“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready...

QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299 WWW.QCVVA299.ORG

CHAPTER 299

OCTOBER 2015

VETS IN CRISIS HOTLINE 1.800.273.8255

President - BILL ALBRACHT 1-309-797-2660

[email protected] Vice President-RAY HAMILTON

1-563-650-7486 [email protected]

Secretary-John Schneck 309-798-1255

[email protected] Treasurer-Mike Haney

309-755-7935 – [email protected]

Membership - JOHN SCHNECK 1-309-798-1255

[email protected]

Veteran Service Officers (VSO)Al “Butch” Huber-VSO

309.721.1453Steve Lowther-VSO

309.737.2954VVA National Offices

800.882.1316VA Outpatient Clinic Bettendorf

563.332.8528VA Med Cent IA City

319.338.0581 & 800.346.1843IL Dept of Veterans Affairs

VSO Dan Bebber 309.793.1460

RI Cty Vet Ast & VSO Todd Harlow

309.558.3546 VET CENTER (Counseling)

309-762-6955 IA Vet Affairs & VSO

David Woods563.326.8723

Honor Guard Co-CaptainsDennis Laird - Funerals

309.721.7468Andy Andersen - Parades

C: 563.940.5980 IA Workforce Vet Reps

Craig Norris - 563.445.3219 Jennifer Toenjes –

1-563-445-3200 EXT. [email protected]

BROTHERS –AS WE WERE TOGETHER THEN-WE ARE TOGETHER NOW

The title is not a “punch line” for 299 Members Paul and Jerry Lingard and Jeff Perez. When Paul and Jerry Lingard were looking for a new home for fitness equipment, Jeff Perez was not only the recipient of the gift but a giver of the gift.

Members should know that for nearly 20 years Jeff Perez has been the Founder and Coach of Alley Cat Boxing. Jeff’s commitment has been followed by Chapter 299 and our communities as he Volunteered his time, expertise and home to implement one of the best programs for Amateur Boxing.

Paul and Jerry Lingard donated to “Alley Cats” a wide array of free weights with Olympic bars, Selectorized Leg Machines, Nordic Track Ski Machine for aerobic / cardio fitness, another a 2nd “Glide” cardio machine, Flat / Adjustable Benches for Bench and Seated Shoulder Presses, and a “Smith” Machine used for

Squats, Flat & Inclined Bench Presses, Shoulder Shrugs and etc. that do not require a “Spotter”. In fact Jeff received so much equipment he was able to donate the overflow to 4 other local Boxing Clubs: Peña’s in Davenport, the Rock Island Boxing Club, Davenport Boxing Club and Muscatine County Boxing Club.

Jeff notes that “it was really cool that Paul and Jerry would do that” – donate so much equipment. Of note too is that Dutch Way Cleaners on 23 Ave. Moline has NEVER raised the prices on Jeff to clean his fighters’ boxing trunks and apparel charging him the same $2.50 per article that they charged nearly 20 Years ago. “It’s funny how things turn around after so many years of struggles. It’s the only Volunteer work where one has to pay to volunteer” says Jeff. State of Illinois charges Jeff $75.00 per year for his “License” but Jeff is not complaining; he is counting his blessings.

“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell

THERE IS NO MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN DECEMBER – IF YOU SHOW UP TUESDAY – DEC. 15TH AT THE RI ARSENAL CAFETERIA THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF PARKING SINCE NO

OTHER OFFICERS OR MEMBERS WILL BE THERE

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 10 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER2

Amazing Story When baseball greats Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig went on tour in baseball-crazy Japan in 1934, some fans wondered why a third-string catcher named Moe Berg was included. Although he played with five major-league teams from 1923 to 1939, he was a very mediocre ball player. But Moe was regarded as the brainiest ballplayer of all time. In fact Casey Stengel once said: “That is the strangest man ever to play baseball.”

When all the baseball stars went to Japan, Moe Berg went with them and many people wondered why he went with “the team”. The answer was simple: Moe Berg was a United States spy, working undercover with the CIA. Moe spoke 15 languages - including Japanese. And he had two loves: baseball and spying. In Tokyo, garbed in a kimono, Berg took flowers to the daughter of an American diplomat being treated in St. Luke’s Hospital - the tallest building in the Japanese capital. He never delivered the flowers. The ball-player ascended to the hospital roof and filmed key features: the harbor, military installations, railway yards, etc. Eight years later, General Jimmy Doolittle studied Berg’s films in planning his spectacular raid on Tokyo.

