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
Meeting Minutes:
Old Business :
KVA Support Group : (Pauline Legace)
- Thanked Pauline Legace, Alberta Joy, and Cheryl DiPasqualle for their support at our meetings and events.
- Acknowledged Pauline Legace for service and announced her resignation. Her many contributions were noted and very much appreciated.
Scholarships for 2010 :
- The Marine Sgt. At Monte Tech in Fitchburg, MA presented a check from the KVA to Cadet BN Commander/Col. Aaron Tourigny (Otis Mangrum was enroute back to Mass from DC at the time)
- Bob Joy presented a check from the KVA to Cadet Major Joseph Gomes of Wareham High School in Wareham, MA
Markers for Cemeteries : (Jeff Brodeur)
- A granite marker was placed in the Bourne National Cemetery honoring all those who served and those who died in Korea 1945 to the present. The dedication ceremony took place despite the rain.
- A large contingent of KVA members was joined by Patriot Riders and American Indians at the dedication of a granite marker at the State Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon, MA. A picture of the event is being displayed in the Remembrance Hall of the cemetery!
- Otis Mangrum and Art Griffith picked up and delivered the granite marker to Winchendon saving the KVA approximately $400!
- A wreath was placed at the KVA marker in Middleboro, Ma (the first marker in America to honor all those who served and those who died in Korea 1945-present.
- Future markers: No more than one per year with the prior approval of membership at a regular meeting.
Honor Guard : (Otis Mangrum)
- The Honor Guard proudly represented the KVA and KWVA at the Tomb of the Unknown, the Korea War memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial (the Wall). Pictures of the events are on the KWVA website www.kwva.org
- We would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their participation and for proudly representing the KVA/KWVA: Otis Mangrum & Arthur Griffith (Honor Guard), Pauline Legace & Cheryl DiPasqualle (photography), Al McCarthy (KVA Commander, Chapter #299), Tom McHugh (National KWVA Director), George Bruzgis (NJ State Commander)
Fundraising : (Art Griffith)
- Special fundraiser for Honor Guard raised enough money to cover those expenses not covered by the KWVA to send the Honor Guard to Arlington and DC.
- Other scheduled fundraisers include a KVA Car Show scheduled for Sunday, August 15 th from noon till whenever! Otis Mangrum is the lead in this effort. It will be held in the parking lot of JR’s Pub in Fitchburg. Special emblems are being designed for those who enter a car in the event and extra emblems will be sold as a fundraiser. Art Griffith will purchase a basket of goodies for fundraising. The membership approved a $300 advance so Arthur can purchase the Basket of Whatever. Members will be expected to participate in running the grill and staffing tables.
- Wareham – May 1 st at Stop & Shop was very successful and another is scheduled for July.
- Leominster – April 2 nd at Wal-Mart was equally successful compared to Stop & Shop
- Future fundraisers will have at least two but no more than three members at each door
- We need more locations and more members to participate as this is our only source of funds
National KWVA elections : (Jeff Brodeur & Art Griffith)
- No word yet as to whether Art Griffith have been elected to the Board of the KWVA.
New Business :
Sick Call:
- Charley Morris will be going in for surgery to the West Roxbury VA Hospital very soon. He will let us know when as soon as he is scheduled.
Resignation :
- The resignation of Kenneth McKenna, Junior Vice Commander, was accepted for both his current elected position and his appointed position as a photographer. His many contributions were noted and very much appreciated.
Certificate of Appreciation received :
- The 82 nd Airborne Division presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the KVA for our efforts on behalf of the 82 nd Airborne. Jeff Brodeur accepted the certificate for the KVA along with his son Vincent (a wounded combat veteran and proud 82 nd Airborne soldier)
Consul General’s Luncheon Invitation :
- The invitation to the Korean Consul General’s luncheon is restricted to those who served 1950-1953 and no one else therefore we will not be attending. Both the KWVA and the KVA are open to all who served in Korea 1945 to the present and we see no reason to recognize a division of those ranks.
Rolling Thunder :
- Three KVA patches and three newly designed patches will be presented to Rolling Thunder, Central Massachusetts Chapter to recognize their support of the KVA.
60 th Anniversary of the Korean War : (Open)
- An invitation to participate in a ceremony at the Charlestown Navy Yard was received and turned down. The organization running the ceremony calls themselves the Korea War Veterans of Mass, Department of Massachusetts but is a rogue department that has not been recognized by anyone.
