The Point Nov-Dec 2010
-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 - December 2010
On The Elections
Editorial Opinion
Well the mid-term elections are over so we don’t have to hear so much about the liberals, conservatives, democrats and republicans and the tea party all the other so called saviors of the republic. During the campaigns we heard about unemployment, health care and taxes and that’s just about it. What we didn’t hear about is the war that all of these saviors of the republic seem to have forgotten or have elected to ignore. There was no peace movement in the political process this year. Nobody seemed to be worried about those on the front line who deal with the misery on a day to day basis.
We heard about how much in debt we are to China; how much universal health care is going to cost us, but not how much the war is costing us; either in money or destroyed lives. On an average 650 veterans commit suicide every year; and none of our elected officials seem to be appalled by this figure. The war is breaking us financially and morally. Way back when troops were first sent to the middle east we were insured by Washington that this was not going to be another Vietnam they promised us everything accept “The boys will be home for Christmas.” If they had just said that we would have known we were in for a screwin’. But, we were too worried about whose a liberal and whose a conservative to give a damm about the issues of whose going to do the dying in this third world shithole of a country. The common answer is if we pull out now that all of those who have been killed have died for nothing. I love and respect everyone who has gone over there to serve but, truth is truth and my opinion is that they did die for nothing.
The president of Afghanistan who we put in office and have supported is now threatening to join the Taliban if the US doesn’t kiss his butt. Pakistan is complaining about American excursions into their country and nobody knows what the hell is going on in Iraq and Iran is starting to sound like a moderate.
Anyhow that’s the way I see it, I may be wrong but it feels good to get it off my chest. Meanwhile another generation of Americans has their war to fight.
“Say a prayer for the common foot soldier…”
Steve Parsons
Happy Thanksgiving
+++++++++
Some Things Upcoming
It’s that time of the year when we shift in to party mode as we do this let’s not forget our troops, both those in harms way and those preparing to go or those in a support role. Thanksgiving and Christmas away from home when you are young and in the service can as we all know is a lonely experience. There is several adopt a troop sights and sights where you can send a message to someone in the service. It nothing else say a prayer and keep a good thought.
+++++++++++
Social News
The Chapter is decorated and ready for the season. When you stop buy please notice the front window. Barb and Susan have done an outstanding job decorating for the season with a veteran’s perspective.
Once again I remind everybody that every Wednesday is game night at the Chapter featuring poker and pool starts about 6:00PM and goes until it’s over, you decide. Friday night we have our TGIF it starts around 6:00 come on in and meet the membership. Each member is permitted to bring one guest. And as usual the third Saturday of each month is the monthly social. We will have a New Years Eve party, which will be on New Years Eve a usual. Come on down to the Chapter and watch the ball drop and kiss a stranger. Oh yes there is a Chapter Christmas party in there also that will be December 4th at Rocky Gap Don’t forget the Super Bowl more on that later. Last but not least the moment we’ve all been waiting for Prince William and Kate Middleton will be getting married April 29, can’t wait for that.
Color Guard
The color Guard has wrapped up another successful marching season and will just do plantings for the rest of the year. Joe Brennen was recently re-elected for yet another term as Color Guard Commander. As is always the story volunteers are needed. On the subject of volunteers I would like to thank everyone who pitched in this year in one way or the other. I was going to mention a few names but, I know that I would miss half the people who did the “Grunt” work this past year. However I will mention Ken (Mother) Hausman who has been tireless this year with his food coordination and logistics. Helen Forbeck and her crew of elves decorated the Chapter for the Christmas Season and they also deserve a holiday tip of the helmet for such a creative and festive effort, it’s worth coming in to see.
By the time you read this the Chapter Christmas party at Rocky Gap will be history. While it is still fresh in your mind let us know how you liked it, or what you didn’t like about it. But, suggestions for improvement should come with each complaint.
++++++++
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from
President Bob Cook
all of the Officers and Board of Directors of
VVA Chapter 172
Peace
Stuck for some last minute Christmas gifts? Check out the Chapter Store open 9 – 5 Monday thru Friday. Just about everything is on sale and you can help the Chapter also. If you are interested in a Chapter Jacket talk to Barb or Susan about the arrangements and design.
+++++++++++
The following is one mans opinion and is offered without comment
The harassment and discrimination I have encountered by some officers and Board members, over the last few months has to stop here and now.
The fact that information from my DD-214 became the topic of conversation on the smoking deck among non-members is unacceptable. There is no leadership among you who took part in this or ignored it.
Being a decorated combat veteran and career military man has left me feeling like it's the worst accomplishment of my life.
For those of you who have caused me to feel this way (you know who you are)I don't want apologies of friendship from you, I just want to be left alone.
I've done my best to serve the membership of chapter 172, because they're what is most important, and I will continue to do so.
I've never downplayed what other vets have experienced and don't expect that from people who call themselves my friends.
Semper Fi
Chip Sours
The fact that information from my DD-214 became the topic of conversation on the smoking deck among non-members is unacceptable. There is no leadership among you who took part in this or ignored it.
Being a decorated combat veteran and career military man has left me feeling like it's the worst accomplishment of my life.
For those of you who have caused me to feel this way (you know who you are)I don't want apologies of friendship from you, I just want to be left alone.
I've done my best to serve the membership of chapter 172, because they're what is most important, and I will continue to do so.
I've never downplayed what other vets have experienced and don't expect that from people who call themselves my friends.
Semper Fi
Chip Sours