Moe’s father disapproved of his baseball career and never once watched his son play. In Barringer High School, Moe learned Latin, Greek and French. Moe read at least 10 newspapers every day. He graduated magna cum laude from Princeton - having added Spanish, Italian, German and Sanskrit to his linguistic quiver. During further studies at the Sorbonne, in Paris, and Columbia Law School, he

picked up Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Arabic, Portuguese and Hungarian - 15 languages in all, plus some regional dialects. While playing baseball for Princeton University, Moe Berg would describe plays in Latin or Sanskrit.

During World War II, Moe was parachuted into Yugoslavia to assess the value to the war effort of the two groups of partisans there. He reported back that Marshall Tito’s forces were widely supported by the people and Winston Churchill ordered all-out support for the Yugoslav underground fighter, rather than Mihajlovic’s Serbians. The parachute jump at age 41 undoubtedly was a challenge. But there was more to come in that same year. Berg

penetrated German-held Norway, met with members of the underground and located a secret heavy-water plant - part of the Nazis’ effort to build an atomic bomb. His information guided the Royal Air Force in a bombing raid to destroy that plant. There still remained the question of how far had the Nazis progressed in the race to build the first Atomic bomb.

If the Nazis were successful, they would win the war. Berg (under the code name “Remus”) was sent to Switzerland to hear leading German physicist Werner Heisenberg, a Nobel Laureate, lecture and determine if the Nazis were close to building an A-bomb. Moe managed to slip past the SS guards at the auditorium, posing as a Swiss graduate student. The spy carried in his pocket a pistol and a cyanide pill. If the German indicated the Nazis were close to building a weapon, Berg was to shoot him - and then swallow the cyanide pill. Moe, sitting in the front row, determined that the Germans were nowhere near their goal, so he complimented Heisenberg on his speech and walked him back to his hotel.

Moe Berg’s report was distributed to Britain’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and key figures in the team developing the Atomic Bomb. Roosevelt responded: “Give my regards to the catcher.” Most of Germany’s leading physicists had been Jewish and had fled the Nazis mainly to Britain and the United States. After the war, Moe Berg was awarded the Medal of Freedom - America’s highest honor for a civilian in wartime. But Berg refused to accept it, because he couldn’t tell people about his exploits. After his death, his sister accepted the Medal. It now hangs in the Baseball Hall of Fame, in Cooperstown. – Submitted by Greg McCluskey

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 10 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 3

Meeting called to order at 1900 hours by President Bill Albracht with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our fallen Brothers and Sisters, followed with an invocation given by Chaplain Jim Kerr. - Attendance: 44 members

Secretary’s Report – John Schneck reported that the September Board of Directors Meeting and the Membership meeting had been submitted to STS for publication in the October issue. Fred Swim made the motion to accept the meeting minutes and the motion was seconded and passed.

Treasurer’s Report – No Report as our Treasurer, Mike Haney, was on vacation. This was a planned and excused absence.

Committee Reports - Membership – John Schneck reported 421 VVA members, and 45 AVVA members.Grants & Donations – Bob McSparin reported that the Board had authorized 2 charities to bring to the Membership. $100.00 to The Difference Christmas Program, which buys presents for children of incarcerated parents who are staying with family friends/relatives who are not listed as legal guardians and therefore are ineligible for Toys for Tots, etc. A motion to accept was made by Andy Andersen. Fred Swim made a friendly amendment to the motion to increase the donation to $200. 00. Motion and Friendly motion seconded and passed. The 2nd recommendation was for $250.00 sponsorship for the RIA USO’s Franken’ Friday. This luncheon serves hot dogs, Chips, drinks, and

sides to our military and their families. Fred Swim made the motion and motion seconded and passed. Honor Guard – Andy Andersen reported that the HG had done 10 funerals and had turned in $875.00 of Honorariums. See STS and webpage for more information. Catering – Ray Hamilton recognized Len Spindel, Dale Baker, Hammer, Rich Vanderleest, and Dennis Wohlford as some of the main volunteers that help keep the Catering committee going. They cooked 300 lbs. of meet this morning for the Group O events for Thursday & Friday. We need volunteers for both events. Ray also mentioned that he received a check for $100.00 from Prince of Peace Circle of the Kings Daughters. Holiday Baskets Committee – Rudy Hernandez was nominated by the BOD to Chair the Holiday Baskets Committee for Chapter 299 and will work with Freda Goodwin AVVA who has helped with this committee for years. Please let Rudy or Freda know if you have names of Veterans or needy folks. VVA Constitution – Bill told the group that we will be looking at the National VVA Constitution and we will be looking at adopting that Constitution. More to come on this change process. PX – Last call for the Chapter 299 Varsity Jackets. Call Jim Hixson or Bill Albracht if interested. Chapter 299 & 776 Welcome Home Dance – Terry Lynch reported the Dance is scheduled for Friday November 6th at Jumer’s Casino. Tickets are being sold by Hy-Vee Stores for $13.00 but the

