. All contact information for senators is on the KWVA website (www.kwva.org)
KWVA Charter – We are very, very close – Call your Congressmen and Senators now! Call your Congressmen and tell them you want them to support our KWVA Charter which is HR 2852. All contact information for Congressmen is on the KWVA website (www.kwva.org) Also call your Senators and tell them you ant them to support our KWVA Charter which is S. 1692. All contact information for Senators is on the KWVA website (www.kwva.org)
Uniform changes: Formal Dress Uniform will be black pants, black sport coat, black tie, black shoes and belt, white dress shirt. (To be worn at funerals, formal presentations or when special guests are announced as attending our meetings.) Dress Down Uniform will be black pants, navy blue shirt with gold lettering and KVA emblem (being ordered), black shoes and belt. (To be worn at meetings and gatherings whenever the formal dress uniform is not required.) KWVA/KVA emblems are being ordered along with a bottom rocker that states “Chapter 299”. The emblem is fourteen inches in diameter and is to be worn on the back side of a black jacket of your choice. The KVA emblem is to be worn on the front left side of the jacket. Your name and any KVA position/title you may have are to be on the right front of the jacket in gold letters.
New KVA Shirts: Sample of our new (KVA -- Chapter 299 -- KWVA) shirts will be available at the next meeting. They are navy blue with gold lettering. The shirts will be available for $ 20.00 @ piece. Orders for the shirts will be taken at the next meeting. We will need your name, size of the shirt you want and you will have the option of putting your name on the shirt and a title of your position if any. We will also need the $ 20. that day. Thank you in advance.
Korean War Memorial Dedication – October 20, 2007 in Worcester, MA: All members have been invited to attend the Korean War Memorial Dedication Ceremony in Worcester, MA on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Our Color Guard has been invited to march in the parade that will run from Union Station to the memorial site (about a half mile). A brick will be ordered and placed in the memorial walkway with the Korea Veterans of America name on it. All members have been invited to the Hibernian Cultural Center (two blocks away) following the dedication ceremony for happy hour.
Korea Veterans to be honored at weekend event – November 16 th & 17 th, 2007: The city of Plymouth has chosen November 16 th and 17 th as “Salute to Korea Veterans” weekend. All Korea veterans and their families will attend events free of charge. There is a concert on the evening of the 16 th, along with a demonstration by the Silver Dolphins Drill Team from the New London submarine base. On the 17 th there is a fly over by the USAF, followed by a parade. Our Color Guard and members have been invited to march. Period Vehicles may be made available for those who can’t march. A drum and bugle performance will follow the parade. Each year 160,000 people attend the event.
Republic of Korea Cruise Training Force in NYC in November: The ROK Navy will sail into New York harbor in November. A total of 25 couples will be invited to participate in ceremonies during their visit. The Commander and his wife (at his own expense) will represent KVA members along with 24 couples from the KWVA.
Veterans Day in Arlington – November 11, 2007: The Commander and his wife will represent the KVA during the observance of Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery. (Room accommodation expenses for two days were previously approved by the membership.)
Fundraising – October 16, 2007: Art Griffith, Senior Vice Commander and Fundraising Chairman, along with Ken McKenna, Junior Vice Commander and Assistant Fundraising Chairman have work exceptionally hard at recruiting members for the various locations that proved so successful this past spring. Four more volunteers are still needed however if we are to meet the funding levels necessary to sustain and grow the organization. The American flag pins have come in and Art Griffith has them for fundraiser volunteers. Russ Putnam’s wife has volunteered to make a blanket featuring the five services to be used as a fundraiser at the December holiday party in West Roxbury.
KVA Camera: Ken McKenna has raised over $450.00 on his own to purchase a digital camera for the organization. We are grateful to Pauline Lagrace, former State Commander of the AMVETS, for taking pictures of our various events and activities with her own camera.
Cemetery monuments: Paul McFarland is looking into the design and size requirements for small monuments to be place in national cemeteries honoring the service of ALL Korea vets. A report will be read at the October meeting.
Marine Corps League certificate received: Chapter 299 received a framed certificate from the Marine Corps League thanking us for our Color Guard’s attendance at the funeral ceremonies held for a local Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
Certificates being prepared: A Certificate is being prepared for Post 10 of the American Legion for donating $500.00 toward the purchase of Color Guard uniforms. Otis Mangrum raised this money on his own! A certificate is being prepared for Computers Down Under for donating $100.00 worth of computer related services to support KVA fundraising efforts. We ask that you patronize Computers Down Under on Route 12 in Leominster whenever you need computer equipment or services. They are veteran owned and operated. Art Griffith developed this contact on his own. Other contributors will be recognized by the KVA for their support of the Color Guard, the purchase of the camera, and for hosting fundraising events. Their names will be published at the October meeting.
Certificates created: Ken McKenna has created a design for our presentation certificates. It features the name of the organization, the ribbons associated with the Korean conflict (see KWVA website), the flags of the United States and Korea as well as the emblems of the KWVA and KVA. It’s very colorful and will be available for members to see and comment on at the October meeting.
Sick call: George Bratianu, Larry Swope, Vincent Mannion, Bob McLean
October 6, 2007 meeting: We have been informed that Larry Sassorossi, Executive Director of the Korean War Museum will attend our October 6 th meeting.
