Wednesday, December 17, 2014

One funny video and one insirational!

From:Robert & Freda Cerney, “The Happy Wanderers"

U.S. Navy Band……..Twelve Days of Christmas…………………………..hilarious!

 
 
Even if you’ve seen the short You Tube Video on the little boy who found a $20.00 bill and gave it to a soldier you’ll want to see this, as it is an update on what has happened since his gift to a soldier.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Sent to me by John Ferrari

My Heart on the Line
By Frank Schaeffer
The Washington Post
Before my son became a Marine, I never thought much about who was defending me. Now when I read of the war on terrorism or the coming conflict in Iraq, it cuts to my heart. When I see a picture of a member of our military who has been killed, I read his or her name very carefully. Sometimes I cry.
In 1999, when the barrel-chested Marine recruiter showed up in dress blues and bedazzled my son John, I did not stand in the way. John was headstrong, and he seemed to understand these stern, clean men with straight backs and flawless uniforms. I did not. I live in the Volvo-driving, higher education-worshiping North Shore of Boston. I write novels for a living. I have never served in the military.
It had been hard enough sending my two older children off to Georgetown and New York University. John's enlisting was unexpected, so deeply unsettling. I did not relish the prospect of answering the question, "So where is John going to college?" from the parents who were itching to tell me all about how their son or daughter was going to Harvard. At the private high school John attended, no other students were going into the military.
"But aren't the Marines terribly Southern?" asked one perplexed mother while standing next to me at the brunch following graduation. "What a waste, he was such a good student," said another parent. One parent (a professor at a nearby and rather famous university) spoke up at a school meeting and suggested that the school should "carefully evaluate what went wrong."
When John graduated from three months of boot camp on Parris Island, 3,000 parents and friends were on the parade deck stands. We parents and our Marines not only were of many races but also were representative of many economic classes. Many were poor. Some arrived crammed in the backs of pickups, others by bus. John told me that a lot of parents could not afford the trip.
We in the audience were white and Native American. We were Hispanic, Arab, and African American, and Asian. We were former Marines wearing the scars of battle, or at least baseball caps emblazoned with battles' names. We were Southern whites from Nashville and skinheads from New Jersey, black kids from Cleveland wearing ghetto rags and white ex-cons with ham-hock forearms defaced by jailhouse tattoos. We would not have been mistaken for the educated and well-heeled parents gathered on the lawns of John's private school a half-year before.
After graduation one new Marine told John, "Before I was a Marine, if I had ever seen you on my block I would've probably killed you just because you were standing there." This was a serious statement from one of John's good friends, a black ex-gang member from Detroit who, as John said, "would die for me now, just like I'd die for him."
My son has connected me to my country in a way that I was too selfish and insular to experience before. I feel closer to the waitress at our local diner than to some of my oldest friends. She has two sons in the Corps. They are facing the same dangers as my boy. When the guy who fixes my car asks me how John is doing, I know he means it. His younger brother is in the Navy.
Why were I and the other parents at my son's private school so surprised by his choice? During World War II, the sons and daughters of the most powerful and educated families did their bit. If the idea of the immorality of the Vietnam War was the only reason those lucky enough to go to college dodged the draft, why did we not encourage our children to volunteer for military
service once that war was done?
Have we wealthy and educated Americans all become pacifists? Is the world a safe place? Or have we just gotten used to having somebody else defend us? What is the future of our democracy when the sons and daughters of the janitors at our elite universities are far more likely to be put in harm's way than are any of the students whose dorms their parents clean?
I feel shame because it took my son's joining the Marine Corps to make me take notice of who is defending me. I feel hope because perhaps my son is part of a future "greatest generation." As the storm clouds of war gather, at least I know that I can look the men and women in uniform in the eye. My son is one of them. He is the best I have to offer. He is my heart.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

A Terriffic Drummer


WHAT A COOL VIDEO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ljLi_hBLy3A
Do you remember the Ventures and Babbitt the drummer who played "Walk Don't Run"?Do any of you remember the USAF Four Star General George Babbitt from Tacoma, WA? Anyone who thought the military is all spit and polish and discipline?Pretty interesting. General Babbitt was a drummer at one time for the Ventures.This is cool. Watch it. You will love it if you like rock n' roll.Some of you probably don't remember the Ventures. Those that do, enjoy the clip. It should bring a smile to your face.