price will be $15.00 if bought at the door. Coupe Deville is the band playing at the event. Posters have been printed and our ready to be distributed. Ray and Bill are scheduled to be on the Dwyer and Michaels radio show November 5th at 0800, 5 November to promote the dance. Vet 2 Vet – Frenchy Eaves informed the Membership there is an Iowa City VA Hospital visit this Wednesday 21 October. Meet at the Machine Shed for breakfast at 0700 and leave for Iowa City at 0800. Freda Goodwin of the AVVA handed out a booklet called Paper Safe a folder that will be a home for information that will assist your family at the time of your passing as they apply for survivor’s benefits and burial assistance. If you are interested in obtaining a booklet contact Frieda Goodwin - phone # 309-752-9577. Old Business - Golf Outing – John Schneck reported that he received another $250.00 dollars for Hole sponsorships. This brings the total profit to $6,909.76. - Unintended consequences of the 4th of July Hot Dog give away- Bill was contacted by a charitable organization who advised him that they were so impressed by the Chapter’s actions at the East Moline AMVETS 4h of July Parade that they intend to target our Chapter as their 2016 charitable recipient. A Captain of the Rock Island Sheriff’s Dept. asking if Bill thought our VVA Chapter would help with a fundraiser contacted new Business -RICO Civil War Statue. Bill Albracht wrote a letter and read it to the Membership. Bill

proposed that our Chapter would take this on as a project helping to raise awareness to this noble cause. Bill asked for a motion to make this a civic project for Chapter 299. Motion was made by Paul Eaves and seconded and passed. Veterans Day at the I-Wireless Quad City Mallards Game – Honor Guard will present the Colors and Jim Bell will sing the National Anthem and Bill Albracht will drop the opening hockey puck. Tickets will be deeply discounted for Veterans. VVA Hepatitis C forum – The National VVA wants VVA Chapters to get involved with this project. The National VVA is sending some Hepatitis C experts to conduct a form. Plumbers / Pipefitters Local 25 will have a community event that will serve a dinner followed by a forum afterwards. This event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22nd. at 1730.Good of the Order - Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting at Jumer’s Casino was a very informative meeting. - Hammer made a pitch for more volunteers for Thursday and Friday’s catering event at Group O. Bill Albracht – Bill told the Membership that he is on Congresswoman Bustos advisory Council. If anyone has any specific problem please put the problem in writing and give it to Bill. Congresswoman Bustos has a staffer that will handle the requests for assistance. Jim Kerr won the $25.00 drawing - Bob Hartley won the ½ price Life Membership drawing - Meeting adjourned 2010 hours - Respectfully submitted, John Schneck

20 OCTOBER 2015 MEMBERSHIP MEETING - VVA CHAPTER 299


Meeting called to order 1900 hours by President Bill Albracht with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for our fallen Brothers and Sisters and those in harm’s way.

Attendance: Bill Albracht, Ray Hamilton, John Schneck, Terry Lynch, Jim Kirschbaum, Larry Tschappat, Dennis Laird, Paul Eaves, Steve Brenner, Fred Swim, Jim Loveless.

Secretary Report: John Schneck reported that the September B.O.D. and Membership Meeting Minutes had been to submitted to the STS for publication in the October issue. Terry Lynch made the motion to accept the Minutes, motion seconded and motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: No report as Mike Haney was on vacation.

Committee ReportsGrants & Donations: John Schneck reported for Ron Roman that the G&D committee had submitted two recommendations to the Board.1. $100.00 to The

Difference Christmas Program, which buys presents for children of incarcerated parents who are staying with family friends/relatives who are not listed as legal guardians and therefore are ineligible for Toys for Tots, et al. A motion was made by Paul Eaves, and amended to $200.00 by Steve Brenner motion on amended

motion seconded and passed.

2. $250.00 sponsorship for the RIA USO’s Franken’ Friday. This luncheon serves hot dogs, Chips, drinks, and sides to our military and their families. Fred Swim made the motion to accept the G&D recommendation, motion was seconded and passed.

