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MEMORIAL REPORT Website http://rochestervietnammemorial.org/ Remembering our Fallen Heroes August Lionel Butler 8-1-1931 Roger John Cook 8-1-1948 Robert Nicholas Prete 8-2-1947 Stephen Edward Warren 8-2-1950 Donald Walter Holleder 8-3-1936 John Walter Bernreuther 8-3-1942 Arnold M. Duryea 8-7-1947 William T. Perkins 8-10-1947 Louis Michael Lane 8-11-1946 David Duane Case 8-14-1945 James Rodney Moore 8-16-1947 Stanley M. Jamrock 8-17-1943 David Chauncey Crane 8-18-1947 Richard Elliot 8-19-1948 Edward John Skebeck, Jr. 8-21-1946 Taylor Brooks Howard, Jr. 8-22-1939 John Joseph Hornyak 8-24-1938 Jonathan R. Bortle 8-25-1946 Roger Herbert Coye 8-26-1930 Gary D. Hopps 8-28-1936 Theodore Arthur Papke 8-28-1947 Larry Irving Cornish 8-30-1948 Hans Herbert Grauert 8-31-1942 Memorial Tours & Presentations Persons interested in onsite tours or presentations at schools or organizations, contact: Chuck Macaluso (H) 585-225-8288 or chuckmac66@yahoo.com Friends of the Memorial To be placed on the volunteer contact list: Contact Chuck Macaluso 585-225-8288 (h) Chuckmac66@yahoo.com 2
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POW MIA Joe Peck - Chairman With POW/MIA Day approaching on the 3 rd Friday of September, this is a Nationwide time for all of us to remember our American men and women who served with honor for our Country in her time of need and who never came home to their loving families and friends or to be patted on the back with the words Welcome home brother and thank you for your service. This is a special day to every Veteran and their families to remember those that were left behind in the jungles of Asia, the fields and trenches of Europe and the seas of the world. We Will Never Forget them. As another month has passed and more disappointment felt, there has still been no reports from the Defense Prisoner of War* Missing Personnel Office (DPMO), the Joint Prisoners of War, Missing in Action (JPAC) and the National League of Families. The total number of Americans missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War is still at 1641. There are reports of the recoveries and identifications of individuals from the following wars: Pfc. Randolph Allen, US Marine Corps was lost on November 20, 1943 in Tarawa. He was accounted for on June 17, 2014 and was laid to rest with full military honors on July 28, 2014 in Arlington National Cemetery. Staff Sgt. Gerald V. Atkinson, US Air Force was lost April 10, 1945 north of Berlin, Germany. He was accounted for on June 20, 2014 and will be laid to rest with full military honors on August 16, 2014 in Chattahoochee, Florida. Master Sgt. Lawrence O. Jock, US Army was lost July 14, 1953 in North Korea. He was accounted for on June 25, 2014 and was laid to rest with full military honors on August 1, 2014 in Malone, New York. We will never forget those who are still missing and who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Until you are all home, you and your families will be in our thoughts and prayers 4
How one American became the symbol for U.S. POWs and those missing in action By Kyle Rothenberg Published July 03, 2014 FoxNews.com Most Americans don't know who Jeffrey Heisley is, but chances are good they've seen his profile and contemplated the painful sacrifices of countless Vietnam veterans and their families. It is the silhouetted face of a young Heisley that adorns the iconic POW/MIA flag that flies above the White House with Old Glory on the Fourth of July and just below the star-spangled banner on flagpoles throughout the nation. The black and white banner, which drew attention to U.S. combat forces taken prisoner of war or deemed missing in action, was designed by Heisley's father in 1970, and the then-22-yearold's turn as a model came about quite by accident. My Dad was a commercial illustrator and did a lot of work in the New York/New Jersey area, Heisley, who grew up in Glen Ridge, N.J., said. One of Newt Heisley's freelance clients was Annin Flags, America s oldest flag maker, which was chosen by POW advocate The National League of POW/MIA Families to produce the flag. Heisley was in the United States Marine Corps' officer candidate program, and dealing with a bout of hepatitis that would eventually force him to drop out. Between the rigors of training and his illness, the young Heisley had inadvertently taken on the gaunt look of a POW. It s very important for the families of those missing in action and for former prisoners to have a tangible symbol of what their families have gone through. - Jeffrey Heisley I had all my hair cut off and lost quite a bit of weight because of the hepatitis. I look back at pictures of myself now and I'm amazed at how bad I really did look, said Heisley. 5
