President’s Corner ….…….…….……..…. 1Digger’s Desk …………….…….…………… 2Odds & Ends ………….….………….…… 2-3Chaplain’s Corner …..…………………….. 3State Council Report ………………….. 4-5Cruz’n 528 Car Show …………………….. 6Calendar …………..………………………….. 7Committees …………………………………. 8Ads …………………………..……….………… 9Membership Form …………….………… 10

Tom Brown - Editor & PublisherDon Dignan - Editor & ColumnistJohn Spencer - President & ColumnistBob Lamoureux - Membership & ColumnistRich Whipple - Chaplain & ColumnistNancy Dignan - CalendarJim Hodgson - Chief Ron King Dale Luebke

Chapter 528 Homefront JUNE 2018

Index Homefront Staff

Distribution Staff

Welcome Home!

“Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another”

John Spencer, President U S Army 1965-67

123rd Transportation Company (Longshoremen)

Cam Ranh Bay, RVN

June is here. I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend. We are once again taking part in the Plymouth Memorial Day Parade and Services on Monday, May 28th and the Memorial Day Services in Canton.The Cruz’n 528 Car Shows have started on Wednesdays at the Plymouth VFW Post and will continue all summer through September. Come on down to see the cars, enjoy the food, beer and camaraderie. The Chapter summer raffle will conclude at the car show on August 29th. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10.  Raffle proceeds will support our Chapter activities.

The annual Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday June 9th at Waterford Bend at Northville Road and Six Mile. Set up starts at 7:30 am and the Derby at 8:00 am. This is a great event for the kids. Come on out to help. Our next Chapter meeting is on June 11th at 7 pm at the Plymouth VFW. I hope to see you then.

Another successful Buddy Poppy Days for our V FW brothers. Tom Trestler and Kevin Demsky. Kevin worked all shifts and was our top seller!

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Digger’s Desk

Don Dignan D/2/16 “Rangers”

1st Inf. Div.1967-1968

LOUNGE & AREA EVENTS Don’t forget Karaoke on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8:00PM, Car Shows every Wednesday from 5:00PM-8:00PM and Euchre has moved to Thursdays at 7:00PM.

MEMORIAL DAY The Plymouth Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday May 28. Be sure to walk with our members in remembrance of those who have gone before us. Be at Wing & Harvey by 8:30AM to participate.

THANKS FOR HELPING A big thank you from the VFW to Chapter 528 for all the help during May Poppy Days.A gross amount of over $14K was raised for the Post’s Relief Fund. Cooperation of this type reminds me of a famous quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin: “If we don’t hang together, we most assuredly will hang separately”. As a member of both organizations, thanks again.

I’ll see you at the June meeting. It’s a great time to be a Veteran and member of Chapter 528.

Odds & Ends

MEMBERSHIP It is with great sadness we report the death of longtime member and past president Bill Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go to Bill’s family. He will truly be missed. There was one application for membership this past month. Bill Petrere’s wife Judy has joined our associates - Welcome Judy. Our current membership stands at 287 individual and 81 associate members. Of these we have 243 life VVA and 51 life AVVA members. Lapsed Members: As of May 22, 2018 the following individuals have not renewed their membership: VVA: Richard Bouchard AVVA: Scott Lewis, Jan Spittler Dropped from Roster: none June VVA Renewals: Les Brookins, Andrew Lawrence June AVVA Renewals: Tom MoscardelliIf you have already renewed thank you. If you have not, please do so before the end of the month to keep your membership current.

FALL FESTIVAL Our application has been turned in for the September fall festival. We will again be selling pop and water and military merchandise. Half of our lot fees from last year were rebated to us so our lot costs will only be $300 instead of the normal $600. We will also be collecting entrance fees to the beer tent on Friday and Saturday night. In addition the VFW will be in charge of the classic car show on Saturday and Sunday.

CHAPTER RAFFLE Congratulations go to Tom Trestler, the latest winner of our chapter raffle. This is the 90th life membership we have awarded since the raffle was

Continued on page 3

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Bob Lamoureux Co. C, 3/47, 9th Inf. Div.

“Mobile Riverines”

Continued from page 2

started many years ago. The next raffle will be at the July meeting.

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Some interesting information came from state council president John Riling at our last meeting. It looks like the VVA will be eliminating 1 and 3 year memberships this summer and only offering life memberships at a reduced cost of $50. Further details will be passed along as they become available.

Chapter 528 member William Kren, Pastor of Dearborn Congregational United Church of Christ is Honored as Romulus Person of the Year. Members Rich Whipple and Tom Brown happy to celebrate this event with Bill. Photo by Cheryl Brown

Chaplain’s Corner The Last Call

From Our Daily BreadAuthor: Tim Gustafson

After serving his country for two decades as a helicopter pilot, James returned home to serve his community as a teacher. But he missed helicopters, so he took a job flying medical evacuations for a local hospital. He flew until late in his life.