Honor Guard: Dennis Laird updated the Board on the upcoming funerals.A roundtable and vote was taken in reference to participation in the Davenport Veteran’s Day Parade. The majority felt that we should not participate in the parade if Bob Brooks was in charge due to Brooks’ Stolen Valor issues (this matter was later resolved

when the organizer, Davenport Alderman Mike Matson, stepped up to take the lead). Catering: Ray Hamilton reported that we have 4 more scheduled events. We need volunteers for the 15th a Key Auto Mall. Cooking at the Vikings on the 20th and serving on the 22nd at Group O in Milan, Ray also told the Board that he was $48.00 short of having $2000.00 from the Vintage Car catering event and made a motion to have the Chapter donate another $48.00 to make it an even $2,000.00. Motion was seconded and motion passed. Holiday Basket: Rudy Hernandez has been nominated to Chair the Chapter’s Holiday Basket committee and work in concert with

13 OCTOBER 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING - VVA CHAPTER 299

Join us for a special screening and discussion November 18, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. American Legion 1111 W 35th St. Davenport, IA Facilitator: John Mikleson, Midwest Military Outreach

3300 River Drive Moline, IL 61265

DEBT OF HONOR

A moving tribute to the history of disabled veterans, Debt of Honor takes an unflinching look at the reality of warfare and disability, and features moving interviews with some of the country’s most prominent disabled veterans including Illinois Representative Tammy Duckworth.

Premiere Screening: November 18 - 6:00 pm at American Legion, Davenport, IA Airdate on WQPT: November 19 - 7:00 pm Repeated on November 22 - 8:00 pm

Lois Pope


Thomas SkorepaATTORNEY AT LAW

3725 Black Hawk Road Suite 200Rock Island, IL 61201 309.788.7481

Continuing the tradition of service to those in need.

Freda Goodwin (AVVA).

Old Business - Golf Outing update: John Reported that he received another $250.00 for Hole Sponsorships, for a total profit of $6,909.76. Unintended consequences of the 4th of July hot dog give away: Bill was contacted by a Charitable organization who advised that they were so impressed by the Chapter’s actions at the EM Parade in giving hot dogs & drinks to the participants that they intend to target our Chapter as their 2016 charitable recipient.

New Business - QC Times Ad: Bill was asked by the QC Times if we wanted to purchase a $330

ad for the Vet’s Day issue. The Board felt that the money may be better spent by placing an ad in the showing all the charities the Chapter has donated to as well as the Chapter’s community involvement. This would best be done around Christmas.RICO Civil War statue: Bill was contacted by a Captain Rock Island County Sheriff Dept. asking if our Chapter would help with a fundraiser. Bill wrote a letter and read it to the Board. Bill proposed that our Chapter would take this on as a project helping to raise awareness to this noble cause. More to come!Hepatitis C forum: National would like Chapters to get involved. Bill informed

us that the Local 25 Pipefitters will be having a community event that will serve a dinner and would have a forum afterwards. More information will follow. Veteran’s Day at the I-Wireless – Veterans Day celebration at the I-Wireless Arena Deep discount for Veterans for the Mallards game on 11 November at 1800 hours. Volunteerism –

Good of the OrderSince the elected leadership of our Chapter sets the pace & example for the membership by volunteering, Bill asked each Board member (see attendance list above) to state what Chapter activities they were involved in.

Each Board member was heavily involved in activities such as the Honor Guard, catering, Vet 2 Vet, etc. except for Larry Tschappat who has not volunteered for any activity since elected in 2015 and does not feel the need to do so. Bill told him that as a Chapter leader, this was unacceptable. - Bill read two thank you letters from NAMI (cash donation) and the Iowa City VA (Vet 2 Vet). - Meeting Adjourned 2010 hours - Respectfully submitted, John Schneck

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MEMBERS: NOTE TIMES AND DATES FOR

UPCOMING EVENTS CATERING CREW – HOG ROASTER – Volunteers always needed. Please call Ray Hamilton at 1-563-650-7486. Catering News and Events can be found in the Board and Membership Minutes. If interested in putting the Roaster into “mothballs” – please call Ray

VA Medical Center – Iowa City – THE PARKING RAMP IS COMPLETE – For so many years, parking at VAMC has been just awful. The new parking ramp is a welcome addition.

VETERANS DAY NOVEMEBER 11TH - Military / Veterans’ Appreciation Night, Wednesday Nov. 11th at the i-Wireless Center. Our Honor Guard will Present The Colors and Member Jim Bell will sing Our National Anthem at the Quad City Mallards game. With emphasis on Vietnam Veterans, Chapter 299 will also set up an Informational Table in the Lobby with static military displays, perhaps garnering some new Members too.