His father called him into his studio one night in a moment of thoughtful inspiration. He said, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa, Jeff, let me see your profile,'" Heisley, now 66 and a respiratory therapist in Wasilla, Alaska, recalled. "He spun me around a couple times, looked at my face and my profile. "He didn t say a whole lot about what he wanted it for. Years later, the profile of a young Heisley still appears above the words, "You are not forgotten on the flag, which was ubiquitous in the 1970s, and saw a resurgence in the 1990s. According to Ann Mills-Griffiths, executive director of The National League of POW/MIA Families, the flag is receiving international attention. Many of our flags fly 24/7 now, every state capitol has them, many schools have them, and all the military bases post them at their stations, said Griffiths. The Defense Authorization Act of 1998 requires that the League s POW/MIA flag fly six days each year, including Independence Day -- when it even flies at the White House. Other than Old Glory, the POW/MIA flag is the only one to fly over the White House since its Recognition Day in 1982, according to the League of Families website. Scot Guenter, professor of American Studies at San Jose State University, believes there s deep meaning behind the flag. You re looking at the man behind the symbol. But what happens in patriotic culture is that the symbols become larger than life as they re invested with shared meaning and values for people, Guenter explained. Newt Heisley died in 2009 at 88. Although neither he nor his son were ever prisoners of war or missing in action, Newt Heisley served in the U.S. military as an Army Air Force pilot in World War II. Jeffrey Heisley said it's humbling to know his family took part in creating a powerful symbol of American patriotism. It's something he holds with great respect and honor. It s very important for the families of those missing in action and for former prisoners to have a tangible symbol of what their families have gone through, said Heisley. And it s very important for those of us not involved in the situation not to lose sight of their plight, and never to lose sight of those left behind on the field of action. POW/MIA candlelight vigil, Saturday September 13, 2014 at 6p.m. At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Highland Park. For more information or to volunteer to read names, contact Joe Peck at jpeck2@rochester.rr.com or 585.734.9046 6
September 13 th POW/MIA Candlelight Vigil at Highland Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial June 14 1775 Oct. 13 1775 Nov. 10 1775 Aug. 4 1790 Sept. 18 1947 Happy Birthday to Diane General August 25 th Happy Anniversary to Mike & Diane General August 24, 1963 7
August 8 Friday Fireman s Parade Hamlin 7:00pm Marching unit schedule August 16 Saturday NOT A VVA EVENT Toronto contact Tim Sturm p51flyer_3@yahoo.com NOTE: times listed are start times; please plan to be at formation approximately 45-60 minutes PRIOR to the listed start time. Jack Madigan, Lynn Gurrslin, and George Sanford volunteering at the trailer. 8
Health Affairs Jerry McDermott, Chairman Vet Toxic Exposure Legislation Update 03 H.R.4816 & S.1602 On 9 JUN, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA-17) introduced H.R. 4816, the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014, which is a companion bill to S.1602, introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). My bill will extend care to Veterans who can show that their medical illnesses have a direct relation to a toxic substance they were exposed to, said Rep. Honda. Additionally, this act will take care of the children, grandchildren, and future descendants who have been affected by these poisons. This is about keeping our promise to our veterans. This is about making sure that they get the care that they not only deserve, but they have earned. H.R.4816 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a national center for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces, and to provide certain services to those descendants. