August 2009

 

FEEL THE SPIRIT: As brothers and sisters of an epic and controversial conflict (war), we share a bond with each other that can never be broken. This year would be a good year to see as many members, past and present take the time from their busy lives, reunite and “Feel The Spirit In 2009” with your Chapter. We all know from experience what it takes to keep an organization vibrant and effective. Our voice comes from you, the members. Our strength in numbers is not just locally, but nationally, with over 60,000 active members strong. What we do here effects us all. We are all still on a mission. You may say I have heard this before. You may say, I have paid my dues in the past and now I have more important things in my life to do!  This may be true and you may be right. Your Chapter is built on the bones of many prior members’ skills, efforts and talents, without which, we would not have comes as far as we have today. We stand at a critical moment in time where all those efforts from the members in the past and present need to be acknowledge. We are getting older, our kind dwindle by the numbers each day and each year. We are overshadowed in importance by our latest conflicts and an attitude of “let’s just forget about it”, it is old news. The problem with this attitude is that we have not done all we can. Today our soldiers face similar problems as we faced back then with obtaining quality medical help and attention. You should know, by being a part of VVA you have contributed over the years in many beneficial ways. VVA has challenged our Federal government on many fronts and has over the years collectively changed the mindset of many in government in the way they treat our Veterans today. Our voice is powerful, but don’t fool yourself. “They” are waiting for you to lie down, be quite, submissive and give up. Their service becomes easier when they don’t have to figure out how to siphon off enough Federal dollars to pay for a bygone war, as their opposition fades away.

That war, this war, it makes no difference. What does make a difference is that you do not become complacent. Your talents, skills and knowledge are of prime value here. If you have accomplished all this in the past for your chapter, congratulations and thank you. If you feel our kinship and recognize that we need your help, support us and renew your membership. Give some time. Bring what you have to offer. Say what you feel. Help us to help those we share history with, our brothers and sisters, then and now, and in the future. Get active now.

 

Your new slate of Officers: President, Rick Clevenger

                                              Vice President, Chuck Royce

                                               Secretary, Joe West

                                               Treasurer, Dallas Miller

Board of Directors: Allen Beal, Ken Gooding, Malcolm Hill, Dallas Miller, Mike Renwick           

                                              

Meetings: VVA Board of Directors meets the first Monday of each month at 6:15pm,

and the third Thursday General Membership meets the third Thursday of each month 7:30

 

Presidents Message

I hope all had a good 4th of July, our nation is 333 years old and is beginning to stand the test of time. With wars going on two fronts we must keep in mind the men and women that fight for our way of life and the freedoms we take for granted. If you see a person in uniform, thank them for what they do. On the home front we must help our brothers and sisters as best we can, the chapter is there to help. Who do we have but ourselves to lean on. I think it is important that we reach out and express our concern to our own. I recently attended the legion meeting at post 13. We have had a good relationship with the legion for twenty years. We work for a common cause to better life for those who served and those in harms way.  The legion is acting as a collecting point for the homeless vet project in Tallahassee. If you have anything to donate please call the legion ( 222 3382 ) or  Bob James at (228-8970). If you want take directly to the warehouse or bring it to the chapter and we will get it to them. The Vietnam and all Veterans Coalition of Florida met this past weekend in Wakulla Co. I sat in on this meeting. They continue to strive in there efforts to make life better for veterans. I met an interesting person by the name of Jon Howard who is the national director for outward bound programs for veterans and service members. The courses build the self confidence, pride, trust, and communication skills that help participants successfully return to families and communities following their wartime service. Outward Bound is headquartered in Camden, Me. Jon lives in Tallahassee. Check out their Web site at, www.outwardbound.org/veterans. If you know any vet who is having problems maybe, Outward Bound can help. Refer them. I want to thank the new members of the board for serving. Don't take your task lightly. We can make a difference. In closing, please keep those in mind who are having difficulties in sickness and economic strife.  President Rick Clevenger

  Committee Report

     Incarcerated Veterans:

      By, Chairman: Melvin Dill  

Hello Comrades, as you may know my interests are working with incarcerated and disabled veterans. The Hootch has been supporting my efforts to acquiring books for incarcerated veterans. We can help open the confines of a jail cell by providing new books for veteran

inmates to read. The Book Club for incarcerated veterans is growing. We ask for donations to pay the cost for new books. The Department of corrections will only allow new books to enter the institutions.

Make checks to Big Bend VVA Chapter 96. On the for line, specify incarcerated Book Club.

 

Disabled Veterans:

North Florida Cosmetology Institute on Allen Road is giving free hair cuts to disabled veterans. If you are a disabled veteran you can call the school and make an appointment for your hair cut. The school phone number is: 850-878-5269. I f  you wish to make a donation to the school, tell them your contribution to the fund will go towards free hair cuts for disabled veterans. Also, disabled veterans who are female can receive free service as well. In conclusion, I am asking for your help and participation to make life a little better for those behind the walls or disabled. Come to the next meeting; bring a new book and perhaps a donation for disabled veteran hair cuts. These are two worthy causes that take little effort, but will have a very large impact for our local incarcerated and disabled Veterans. Help us Help them. See you there, Melvin Dill.

 

Food for Thought     

The United Veterans Luncheon:  Sponsored by the Tallahassee Vet Center.

Want to get out of the office for lunch? Want a beautiful view to enjoy your meal?

Want to find out the latest on veterans issues from the Big Dogs, Veterans Service Officer Dale Keen, the Governors Office representatives on Veteran Affairs, Work Force Plus and Senator Nelsons Office and You.  Join in with the Brown Baggers at the Hootch on Lake Ella the third Thursday every other month at 11:30 to 1 pm. The next bring your own meal and chat will be September the 16th and then again on November the 18th of this year. Have a great time. Meet concerned folks like yourself. We are all in this together.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Don’t’ forget the Iraqi Veterans Against the war meet at the Hootch July the 24th and the 25th.with programs and speakers all week end long. Call the Hootch for more information while they are there. 850-224-8838

 

LEST WE FORGET                                                                  ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL                                                                                                       THEY LIVE IN SQUALLIER AND FILTH                                     [ POW MIA Patch (B/W) ]

LESS THAN HUMAN LESS THAN ANIMAL

THEIR BODIES BROKEN AND MADE TO NEAL       

DEPRIVED BATTERED AND ABUSED

SUCH IS THE WAY OF WAR

RETRIBUTION FROM THEIR CAPTORS

WOUNDS THAT WILL NEVER HEAL

ALONE IN DESPAIR WITH NOTHING BUT THEIR SOUL

THEIR HOPE RIPPED AND ASSAULTED DAILY

THEIR BODIES RENDERED NUMB TO ROT AWAY

RELENTLESS MIND JERKS DEPRAVITY OF SLEEP

AN EVER PRESENT FEAR OF THE HOLE

AT FIRST STRONG AND RESENTFUL

SOON TO UNDERSTAND

HUMAN NOR HUMANITY HAS NO PLACE HERE

WHEN YOU ARE A POW IN A FAR AWAY LAND

 

DEREK EVANS 07/01/2009

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