Now it was time to say goodbye to him. As friends, family, and uniformed co-workers stood vigil at the cemetery, a colleague called in one last mission over the radio. Soon the distinctive sound of rotors beating the air could be heard. A helicopter circled over the memorial garden, hovered briefly to pay its respects, then headed back to the hospital. Not even the military personnel who were present could hold back the tears.

When King Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle, David wrote an elegy for the ages called “the lament of the bow” (2 Samuel 1:18). “A gazelle lies slain on your heights,” he sang. “How the mighty have fallen!” (v.19). Jonathan was David’s closest friend and brother –in-arms. And although David and Saul had been enemies, David honored them both. “Weep for Saul,” he wrote. “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother” (vv.24, 26).

Even the best goodbyes are oh-so-difficult. But for those who trust in the Lord, the memory is much more sweet than bitter, for it is never forever. How good it is when we can honor those who have served others!

Chaplain’s Notes: Al Kerbyson is awaiting a special shoe, and then will get fitted for a new brace which will allow him to come to the Post more frequently; Bill Kren is hanging tough with his lung cancer; Patrick Doherty, after breaking his leg in three places months ago, is getting close to getting out for our meetings; prayers for the family of Bill Hayes who passed away on March 24. Bill was a proud Marine, and our chapter’s president in 1993-94; prayers for AVVA members Gordie and Barb Bardeleben in the untimely death of their son Steve. Mike Kokoszka had shoulder surgery and is recovering.

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State Council NewsGary Estermyer, Alternate State Council Delegate

On April 22, 2018 we drove up to Holly for the State Council meeting. All the officers were present and 14 chapters were in attendance. Region 5 Director Tom Burke and his wife Robin also made the trek from Ohio. President John Riling brought the meeting to order at 10:11 AM.

John spoke about the upcoming MSC Convention scheduled for June 8-10, 2018 at the Hilton DoubleTree in Detroit. Convention registration forms, hotel reservation flyer and ad book solicitation forms were available for the delegates to take back to their chapters. This convention is open to all our VVA and AVVA families. There will be a hospitality room on Friday evening, opening ceremony Saturday morning with special guests and speakers, workshops Saturday afternoon and our 35th anniversary banquet on Saturday night. Sunday morning we will conduct our annual meeting to include election of officers who will lead our organization for the next two years.

John spoke about some membership proposals that National is discussing and he announced that Felicia Malancy is our new Service Office Deputy Director. John urged all delegates to consider sending a representative to attend the Leadership Conference in Palm Springs from July 24 – 29, 2018. The National VVA ‘working groups’ will be presenting their first official reports on the future potential direction of VVA.

Vice President Ken Rogge reported that the 501c3 has received IRS approval but further action is now on hold until after our State Convention. A meeting was held with Rick Wardlow of CAT 5 Technology who explained his website development company and what they could offer MSC. Rick’s offer sounds promising and very reasonably priced for the services he could provide. Ken announced that he will be handling the convention registration process. 2nd Vice President Tom Meinhardt reported on the Commander’s Group meeting and the legislative breakfast that he recently attended. There are plans to begin construction in September 2018 on the new veteran’s home in Grand Rapids. Secretary Gary Estermyer reported he had received 3 chapter election reports and he will be updating the chapter contact list. Gary then reported on the Lansing “Vietnam Veteran Recognition Day” ceremony and encouraged the chapters to get involved in future events or stage their own ceremony. Gary spoke about the upcoming MSC convention and informed the delegates that informational packets were available today.

Treasurer Floyd Carmichael reviewed the finance report, we still have money in the bank and the bills are paid. Floyd will also be involved in the MSC website development process. He has volunteered to handle the MSC ad book solicitation project also.

Some announcements include: MSC campout @ “The Campground” in Manton, MI, May 11-13, 2018.

Gary EstermyerMichigan State

Council Delegate & State Secretary

�5Veteran’s Night at Comerica Park, $33.00, June 26th, VVA Leadership Conference at Palm Springs, CA from July 24-28, 2018, The Wall That Heals at Livingston County Airport, Howell, MI from August 23-26, 2018 and the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Memorial in DC.

Region 5 Director Tom Burke announced that AVVA was dropping out of the service office program. Tom is already planning a Region 5 pre-convention meeting in Indianapolis, IN for June 7-9, 2019. In regards to the VA Appeals Modernization Act which will formally be effective in February 2019 … VVA does not endorse this act at this time and does not suggest veterans enroll in it. The VA employees have still not been trained on how to process claims under this act. Once a veteran “opts in” they are all in, there is no turning back. Tom also reported that VVA now has approx. 68,000 life members and 13,000 annual dues paying members.

