www.moww.org A Military Officers Patriotic Organization General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter (#213) Chartered 1990 www.mowwvandenberg.org December 2015 Newsletter On the Agenda ExCom Staff Meeting Wednesday, 9 Dec. 9:30 a.m. at SLO Elks Lodge Luncheon Reservation Deadline Sunday evening, 13 Dec. RSVP no later than Sunday evening on our web site, or contact one of the following: Dick Hathcock, 805-773-5850, cell 805-441-8673 or email dick02hathcock@yahoo.com; Chuck Ward, 805-466-3062; Jim Murphy, 805-528-7565 or email jlmurphy@ calpoly.edu, or Jack Jones, 805-544- 1099. Expected attendance must be received by the Elk s Lodge by 1000 hrs. on Monday before the luncheon date. Luncheon Meeting Third Wednesday of the Month Wednesday, 16 Dec. 11:30 a.m. Banquet Room, San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge #322 222 Elks Lane, SLO Christmas Day Friday, 25 Dec. Forgotten Wounded Project Ongoing, Dick Hathcock Membership Recruitment Ongoing, Jack Jones Luncheon Meeting Every Third Wednesday of the Month Chapter December Meeting and Christmas Gala Luncheon 11:30 AM Wednesday, 16 December 2015 San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge #322 Banquet Room, 222 Elks Lane, SLO $20.00 Per Person (includes tax and gratuity) Reserve space early for you and some friends to enjoy the afternoon. This is going to be a grand way to get into the spirit of the Holiday Season. Make your meeting reservations on our web site, www.mowwvandenberg.org. Remember, a reservation made is a reservation to be paid. Thank you. This Month s Program 16 December 2015 This special holiday program features the Gold Coast Brass, a quintet from the Atascadero Community Band consisting of two trumpets, French horn, trombone, and tuba. We will be treated to military medleys, Sousa works, and of course Christmas music. Rounding out the program will be a Christmas story by Commander Ward.
VAndenberg Chapter Officers & Staff 2015-2016 Chapter Commander 1Lt Chuck L. Ward, USMC (Fmr) (805) 466-3062 Senior Vice Commander Lt Ronald L. Janney, USNR (Fmr) (805) 434-3425 Junior Vice Commander CPT Richard B. Hathcock, USA (Fmr), Past Commander (805) 773-5850 or (805) 441-8673 Adjutant COL Jack Jones, USA (Ret), Past Commander, Past CINC (805) 544-1099 Sergeant-at-Arms Maj James L. Murphy, USMC (Ret), Past Commander (805) 528-7565 Staff Officer CPT Richard B. Hathcock Treasurer PHM Bonnie Harris (805) 937-0731 Chaplain General Cdr William Houston, USN (Ret) (805) 434-9901 Judge Advocate General MAJ Dan Dow, USAR (805) 703-3187 Historian Ltc Lawrence Geist, USAF (Ret) (775) 787-7703 Surgeon General MAJ Ernest B. Miller, MD, USA (Fmr) Mailing Address 2464 Flora St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Commander s Message Fellow Companions and Friends Well, November lived up to all expectations even a little rain. The Nov. 10 ExCom meeting was productive and the Nov. 18 General Meeting was a full house success. The several Nov.11 Veteran s Day celebrations throughout the area continue to serve as a reminder of what we stand for as a community. Thanksgiving was a nice was to way to round-out the month. One point of interest that I would like to share with you is an E-Mail recently forwarded to me about the history of the first Thanksgiving back in 1623 as recorded by William Bradford, first Governor of the Plymouth Colony. The Lesson of the First Thanksgiving The true story of the first Thanksgiving is quite different from what is widely accepted today and is currently taught in our schools. The story that we are taught today is that the Pilgrims came to the new world in 1620 and starved until the Native American Indians taught them how to survive in their new home. What actually happened was quite different. The journal of Plymouth Governor William Bradford tells the story of how the Plymouth Charter was a document based on Greek philosopher Plato s ideal of collectivism, where intellectuals would centrally control society, an ideal that disallowed private property. The results of the Pilgrims two year experiment was destitution and starvation that came close to wiping out the entire colony. Then, to stave off total disaster, private property and competition were introduced to the Pilgrims, which created the bounty that was celebrated at the first Thanksgiving. William Bradford, a signer of the Mayflower Compact, served five times as Governor of the Plymouth Colony, between 1621 and 1657. His journal, which covered the period from the 1620 landing of the Mayflower to his death in 1657, detailed the history of the colony. Initially, the Puritans, or Pilgrims as they are commonly referred to as today, decided to turn their backs on all English and European institutions, the lands they had left behind in order to seek religious liberty. The institution of private property, which they thought to be the basis of greed, averse, and selfishness, was especially shunned. Instead, they were determined to live the ideals of collectivism, in which all work would be done in common, with the rewards of their collective efforts evenly divided among the colonists. Farming, housekeeping and child rearing would all be done in common. This, they thought, would to lead to prosperity and brotherly love. What happened came very close to wiping out the entire Plymouth Colony. Their experiment in collectivism did not lead to prosperity or brotherly love. Rather, it created poverty, envy and slothfulness among most of the members of the colony. 2 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter mowwvandenberg.org