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) strongly supports H.R. 4816, which upholds their founding principle, "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." VVA urges you to go to their Legislative Action Center site at http://capwiz.com/vva/home and Take Action Now by sending the letter via email to your U.S. Representatives, asking them to cosponsor H.R.4816, the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014. [Source: VVA Legislative Alert Jun 20, 2014 ++] VA Registries Update 05 AH Burn PIT Registry Sign-Up Now The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the launch of its airborne hazards and burn pit registry at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/ahburnpitregistry/#page/home. OEF/OIF/OND or 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans and Service members can use the registry questionnaire to report exposures to airborne hazards (such as smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires, or pollution during deployment), as well as other exposures and health concerns. Everyone is encouraged to participate, and you need not be enrolled in VA's health care system to do so. The registry is intended to be an epidemiological research tool with examinations helping to enhance VA's understanding of any identified longterm adverse health effects of exposure to burn pits and other airborne hazards during deployment ---ultimately leading to better health care. Veterans should sign-up now for a Department of Defense Self-Service Logon (DS-Logon) in preparation for the launch of the registry. More information about the registry and the DS-Logon can be found at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/ahburnpitregistry/#page/home. [Source: VFW Action Corps Weekly Jun 20, 2014 ++] 9
WE RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEMBERS Mike General, Chairman, Membership Affairs Chapter 20 membership is currently at 575 members and AVVA is at 45 members as of 6/30/14. Membership is dropping mainly due to members not renewing. Please Renew Your Membership! If you upgrade to a Life Membership when you renew, please remember to include a copy of your DD-214 with your application. Our membership ranking is 7 th Nationally and 2 nd in the State. Since 2008 our membership has grown 39.1%. We need your help in recruiting new members. Chapter 20 membership is open to U.S. Veterans who served on active duty (other than for training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. Membership includes a subscription to our award-winning newsletter, Between The Lines, and The VVA Veteran, bringing you updates on issues and legislation affecting veterans, as well as unique articles on the people, places, and history of the Vietnam experience. Membership in the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America is open to anyone; you do not need to be a veteran. WE need new members! Membership applications are available on our Website, in this newsletter, or by contacting me. (mwgeneral@aol.com) Jack Michel (USMC 1969-71) recently transferred to Chapter 20 Welcome! Dan Nussbaum (USAF 1970-72) recently transferred to Chapter 20 Welcome! 10
Veterans Incarcerated Ron Trovato, Chairman I had a very productive trip into Attica on June 15 th along with Ken Moore and Pat Pudetti. Seventythree members of the Attica Active Veterans Group and associate members attended a Veterans picnic there and certificates were handed out to many of those present. The food was great and it was good to catch up with the guys there as well as staff advisor Sgt. Mark Schiefer. The self-help programs run by the vets there continue and candidates are currently being screened for the next sixteen week cycle. Twenty-nine members have signed up to make hats and scarves for needy kids so the crochet squad is off and running on all eight cylinders. Thanks to all the vets there for the hospitality extended to myself, Ken and Pat on Father s Day. The Veterans Group of Auburn is doing very well and two groups have completed Domestic Violence Awareness Classes there. The PTSD self-help group continues at Auburn and is facilitated by Chapter #205 President Bernard Hatch. Auburn also has the industrial strength crochet squad going full bore and I want to thank Lawrence Wilson from #205 for keeping in regular contact with me. Chapter #20 recently sent in a $100 donation for Chapter #205 to help defray expenses. Finally, Ernie Bullock, past Chapter president of #205, attended our annual dinner and has his Standdown for the Auburn homeless scheduled for August 16 th. The Probation Officers Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 25 th with proceeds being donated to Chapter #20 and I am hoping for a good turnout there. Craig McLaren from incarcerated Chapter #190 (Alabama) sent up his newsletter The Eagle along with a beautiful ink drawing of an eagle with American flag wings drawn on a handkerchief. Wild Bill from #190 did the artwork and it is beautiful. I ll probably auction it off at a chapter meeting and donate the proceeds but I m going to keep it for just a little while. It is suitable for framing and quite the Fourth of July gift. Thanks guys! 11