At-Large Director Sandie Wilson spoke about the A. O. legislative progress the blue water Navy veterans have received to help with their claims. Sandie also spoke about the ‘Red, White & Blue” group which is very supportive of veterans.

Our Ambassador Tim Driscoll spoke about how Col. Kettles supports many projects even when faced with personal family loss. The Ann Arbor ‘Fisher House’ fundraising continues and Tim encouraged all chapters to donate, especially under the matching funds plan. The new AA VA hospital director is Ginny L. Creasman.

Region 5 AVVA Director Cecilia Essenmacher talked about ‘Project Friendship’ which will benefit veterans in need and homelessness in Colton, CA (Palm Springs area). She asked all chapters for a donation.

AVVA State President Marilyn Lash spoke about their upcoming elections. Marilyn will not be a candidate and she is unable to attend the convention in June at the DoubleTree. However AVVA will have their new challenge coin available for sale at $10.00 each. Phil Smith then conducted the final round of nominations; John Riling – President, Ken Rogge – 1st Vice President, Tom Meinhardt and Sandie Wilson – 2nd Vice President, Gary Estermyer – Secretary, Floyd Carmichael – Treasurer and Phil Smith – Election Committee Chair.

Phil then reviewed his five page service officer report. He continues to process claims and attend hearings at the Detroit Regional Office. Pending chapter elections Phil requests the name of the chapter service coordinator. If interest is shown he will conduct a training session. VVA National may schedule a three day training weekend in Silver Springs, MD in January 2019 for all VVA accredited service officers. Scanning and shredding continues at the downtown office in advance of the renovation of office space. Joe Mishler reported 1,598 POW-MIA from Vietnam. Great Lakes National Cemetery will be holding a POW-MIA ceremony at 11:00 AM on September 15, 2018. GLNC and Ft. Custer National Cemetery will be holding their Memorial Day ceremonies on Sunday, May 27th.

Sandie Wilson reported that bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer may be related to Camp Lejeune service between August 1953 – December 1987. Did you know that some insect repellent contains arsenic? Some VA hospital doctors contend that if a veteran is/has been successful in life then they must not be suffering from the effects of PTSD. This is a very troubling diagnosis and problematic in developing a PTSD claim. Getting an outside the VA diagnosis is the better choice for veterans. It has been questioned whether or not the VA has enough mental health professionals? The next meeting of the MSC will be June 10, 10:00 AM at the DoubleTree (Ford Road/Southfield Fwy.).

Meeting adjourned at 1:08 PM.

Gary EstermyerUSARV58th Field DepotQui Nhon May 68 - May 69

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CRUZ’N 528The Mayflower Lt. Gamble VFW 6695 working in

conjunction with “Hell on Wheels” car club, Presents its weekly car cruises

Starting May 16th from 5pm to 8pm and every Wednesday till the end of September.

Come join us for good music and great food.We are located at 1426 S. Mill (Lilley) St. Plymouth, MI

48170. Phone# 734-459-6700

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Calendar by Nancy Dignan

The Auxiliary

JUNE 2018 BIRTHDAYS

JUNE 2018

David Banks, John Bertorello, Richard Bouchard, Thomas Brisbane, Bill Browning, Roger Below, Thomas Carey, David Codd, Gary Estermyer, Dennis Fago, Robert Garrett, Harold Hachigian, Frank Jaskula, Roger Kehrier, Gary Lane, Anthony LiPare, Michael Maattala, Jack Massarello, Don McLane, Dennis Mozdzen, Zoltan Nagy, John Peterson, William Power, Bruce Reynolds, John Riling, Gregory Rowe, Richard Sander, Art Sawyer, Mark Shemanski, Jared Thomas, Casmer Zarosley, and Daniel Zedan.

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Chapter Officers President Rick Adis 734-737-90771st Vice President Jerry Thomason 734-895-52572nd Vice President Gary Bush 734-718-2301 Secretary Ron King 734-679-6424Treasurer Bob Dew 734-421-1805 Board of DirectorsMike Dicker 734-425-3414 Darrel Bazman 734-207-9734 Don Dignan 734-525-0157 Frank Barkovich 734-397-9734Pete Glasgow 734-454-9663 Gene Spurgess 248-887-6212 Don Petrere 734-595-1422 Rich Whipple 734-751-2992