HELMETS OF HOPE CHARITY – In conjunction with the Quad Cites Mallards Game on Veterans Day and VVA Chapter 299 – See story and promo in this issue

DEBT OF HONOR - A moving movie tribute to the History of Disabled Veterans, Debt of Honor takes an unflinching look at the reality of warfare and disability, and features moving interviews with some of the country’s most prominent Disabled Veterans including Illinois Representative Tammy Duckworth and former Senator from Georgia Max Cleland. - Premiere Screening: November 18 - 6:00 pm at American Legion, Davenport, IA - Airdate on WQPT: November 19 - 7:00 pm - Repeated on November 22 - 8:00 pm

UTHS – Principal Carl Johnson is asking for Veterans to attend their Veterans Day Event in the school gym at 9:35 AM – Weds. November 11th – You’ll be ‘out’ by 10 AM

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, SUBMISSIONS? CONTACT JIM HIXSON AT NXG9449@GMAIL.

COM OR CALL AT 1-309-792-0068’

VET 2 VET REPORT – NOVEMBER 2015

Care and Compassion Chairman Paul “Frenchy” Eaves led his Volunteers to the Iowa City VA Medical Center on October 21st to spread good cheer and pass out Patriotic Items to our ill and hospitalized Veterans there. Participants on this trip were Gary White, Ken Madden, Rich Hockenberry, Bob Jackson, Larry Tschappat, Fred “Hammer” Swim and Tom Skorepa.

The joy our Vet 2 Vet Crew brought was so great that the Hospitalized Veterans did not want us to leave. – Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy Eaves

307 6th Avenue E - Andalusia, IL - Phone: (309) 798-2512


THE LITTLE Christmas tree A Children’s Christmas Story - By Vic Garvis “I don’t know why they cut me down, I’m only three feet high. All the other trees they cut down, are six, seven, eight and even ten feet high.” I was told that after the trees are cut down they are put in a machine that shakes off all the loose needles, folds the branches close to the trunk and wraps them in a mesh. Then they can be loaded on the truck without breaking any branches. “They didn’t put me in the machine. I guess I was too small.”

The trees are then loaded onto a truck. “I was put in a corner between some of the bigger trees.” At the nursery while unloading the trees the nurseryman saw me and asked the tree farmer, “What’s this?” The tree farmer replied, “That was in the way, you can have it,” and he pointed to me. Now I really felt bad, I was in the way and I’m not worth anything. I wonder if I will ever be a Christmas tree.”

After the trees are unloaded the nurseryman removes the mesh so the branches can again spread out. He then puts the trees in a tree stand and places them in a large unheated room. There the customers can look at all the trees and pick the one they want. “I don’t think he had a tree stand small enough for me so he made a stand out of scrap lumber and put me in a corner by the other trees.”

Customers came in every day to buy trees. Some customers looked at all the trees before they selected one. One mother came in with a young boy. The boy saw me and asked his mother if he could have his own Christmas tree. The mother replied, “No, we are just going to have one Christmas tree.”

Three days before Christmas there are just six or seven trees left including me. Two days before Christmas a handsome middle-aged couple came in. They looked kind of sad. They asked the nurseryman if he had any small trees. The nurseryman replied with a smile, “Yes, we have one left.” The couple said that was what they wanted. They seemed happier since they found the right tree.

They loaded me in the back of the van. The man was very careful not to break any branches when he closed the door to the van. I was delighted; I’m going to be a Christmas tree. I expected them to stop at their home but they didn’t. While they were traveling I found out their names were Mike and Pam.

Mike drove a short distance, crossed a bridge and stopped at a guard station. The guard asked them where they were going? Mike replied, “The National Cemetery.” The guard waved them through. I didn’t know what a National Cemetery was but I was worried. “There were no houses for me to be a Christmas tree.”

Mike drove a short distance and turned left. Then I saw a most wonderful sight. There were perfect rows of white stones, about two feet high as far as I could see. “We traveled a short distance farther and stopped. Mike and Pam seemed rather sad. They got out of the van and Mike took me out of the back. They walked about a hundred feet and put me down about a foot behind one of the white stones. It was the grave of Mike’s brother Dan, a four year Navy Veteran. Each grave is for a veteran that gave his life for his country. For this service, they have the honor of being buried in the National Cemetery. Now I realized I was there to honor a special veteran. I looked around, there were no other trees only a few wreathes. I was delighted to have this great honor!! Mike stepped on my stand so it was embedded in the ground to be sure I would not be blown away. Pam put some ribbons and tinsel on my branches so I looked like a Christmas tree. Mike and Pam left, I was alone but I had the most glorious feeling. While I was there it snowed three times. I love snow; it makes my limbs feel fresh. The sun shone some days. My shadow reflected on the white stone. Only I was there to see the beautiful sight.