Commander s Message continued Here is Governor Bradford s description of the results that collectivism created for the Pilgrims: The experience that was had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanity of that conceit of Plato s and other ancients applauded by some of later times; that the taking away of property and bringing in community into a Gov. William Bradford commonwealth would make them happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser than God. For this community was found to breed much confusion and discontent and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For the young men, that were most able and fit for labor and service, did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men s wives and children without any recompense. The strong had no more in division of victuals and clothes than he that was weak and not able to do a quarter the other could; this was thought injustice. The aged and graver men to be ranked and equalized in labors everything else, thought it some indignity and disrespect unto them. And for men s wives to be commanded to do service for other men, as dressing their meat, washing their clothes etc., they deemed it a kind of slavery, neither could many husbands well brook it. Upon the point all being to have alike, and all to do alike, they thought themselves in the like condition, and one as good as another; and so, if it did not cut off those relations that God hath set amongst men, yet it did at least much diminish and take off the mutual respects that should be preserved amongst them Let none object this is men s corruption, and nothing to the course itself. I answer, seeing all men have this corruption in them, God in His wisdom saw another course fitter for them. Governor Bradford recorded that the people, who had formerly been known for their virtue and hard work, became lazy and unproductive. The people refused to work for others without compensation, and thought this work was a form of slavery. Men were unwilling to work the fields to feed others. Women were unwilling to cook and raise children for other families. Fields lay largely untilled and unplanted. During the two years of their collectivist utopian plan, harvest time failed to bring enough food to feed the people. Many starved and died of famine. Governor Bradford recorded that faced with this disaster, in the fall of 1622 the elders of the colony gathered and decided that if they adhered to this course for one more year, they would all surely die. The elders of colony then decided to take a totally different course. Instead, they divided the colony s collective property and fields among the colonists, and gave each family their own property and land to do with as they wished. Whatever harvest a family did not use for their own consumption, they had the right to trade away to their neighbors. Now, instead of sloth, envy, resentment, and anger among the colonists, Commander s Message continues on page 6 Commander s Goals Vandenberg Chapter Goals and Objectives for 2015-2016 Successfully complete and file IRS taxes Complete Chapter activities and other reports and submit to MOWW HQ Fill the three at-large board positions Continue the Chapter newsletter with a new (member) editor with outside support Establish a membership committee will set goals for 2015 & 2016 Establish a program committee Establish a blasting email A & B lists Continue to fully support existing Chapter projects: WWII & Korean Veterans Tribute Luncheon and Vietnam Veterans Tribute in 2016 Charles Paddock Statue Project Annual Lost at Sea Ceremony Your American Heritage Monument develop QR code to download audio app on founding fathers and historic documents (bronze plaques) establish a tech and financial partner Grizzly YLC, Law Enforcement Award, ROTC, Memorial Day programs, Boy & Girl Scout Awards plus other traditional MOWW programs Develop new Chapter-supported projects: Forgotten Wounded, WWII Exercise Tiger Survivors Purple Heart Award Project; officially sponsored by MOWW HQ Reestablish the county-wide annual high school patriotic essay writing contest with a financial partner Join with the Marine Corps League 680 to successfully complete the Purple Heart Trail (Highway 101) Veterans Memorial directional signage program December 2015 3