CommitteesA.O./Health Care Bob Dew 734-421-1805Agent Orange Events Bob Dew 734-421-1805AVVA Representative Bryan Bentley 734-604-6066By-Laws Jim Hodgson 734-416-5159 Chaplain Rich Whipple 734-751-2992Chapter Historian Gary Pritchard 734-522-2033 Fundraising Bob Dew 734-421-1805Homeless Veterans John Fleming 734-421-0149Membership Bob Lamoureux 734-397-8389Homefront Newsletter Editor & Publisher Tom Brown 313-336-0192 Assistant Editor Don Dignan 734-525-0157 Distribution Chief Jim Hodgson 734-416-5159 Assistant Chief Ron King 734-679-6424 Assistant Chief Dale Luebke 248-403-4244Product Sales Bill Petrere 313-706-4247POW/MIA Al Kerbyson 734-612-9757 Public Affairs Don Dignan 734-525-0157Sergeant-at-Arms John Fleming 734-52504560Service Representative Aggie Little 734-722-9535Sportsmen’s Raffle John Spencer 734-716-0619State Delegate Gary Estermyer 313-283-6943State A.Delegate Dennis Bielskis 248-486-0001State VVA Product Sales John Riling 734-776-2239VAVS Deputy Ron King 734-454-4522Vietnam War 50th Com. Ron King 734-4544522Website & Newsletter Tom Brown 313-336-0192

VVA Service Officer - State of MichiganPhillip Smith - Director Toll Free-1-844-885-6424Veterans Crisis Centers Veterans Center 313-381-1370Dearborn Crisis Center 313-584-7800VA Medical Center Detroit 313-576-1000VA Ann Arbor Health Care System 734-769-7100

Editor’s Note and DisclaimerArticles, event dates, and photos must be submitted by the 22nd of the month in order to be considered for publication. Send the article or photo to Tom Brown 17730 Snow Ave Dearborn, MI 48124 or email Tom at tom@vva528.org. Except as otherwise noted, all published articles become the property of VVA Chapter 528 and may not be reprinted without the Chapter’s permission. Chapter 528 reserves the right to edit for space. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Chapter, the editor, or the National VVA. Mayflower Lt. Gamble VFW Post 6695 (734-459-6700).

Chapter 528 Homefront JUNE 2018Chapter 528 Website: www.vva528.orgChapter 528 Travel Site www.travelvva528.comAdvertising Rates: 1 year $60; 6 mos. $45; 1 issue $15

Service Photos NeededVVA Chapter 528 has 141 members’ service photos d i sp layed on our webs i te www.vva528 .org /members528.html and in our display case. I’m sure most members have a photo of themselves laying around somewhere. When you find your photo you can either mail it to Tom Brown @ 17730 Snow Ave. Dearborn, MI 48124, scan it and send it to: tombrown1949@gmail.com as a jpg or jpeg, bring it to our general membership meetings and give it to Tom or bring it to the VFW. Be sure to include your name, branch of service and the year the photo was taken. Don Petrere will place the copied service photo in our display case.

Tom Brown, Editor/Publisher2nd Missile Battalion

44th Artillery Pershing 1st yr HHD III Corps 2nd yr

Ft. Sill, OK

Longtime member Loren Robert’s wife Barbara Jean Roberts should have been listed as deceased and included on our “In Memoriam” for our May 2018 Homefront Newsletter. I take full responsibility for this omission and I am sorry for this mistake.

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No. 213208 eV)

TROPHIES & ENGRAVING Ed Duprey

Owner

32635 Ford Road Garden City, MI 48135

(Between Venoy & Merriman Roads) Hours: 9 - 6 Weekdays 19 - Noon Sat.

Phone: (734) 266 - 1815 Fax: (734) 266 -1817

www.greatlakestrophies.com E-mail: sales@greatlakestrophies.com

Be sure to designate VVA Chapter 528 when turning in your vehicle.

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Vietnam Veterans of America Membership in Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. is open to Vietnam Era Veterans as well as Associate Members of the Public at Large. Name_________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________ Present Address_____________________________________________ City_________________________________ State__________________ Zip____________________ Branch of Service___________________________________ Date of Birth_______________________________ email_______________________________________________

$20.00 Annual Dues Enclosed____ ($50 - 3 years _____ ) $100 Lifetime _____ _____ I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and would like to be a member (Copy of your DD-214 Form Enclosed). One must have served a minimum of 180 days of active service. ____ I am not a Vietnam Era Veteran, but would like to be an Associate Member AVVA Enclosed is my check for $20.00____ 1 year $50.00 3 years _______ AVVA Life under 60 - $175 _____ - Life over 60 $100 ______

New Member______ Renewal______ Membership Card No.________________________________

Today's Date_________________________

Return this form to: Vietnam Veterans of America Plymouth/Canton Chapter 528 P.O. Box 6319 Plymouth, MI 48170-0473

JUNE 2018Chapter 528 Homefront