 






 
 



Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Story of Our National Anthem

For those who would rather sing "Gumb bah Ya," and other songs without the reason "why?", please consider the reasons to sing the national anthem, "the Star Spangled Banner." Watch this video and defend the national anthem!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/YaxGNQE5ZLA
God Bless the USA and those who have defended and will defend her! 
 
 
Usually beer commercials are full of goofy characters and funny gags, but this one carries an important message. Guinness "Empty Chair" salutes the character of a community as they honor one of their own who is out of sight, but not out of mind. They remind us that a true test of character is what you do when no one's looking.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Vietnam Wall

The Vietnam Wall-- The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war with the names, bio's and other information of our lost heroes.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Places to visit!

From members: Judy and Steve Czarsty: Here's an article the troops might like to read


Check out this article from USA TODAY: 10 Best: Military museums, http://usat.ly/1qtmUee

Monday, November 3, 2014

OPERATION HOOAH!

Soldiers fishing
Jaime Barahona returned empty-handed after a Sunday of fishing at Wilson Lake.That didn’t bother him one bit.
“I didn’t catch anything today, but just being out there is nice,” Barahona said. “You don’t worry about anything else. It’s therapy out there.”

Barahona was among 10 wounded soldiers from the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, who spent the weekend fishing in the Shoals in the third annual Operation HOOAH.

Hooah is a popular yell for soldiers, so organizers of the event used it as the program’s title, but with an additional meaning: as an acronym for “Healing Outside Of an Army Hospital.”

Ronnie McDonald helped create the organization in hopes of helping in the mental healing aspect of the soldiers’ recovery.

McDonald said area fishermen volunteered to take the soldiers out on Pickwick and Wilson lakes this weekend.

“These guys have a lot of fun, and they love taking these soldiers out,” he said.

McDonald said local businesses also helped in a variety of ways, ranging from providing free hotel rooms to donating fishing equipment. Barahona said it means a lot to him to know Americans care enough to do this.

“It’s outstanding, them volunteering to take us out,” he said.

Col. Greg Estes was among those enjoying the weekend. Estes said he believes it helps the soldiers to see a high-ranking officer also struggle with the emotions connected with combat experience.

“They’re saving marriages and preventing suicides,” Estes said. “They help us, and take the pressure off us.”

“Last year, 22 soldiers came up to us and told us if it hadn’t been for whatever trip they had been on, they wouldn’t be here,” Carter said.

“This is definitely the most rewarding job I’ve had in my military career.”

He said the anglers and other volunteers with the program leave an impression on the soldiers. “It shows there’s a lot of people out here who believe in what the military does.”

Danyel Braxton said he was amazed by the hospitality he experienced throughout the weekend.

“It was awesome,” Braxton said. “Hats off to these guys who let us do this. Fishing is relaxing. It’s good for the soul. You’re just out there with Mother Nature and relaxed.”

One volunteer angler, Dona Gowen, is a Korean War veteran, so he can relate to what the soldiers are going through.

“I was at Fort Campbell before these guys were even born,” Gowen said. “Fort Campbell is close to my heart. It’s good to get to rub shoulders with soldiers again. Ronnie and his wife, Martha, have done a tremendous job. This is a good way for the community to give back, and it’s a privilege to be here.”

Operation HOOAH (Healing Outside Of an Army Hospital) allows soldiers an opportunity to re-integrate with civilian society in a relaxing, outdoor setting. This event is held annually in North Alabama.
Related article: Operation HOOAH: Program is therapy for wounded soldiers

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Items of Interest!