Project Reports? The Forgotten Wounded Project Update The Committee (Jack Jones, Chuck Ward & Dick Hathcock) is drafting a letter to the Honorable Members of Congress, explaining the Vandenberg Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars desire to recognize those participants of Operation Tiger, April 1944 that were wounded during the practice exercise preceding the Normandy invasion, and in particular the award of the Purple Heart Medal for USN Chief John P. Roza Jr. The Committee is hoping that the formation of a bi-partisan effort by Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congressman Stephen Knight to present an individual bill to Congress that will recognize and achieve the goals we have set forth. Captain Richard B. Hathcock USA (fmr) Senior Vice Commander s Report SEA OF FAITH Conflict in the Mediterranean With the current state of affairs regarding Islam, it is often heard that This is nothing new, it goes all the way back to the Barbary Wars. This is in reference to the Barbary pirates, whose actions against the US took place from 1785 until their defeat in 1815. During this time, the US Navy and US Marine Corps earned some of their earliest acclamations as a result of actions by Navy Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, and Marine Lieutenant Presley O Bannon (of the Shores of Tripoli fame). Other famous names of this period were William Bainbridge and Edward Preble, among many others. A few recent books have been published about these events. It goes much further back than that. In SEA OF FAITH, a book about Islam and Christianity in the Medieval Mediterranean World, written by Stephen O Shea, you can learn about the earliest conflicts between the two religions that began with the loss of the Christian Middle East to the Muslims at Yarmuk (Syria) in 636 AD. The book covers the conflicts from that date until the stemming of the seemingly unstoppable Ottoman tide at Malta in 1565 AD. The geography involved ranges from that early battle in modern day Syria to France. The Muslims saw great opportunity in invading Egypt, and then swept west across northern Africa fighting and mixing with the Berbers. Then westward to Morocco and Gibraltar. After crossing the straights (the Moors in Spain), they continued into France until they reached Poiters (or arguably near there) where they were repulsed and turned back. While I do not pretend to be an expert on this subject, and in fact, I have not been able to read through this book due to the flowery rhetoric at times, and the complexity of dates and battles, this book gives a rich history of what leads us to the present day conflicts. The book is written in a very intellectual style, which may be why I have trouble with it. If any of our companions care to borrow the book from me, I will gladly lend it out. On a completely different note, make plans to attend our December meeting. I have invited a brass quintet, the Gold Coast Brass, to provide entertainment for our dinner meeting. The quintet consists of two trumpets, a French horn, a trombone, and a tuba. They will play a Sousa medley, a military medley, a few other Sousa works and Christmas music. One of the musicians is a Sergeant Major in the US Army with almost 38 years of service. If you care to show up in uniform (especially you Army guys) it would be fitting to honor his service. I hope to see you at the December meeting, which is December 16. Be sure to make reservations with Captain Hathcock, Major Murphy, or on the website. Ron Janney 4 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter mowwvandenberg.org
Last Month s Program The November program speaker was Bruce Cowee, a Vietnam veteran pilot, who edited the book Vietnam to Western Airlines, An Oral History of The Air War. This collection includes stories of over 30 military pilots who flew in Vietnam and subsequently were to fly commercially for Western Airlines. Bruce discussed how the pilots were rather quiet about their Vietnam experiences and how he got them to finally talk and write about their time in service. Featured in one of the chapters is our Companion, Captain Dick Hathcock. Bruce Cowee s book, Vietnam to Western Airlines, is an interesting read. Since the first book was published, he has encountered another 35-40 guys who would like to also share their experience hence book two is in the works. Bruce also discussed the challenge of having a book published and distributed. Project Reports Boy & Girl Scouts Awards Project Where would you search for new Gold Scouts and Eagle Scouts? Our MOWW Chapter wants to acknowledge those who have earned scouting s highest rank. Surely, it doesn t require an orienteering merit badge to locate those individuals. Perhaps a call to each scouting organization to gather names and contact info would be a good place to begin. The results will be very beneficial. This is a perfect opportunity for someone to stepup and volunteer. Make yourself known to Companion Bonnie Harris. Capt Dick Hathcock introduces Bruce with Commander 1st Lt Chuck Ward looking on Bruce Cowee shares insights into his book editing and publishing experiences Volunteers are also needed from time-to-time to make presentations around the county. Help spread the good will offered by the MOWW and live up to our own motto! All good authors (and editors) bring copies of their book Bruce signing one Photos courtesy of David Frayer Commander Ward gets presents the Certificate of Appreciation to Bruce Dick read a moving poem written by a Vietnam Vet December 2015 5