- The Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) who normally co-facilitates the ceremony was totally ignored by this group and valuable financial support for the event from Raytheon Corp was lost as a result. The Hubris of the so-called Korea War Veterans of Massachusetts is mind boggling!
Bylaw Changes : (Bob Joy)
- Bob Joy did a tremendous job in reconciling the KVA and the KWVA Bylaws! Handouts were made available to everyone in attendance at the June meeting and each change was read and tentatively approved. Final approval is expected to come at the September meeting.
Good of the Chapter :
Quartermaster : (Jeff Brodeur)
- Ten shirts will be ordered from Tom McHugh with the logo “Korea Veteran, 1945-Presnet, Freedom is not Free”
- Six dress hats will be ordered and be available for purchase at the Christmas Party in December.
- Korea Defense Rings are available for those who would like them. The cost averages in the low to mid one hundred dollar range.
Challenge Coins : (Jeff Brodeur)
- There are none left.
- If there is enough money to cover the cost of purchasing new challenge coins Jeff Brodeur will order them. The purchase depends on whether or not the KVA will absorb any cost for running the 2011 National Convention. If we will absorb any cost, the challenge coins will not be ordered.
Insurance :
- Jeff Brodeur and Art Griffith will check with the KWVA Board to see if we can be covered under the KWVA insurance policy. The cost is expected to be minimal for the liability insurance.
Cold War Victory Medal:
Letters needed to Congressmen and Senators
- Snowe, Webb, Lincoln, Landrieu Bill
- HR 4051 and S 2743
- Call Congressmen and Senators in DC
- Approved in defense authorization bill (HR1585) on 5-17-08
- For veterans who served 9-02-45 to 12-26-91
- Pentagon opposed – Est. cost $250M
www.togetherweserved.com (Al McCarthy)
- Find your Dept. and tell about KVA/KWVA
www.disability.gov (Jeff Brodeur)
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 - Following are minutes of the meeting:
The meeting was called to order at 1210 hrs. All officers were present and/or accounted for. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted by unanimous consent of the membership.
The Commander once again thanked the KVA Support Group: Pauline Legace, Alberta Joy, and Cheryl Di Pasqualle, for their help at the Christmas party and in preparing food and beverages at the closing of each of our meetings. Thank you ladies! Commander McCarthy also welcomed our newest member at the meeting, Fred Quail.
Robert Joy read the treasurer’s report as of 3-6-10.
The Financial Audit Committee reported all was in order with regard to the checking account. A motion was made and seconded, and the report was accepted by unanimous consent of the membership.
Otis Mangrum submitted a bill for a new flag stand that was purchased to hold the Korean flag that Ambassador Lee donated to the Honor Guard. A motion was made and seconded. The bill was approved for payment by unanimous consent of the membership
Our last fund raiser was very successful and the results were made known to the membership.
A motion was made, seconded, and passed by unanimous vote, to limit major spending in anticipation of expenses for the 2011 National Convention, which we will be hosting in Boston, MA.
Get well cards: Chapter 299 will send get well cards to members; Ed Langevine, Robert Griffin, and Larry Swope.
Meetings, fundraisers and events are currently listed on the website.
Honor Guard: Our Chapter #299 Honor Guard will again participate in Memorial Day activities at Arlington National Cemetery, where wreaths will be placed at the Tomb of the Unknown and the Korean War Monument. A visit to the Vietnam War Memorial (The Wall) is planned.
A motion was made, second, and passed to allocate advance money for the Honor Guard and entourage to go to Washington D.C. for Memorial Day. The advance will be repaid following reimbursement by the KWVA.
Fundraising: A special fundraiser, separate and distinct from our usual fundraisers will be held to generate funds to offset the expenses specifically incurred by the Honor Guard. This special fundraiser to be held at Wal-Mart in Leominster, MA on Saturday, April 3rd from 0900hrs-1300hrs. Said monies to be turned over to the Chapter Treasurer, Bob Joy, for deposit. Other scheduled fundraisers will be held at the Leominster Wal-Mart and at the Market Basket in Leominster, MA on Saturday, May 10th from 0900hrs-1300hrs and in Wareham, MA at the Stop & Shop and Wal-Mart on the same day and at the same time. A Motor cycle run (to raise funds for the National convention in 2011) was considered. However, an Antique Auto Show was considered to be a better alternative and will be held this June in Fitchburg. Otis Mangrum will chair the event. A motion was made, seconded, and approved that 50% of the money raised at the Antique Auto Show be presented to the Brodeur family to help defray the cost of a wheel chair ramp or handicap bathroom accessories for their son Vincent, a wounded Iraq Veteran and Associate Member of KVA Chapter #299.