After two weeks, Mike and Pam came to pick me up. This time they took me to their home. The Christmas season was over, it was too late to be a Christmas tree so Mike made a hole in the yard and put my lower truck in it. It made me feel like I belonged in the yard. It snowed several times during the next three months. I loved it. After about three months the snow melted and the wind was about to blow me away. Mike picked me up and put me in the flowerbed, it seemed as if they didn’t want me to leave.

I don’t know what is going to happen to me. But I do know I had an honor much greater than even the trees ten feet high with a thousand lights, and all the other trees from the nursery.

In December of 2013 Lifetime Member, US Navy and Vietnam Veteran Dan Garvis died. His Father, WW II Army Air Corps Veteran Victor Garvis survived until April 11, 2015 when our Honor Guard buried him. In grief, the Father wrote prose to

Honor his dead son. Please read; The Little Christmas Tree. * Submitted by Terry Lynch


CHAPTER 299 HONOR GUARD UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2015

NOV. 03 CELEBRATE LANE EVANS AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS AT LAVENDER CREST

WINERY NEAR GENESEO. PRESENTING THE COLORS.

NOV. 06 WELCOME HOME DANCE AT JUMERS. PRESENTING THE COLORS.

NOV. 07 ALLEY CATS BOXING CLUB. PRESENTING THE COLORS.

NOV. 09 RAISING FLAG OUTSIDE AT THE MOLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

NOV. 11 VETERANS’ DAY PARADE IN DAVENPORT, POSSIBLY SOMETHING AT THE

ARSENAL.

NOV. 21 THANKSGIVING BASKET DELIVERY. FESTIVAL OF TREES PARADE.

DEC. 12 WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT THE ARSENAL. FIRING.

DEC. 19 CHRISTMAS BASKET DELIVERY.

TAPSFollowing is a list of funerals at which military honors were performed by the combined efforts of the VVA Chapter 299, VVA Chapter 776, and the MAVA (Mexican American Veterans Association) Honor Guards. Included in the list are the dates of the funerals, names, ages, and branches of service in which these veterans served. Any chapter 299 members are designated by bold letters and underlined.

Date of funeral Name of veteran Age Branch of service OCT. 07, 2015 RONALD E. BURRUS 69 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)OCT. 13, 2015 JOSEPH R. MIGIEL 38 U. S. MARINE CORPS. (WAR ON TERROR VETERAN) OCT. 14, 2015 ROBERT BAKER 71 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)OCT. 14, 2015 JEFFERY W. NIELSEN 64 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)OCT. 19, 2015 ROBERT D. WISE 71 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)OCT. 19, 2015 JERRY L. GUY SR. 65 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)OCT. 19, 2015 JOHN K. GRAVES 62 U. S. AIR FORCE (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)OCT. 26, 2015 BOBBY L. RAY 83 U. S. AIR FORCE (KOREAN WAR ERA VETERAN) OCT. 27, 2015 ROGER WALIGORSKI 68 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)

James W. VictorExecutive DirectorFinancial Advisor4300 East 53rd Street, Suite 300Davenport, IA 52807563-344-4334 or [email protected]

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Phone: 309-277-8700

Thanking Our Veterans For Our Freedom!


Honor Flight Report From Member Fred Hernandez It is with my upmost appreciation that Quad Cities Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 299 selected me to serve as a Guardian for the Honor Flight of October 27, 2015. This flight took our Nation’s beloved Korean War Veterans to Washington, D.C.

I was honored as a 25th Infantry Division Veteran of the Vietnam War to have helped my Korean Veteran / “older brother” by assisting him, wheelchair bound, to tour the sacred Memorials in our Nation’s Capitol.

Together we were able to visit The Korean War Memorial, “The Wall” = Vietnam War Memorial, WW II Memorial, Women’s’ Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Noteworthy at Arlington were the “Strac Troopers” as we witnessed the “Changing of the Guards” at the Tomb of the Unknowns and our tour bus stopped next to the gravesite of the most decorated soldier of WW II Audie Murphy that I was honored to touch.