The 3rd graders of Tussing Elementary share their new song to current military and veterans for Veterans Day 2014!
I Still Believe


If you're an aircraft aficionado you'll love this Edwards Air Force Base open house!

Monday, October 27, 2014

A new version of the Star Spangled Banner

Please play this, let me know what you think..



Modern version of the USA National Anthem - I am not sure this would be my favorite version, but if this gets America's youth into patriotism, I am for it! John Lee, President MVC FMCA


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

MINUTES of MVC Meeting Aug.13,2014 in Redmond, OR


                MINUTES of MVC Meeting Aug.13, 2014 in Redmond, OR

At the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center, in Seminar 1, Little Sisters Bldg.

Meeting was called to order at 1730 hours (5:30 PM PDT) by Chapter President John Lee

Invocation prayer was by Jon Walker, National Senior VP

National Anthem was sung by LaVern Underhill, a member of the Frustrated Maestros

National Officers, Area VPs, veterans of WW II, Korean, Viet Nam were recognized.

National FMCA President, Charles Adcock, a charter member of the MVC gave out Viet Nam Campaign ribbons to veterans from the Viet Nam era.

Prayers were requested for members who were unable to attend, especially VP Carmine Liscio who hopes to be traveling again soon.

Minutes of the previous meeting held in Perry, GA Tuesday, March 18 had been published on the MVC Blog. A motion was heard, seconded and reading of the minutes were not read at this time.

Treasurer’s Report: Sandy Sweeney reported as of this date, the MVC has $2506.40 in checking, $5025.01 in Savings, for a total of $7531.41. Earlier on this date, an annual audit was conducted by Thomas Tanasse, Joyce Ownby and Randall Ward verifying all amounts, income and expenditures were correct and valid.

National Director, Jerry Sweeney gave a report of the Governing Board Meeting held earlier in the day. The highlight was the adoption of the Emergency Evacuation Service at no cost for one year to members. The ND reported on the election of INTO Area officers which MVC is a Chapter: AVP: David Kessler, Treasurer: Jerry Sweeney*, Secretary: Richard Lowman, Sr. VP: George Schremp*, VP’s: John Lee*, Paul Mitchell*, Phyllis Johnson and David Piper. (* designates MVC members).

The Fulltimer, Elk’s and NW Maestros Chapters were thanked for extending hospitality at their Pre-rallies to the MVC. The MVC is scheduling a Pre-rally July 18-21, 2015 at Lake Delton RV Park, the Dells, Wisconsin. An assistant wagonmaster is requested.

Nominating Committee was elected. Members John Ferrari, Carmine Liscio and Larry Boswell volunteered to serve. Their contact info will be published. Prospective candidates for MVC office should contact any of these members ASAP.

A drawing was held for two free weeks at Thousand Trails and Encore Parks courtesy of Lazy Days of Arizona, General Manager, Chris Trapeni. Please consider Lazy Days as they support the MVC.
 
The meeting was adjourned, followed by the Elk’s Chapter Meeting then a combined ‘Social’ with plenty of good food and beverages for members of both the Elk’s and MVC Chapters.  

Saturday, June 21, 2014

A message from your president and request for volunteers at the up coming meeting in Redmond.

 
 
 
 
 
 