Membership committee Welcome Two New Members It is with great pride that we welcome two new members to the Vandenberg Chapter this month. On the 25th of November, Capt Bruce T. Cowee, USAF (Fmr.) joined as a Perpetual Member of the Military Order of World Wars. As you recall, Capt. Cowee was our guest speaker at the Nov. Meeting and he is sponsored by Capt. Dick Hathcock, USA (Fmr.), Welcome Bruce and congratulations Dick for being an active recruiter. On Dec. 3 we recruited and installed 2LT Tyler D. Disarufino, late of Cal Poly s ROTC program as he begins his military career. Tyler will be assigned to the California National Guard after his initial training in his branch. Let s keep a good thing going and each of us recruit at least one new member before June 30. For the Good of the Order Jack Jones, Membership Chairman, Past CINC, MOWW Remember It is nobler to serve than to be served National website MOWW National Website www.moww.org See Officer Review for log-in instructions. Commander s Message continued from page 3 there was a great turnaround in their activities. Industry, effort and joy were now seen in practically all the efforts of colonists, men, women and children alike. Bradford wrote: They had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been. The women now went willingly into the field, and took their little ones with them to set corn; which before would allege weakness and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great tyranny and oppression By this time harvest was come, and instead of famine, now God gave them plenty, and the faces of things were changed, to the rejoicing of the hearts of many, for which they blessed God. Freedom and property rights unleashed the industry of the colonists and the bounty of the harvest of 1623 was so great, that the Pilgrims had enough to not only trade among themselves but also with the neighboring Indians. In November 1623, they had a great feast to which they also invited the Indians. They prepared turkey, sea food and corn, and much more, and thanked God for bringing them a bountiful crop. They, therefore, set aside a day of Thanksgiving. Today, when we all sit down with our families and The First Thanksgiving 1623 friends to enjoy the turkey and the trimmings. Let us never forget that we are celebrating the ideals of individual freedom, liberty, personal property and industriousness ideals the Pilgrims learned, the hard way, back in 1620. It is these ideals that have helped mold the character of the great nation we have become since the landing of the Mayflower. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! For The Good of the Order, Semper Fi., 1st/Lt Chuck Ward, USMC (Fmr) Commander www.facebook.com/militaryorder 6 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter mowwvandenberg.org
Chaplin s Corner Greetings Companions Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. No matter how we understand our relationship with God we all pause in this season to acknowledge our special relationship and celebrate God s involving Himself with us. More and more our culture makes this season the commercial highlight and neglects any spiritual meaning. It is up to people who have a meaningful experience with God to keep a meaningful content in the celebrations. For me, my memories are a part of keeping me aware of the special nature of this time. We all remember Christmas as children; the hope that Santa would stop, did he really get my letter, was Santa really real? These memories give way to more mature experiences and I would like to share a Christmas memory with you because you will understand. In 1968 I was assigned to the First Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Vietnam during the Christmas period. On Christmas Eve, the Corpsmen, Doctors and patients all had a Caroling and all who could, participated. It was one of the most meaningful Christmases I have ever had. The strong helped the weak. They leaned on each other, and all gave a hand to those who needed it. We walked in the wards with candles and everyone sang Carols. I was seeing the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy about the blind seeing and the lame walking. We all know that things like that still happen but we have to give them a chance. When Christmas is secondary and meaning gets lost in ritual then it becomes sterile and meaningless. We know better. All of us have our special mountain top experiences that make real God s intervention in our lives. We need to affirm these and celebrate who we are. Remember, Companions, One Nation, under God. God grants His presence in a special way in this season. Participate and celebrate. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. GOD BLESS AMERICA Companions, Blessings on all of you. Padre Bill Computing Tip Information Missing from a Website? Have you ever expected to see something new on a recently updated website, but it looks just the same as it did the last time you visited that site? Well, your web browser may just need a little help from you with a manual refresh. Your computer holds previously viewed web data in a cache for quicker loading next time you visit that same site. To ensure that the latest version of a page is being viewed, use the refresh/reload symbol in your web browser application. This command can also be found in the browser application s menu, where it is commonly labeled Reload Page or similar wording. Once selected, it will force your browser to go back to the site and reload the most current data available. Problem solved. advertisement What s the Best Way to Invite Someone to a Meeting? Simply ask them to join you. Be sure to take that most important first step. But make your message unforgettable by presenting a wallet-sized Meeting Card. Our Ideals are on the reverse to share with prospective new members. Don t leave home without them. Personalized Meeting Cards are available from Lt. J.G. Joe Brocato for the asking. (805) 543-6244 or jebrocato@gmail.com They re free. December 2015 7
VAndenberg Chapter Committee Heads 2015-2016 Awards Committee Chuck Ward Book Sales Jim Murphy Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts Awards Project Bonnie Harris Directory David Frayer Financial Review Roy Gersten Historian Larry Geist Homeland Security/ National Security Jim Murphy Law & Order Ron Janney Meeting Door Prize Jim Murphy Membership Jack Jones MIA/POW & Memorials Ron Janney Nominating Joe Brocato Patriotic Education Jack Jones Phone Committee Dick Hathcock Publicity & Photographer David Frayer ROTC Dennis Odekirk Veteran s History Project Dick Hathcock Your American Heritage Project Chuck Ward ExCom STAFF MEETING report 10 November 2015 Meeting Minutes Note: ExCom Meeting held Tuesday, Nov 10, as November 11 was Veterans Day Meeting was called to order at 0930 hours by Commander Chuck Ward, with opening remarks. Ron Janney delegated to take notes. Treasurer s Report: Bonnie Harris absent. Full report next month. Joe Brocato reported that any $$$$ surplus from the WWII & Korean War Tribute will be used for the Vietnam Veterans Tribute next year. Newsletter: Jack Jones stated that there is good input from all on the Committee, with few exceptions. He asked all to meet the deadline for Dec. newsletter. November 18 luncheon: Ron Janney reported that Bruce Cowee, author of Vietnam to Western Airlines would be the speaker. Dick gave an update on Bruce and the next edition of the book. Other suggestions for future speakers were discussed. Special Reports: Veterans Tribute - Joe reported over 600 in attendance. Next year will be his last tribute involvement, and will be for Vietnam Veterans. He wants to make it special, with a well-known speaker. Forgotten Wounded Project Chuck and Dick said project is in a holding pattern pending work on a package to be hand delivered to every member of Congress. The October 30 All Services Ball (Sponsored by the USMC League) was a success with about 150 attending. Paddock Zoo Project Chuck reported that the signage has been approved by the city officials. There is about $5000 in the Project bank account, which is sufficient to successfully complete the Project. Membership: Jack and Dick reported that there are two new members. There is a new Veterans Service Officer, and Bruce Cowee has joined. There is a need to recruit new members, but most recently retired officers are working at other jobs, and cannot attend meetings. New Business: December Christmas meeting Ron reported that the entertainment will be a brass quintet Not sure if you owe dues this year? Call Bonnie at (805) 937-0731. For the Good of the Order! (Gold Coast Band). They will play traditional Christmas music, some Sousa, a military medley, and maybe a few singalongs. A fee or stipend of $250 was approved. Meeting Reservations Dick reported that this is an ongoing problem. A few members just show up, without making a reservation. Jim Murphy and Dick to coordinate to improved process. Other Business: Jack suggested that the MOWW should be recognized as a sponsor at certain events, such as the Lost at Sea Ceremony. Ron replied that the Lost at Sea Committee is sensitive to the mix of military and civilian involvement, and that all dignitaries are recognized at the opening of the ceremony. This will include the leadership of the MOWW. A meeting of the Forgotten Wounded Committee was held after we adjourned. It was attended by Jack, Chuck, and Dick. Submitted by Ron Janney 8 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter mowwvandenberg.org
Jack s Corner What sets the Military Order of the World Wars apart from other similar groups? It is our motto, It is Nobler to Serve than to be Served. That motto is reflected in the Preamble to our Constitution and it is read at the beginning of every Chapter meeting. The Preamble is a list of what we do and the Chapter members take it seriously. The General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter accomplishes COL Jack Jones, much every year in hard work to fulfill the Preamble USA (Ret), items, and you are to be congratulated for your efforts Past Commander, and results. However, as Shakespeare would say, There s Past CINC the rub! It seems that the same members are doing the same jobs every year. Please don t get me wrong, every member is making a