To my VVA family I want to thank you very much for the Wegmans gift card. You have saved us from a few dreaded Hamburger Helper nights. It really helps when you can t cook to go to Wegmans and get something delicious premade. I want to share with you my journey. I was active in the Walk for a Cure. Every year I walked with the Post Office workers for years. Then in 1998 I got breast cancer in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy, followed by full breast radiation. No problem all gone. Between 1998 and 2010 I had the privilege of meeting and sharing a part of the journey of so many strong and inspiring people. Three men I met that were so strong in their battle Ted Ives, Gary Schojan and Wally Gekoski fought long and hard but in the end, cancer won out. (Should I say that all three were Marines). Equally courageous and strong were Bev Prinzing and Wendy Trovato. Two beautiful women who also fought long and hard. But lost the fight to cancer. In June of 2010 cancer came back on my left side. I had a lumpectomy and partial breast radiation. My sister was diagnosed in September with breast cancer. She fought, but lost her battle in December. I was devastated, but realized how we all choose to walk our path. My sister knew she had stage 4 but never told anyone. She said she wanted to be just Nancy and not Nancy with Breast Cancer. I did not see my sister during this time, because she did not want me to come down until she needed me. I respected her wishes. She said it would be a battle, but she would win it. I was with her the night she died when she called for me. Other inspiring people who continue the good fight are Sue Oleksyn who seems to have been given everything you can dish out and continues to keep on going. Geno Lenyk is another with his motorcycle and sports car in a bright orange color. So we know it was purchased by Agent Orange. Now in 2013, I was diagnosed on my left breast again. My excellent team of surgeons advised me to get a mastectomy. I wasn t ready. So I had a lumpectomy. All of my cancers were miniscule in size and had not spread. During this time, I met a great many people. A surgical room nurse, who told me of Dr Stephen Vega a plastic surgeon close to Rembrandt when it came to breast reconstruction. He was my only missing link. Three other people recommended him. So in 2014, with another lump in my left breast, I said what my doctors had been recommending since 2010. A double mastectomy with reconstruction. My surgery was June 10 at Unity and it took 8 hours. I spent 7 days in intensive care. Dr Ann Olzinski-Kunze removed the breasts. Dr Stephen Vega reconstructed new ones from my stomach. He had to reconnect all the blood vessels in my stomach and in my two new breasts. I will be a work in progress for about a year. But no pain. Would I do it again sure. But I won t have to. Should I have done it sooner no. I had to do it in my own time and way. I realize how many people want to come and help and do for you. Believe me, I appreciate knowing you are all there. Your cards, prayers, calls, flowers, prayer shawl, pajamas, edible arrangements and candy are all very much appreciated. I gathered my forces and we went to war. My husband has been amazing and unbelievably patient. Changing dressings, helping me in and out of bed, driving me everywhere. He has mastered the laundry, cooking and cleaning. You see, I still cannot lift, pull, push or reach up. It is a 6 to 8 week recovery and it really is. I know immediately when I have pushed it too far. I want to thank my friends who wanted so badly to come and help and do for me. But, thank you for respecting my choice of paths. If I can ever be of assistance to anyone facing these choices, I will be more than willing to listen. You can see what it looks like and I even have a new belly button and no belly. God bless you all. May your trails be happy. Gail Melens, Cancer Survivor. 12
Wimpy presented a check to the Chapter for donated boats and trailers This giant thank you card was presented to the Marching Unit (for the Chapter) at the Irondequoit July 4 th parade. Dan Corona won the 50/50 drawing Finn Donaldson won the flag drawing 13
