The Graybeards - Korean War Veterans Association
The Graybeards - Korean War Veterans Association
The Graybeards - Korean War Veterans Association
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Suncoast Chapter #14 of Florida<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are two big things I remember. First was the many<br />
salutes we received from “old timers,” some not able to stand and<br />
many with white hair. I was genuinely touched, knowing that<br />
they were also proud of their devoted service for freedom in<br />
World <strong>War</strong> II. Second, was a Vietnam veteran (so his jacket said)<br />
who arose as our truck approached. He leaned over his two sonsabout<br />
6 and 8 years of age-and said, “Stand up, guys, and salute<br />
some good men.” <strong>The</strong>y did, with class! I’ll never forget those<br />
three standing at attention as we rode by.<br />
(Thank you William Odonnell for photos, program and other documents<br />
about a great new chapter. We hope to see more photos.)<br />
Western Massachusetts, Chapter 2000<br />
Fund Raiser at Tropicana Field in St. Peterburg, FL. Shown operating concession<br />
stand is left to right Doreen Peevers, Jim Peevers, Clarence<br />
Dadswell, Al Ballschmidt, Rita Dadswell, Steve Hoemer, Bob Kunz and Al<br />
De Stefano. (Thank you Clarence for photo and letter. Looks like a fun job<br />
at the ballpark. A super way to raise funds and also tell America.)<br />
Redwood Chapter #176 of California<br />
Pleasant rememberances of a well-planned “Rhody” Parade<br />
<strong>The</strong> Rhododendron Parade on Saturday, May 6 we won the<br />
“Special Award” ribbon. Most of you fellows whom I’ve talked<br />
to were like me-not quite accustomed to being applauded as our<br />
float passed by. And I am also not used to being in an honored<br />
spot as we <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>War</strong> vets were on the float. However, we<br />
adjusted easily, and waved, smiled and talked to the spectators.<br />
Plaque presentation. Shown left to right are Lionel Mettey Commander,<br />
Evan Smith Post 337 Commander and Steven Bournique plaque maker.<br />
Rhody Festival 2000 on April 29. Our chapter entry.<br />
Chapter President<br />
Bill Odonnell rides<br />
in vintage car and<br />
was one of the<br />
Grand Marshals.<br />
A group of chapter members at chapter meeting.<br />
Our <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>War</strong> <strong>Veterans</strong> <strong>Association</strong> of Western<br />
Massachusetts, Chapter 2000 was organized in April, we<br />
received our charter on July 18, 2000. Officers are: Lionel<br />
Mettey - Commander; Kenneth Usher, Sr. Vice Cmdr; George<br />
Fredette -Jr. Vice Cmdr; George Gardner - Records; James<br />
McInerney Finance Officer and Edwin Pajak - Secretary and<br />
Anthony Ravosa - Judge Advocate. We currently have over 45<br />
members. Our local newspapers and television stations cover our<br />
activities.<br />
Edwin M. Pajak, Secretary Western Massachusetts, Chapter,<br />
18 Circle Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020-2705<br />
(Thank you Edwin for photos and letter. I will do the other photos<br />
in the Memorial Section in the next issue. You are off to a<br />
great beginning, we wish your officers and members nothing but<br />
the best. Wish we could print more of what was sent)<br />
KWVA Members and Friends<br />
Visit the KWVA web site at: HTTP://www.kwva.org<br />
September/October, 2000 Page 47
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