For me, the Honor Flight will remain unforgettable; an excursion filled with emotion, dignity and respect for our Nation’s Best, our Veterans. *Submitted by Fred Hernandez

NEW SPONSOR KEN STOTMEISTER, CLU, LUTCF

Your Shoulder To Shoulder Editors want to welcome our newest Sponsor, Ken Stotmeister. We are all at an age where Medicare and a variety of prescription drug plans and supplemental insurance are demanded. Ken is expert in all the various issues and their complexities. Whether you have retired or will soon retire, strongly consider giving Ken Stotmeister a phone call at 1-563-349-9160 or visit his office at 17620 Hubbard Road in East Moline.

Ken is a Chapter 299 Member, Marine Corps Veteran and a rock solid lifetime citizen of the Quad Cities. Please see his business card in this issue and consider calling upon Ken to make your retirement years truly golden. JL, BA, JH

PLEASE THANK OUR SPONSORS WITH YOUR SUPPORT

Were it not for our Sponsors, there would be no monthly Shoulder To Shoulder. Those monthly costs are a major Chapter expense defrayed in large part by our Sponsors.Darrell Reynolds & Eriksen Chevy and Buick have been with us from the start and have been mindful to so very many Chapter needs, too many to list. If you are considering purchase of another vehicle ALWAYS consider calling upon Darrell Reynolds.

Our Sponsors provide a variety of services from Banking, to Insurance, Retirement Plans, Silver and Gold coins. Our Sponsors will wash you car, feed your Families, provide you with entertainment and lodging, legal advice, Flags and Patriotic Articles or the FREE Treatment of PTSD and TBI [Traumatic Brain Injury] or a “Cold One” after a long day’s work.

We encourage you to support those who support us. Send your business to our Sponsors because they care enough about you to ‘pay the freight’ with no expectation of a return. In the event you seek a return, donate to our 501 [c][3] Healing Heroes In The Heartland Sponsor.

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10 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 10 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER


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Offer expires 04/30/15

VET 2 VET REPORTVET 2 VET went to Country House Residence in February to spread good cheer to the people there. Taking part in handing out Patriotic Hats, lapel pins, Flags and playing card were, Jerry Lingard, Fred “Hammer” Swim, Dale Baker, Larry Tschappat, Steve Brenner and Frenchy Eaves. A Chapter 299 Charter member is living Country House – Jeff “Doc” Lance. “Doc” was so very pleased to see us, and his Mother, Eileen resides there too. Vet 2 Vet was very well received and all had a good time. Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy” Eaves

CATERING – HOG ROASTER UPDATEAs of the November 2013 the Catering Crew for Chapter 299 wrapped up the year with 4 Events that occurred after publication. On December 11th they met at the Viking Club to internally assess the year and make rough plans for going forward into Year 2015.The Viking Club held their annual Open House Sunday December 21st and the Catering Crew provided a minimum 4 Volunteers to help with this event. The Viking Club provides a staging area for Chapter 299 to do all the prep and clean up work throughout the year.

The Roaster and its utensils were all stowed away and put “in mothballs” in December 2014. The Roaster and the Crew will take a respite from all Catering Activities until early Springtime 2015.As always, your editors request more Member Volunteers for our Chapter’s largest fund raising vehicle. Whether you can pitch in to help stage an event at the Viking Club in Moline, assist with clean up there after an event or pitch in for any amount of time at an event, The Catering Crew needs help. If you can only spare an hour or two a few times during the Roasting Season, those hours will be greatly appreciated by the hard working – core group. Please consider Volunteering this year. JL, BA, JH

With Respect and Admiration To All Who Served.

QUAD CITIES MALLARDS AT i-WIRRELESS HONOR VIETNAM VETERANSThe QC Mallards will Honor Vietnam Veterans on Wednesday Nov. 11th at 6 PM. Discounted tickets will be $5.00 for Veterans – Bring Proof – Chapter 299 Honor Guard will Present The Colors, The National Anthem will be sung by Member Jim Bell and the “puck will be dropped” by Chapter 299 President Bill Albracht.

HELMETS OF HOPEThis Faith based Charity is assisting Veterans with buckets, mops and cleaning supplies for our Veteran brothers and sisters that have recently moved into VA subsidized housing. Many of the current crop of Veterans suffer from a panoply of ailments from the burn pits that make no bones about tossing in human waste, plastics, medical refuse and depleted uranium that is used for a large number of military ordnance and supplies. Add this to the typical types of injuries military personnel are exposed to plus the much higher percentage of Women Veterans with Children, there is a distinct need for Helmets of Hope. Please consider donating to this worthy and unique charity.