MVC Members,
We look forward to seeing those of you are able to attend the 90th FMCA Reunion at Redmond, OR in August 2014. Our MVC Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 at 4:30-5:30pm, Seminar 1, Little Sisters Bldg. For those of you who are also members of the Elk's Int'l Chapter, their meeting immediately follows, same location. Members of both Chapters, then will 'all' gather for a 'social' afterwards. We will need a few volunteers to register members before the meetings. Let me know if you are going to attend and be available to help with registration, food service, etc... Both Chapters plan to keep our meetings "short & sweet," with just a couple of items of interest. For our MVC:
Minutes of MVC Meeting held in PERRY, GA in April are attached and are posted on www.mvcfmca.blogspot.com for your review.
MVC Audit Committee Needed! Three volunteers are requested to audit the MVC Treasurer's Books preferably prior to the Meeting at Redmond. Possibly be done on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Please let me know if you can help out with the Audit. You should contact Sandy Sweeney, the MVC Treasurer at (830.480.8070. Note this CORRECTED Phone number!) to coordinate with her schedule and 'get-r-done.'
MVC Nominating Committee: John Ferrari, Carmine Liscio and Larry Boswell have volunteered to serve as the NC. Please be ready to affirm them. Prospective candidates for MVC office to be elected at the meeting in Madison, WI, should consider approaching them. Their contact info will be posted on the blog and by e-mail.
Pre-rallies reminders: MVC members had been invited to three different Pre-rallies. You will note all of these rally wagonmasters are MVC members. Hope you have made plans to attend one or more of these Pre-rallies. I have.
The Fulltimers Chapter FMCA Pre-rally is July 27-30, 2014 at Seven Feathers RV Resort & Casino, in Canyonville, OR is hosted by MVC Chapter members Roy & Jackie Holt. Many activities, plus the Casino and full hookups are available.
The Elk's Int'l Chapter FMCA Pre-rally is July 30-Aug.3, 2014 at the Madras Gun Club, in Madras, OR is hosted by MVC Chapter members Bob & Cheryl Preul. They will have "trap & skeet" and a visit to the Madras Elk Lodge. Limited hookups/facilities available.
Are you musically inclined? Sing or play an instrument? The Northwest Musical Misfits, a Frustrated Maestros FMCA Chapter, has their Pre-rally Aug.7.8 & 9th at the Crook County RV Park in Prineville, OR hosted by MVC member Hal Shorr. You are invited to join the "choir!"
Safe travels,
John Lee, F202724
President MVC FMCA
Phone: 256-366-5974

Friday, June 20, 2014

Minutes from the Perry GA Reunion


Minutes of MVC FMCA Meeting held at Perry, GA Reunion on March 18, 2014, 4:30pm EDT, in Seminar 3.

A semi-annual meeting of the Military Veterans Chapter of the FMCA was held Tuesday March 18, 2014 at 4:30pm in Seminar 3 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia. There were approximately 74 members in attendance which included 15 new members and 14 renewals

The meeting was called to order at 4:38pm by MVC President John Lee. The only officers present were the President and Secretary, Carol Lee. Other officers were excused due to medical, personal or work obligations.

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Wilma Jean Alexander gave the invocation. National officers, included MVC member/FMCA president Charlie Adcock were introduced. Other officers including MVC member/INTO president Al Vormittag were recognized.

Minutes of the 2013 Annual Meeting at Gillette, Wyoming were requested by motion not to be read, motion seconded and passed.

Treasurer’s report was also requested by motion to not be read, motion seconded and passed.

National Director’s report was not available, as neither the National Director or Alternate National Director were present. No report was submitted.

Report of the combined Elk/MVC Pre-rally held in Columbus, GA on March 6-10, 2014 was given by wagonmaster, John Lee. Friday, March 7th was a tour of Ft. Benning with a Ranger Demo, lunch at the commissary, shotgun demo by Olympic medalists, etc.; Saturday the day was spent at the Infantry Museum with breakfast and dinner at VFW Post 665; Sunday most went to Andersonville the site of a Confederate Civil War Prison Camp, Monday was on their own with many sites and things to do in Columbus with a wrap dinner at Ezell’s Catfish Restaurant where everyone had plenty to eat. Bob Cerney had a few donated gifts distributed by random drawing.

Under New Business:

A Pre-rally is proposed at the Madras Gun Club in Oregon with MVC member Bob Pruel as wagonmaster. Dates and other details will be forth coming.