Remembering Wally Gekoski If you have been a part of Chapter 20 since 2007 you probably remember Wally. How could you not he and wife Bonnie were always present at every Chapter event and meeting. For those who did not get the opportunity to meet Wally let me tell you a little bit about him. He served in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine. After the war he got married, raised four children and volunteered in his Kendall community as a Firefighter. Wally also joined Chapter 20. Wally was very active in Chapter 20. He was in the Marching Unit, the Honor Guard and was on the Chapter s Board of Directors. I met Wally when I joined the Chapter and Marching Unit. It was at the Hamlin Firemen s Parade in 2005 that Wally told us that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Certainly bad news but Wally just focused on enjoying life and continuing to be a key contributor to the Chapter. Over the next two years Wally s health declined but not his determination. Wally was at every parade even as he had to use a wheel chair to participate. We would kid him about his motorized chair and how it gave him an advantage getting to the beer tent prior to the rest of the Marching Unit. In November 2007 many of the Chapter members traveled by bus to Washington, DC for the 30 th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Wally occupied the first seat right behind the driver and we had fun taking some time to sit with him. While in DC the Marines of the Chapter went to Arlington, VA for the celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday at the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was a cold, windy, rainy morning and Wally was freezing in his wheel chair. The search for a blanket at that ceremony would become a pivotal point in Nancy Van Apeldoorn s Lap Robes for Veterans project. The trip to DC would be Wally s last as he passed on December 15, 2007. This Fall at the final Honor Flight of 2014 Wally will be remembered by presenting, in his name, a Lap Robe for each Veteran attending that Flight. Already the Kendall Fire Department has made a donation in Wally s name for this event. If you would like to support this Flight, or for more information, see Nancy at our monthly meeting. 14
Odds n ENDS A page written by Chapter member Fred Elliott. The opinions and/or positions expressed on this page are in no way the opinions or positions of Chapter 20. The author accepts full responsibility for the expression of his opinions and positions on the various items written about on this page. On July 3 rd, another Marine went to his final duty station. Pastor Pat Toro, a Marine Vietnam Veteran and current National At-Large Director lost his battle with blood cancer. Pat was the former President of Chapter 32 in Queens, NY. I knew Pat from my time as a delegate to the NY State Council and my involvement at National. Pat was a good friend, even when we were on the opposite sides of an issue. Semper Fi Marine! Do you know that if you are 40% or more disabled by the VA, you can apply for a Lifetime Liberty Pass, which permits qualified disabled veterans discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities in New York State. To qualify for the pass, the veterans must provide written certification from the DVA or the NYSDVA that the applicant is a veteran with a 40% or greater service-connected disability. Visit the state parks web site for more information and an application: http://nysparks.com/admission/lifetime-libertypass.aspx Weren t we all?? 15
Clean-up at the Memorial July 13, 2014 Diane Corona Dan Corona Chuck Macaluso Val Gatto & John Kiereck More on the next page. 16
Ken Allocco Ken s T-Shirt Joe Peck Dick Oleksyn & Grant Wideman Thanks to Diane & Dan Corona, Val Gatto, John Kiereck, Chuck Macaluso, Joe Peck, Dick Oleksyn, Grant Wideman, Ken Allocco & his t-shirt, Fred Elliott and later that day, Frank and Andrew Mucha. 17
Military Humor Never tell the platoon sergeant you have nothing to do. Don t draw fire, it irritates the people around you. If the enemy is in range, so are you. A good landing is when you can walk away from the plane, a great landing is when you can reuse the plane. Friendly fire isn t. If it s stupid but it works, it isn t stupid. Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once. The easy way is always mined. If you see a bomb technician running, try to keep up with him. Teamwork is essential, it gives them someone else to shoot at. Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs always hit the ground. When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend. If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn t plan your mission properly. We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction. Incoming fire has the right of way. 18
