Vietnam Reflections
Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 172

The Point October 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
 
 
 
 
October 2009                                                                                                                 
 
25 Years of Quality
Saturday October 3, 2009 Chapter 172 celebrated its 25 Anniversary at Windsor Hall in downtown Cumberland. It was nice to see so many of the old faces and hear a bunch of the old stories. I would like to give a tip of the hat to our staff Barb and Susan for their work to make this event special for all of us.
We had a good time we talked about the early fund raising days when we sold chicken, sausage and chili on the mall. We once had a table set up in the old Sears store to pass out information. We had our first Christmas party downstairs at Geatz’s Restaurant. We had a cash bar and charged $5 admission. When we collected enough money we run upstairs and order some food, it worked out well. Jim Williams joined as our first life member that night.
I remember it was raining that night and someone had brought some pop up flares to the party. No names mentioned but there was that haunting flickering glow of flare light drifting over I-68 that night---so I am told.
Aside from the fun stuff we did real work to help veterans. We provided transportation to medical appointments, encouraged vets to get counseling and more often than not just gave an encouraging word. Chapter 172 showed Vietnam Vets that they were not alone.
 
 
One of the things that sticks out in my mind was that after we got the Chapter up and flying how many guys joined that I had known for a long time and in some cases all of my life that I did not know that they had been in Vietnam. As far as I am concerned we just didn’t talk about it before the Chapter gave us a venue to talk and get together.  
So 25 years have come and gone this last man standing organization is still standing and still doing its job and still serving veterans.
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What Else Can Be Said?
Recently a testimonial luncheon was given in honor of Peggy Melotti and her more than a quarter of a century of working with and for veterans. There is not much else that I could add to the accolades that have been given this great lady who without a doubt has earned her place in heaven and in the hearts of every veteran that knows her. There is nothing more to say than “thank you” and we love you.
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CAT-5 Reunion
On October 17 2009 the VA in Martinsburg WV, will be having a CAT-5 alumni picnic at the hospital. It runs from 11:00 till 2:00 and all alumni are welcome. It is also a retirement celebration for Ms. Charlotte Mosby she has 38 years of service to veterans. This would be a good chance to say thanks or see some old friends. See you there, Chip.
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 This one is new to me!  Very funny, but probably true. These are almost as good as fighting dogs and shooting yourself in the leg,,,,Later Bill
 
 1. Chicago Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson on being a role model: "I wan' all dem kids to do what I do, to look up to me. I wan' all the kids to
copulate me."
 2. New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes
first."
3. And, upon hearing Joe Jacobi of the 'Skin's say: "I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl," Matt Millen of the Raiders said: "To win, I'd run over Joe's Mom, too."
4. Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings.."
 5. Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann: "Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norma Einstein."
 6. Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh : "I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes." (Now that is beautiful)
 7. Bill Peterson, a Florida State football coach: "You guys line up alphabetically by height.." And, "You guys pair up in groups of three, and then line up in a circle."
 8. Boxing promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson going to prison: "Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton."                                            9. Stu Grimson, Chicago Blackhawks left wing, explaining why he keeps a color photo of himself above his locker: "That's so when I forget how to
spell my name, I can still find my clothes."
 10. Lou Duva, veteran boxing trainer, on the Spartan training regime of
 heavyweight Andrew Golota: "He's a guy who gets up at six o'clock in the
 morning, regardless of what time it is."            11. Chuck Nevitt, North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to Coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice: "My sister's expecting a baby, and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt." (Makes you wonder if his IQ ever hit room temperature in January)
 12. Frank Layden, Utah Jazz president, on a former player: "I told him, 'Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?' He said, 'Coach,
 I don't know and I don't care.'"
 13. Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F's and one D: "Son, looks to me like you're spending too much time on one subject."
 14. In the words of NC State great Charles Shackelford I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious.
 15. Amarillo High School and Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded:
"Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye."
Thanks Bill I thunk we all lern’t something.
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Christmas Party 2009
December 5, 2009 the annual chapter Christmas Gala will convene starting at 1800 hours with an hour or mirth. Admission is $20 per person one member and one guest. The ransom must be paid at the Chapter no later than Monday November 30, at 1700.  If you would like to spend the night rooms are $99.00 call Rocky Gap Lodge at 301-784-8400, be sure to tell them your are with the VVA and don’t wait until the last minute.
The annual bell ringing for the Salvation is also looming on the horizon.
The Super Bowl and wild game feed is in February so get out there in the field and kill  a bunch of God’s creatures so we can eat them at half time.
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Hanoi Hilton Brick
Several years ago the Chapter was given a brick from the Hanoi Hilton. The museum curator has had the brick authenticated and it is real. What we would like to know it who gave it to us. Somewhere along the line the receipt was lost, so if you can be of help please call the Chapter.