 Volunteers for a MVC Nominating Committee were requested. Three members are needed and will have to be selected (and required by Chapter By-laws to be voted upon) by the annual meeting in Redmond.  Their duties can, but does not exclude selecting themselves as candidates for office. The Chapter President will be soliciting members for these positions (and officer candidates) between now and the annual meeting in Redmond.

There was a request for three members who are going to Redmond to audit the MVC Treasurer.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned for a “pizza party” sponsored by Lazy Day’s RV Sales.

Submitted: Carol Lee, Secretary MVC FMCA  

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Invitation to join the Elks or Full Timers at their pre-rally.

The Fulltimers Chapter FMCA Pre-rally is July 27-30, 2014 at Seven Feathers RV Resort & Casino, in Canyonville, OR is hosted by MVC Chapter members Roy & Jackie Holt. Many activities, plus the Casino and full hookups are available.
The Elk's Int'l Chapter FMCA Pre-rally is July 30-Aug.3, 2014 at the Madras Gun Club, in Madras, OR is hosted by MVC Chapter members Bob & Cheryl Preul. They will have "trap & skeet" and a visit to the Madras Elk Lodge. Limited hookups/facilities available.

Are you musically inclined? Sing or play an instrument? The Northwest Musical Misfits (a Frustrated Maestros FMCA Chapter) has their Pre-rally Aug.7.8 & 9th at the Crook County RV Park in Prineville, OR hosted by MVC member Hal Shorr. You are invited to join the "choir!"

Thanks to these various Chapters and their members for hosting and inviting Military Veterans Chapter members to either of these Pre-rallies. Please contact either of these wagonmasters (see attached rally forms) for additional information.


John Lee, F202724

President MVC FMCA


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Remembering June 6th, 1944...

From: Judy and Steve Czarsty. D-day landings scenes in 1944 and now – interactive

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2014/jun/01/d-day-landings-scenes-in-1944-and-now-interactive
Another from Jerry Ayres, INTO Sr. VP. Before and after on D-Day. Click your mouse on each photo. Amazing effect!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Seal-Commencement-Address

 
MVC Members:
I consider the video below (the commencement address) to be a "training video" for the "future" of America. I was not a Seal, not sure I could have been, but we (all of us) never "rang the bell" when it comes to our belief in freedom! Also the "Warrior Path" is a great tribute video I wanted to share.
We are in our travel "planning stages" for the FMCA Reunion at Redmond. I would like to know how many of you plan to attend? I know of some who told me they plan to be there, but I really would like a 'head count.' Then I would like to know if you are or would like to "volunteer" for anything there? While on the subject of "volunteering," our Chapter Nominating Committee will begin to prospect for candidates for MVC officers for the election to be held at Madison with the new term of Chapter office starting then.
There are three potential Pre-rallies to which our MVC members have been invited. See previous e-mails, the blog or contact me for more info.
For the Redmond,FMCA Reunion, the scheduling of meetings is somewhat chaotic and we are still seeing what best 'slot' is available for our gathering. There will be no Chapter Fair scheduled at Redmond which was a good time to meet all members, new and prospective as we did in Perry.
John Lee, F202724
President MVC FMCA
Phone: 256-366-5974
One hell of a Commencement Message!!! It minces NO words. A Navy Seal--A 4 Star Admiral. Former Commander of all Navy Seals. A Brave Man. A Real Man. A Real Leader.
His message pertains to all of us, Please do yourself a favor and listen till it is over.

http://biggeekdad.com/2014/05/seal-commencement-address/
The Warrior Path is an awesome tribute. I just had to share with you all..
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, May 31, 2014

"The Silence."