A BAR-B-QUE at the AMVET Post #79 in Natick, MA is planned on August 7th. Tickets will be $10/single and $15/family. Pauline Legace will be chairperson. A tentative budget was approved by the membership.
Quartermaster: A request to buy 18 additional shirts of various sizes was proposed. After viewing the T-shirts, there was a discussion about the design and the logo. A vote was taken and the request was denied.
Christmas Party: Ideas for the 2010 Christmas Party include inviting a number of politicians and dignitaries.
Recruiting: Recruiting suggestions include: giving membership applications to all members; poster or flyers in military organization halls and in supermarkets; appearing on local access television and radio programs; decals on cars; and announcements in Veteran’s columns in newspapers. Everyone is asked to recruit at least one person this year.
Markers for Cemeteries: A marker has been placed in the Bourne National Cemetery but is reported to be tilting a little bit due to not having a footing. It will however, be dedicated on May 8th immediately after a wreath laying ceremony at the KVA memorial marker in Middleboro, MA. A caravan of cars will drive to Bourne National Cemetery arriving there about 1330 hrs for the dedication. The marker in the State Veterans’ Cemetery in Winchendon, MA will be dedicated on May 12th at 1200hrs.
Future markers: No more than one per year with the prior approval of the membership at a regular meeting.
Bylaw Changes: Not discussed. All previous changes stand as approved.
Veterans Discounts: Are available at the following stores/chains: Midas Muffler, Best Buy (5% with ID), Home Depot & Lowes (10% for retired and active duty military - ID required).
Revisit Korea Program: Due to 2010 being the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War the revisit Korea program has been expanded to include family members. For more information visit the KWVA website: www.kwva.org
Republic of Korea Service Medal (ROKSM): The ROKSM was created by ROK Defense Ministry for military personnel stationed in Korea during the cease fire period, 1953 to the present. The ROKSM was offered in Aug. 1974 and accepted by the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Forces Korea, and submitted to DOD with his recommendation to accept. DOD however, rejected the medal even though a small number of these medals had already been awarded to United States military personnel. It is not known how many of these medals were awarded, but when the recipients attempted to have them posted to their military records the medals were impounded and no record of the award was entered into the service records. A total of 976 known awardees were asked to return the medal. The U.S. Government’s position at the time was based upon the medal not being awarded to S. Korean Forces as well as U.S. Forces. However, the medal has since been awarded to South. Korean forces and should no longer constitute a barrier to its issuance to U.S. forces. Commander McCarthy has written letters to the Korean Ambassador to USA and the Korean Ministry of National Defense to try have the medal reissued. As of yet, the JCS/Pentagon still refuse to accept award
United Nations Medal: Commander McCarthy has written to the U.S. Rep. to the UN regarding the issuance of the United Nations Medal to all veterans who have served during the cease fire period in Korea. SO far the U.N. is not interested.
Cold War Victory Medal: A strategy was outlined by Commander McCarthy that aligns Chapter #299 with the Cold War Veterans Association to have the U.S. issue a Cold War Victory Medal that was previously approved by the House in defense authorization bill (HR1585) on 5-17-08, but never funded. The medal is for those who served from 9-02-45 to 12-26-91. Letters are needed to Congressmen and Senators asking for their support of the Snowe, Webb, Lincoln, Landrieu Bill (HR 4051 and S 2743). Everyone is asked to call their Congressmen and Senators in DC. NOTE: A copy of the Commander’s letter was sent to American Legion Post 189 advising them of the effort to obtain the medal and they have notified their membership to add their support.
Scholarships for 2010: Chapter #299 will once again give a scholarship to a JROTC member at Monte Tech, Fitchburg, MA and at Wareham High School, Wareham, MA. Dates and names of recipients will be determined later.
National KWVA elections: By unanimous consent, Art Griffith was given a vote of confidence in his bid for National Director of the KWVA.
July 27th – National Korea War Veterans Armistice Day: In 2009, the President declared that July 27, 2009 was National Korea War Veterans Day and would be observed by lowering all flags to half mast. The Commander believes it was signed into law but will check to see if this will be done again this year.
KWVA National Convention 2011: Will be held the 3rd week of October (Sat/Sun/Mon). The meeting will be held on Monday.