In Memory Donations When the simple act of placing flowers on a casket or placing stones on a headstone does not seem to be enough to honor the memory of a special someone who has passed away, one may choose to make a donation in his or her honor to commemorate the values and beliefs of the deceased. Chapter 20 VVA is committed to recognizing the sacrifices made by all military personnel in every branch of the armed forces. The memory of the deceased veteran is honored in the continuous work and service carried out by the dedicated Chapter members and associates. The monetary donations sent by individuals help make it possible to continue serving veterans and their families. The combined efforts of donors, lawmakers, members, and associates have far-reaching effects on the quality of all our lives. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 offers several ways of commemorating a special person. One of those ways is the Memorial Walk at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Highland Park. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Walk is a pathway of bricks inscribed with the names of individuals who have served their country with valor. Their names will forever remain a reminder of the dedication and tenacity demonstrated by the thousands of men and women who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces. If you wish to make a monetary donation directly to Chapter 20 in support of all the functions and services they provide to veterans and their families, send your check or money order payable to Chapter 20, VVA: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 P.O. Box 12580 Rochester, NY 14612 19
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 20 Name: Address: City: Zip: County I am not a Vietnam Vet, but I want to help Vietnam Veterans and their families. Please accept my donation: ( ) $10 ( ) $20 ( ) $50 ( ) Other ($ ) Eligibility: Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Military (for other than training purposes) between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (in-country Vietnam), or between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 (for Vietnam-era veterans) Term: ( ) 1 year: $20 ( ) 3 years $50 ( ) Life Membership: $200 (ages 56-60), $175 (ages 61-65), $150 (ages 66-71) $100 (ages 72+) Date of Birth: Sex ( ) M ( ) F Home Phone: ( Work Phone: ( ) ) Email Address: Sponsor: Payment Options: ( ) Check ( ) Money Order Return this application, along with a copy of your DD214 to: Chapter 20, Vietnam Veterans of America P.O. Box 12580, Rochester, NY 14612 Attn: Membership VVA is a non-profit service organization. Programs and services are funded by member dues and public donations. BETWEEN THE LINES: Between the Lines is published monthly by Chapter 20, Vietnam Veterans of America. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Chapter 20 or the Vietnam Veterans of America, its officers, board of directors or the general membership. Between the Lines can be viewed on the Chapter 20 website at www.vva20.org. We welcome letters to the editor, poetry, original articles and suggestions. Submissions should include name and phone number and can be sent to Between the Lines, P.O. Box 12580, Rochester, NY 14612 or emailed to felliott@rochester.rr.com. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity and to not use materials we think inappropriate for the publication. Deadline for submissions for each issue is the 10 th of the preceding month. Exceptions may be granted by contacting the editor. 20
Proud Supporter of Chapter 20 Vietnam Veterans of America 21
Board Meetings Membership Meetings August 5, 2014 August 14, 2014 September 2, 2014 September 11, 2014 October 7, 2014 October 9, 2014 Monthly Membership Meetings start at 6:30 pm At the Italian American Sports Club, 1250 Buffalo Road, Rochester Driving Directions to the Italian American Sports Club: The Club is located at 1250 Buffalo Road close to the intersection of Howard Road, directly across from the stone quarry, next to the Eagles Club and the Catholic Diocese of Rochester. From the East: Heading west on 490, exit Mt. Read Blvd. and turn left; south on Mt. Read to Buffalo Road circle, turn right, west on Buffalo Road, 1.4 miles, the Italian-American Sports Club is on the right side. From the West: Heading east on 490, exit 33 east, Buffalo Road (Gates Center); head east on Buffalo Road; continue past Howard Road; the Italian-American Sports Club will be on the left side in about.5 mile. Italian American Sports Club 1250 Buffalo Rd. Rochester, NY 14624 (585)464-9160 Denis Gurnett, Instructor 22