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 10 SPONSOR PAGE 11

* Military welcome package offer valid 30 days from date of sign-up or renewal. Individual offers can be redeemed one time only. Limited availability. No substitutions or rain checks. No cash value. Offer cannot be combined with other offers. Military welcome package offer includes one free 30 pack of 4x8 or 6x8 holiday greeting cards, one free rotisserie chicken, one free package of Reser’s Main St Bistro Scalloped Potatoes and $10 off one package of Daily Chef Cheesecake. 30 pack of holiday greeting cards offer must be redeemed at SamsClub.com/photo or in-club at Sam’s Club Photo; you must have a registered account on SamsClub.com/photo to redeem the holiday greeting cards offer online. Welcome package offers are Instant Savings items and are subject to availability, valid dates and limits per membership. All terms and conditions apply. Club Insider Savings and Instant Savings (collectively “Instant Savings”) are subject to availability and valid dates. Select Instant Savings are available online. For Club Pickup purchases, Instant Savings can be redeemed at point of sale at the club with the primary membership card. State and local laws may require sales tax to be charged on the pre-discounted price of an item with an Instant Savings offer. Prices shown are pre-tax amounts. No money shall be returned to member if price of offer is below zero dollars after application of Instant Savings. To view your Instant Savings account, visit SamsClub.com/instantsavings or download the Sam’s Club app. Member must have a registered email on SamsClub.com in order to access the Instant Savings account page online. Visit SamsClub.com/instantsavings for program details and terms and conditions. Items and prices may vary in-club. Instant Savings offers shown are valid in U.S. clubs with a U.S. membership, excluding Puerto Rico. Instant Savings may take up to 24 hours to load to a membership account. Offers in Puerto Rico may vary, see local club for details. Offer valid November 1 – 30, 2015.

** This offer is limited to active and former U.S. military and their spouses. Proof of service is required. Join or renew as a Sam’s Plus® Member and get a $25 gift card, or join or renew as a Sam’s Savings® or Sam’s Business® Member and get a $15 gift card. You must be 18 or older to purchase a membership, and membership is subject to qualifi cations. Gift card will be provided at the time membership is purchased and card is issued. This offer may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Only one gift card per primary member. Gift card cannot be used toward membership fee, travel purchases or select services, and must be claimed within 30 days of membership sign-up or renewal connected with this program. Membership cards are non-transferable and are valid at all Sam’s Club locations worldwide. Walmart® and Sam’s Club associates are not eligible for this offer. Primary memberships are valid for one year from the date of issue. Offers are not valid at SamsClub.com or by mail. Visit SamsClub.com/privacy to view our privacy policy. For a limited time only. One-time use only. Offer valid through November 30, 2015.

Sam’s Club Advertised Merchandise Policy – It is our fi rm intention to have every advertised item in stock. Occasionally, however, an advertised item may not be available for purchase due to unforeseen diffi culties. We reserve the right to limit quantities to normal retail purchases or one-per-member or household, and to exclude resellers. We have done our best to ensure all information in this piece is accurate and up-to-date. Errors and omissions occasionally occur and are subject to correction. Pricing and item availability may vary by location and in Alaska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Wisconsin and on SamsClub.com. No rain checks.

Join or renew and receive over $45 in savings* – exclusivelyfor active and former members of the U.S. military**for active and former members of the U.S. military

We’d like tosay thank you

30 pack of Holiday Greeting Cards (4x8 or 6x8)* #787427, 952192, 367637, 367673, 975485Everyday value $10.50

FREE$15 Sam’s Club® Gift Card**

Everyday value $15

FREE FREE Rotisserie Chicken*

#66846, 613956 Everyday value $4.98

FREE Reser’s® Main St Bistro™ Scalloped Potatoes*

40 oz. #175774 Everyday value $6.98

$10 OFF Daily Chef™ Cheesecake* #849506Check club for low member price

Limit 1 of each offer per membership ◆ Must scan all products at checkout to redeem ◆ Offers valid 30 days from date of joining or renewing

SAM’S CLUB VETERAN’S HONOR WALL Any Veteran visiting one of our largest Sponsors, Sam’s Club, is eligible to have his or her photo taken

and will receive 1 FREE 5”X7” photo for you and 1 Photo for the Honor Wall at Sam’s Club.

61204-6076

Documentary Film:

ESCAPE FROM FIRE BASE KATE To Air Sunday

Nov. 8TH at 8 PM and Monday Nov.

9TH AT 10 PM And Veterans Day

at 9 PM on WQPT / PBS

“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready...

Documents

Transcript of “We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready...