-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

                  January 2008                                                                                                                 

Let’s get started

The year 2007 has finally slipped away from us and in its place comes 2008. As I have said before 2007 was a very good year for chapter 172, but now we are in the new year and a new beginning of sorts.

In just three short months it will be time for chapter 172, to hold its annual elections of officers.  So consider this your first notice or warning if you will.  At the February meeting, the president will charge the nomination committee to come up with a slate of nominees for all positions.  If you are considering running for office  please notify the chairman of the nominating committee in writing prior to April, to ensure that your name is placed on the ballot.  Although if you do miss this deadline nominations will be accepted from the floor at the election meeting in April. 

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Something I forgot

I wanted to mention this in the December newsletter, but I just forgot to.  At the veteran's day observance at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery I was a very pleased to see the Mayor of Cumberland Lee Fiedler at the observance.  This is the first time in several years that elected official from the city of Cumberland has been there to represent the city and I would like to take this space to say thank you to the Mayor.

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Ideas Wanted

Starting the new year chapter 172 needs to stay at the top of its game.  We would like to see the chapter stay fresh and creative.  So we would like you the membership to come up with some ideas for projects and events for the chapter to do or participate in.

The worst thing that could happen to us is that we get stale and refuse to do anything that is a little bit different or creative.  And that's where you the membership comes in.  I know that many of you have had things that you wanted to see the chapter do and it just hasn't gotten done.  So now is your chance.  It's a new year for you to throw your hat in the ring and share some ideas with us.  Even if it's a stupid idea we would still like to hear it and yes, if it is really a stupid idea.  We will make fun of you, well what the hell.  It will just be in fun.

A Pessimistic Forecast

Editorial Opinion

Recently, there has been much talk about turning the old Memorial Hospital building into a veteran's assistant living facility or some kind of a long-range care facility for veterans.  Personally, I don't see this happening for a few good reasons or depending on your outlook a few bad reasons.

After the new hospital is built or on Willowbrook Road, the Memorial Hospital building will revert back to the city of Cumberland.  The Mayor of Cumberland has made it clear that he would like to see the building put to use in a way that it would generate tax money for the city of Cumberland. I don't blame the Mayor, that is his job to help raise money for the city  but it sure doesn't help us veterans.

We have also been told that state of Maryland would like to take this building over and spend a bunch of money to turn it into a veteran is facility similar to Charlotte Hall in eastern Maryland.

The problem with Charlotte Hall, which is a great facility, most people feel that it is to far away from the center of the veterans population.  It is a long drive from Allegany and Garrett Counties.  Also in the past its occupancy rate has been well below capacity.  I don't see the state of Maryland, with its one and a half billion dollar deficit even being able to find such a project as costly as Memorial Hospital would be.

I think we would also have to look at the location of the Memorial Hospital building itself.  It is in the middle of the city in a residential neighborhood, where even with its parking garages parking is a problem.  Also, there are no grounds when you step outside of the hospital building you are on a city street. You are, one block from Fort Hill and the football stadium.  These two facilities have not been a problem for Memorial Hospital, but when you consider older veterans who may decide to go for a walk in the neighborhood.  I think you can see the problem there.

Several months ago, when I met with Senator

 Mikulski, she said that she would like to see a veteran’s facility as we have described in western Maryland, but that did not necessarily mean Allegany or Garrett County.  I believe that she felt it would be better served in Washington or Frederick County, which would be closer to a larger veterans population and although not right here in our own backyard it would be considerably closer than Charlotte Hall.  The senator, I believe was also talking about new construction, which would be more energy and environmentally sound, compared to trying to rehab in an old building.

So I guess we shall see how much this football gets kicked around in the future, but I am thinking don’t hold your breath.

Steve Parsons.

January 2008

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Valentine's Day

The only person who really knew how to celebrate Valentine's Day was Al Capone.

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Pool Table

I have been asked to point this out a few years ago we bought the pool table some people said it would never be used.  After a few months, the novelty will wear off.  Well.  So far the only thing that is worn off has been the felt.  And we just recently had the table resurfaced.  Isn't that interesting?

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The Pennsylvania Property

Several members have asked about the property in PA. that was given to the chapter and when can they go see it and take a look inside. President Roger Krueger said that when the weather breaks we will have a work party, tour party probably early this spring.