Korean War Memorial of Central Mass Golf Tournament: Tickets are available at $20 each -Win four seats at one game (three separate games available).
www.togetherweserve.com: Commander McCarthy suggested everyone go to www.togetherweserve.com and check out the site. Find your military organization (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard) and sign up. Then post a notice that anyone who served in Korea is eligible to join the KVA/KWVA. This should generate new members.
Our next meeting: will be at Middleboro on May 8th at 1200 hrs. We will place a wreath and then go immediately to Bourne for the dedication of our marker in the National Cemetery at 1300 hrs.
A motion was made, seconded, and approved to close the meeting. The meeting was closed at 1430 hrs.
Respectfully Submitted, Charles Morris, Adjutant
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 2009 - Charles Pepin of Hollywood Florida just joined the Chapter. Charlie was the former Chief of Staff for the KDVA. He was with the KDVA in the early years when we were workin gon the KDSM.
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.
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.
September 26th Leominster Fundraiser - See pictures below (pics by Pauline Lagace).
Both Leominster and Wareham were great fundraisers for the KVA. Thanks to all who supported these fundraisers. Thanks to all those involved. Their participation in these fundraisors is what makes the KVA the best and largest chapter in the KWVA.
Jim Hanks, Tom Blanchette, Ken McKenna and Art Griffith -Walmart in Leominster.
Charlie Morris and Al McCarthy at Leominster fundraiser.
September 19th Wareham Fundraiser - See pictures below.
KVA MEMBERS BOB WAGNER , JIM NEWMAN, JEFF BRODEUR WITH PROSPECTIVE MEMEBR WHO IS ON HIS WAY TO SERVE AT KUNSAN AFB, KOREA.
BOB AND ALBERTA JOY WITH YOUNG KVA DONATER.
September 12th Middleborough Meeting - See meeting pictures and minutes below.
A good showing of KVA Chapter 299 members pose for a group photo at the September meeting in Middleboro, MA
The Fitchburg Police Retirees Association received a plaque from the KVA at the September meeting in Middleboro recognizing their significant financial support toward the purchase of a stone marker for the State Military Cemetery in Winchenton, MA honoring al those who served, and those who died in Korea. Pictured from L-R are: Ken McKenna, Tom Blanchette, Carl Pohl, Otis Mangrum and Jim Hanks from the FPRA, along with Al McCarthy, JeffBrodeur, Bob Wagner and Art Griffith. All are KVA # 299 members.
L-R: Ken McKenna, Tom Blanchette, Jim Hanks, Otis Mangrum and Carl Pohl hold the plaque recognizing their contribution as members of the Fitchburg Police Retirees Association toward the purchase of a stone marker in the State cemetery in Winchenton, MA. All are members of KVA Chapter 229 and McKenna is Jr. Vice Commander and Mangrum is both Sgt. at Arms and Honor Guard Sgt. of 299 as well.
L-R: Jeff Brodeur, co-Founder of the KVA and National Director of the KWVA receives both the Korea Defense Service medal and the ROK Service Medal from KVA member Charles Morris for display in the KVA office in the State House in Boston. The ROK SErvice Medal was awarded and distributed to U.S. military personnel in 1972 but the JCS/Pentagon refused to accept the award.
K.V.A. MEETING MINUTES - Sept. 12, 2009
The meeting was called to order on Sept. 12, 2009 at 1240 hrs at the VFW post Middleborough, MA. All Officers were present or accounted for and a quorum of members were present.
- A plaque was presented by Commander Al McCarthy & Vice Commander Art Griffin to the Fitchburg Retired Police in recognition of their fundraising support for the cemetery markers at the State and National cemeteries in Mass. Accepting the plaque were Chapter 299 members/associate members: Kenneth McKenna, Otis Mangrum, Carl Pohl, and Jim Hanks. Also in the group was retired police officer, Tom Blanchette, our newest associate member.
- The KVA Support Group (Pauline Lagace, Alberta Joy, and Cheryl DiPasqualle) were thanked for their continuing, and outstanding, efforts to provide the membership with delicious food at all our meetings.
- Sick call noted that Larry Swope and Robert Griffin can not attned our meeting due to illness. The membership extends their sincerest wishes for speedy and complete recovery.
