Vietnam Reflections
 
 
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The Point November 2009
-The Point-
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
Chapter 172
17 N. Liberty Street
Phone 1-777-7001 Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2316 FAX 1-301-777-7041
1-800-482-VETS Email vva172@atlanticbbn.net
The First Chapter in the State of Maryland – The Gold Standard
November 2009
It was a good speech; it was just given to the wrong crowd. ….
Editorial Opinion
This is not a criticism in any way shape or form. No I probably could not have done any better, but I have an observation to share. Veterans’ day I went out to Rock Gap for the ceremonies, it was my 27th year to do so—I think. Here’s the problem the gentleman giving the speech was sincere and well spoken and his speech was good if he had been speaking to a school or college crowd or just any group of the general public, but he was for the most part speaking to a group of veterans, or in other words he was preaching to the crowd. We don’t need to be reminded of all of the freedoms provided to us by veterans; we are the veterans we know what we did. For that matter we know more than most people what all veterans before us have done. We don’t need to be reminded of the sacrifices or that we should be proud of our service. For that matter I doubt that anybody who was at the ceremony at Rocky Gap needs to be reminded…well except for one Chapter member who talked through the entire ceremony, but that’s not what is important.
I personally would like to salute veterans at someplace other than a cemetery. I would like to be reminded of something other than death. Although, I must admit that I can’t seem to come with a better location for said ceremony. Maybe we could a raging kegger out at the amphitheatre at Rocky Gap, it never gets used anyway. A big bonfire on the edge of the lake with illegal fireworks, now that would be a Veteran’s Day ceremony, everybody who wanted to speak would have to start his or her speech off with a “Little Johnny” joke.
Ah…to dream
Steve Parsons
November 09
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Ft. Hood
While watching some of the coverage on the Ft. Hood shooting this week I was surprised to learn that there is not necessarily doctor patient confidentiality if you are still in the service. If confess to a military counselor that you may have committed a crime while in a combat situation he is obligated to report that to his superiors. I wonder how many service members just dropped out of much needed counseling. Sort of makes a case for “Re-Entry doesn’t it?
Slice and Dice
Awhile back we were talking about new sources of revenue for the Chapter. Once again not because the Chapter is in any money trouble but, just for the purpose of generating new income. Karen Everly has made a move to pitch in and deserves a tip of the hat. She has a catalogue from the “RADA Knife Company” and has been taking orders for kitchen cutlery and is donating all of her profit to the Chapter. So far she has raised in excess of $200. It may not be a giant step but, it is a step in the right direction and she deserves a pat on the back. Well done.
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Well another year has come and gone. I’m not sure about you but I think that every year seems to go by faster and faster. Have you seen our billboard sign yet? If not take a ride through the Narrows to see our sign! The Reflections Art Print 26” x 19” is on sale for $30.00 and the 8” x 10” is on sale for $20.00 through the month of December. Also, the military tee shirts are on sale: Medium – X-Large $10.00, 2X-Large $12.00 and 3X-Large $13.00. Stop by the chapter office during the month of December to see the different sales we will be running each week (It’s a surprise). The office will be closing at noon on December 24th and be closed on December 25th, 28th, 31st and January 1st. We hope to see you before the end of the year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
From Barb and Susan
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Social Notes
Thanksgiving is just three days away and we head into the Holliday Season. By the time you read this hopefully you will be able to get rid of your fat pants. The Chapter Christmas Party December 5th was a great success I hope. We have a New Years Eve party coming up, I hope. Then the holiest of all days the Super Bowl party and wild game feed, yes we need some wild game or a wild game, both would be nice. Then we will slip into the long season of late winter when there is nothing on TV but award shows where Hollywood shows us what a great lot of people they are and that they have so much money that they don’t have to worry about medical coverage. If you’ve had a bellyful, you’ve had about two quarts. That’s the average adult’s stomach capacity.
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It’s A Deal
We still play cards on Wednesday evenings, poker being the main draw. The games start around 7pm, we play for a dime a chip and all members are welcome. Need something to do other than watch TV this is it.
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Greetings
As we end another year I would like to extend Christmas and Holliday greeting from all of the Officers and members of the board to each and every member of Chapter 172 their families and loved ones. We hope that 2009 was a great year for you and 2010 will be even better.
We wish you peace.
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