The Official Newsletter of Vietnam Veterans of America

Chapter 172

17 North Liberty Street

Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2316

The First VVA Chapter in the State of Maryland, the Gold Standard

 

Phone 1-301-777-7001                                                                             Fax: 1-301-777-7041

 

Veterans Day

 

This 2006 Veterans Day was observed in fine fashion.  The Chapter was represented at several area schools to present the colors in some schools and speak to the children about veterans and the importance of this day. Once again a Chapter delegation spoke at Braddock Middle School, eight speakers from the Chapter plus a few newer veterans to help bring the day up to present. The school was ours for half the day. This I feel is a much better way for the kids to celebrate the holiday. The Chapter Color Guard was at several locations on both Friday and Saturday and once again kudos to them for their dedication and hard work. I don’t wish to end on a negative note but, I can’t understand why each year that there is nobody the present at any of the observances to represent the City of Cumberland they are conspicuous by their absence.

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The Christmas Party

 

The Rocky Gap resort has 240 rooms and we have booked them all for the party, that’s right we have the whole hotel it looks like quite a bash. I hope when I report next month all after action reports are favorable, we’ll see.

 

Clinic Transportation

 

If you need a ride to the Cumberland VA Clinic you must notify the clinic 48 hours in advance. This is not a taxi service that responds on your call. Please call in advance two days before your appointment. Recently when a Vietnam Veteran was informed of this long standing policy he went to the clinic and raised a stink and made a fool of himself.

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Fund Raising

 

Through the fundraising we do at the Chapter social functions we have been able to donate almost $5000 to our veterans assistance fund. So keep up the good work and we will always help those less fortunate or in time of emergency. This is what we do we take care of our own.

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Marine Corps Museum

 

The new Marine Corps Museum had its grand opening this month in nearby Quantico, Virginia from everything I have read it is a real state of the art operation which actually includes temperature changes to make some exhibits more realistic. This might be worth a bus trip.

Friendly

Editorial Opinion

 

One of the main things that I have enjoyed about Chapter 172 is the friendliness of the membership. Lets face it and some other VSO’s when you walk in you are sometimes made to feel less than welcome. I know that some will argue this point with me and perhaps in your own experience what I have written is not true. But, generally speaking unless you are one of their regulars you can feel like you just walked into the principal’s office.

 

We always try to recognize new members and members who are visiting the Chapter for the first time. The Chapter has been recruiting new members and recently we became the largest Chapter in the VVA. We have done this by making people feel welcome and by making new friends out of people who were strangers.

 

I would like to see it remain this way, I would like to see VVA 172 remain the friendly place that it has become over the years. Lately there have been a few unfriendly words passed which were unnecessary maybe it’s the stress of the upcoming Christmas and holiday season, what with shopping and over eating and family matters and such. But let’s keep it friendly and keep the welcome mat out and the door open to all veterans and their guest, and remember you are responsible for your guest.

 

Keep the welcome light on and if you are inclined to speak harshly to someone tie a knot in your tongue it’s the holiday season.

 

Steve Parsons

December 2006

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Happy New Years

 

Think about New Tears Eve, if you were at the Chapter last year (I wasn’t) it was a great party. Once again there will be a ball drop on the mall along with music. Last year the first time they did this it was a great success so this year will be bigger and better, they’ll be dancing in the street, food and festivities. For  those of you who don’t live close remember the Holliday Inn is just a block away, so make some plans.

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Christmas Lights

The light show at Rocky Gap opened today the first display when you enter is an  American flag and the letters USA all in lights sponsored by VVA 172, you’ll see it when you come to the Christmas party.

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Things We Have

 

Many of you don’t know the Chapter has a digital camera, and a video camera, both are available for loan to Chapter members. We also have two bar-b-que grills available. The Chapter is also available for members to reserve for various functions such as graduations, marriages etc. 

