THE SPIRIT OF 776

J U LY 2 0 1 3 N E W S L E T T E R VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 776 Next Meeting July 24, 2013 at the
Bettendorf Public Library

7:00 P.M. - 1900 hours

N E V E R A G A I N W I L L O N E G E N E R AT I O N O F V E T E R A N S A B A N D O N A N O T H E R .

Service Ofcers & Service Coordinators Clarke Barnes 309 944-3674 Ed Gaudet 563 343-9456 David Woods 563 326-8723 Ernest Ledjte 563 785-6182 Tom Lemon 563 359-3201 Chuck Morel 563 659-5512 Honor Guard Jett Bork 563 528-0636 John Lavelle 563 355-4213

Chapter 776 Honor Guard members march in the Bettendorf 4th of July Parade. Marlene Marolf, Gregg Paulline, Albert Kirk, and Bill Matthews wearing the new tan polo shirts.
650-3055
650-4958 243-7714 355-4213
650-4958










Dir. David Woods
Dir. Ed Gaudet Dir. Lyle Peterson Dir. Harold Hansen
Dir. Larry Witt
326-8723 343-9456 386-1286 391-7776 388-7179

President Greg Paulline

Vice-President Roger Granbois
Treasurer Charles Morel

Secretary John Lavelle Web Master Roger Granbois

June Membership Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 1900 hours by President Paulline with a pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence observed for POW/MIA and those still serving in harms way for our nation. Officers present Vice-President Granbois, Treasurer Morel, and Secretary Lavelle. Members went through an introduction period as is our practice and guests were introduced. The minutes of the May meeting were accepted as published in the newsletter. Chuck Morel presented information to the chapter on the financial status of the chapter. Larry Witt informed the members that we are currently at 175 members. Vice President Granbois read the correspondence for the chapter. We received a nice thank you note from Amanda Kindred, the granddaughter of Lynn Kindred. We also received a letter from Gary McDermott. Gary is traveling to Orlando Florida to compete in the Veterans Wheel Chair Games and has asked for our support. The list of standing committees were listed and a number of members volunteered to serve on committees. This years Clover Sales was another success through the tireless efforts of our President Greg Paulline. Great job Greg. Greg thanked all who took part in it. The chapter will hold a picnic dinner for the veteran homeless residents of the Humility of Mary Shelter on July 17th at Cobble Stone Park in Davenport, 1212 W. 3rd Street, brats and hot dogs will be served. Volunteers are asked to be there to help out at 3:30 - 4:00 P.M. The chapter voted to give Lyle Peterson $50 to gather more materials for the picnic. The chapter made a donation of $600 to the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter Veterans Program to assist them with their service to our homeless veterans. On August 25th the chapter will host a family picnic for the area Iowa National Guard unit that is housed at the Brady Street Armory. The picnic will be held at Arsenal Island in the picnic pavilion. Our chapter holiday party is set for December 19th at the American Legion Post 26 in Davenport. The Moving Wall will be displayed in Geneseo Illinois from August 7th through the 11th. The M.C. for this event will be our own Clarke Barnes. Art Heyderman has organized another wonderful trip to visit the veterans at the Iowa City VA Hospital. They will meet at the Machine Shed at 0700 and leave for Iowa City at 0800, return is approximately 1300. Art also has worked to create a dinner club among the members and they will be dinning at DeLassandros which is located at 1524 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois. (309) 786-9803. The date for this is July 11th and the time is 6:00 P.M. On July 3rd, Congressman Loebsack will be meeting with veterans to learn of our concerns at the Legion Post 26 in Davenport, the time for this meeting is 10 A.M. David Woods told the members that the next Honor Flight had room for 60 Vietnam veterans to travel as guardians and it is already filled. The Illowa Detachment of the Marine Corps League will host an SOS dinner at American Legion Post 26 on June 29th from 1730 until 1930. There will also be a silent auction. The SOS will be prepared by Mo Bradys and the cost for this gourmet meal is $7. Harold Hansen announced to the chapter that an 11 year old girl in Davenport has begun a yard and garage sale to assist with homeless veterans. If any members have items that could be sold at this type of an event please call Harold at 563 505-9674. The proceeds from this sale will be directed to assist homeless veterans in this area. This young lady saw a homeless veteran and asked her mother to create this event. Gary Mcdermott has been appointed to the Independent Living Council by Governor Terry Branstad. The meeting was adjourned. Minutes submitted by John Lavelle, chapter secretary. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING The directors discussed the standing committees and it was decided that one director would serve on a committee and the committee would elect a chairman. In further discussion about the direction of the chapter it was agreed that we would continue to attempt to expand our membership and encourage current members to become active within the chapter by serving in some capacity that best takes advantage of their skills and interests.

THE AVTT TRAVELING WALL

On Wednesday there will be an escort to Geneseo beginning at the Illinois Welcome Center on I-80 starting at 5:00 P.M. Thursday August 8 the Wall opens to the public with Opening Ceremonies beginning at 12:00 P.M. An ice cream social will be held at the Don Cherry VFW Post. Friday beginning at 6:30 P.M. Evening Ceremonies with food provided by the Geneseo Fire Department and music by the Illinois ARNG 144th Army Band. Saturday August 10th at 2:00 P.M. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Parade. The parade will begin at Geneseo High School and there is transportation available for veterans. Pork Chop dinner for all Vietnam Veterans at the Geneseo City Park following the parade. All local Vietnam Veterans are strongly encouraged to attend this parade. Sunday August 11th the Closing Ceremony will begin at 1:00 P.M. Food provided by the Geneseo High School Wrestling Boosters. 2:00 P.M. Closing Ceremony and Final Walk. The honor guard along with the honor guard from Chapter 299 will present the colors on August 8th and will also retire the colors on August 11th. Those involved with organizing and planning this AVTT presentation are extremely concerned with making this coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and will it make an effort to Welcome Us Home. You are strongly encouraged to make the trip to Geneseo to be recognized for your service.

SPONSORED BY THE LADIES AUXILIARY TO THE DON CHERRY FVW POST 5083, DON CHERRY POST 5083, AND THE GENESEO FOUNDATION

AUGUST 8 THRU AUGUST 11

Art Heyderman brought a group from our chapter to the VA Hospital. He noted that it now appears that the majority of the patients at the hospital are Vietnam Veterans. He also stated that the visits to the 9th Floor are getting more and more positive with patient interaction. Art is always looking for more participation in this important service project.

Iowa City VA Hospital Visit

BIRDIES FOR CHARITY

ALL OF THE PLEDGE CARDS THAT WE RECEIVED HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED AND WE SHOULD RECEIVE OUR SHARE IN OCTOBER. THIS YEAR THE PLEDGES FOR BIRDIES FOR CHARITY TOTALED ABOUT $781. THANKS TO ALL WHO ASSISTED WITH THIS EFFORT.