contribution by just being a member, paying their dues and attending the chapter meetings. The point is that we need more involvement by more members for the Chapter to become more efficient. What is more to the point, is that most committees are one-man committees. And a little assistance would make a great contribution. Therefore, this is a plea for each of you to consider stepping up and selecting a committee on which to serve, and serve in that committee s work. By way of example, when our Sgt. At Arms was absent last month, we had to find members to bring the flags and plaques, charter etc. and to sell and conduct the door prize drawing. Each of the committees needs an extra hand, so please consider this plea. Don t be shy about approaching any of the committee chairs or Staff members to learn what help you can give them. They will appreciate it. And you will feel just a bit more noble. Thanks for your help. Jack Jones, Membership Chairman, Past CINC, MOWW Treasurer s Report December 2015 Financial Report (fund totals as of 30 Nov 2015) General Account Income - Lunches, Sept - Nov... $ 1615.00 Expenses - Lunches... $ 1530.00 Expenses No. County Paddock Zoo Project... $ 342.62 No. County Chorus... $ 200.00 Special Accounts Income - Book Sales... $ 12.00 Door Prize... $ 260.49 Balances on Account Chris Money Memorial Acct... $ 300.00 ROTC... $ 1577.00 Scouts (BSA & GSA)... $ 450.00 YLC... $ 1725.00 Tribute Income*... $ 20525.54 Tribute Expenses*... $ 18210.46 Tribute Surplus*... $ 2315.08 *note - Funds are still being received and there are residual expenses are still pending. Birthdays this Month Ms. Stephanie Gordon, PHM 12/1 LTC Kenneth Chapman, USAF (Ret) 12/3 2Lt Eric S. Frizzie, USANG 12/3 1Lt Chuck L. Ward, USMC (Fmr) 12/6 Col Robert Detweiler, USMC (Ret) 12/8 Maj Herbert C. Lucas, USAF (Ret) 12/11 Maj Roy Gersten, USA (Ret) PM 12/17 CDR Earl Gustafson, USN (Ret) 12/21 December Anniversaries LTC Kenneth & Linda Chapman, USAF (Ret) 12/12 LTC Joshua & Amy Gillen, USA 12/21 Col Kevin & Kitty Rice, USA (Ret) 12/30 Be sure that your name is included here. Contact Jack Jones at 544-1099 or email jjones@calpoly.edu with your updated information. Monthly Door Prize Our 50/50 door prize tickets are a great way for the Chapter to supplement its income. And on a personal note, the designee will receive half of the amount collected from ticket contributions at each meeting. Book Corner Extra revenue is generated during our monthly meeting from the Book Corner. Bring in books you ve completed reading and/or find something new among these informational or entertaining treasures for your own library. Is there a Companion who would be willing to accept this responsibility? Contact Jim Murphy for specifics. December 2015 9
Event report - MOWW Luncheon honoring WWII & Korea veterans - October 29, 2015 WWII & Korean Veterans Tribute Luncheon This luncheon, very capably organized again by Lt(jg) Joe Brocato, was held at the Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo. There were 246 veterans and an additional 340 guests in attendance. (Katcho Achadjian), and CA State Senate (Bill Monning). The San Luis Obispo County Supervisors attended along with the District Attorney and mayors of Paso Robles & Atascadero. We were pleased and honored to have Lieutenant General David J. Buck, USAF as the Keynote Speaker. General Buck is the Commander of the 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Air Force Space Command; and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. General Buck lead off with humorous story but was very complimentary to the attending veterans. One of his quotes: I want to thank you for leaving us such a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor. He said he was honored and humbled to be in their presence. Attendees also included representatives of Congresswoman Lois Capps, CA State Assembly Lt Gen. David J. Buck, USAF The head table consisted of Master of Ceremony Lt(jg) Joseph Brocato, Lt Gen David Buck, Gen Fred Lopez, USMC(ret), and California State Senator Bill Monning. Entertainment was provided by the Cal Poly band playing national songs and the Medley of Hymns of the Services at the beginning of the program and the Cal Poly Trio (less one) singing some really fantastic songs during lunch. (The duo were called up by Gen Buck and he gave them each a Challenge Coin and a hug for their fine performance.) The packages were hand delivered by nine energetic Grizzly Academy Cadets. As Lt(jg) Joe Brocato called out a name, the veteran raises his/her hand, and the cadet makes the delivery. Each veteran received a package that included: A pictorial montage of their service (if the WWII vets did not receive one last year) Certificates of Recognition from US Congress, CA State Assembly, CA State Senate, and County of San Luis Obispo The Great Leader and the Fighter Pilot, a book by Blaine Harden telling the story of the Tyrant creator of North Korea and a young Lt getting his freedom Please visit the Chapter Activities page on our web site for complete pictorial descriptions 10 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chapter mowwvandenberg.org