 

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SALE

REFLECTIONS SWEAT SHIRTS

JUST IN TIME FOR THE COLD WEATHER

BLACK SWEAT SHIRTS $15.00

WHITE SWEAT SHIRTS $14.00

SIZES MEDIUM – 3X-LARGE

Plus a selection of stylish new hats for winter in all branches of the services

 

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Christmas Greetings, Seasons Greetings, Happy Hanukkah

 

The holiday time of the year we all seem to wax nostalgic about the good ol’ days and Christmas past. Once again this year we have troops in the field suffering and dying, and they to are longing for the good ‘ol days. Chapter 172 has not forgotten the troops in the field. Along with the various sundry items we have sent them to help make their tours a little easier, we have sent them our prayers. We open each meeting with a silent prayer for our troops in harms way; perhaps that’s the best thing we can send them. We also have not forgotten those who have already returned, they have been made welcome by the Chapter in a way most of us never experienced when we returned. Chapter 172 also supports the PRRP Program at Martinsburg, VAMC ---veterans take care of veterans. “God bless us everyone.”

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Cumberland Celebration

 

New Years Eve in Cumberland promises to be a gala event. There will be a bigger and better ball dropping on the mall. (you know what I mean). The event will be on the corner of Baltimore and Liberty Streets about 100 feet from the Chapter, so we might just as well have a party also. Last year the mall was packed to see this ball dropping event and this year the city fathers have promised to drop a big one, with thousands attending. The event will get under way at the Chapter around 8 or 9 and we’ll probably do some pork after midnight. Hopefully we will have some party poppers to shoot off when the ball hits the bottom.

 

                                                                                 

Cook Gets Presidents Award

 

 

Chapter 172 Second Vice-President was awarded the “Presidents Award” by Chapter President Roger Krueger. He was presented this prestigious award at the Christmas Party December 2, 2006 at Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort. President Krueger stated that he had no difficulty in his selection. “Bobby has worked tirelessly this past year as Chapter Veterans Benefits Chairman. He has traveled at his own expense to talk to veterans and has spent countless hours at the Chapter informing Veterans of their rights and benefits.” Congratulations Bobby Cook!

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CHAPTER 172 OFFICERS AND BOARD FOR

2005-2006

President, Roger Krueger

First Vice-Pres. Steve Parsons

Second Vice-Pres., Bobby Cook

Secretary, Bill Lange

Treasurer Rick Webb

 

Board of Directors

 

Chip Bosley, Dave Shaulis, Bob Peck,

Ken Darnay. Stan Kline  Rusty Dennison

 

State Council Delegates

Roger Krueger, Jim Harris, Harold Stallings

Jim Williams

 

Nominating Committee

Danny Bantz, Lawrence Wilson

 

Committee Chairs

Color Cmdr. Joe Brenen

Comm. Service Chip Bosley

Constitution…Steve Parsons

ETABO…Don Burkett—

Finance…William Lange

Govt. Affairs…William Lange

Membership…Ken Darnay

Minority Affairs Dave Shaulis

Vets Affairs Rusty Dennison

Veterans Benefits Bobby Cook

Women Vets Harlan Smith

Agent Orange…Robert Cook

Scholarship Rusty Dennison

Grunt Shirt…Harry Bosley

Health and Care…Robert Cook

Museum…Jim Feagles

Chap.Photog…Charlie Pennington

Newsletter…Steve Parsons

POW/MIA…Don Burkett

Reflections…Roger Krueger

SPOC… Steve Parsons

Social Comm. …Roger Krueger        

Vets Assistance…William Lange

Web site…Nelson Lindeman            

 Chapter Meetings

Chapter meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 20:00 hours at the Chapter Home 17 North Liberty Street, Cumberland, Maryland. Boards of Directors meetings are the first Thursday beginning at 18:00 hours and the third Wednesday of each month at 18:00 hours. All chapter members are encouraged to attend both the membership and Board of Directors meetings.


email the editor Steve Parsons … s-eparsons@atlanticbb.net


Disclaimer The newsletter “The Point” is a monthly publication of Chapter 172. The viewpoints or opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the writer and are meant only for informational and entertainment purposes. These opinions do not represent the official policy of VVA National or Chapter 172. All unsigned articles are by the editor; all other submissions will have the contributor’s name as a byline.