www.QCVVA299.org
The Chapter varsity jackets are still available toin all sizes at a reasonablecost. AVVA members arewelcome to purchase a jacket.Bill Albracht needs 6 additionalorders for Chapter jackets toround out the minimum orderof 10. Call him if you want one.Art Heyderman of Chapter776, spoke briefly on the
Army Family Plan
. Thisplan assists families of deployedmilitary personnel. For furtherinformation on this project,call him at 563.505.4322.Mike Keil addressed theChapter about a programcalled
Adopt a Platoon
(
www.adoptaplatoon.org
).This initiative is a way toprovide direct support forour men & women overseas.Once enrolled in the program,a platoon that is overseas isassigned to an individual(s) orgroup and support in the formof letters, comfort food &snacks, hard to get items, andanything else that the troops of that platoon needs, is collectedand sent. A very worthwhileproject that our Chapter is nowlooking into being a part of.Chapter member Joe Hajny,aka:
The Nam Poet
, recited hisoriginal work,
WELCOMEHOME
. This poem putsinto words what so manyof us felt in our return tocivilian life. For those thatwere not in attendance, Joe’s poem can be readelsewhere in the Newsletter.Ray Hamilton, CommitteeChair of the Baker BridgeInitiative, stated that theallegations against Mr. Baker’scharacter have been thoroughlyinvestigated. The extensiveinvestigation revealed that therewas absolutely no evidencethat any of Baker’s ex-wife’sfamily’s allegations had anyfact or truth. State Rep. PatVershoore is now in the processof presenting a resolution to theIllinois legislature naming theI-280 Bridge after John Baker.Ray Hamilton also spoke ona possible new project for ourChapter. This newest venturehas to do with all veteransthat have served in an overseascombat theater receiving amodest burial funded by theVA or the vet’s home state.As stated, this idea is in theearly stages. At this pointRay is attempting to see if theinterest is there to proceed.There was a short discussionregarding the soon to beabandoned Oak Glen Home inCoal Valley, IL. A petition forsignatures was sent around thefloor regarding the remodelingof the facility to house Veterans.The president brought up aproject that has been in theworks for over a year and thatis the Chapter Challenge Coin.A former VN Vet and ChallengeCoin manufacturer has been incontact with our Chapter andhas volunteered to make theChapter Challenge Coins at adiscounted rate. The cost will be less then $3.50 per coin.The multi colored coin can beseen in this issue of the ChapterNewsletter. All current and newregular Chapter members willreceive one coin free of charge.No. 1. A motion was madeand passed to spend no morethen $1,900.00 to purchase500each Chapter 299 custommade Challenge Coins.
Wayne Thompson won the$25.00 monthly“Pot-o-Gold” drawing. Mel Poston won the50/50 life membership. The Chapter businesshaving been finished, themeeting was adjourned.Respectfully submitted,Robert Albracht, Secretary.
Volume 22 Issue 2
Shoulder to Shoulder
Page 5
Volume 22 Issue 2
Shoulder to Shoulder
“MINUTES”
(CONTINUED)
At the January meeting,Life Member Joe Hajny,as seen in the photo,came at the request of the Chapter presidentto read his moving andreflective poem
WelcomeHome.
Simple and direct.The words rolled off hislips and into our souls.Fogy memories beganto clear. Some good,some better off in the fog.With permission from Joe,it is being reprinted forthose not in attendance.Enjoy the words of Joe Hajny –
Nam Poet
WELCOME HOME!“WELCOME HOME!”
Two simple words
First uttered by VietnamveteransTo greet one anotherAfter our less-than-wonderful homecomingWhich was led by ourmortal enemies, theMedia,In describing how welost the Vietnam WarIn spite of never havinglost a major battle.
“WELCOME HOME!”
Two simple words – Powerful in depth andemotion.Words which providecomfort and acceptanceFor a job well doneDuring a tumultuoustimeIn our nation’s history.A time during whichprotestersMocked usAnd spat upon usAnd called us vile names.We served our country!Protesters did not!Who were morally right,my brothers and sisters?
“WELCOME HOME!”
Two simple words – Words now spoken byVietnam veteransTo Korean War veterans;To Desert Stormveterans;And to Iraqi Freedomveterans.For we remember all toowellThe words of manyunenlightened VFWmembers:“Your war was not areal war!”Well – when soldiersare targets for theenemy – Be it by artillery,bullets or hand-to-hand combat –
THAT IS WAR!“WELCOME HOME!”
Two simple words – Words of defianceTo challenge ignorantcitizensWho were unwilling toseparateThe war from thewarrior.“WELCOME HOME!”Two simple words – Words of prideTo recognize the serviceof Fellow Vietnam veterans.For we didWhat others chose not todo!And we wentWhere others chose notto go!“WELCOME HOME!”To all our brothers andsistersWhether of war time orof peace time.“WELCOME HOME…!” Joseph HajnyNAM POETNovember 30, 2007
Joe also has published acollection of poems abouthis observations during andafter his tour. He can becontacted at the following:
wordman4657@yahoo.com
WELCOME HOME - A CATHARSIS IN POETRY
BUSH SIGNS VETS’ MENTAL HEALTH BILL
President Bush has signed the Joshua Omvig suicide prevention bill. It provides improved screening and treatment for at-riskveterans. The law is named after a 22-year-old soldier from GrundyCenter, Iowa, who committed suicide in December 2005 afterhe returned from Iraq. The law requires mental health trainingfor Veterans Affairs staff; a suicide prevention counselor at eachVA medical facility; and mental-health screening and treatmentfor veterans who receive VA care. It also supports outreach andeducation for veterans and their families, peer support counselingand research into suicide prevention.
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