     In the Netherlands, lie buried 8,301 American soldiers who died in Operation Market Garden" in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall and winter of 1944-5. Every one of the men buried in the cemetery, as well as those in the Canadian and British military cemeteries has been adopted by a Dutch family who mind the grave, decorate, and keep alive the memory of the soldier they have adopted. It is even the custom to keep a portrait of "their" American soldier in a place of honor in their home. Annually on "Liberation Day," Memorial Services are held for "the men who died to liberate Holland." The day concludes with a concert. The final piece is always "IL Silenzio", a memorial piece commissioned by the Dutch, composed by Italian composer Nino Rossi and first played in 1965 on the 20th anniversary of Holland's liberation. It has been the concluding piece of the memorial concert ever since. This year the soloist was a 13 year old Dutch girl, Melissa Venema, backed by André Rieu, the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands. Watch at this site and go full screen.

http://www.flixxy.com/trumpet-solo-melissa-venema.htm

Wednesday, May 21, 2014



-

Military Veterans Chapter table at INTO Area Rally chapter fair
in Lebanon, TN May 4th, 2014.


 
One of our 26 vendors giving a cooking demonstration.



Sarah Getto entertained us one evening. WOW!! What a talented young women.
The Wilson County High School Choral group entertained us on Monday afternoon, May 5th, after the ice cream social. They were an instant hit. They received 2 standing ovations. They sang a variety of songs from the Beetles to Broadway.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The International Area's April 2014 newsletter (which the MVC is a part) is available.

International Area April 2014 Newsletter (PDF)


(This file requires Adobe Acrobat.)

Saturday, April 19, 2014

NORTH PLATTE CANTEEN , NORTH PLATTE , NEBRASKA ....1941-1945

 
 
I was 3-1/2 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked. We lived in St Louis and I can remember soldiers coming into St. Louis by bus and train. One of these was my mothers cousin. I thought he was so tall. As a 4 year old he looked tall to me but I found out later he was really not very tall.
I remember mom telling us that Julius, her cousin, had left his wallet on top of the pay phone at the train station after making a call to our house. My dad took them back down to the train station and the wallet was still there. Bet that wouldn't happen today.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Membership applicatioon for the Military Veterans Chapter.

To print this form right click on the form with your mouse and select print. Then you can print, fill out the application and mail it to me, Carol Lee, secretary. My address is on the form. You must have served in some branch of the service to be a member of the MVC.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Some of Our Heros

 
 
As you watch this video, perhaps the answer to the question, "What difference does it make?" will become clear!
Then, take time to watch the video of MSGT Roy Benvenidez, as he explains how he didn't leave "anyone" behind.

Brothers, who believed in "Duty, Honor, and Country!"

Anyone who served in Vietnam will appreciate these suggested videos.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/QvRcP4go-eg?feature=player_embedded

Remember, afterwards to watch the video of MSGT Roy Benveidez!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Tribute to Our Military

Mansions (Veterans Memorial)
This is a very beautiful and moving tribute to our military men and women.

Note: After you click on Mansions, It will start playing by itself; do not click on anything else...




Another Great tribute worth watching and to consider....

Monday, February 3, 2014

Announcements of 2/04/14,


MVC/Elk Pre-rally at Columbus, GA, March 6-10th. As of this date, time to register for this event has just about run out! We are in the final itinerary planning. For your consideration, if you require more information, check previous "blogs" or e-mail me, your Chapter wagon master, John Lee at skp45322@hotmail.com; or phone 256-366-5974.


FMCA at Perry, GA: I would like a response as how many of you plan to attend? A MVC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18th at 4pm. A short business meeting with the Nominating Committee for Chapter Officer election in 2015 to be selected. A "social" is planned afterwards, thus an approximate number of attendees will be helpful. Also, need volunteers for Meeting registration and the social.


Chapter Dues: Many of you have paid multiple years. If you are not sure as to your status, just e-mail the MVC Secretary Carol Lee at 1938.carol.lee@gmail.com; or phone 256-366-5974 for clarification.


FYI, If and when in the Phoenix, AZ area, see the Memorial. We are sorry we missed the actual operation depicted on this video!

Guns from the Battleships ARIZONA and MISSOURI