- KVA Adjutant, Charles Morris, donated two medals to the KVA office at the statehouse in Boston: the Korea Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea Service Medal. Jeff Brodeur, KWVA National Membership Director and co-founder of the KVA received the medals on behalf of the membership. Commander McCarthy commented that the ROK Service Medal was originally created by the ROK for award to U.S military personnel stationed in South Korea during the cease-fire period. It was, in fact, awarded and distributed in 1972. However, the JCS/Pentagon refused to accept the award based on a standing rule that the U.S. will not accept a foreign medal unless the medal is also being awarded to military personnel of the country making the award. The Commander notd that the KVA is joining in the movement to have the ROKSM re-issued by the ROK and accepted by the JCS in time for the 60 th anniversary of the armistice.
- Ken McKenna was recognized for collecting over 60 cell phones for presentation to the Blue Star Mothers, Chapter 1, Leominster, MA, for the benefit of U.S. service personnel. WELL DONE!
- Anthony Morra, a walk in, was signed up for membership at the meeting. WELCOME!
- R.O.T.C. Scholarships of $100 each and a plaque were awarded to an ROTC student at Monty Tech in Fitchburg, by Otis Mangrum and Bob Joy while Bob Wagner presented a similar check and plaque in Wareham Ma.
- The KVA has donated $100 Dollars to the newly formed OIF/OIF VETERANS GROUP at the statehouse in Boston.
- Members who marched and drove in the 4 th of July parade in Fitchburg were thanked for their participation
- Members were informed of military discounts available at Best Buy, Home Depot, and Midas Muffler.
- Jeff Broduer, Chapter 299 Quartermaster, had a PX and all 12 new style shirts were purchased by members in under 5 minutes, along with some new style hats. Orders for at least 8 more were placed with Jeff.
- Bob Joy created a “KVA get well card” that we will use for sick list personnel. WELL DONE!
- Jeff Brodeur is working on this year’s Christmas Party. Possible invitees include:
- The Republic of Korea Counsel General
- Navy MOH recipient, Capt. Thomas Hudner, and/or Navy MOH recipient, Capt. Thomas Kelley.
- Otis Mangrum will try to get the Army Coral Group to perform
- The possibility of buying more KVA/KWVA Challenge Coins was briefly discussed and will be brought up at the October meeting for consideration by the membership.
- The KVA Honor Guard (Otis Mangrum and Art Griffith) will represent us at the opening of the Northeast Veteran Training and Rehabilitation Center in Leominster.
- Jeff Brodeur & Bob Joy completed arrangements for two markers to be placed in the state cemetery in Winchendon and the National cemetery in Bourne, MA at a deeply discounted price of $1,900 ($1,000 has already been donated as of the meeting with another $200 received at the meeting and two fundraisers to be held in the next two weeks).
- Fitchburg Police Retirees and the Leominster Fire Dept were the largest combined contributors.
- In the future, only one marker per year will be purchased, and only with the prior approval of the membership at a regular meeting.
- It was noted that on July 26, 2009 and in all future years the flag will be flown at half mast at all federal buildings and installations. In honor of “National Korean War Veterans Day”
- Commander Al McCarthy has sent letters supporting the issuance of the following medals;
- The “Cold War Victory Medal" for Veteran’s who served from 9-2-1945 to 12-26-1991.
- The “Korean Service Medal” issued by the Korean Government in 1972 but rejected by D.O.D.
- And the “United Nations Medal” for all post armistice veterans who served in South Korea.
- Check book:
- The Treasurer will have physical control of the check book
- Expenditures less than $200, one signature is sufficient (already in By-Laws)
- Audited every two meetings
- Review 30 minutes in advance of meeting: 3 BOD members present
- A debit card is available for use by the Quartermaster on behalf of the KVA
- See KVA By-Laws for additional information.
- Larry Swope was working on gathering information on all items owned by Chapter 299 to create an inventory. Due to Larry’s illness, Al McCarthy will take over this responsibility.
- After much discussion on the floor about by-law changes, Bob Joy and the By-Law committee will meet after the meeting and have a new by- law change at the next meeting to be voted on by the membership.
- A list of question was drawn up for the October KWVA National Convention in Dallas. The answers will us in preparing for the 2010 National Convention which we (Chapter #299) will be hosting in Boston.
- It was noted that Jeff Brodeur, National KWVA Director, and Art Griffith, National Fund Raising Committee Member , will attend the National Convention in Dallas and their expenses will be covered by the KWVA.
- Members were reminded of the fundraising activities to be held on Sept 26 in Leominster and Wareham.
- A motion made and seconded to close meeting. Meeting adjourned at 1430 Hrs.
- The By-Law Committee then met to discuss possible new modifications after the meeting.
Respectfully submitted by Adjutant, Charlie Morris.
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.
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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