2 nd (1990) Iraq invades Kuwait resulting in Desert Shield 3 rd (1926) Singer & WWII Army Infantry veteran Tony Bennett s Birthday 6 th (1945) First atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, Japan by U.S. Forces 7 th (1964) The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution is approved by the U.S. Congress 8 th (1790) U.S. Coast Guard s Birthday 9 th (1945) The second atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki, Japan by U.S. Forces (1974) President Richard M. Nixon resigns from office 10 th (2014) Chapter meeting 13 th (1961) The Berlin Wall comes into existence 14 th (1935) Social Security starts 15 th (1969) Woodstock begins in Bethel, NY 16 th (1977) Elvis Presley dies 24 th (1814) British forces burn Washington, D.C. 31 st (1924) Actor/Comedian & WWII Army veteran Buddy Hackett s Birthday 23
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Valentino Gatto vgatto@rochester.rr.com 227-2741 h V. President Chuck Macaluso chuckmac66@yahoo.com 225-8288 h Secretary Joe Peck jpeck2@rochester.rr.com 734-9046 c Treasurer Alan Frisa alanfrisa@gmail.com 370-7962 c DIRECTORS Dan Corona nycorona@juno.com 406-6108 c Fred Elliott felliott@rochester.rr.com 317-7619 c Mike General mwgeneral@aol.com 227-4383 h Lynn Gursslin 352-0578 h Jerry McDermott jmcdermott@murphynolan.com 313-8188 c Dick Oleksyn roleksyn@yahoo.com 663-5255 h Stan Patykiewicz 247-4830 h Rosemary Rossi-Williams pefrose@gmail.com 738-6138 c Mike Sanfilippo mikemo66@aol.com 594-2649 h Ron Trovato Ronbo215@gmail.com 544-8470 h Hank Wallace whwnbt@rit.edu 334-5352 h STATE COUNCIL DELEGATES Nick DeLeo ndeleo52@yahoo.com 334-7043 h Valentino Gatto vgatto@rochester.rr.com 227-2741 h Chuck Macaluso chuckmac66@yahoo.com 225-8288 h Ken Moore 17CAV@rochester.rr.com 392-0269 h Jerry McDermott jmcdermott@murphynolan.com Joe Peck jpeck2@rochester.rr.com 734-9046 c Pat Pudetti patrickusmc1@yahoo.com 555-5555 h COMMITTEE CONTACTS Between The Lines Editor Fred Elliott felliott@rochester.rr.com 288-5756 h Chaplain - Tom Puff tpuff@frontiernet.net 227-2741 h Chapter Gear V. Gatto vgatto@rochester.rr.com 227-2741 h Constitution Fred Elliott felliott@rochester.rr.com 288-5756 h Finance Dan Corona nycorona@juno.com 406-6108 c Health Jerry McDermott jmcdermott@murphynolan.com 313-8188 c Honor Guard C. Macaluso chuckmac66@yahoo.com 225-8288 h Incarcerated Ron Trovato Ronbo215@gmail.com 544-8470 h Marching Hank Wallace whwnbt@rit.edu 334-5352 h Membership Mike General mwgeneral@aol.com 227-4383 h Mike Sanfilippo mikemo66@aol.com 594-2649 h Memorial Chuck Macaluso chuckmac66@yahoo.com 225-8288 h Minority Affairs Calvin Joseph 719-6138 c POW/MIA Joe Peck jpeck2@rochester.rr.com 734-9046 c Public Affairs Rosemary Rossi-Williams pefrose@gmail.com 738-6138 c Social Events V. Gatto vgatto@rochester.rr.com 227-2741 h Speaker s Bureau G. Lenyk gnl3153@ntid.rit.edu 423-0206 Vet Benefits Pat Pudetti patrickusmc1@yahoo.com 555-5555 h Veterans Walk C. Macaluso chuckmac66@yahoo.com Women s Affairs Rosemary Rossi-Williams 225-8288 h VVA Chapter 20 585-482-7396 P.O. Box 12580 www.vva20.org Rochester, NY 14612 REGION 2 DIRECTOR Herb Worthington hworthington@comcast.net 732-849-5737 h VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS AND INFORMATION Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial 753-7275 (enter 9; enter 2 to leave a message) VA Outpatient Clinic 465 Westfall Rd 463-2600 Veterans Outreach Center 459 South Avenue 546-1081 VA Vet Center 232-5040 Veterans Administration 800-827-1000 Monroe County Veterans Service Agency 753-6040 e-mail: serviceofficer@yahoo.com VA Veterans Benefits Hotline 800-827-1000 VA Veterans Bill of Rights 800-342-3358 VA Medical Center in Batavia 297-1000 VA Hospital in Buffalo 716-834-9200 VA Medical Center in Canandaigua 394-2000 VA Medical Center in Bath 607-664-4000 Vietnam Veterans of America National Office 800-882-1316 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund 202-393-0090 National League of Families POW/MIA Updates 202-223-6846 Richards House at VOC 506-9060 The Resource Center at VOC 546-4250 Stars & Stripes The Flag Store 546-3524 Persian Gulf Vets, Inc. 385-4097 Operation Welcome Home 234-4694 National Caregivers Support Line 855-260-3274 Homeless Hotline 877-424-3838 Crisis Hotline 800-273-8255 WEB SITES / EMAIL ADDRESSES NYS Department of Labor www.labor.ny.gov/vets/vetintropage.shtm NYS Department of Health www.health.state.ny.us/nyvets Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Highland Park www.rochestervietnammemorial.org/the_memorial Operation Welcome Home www.operationwelcomehome.org VVA New York State Council www.nyvietnamvets.org Honor Flight www.honorflightrochester.org Miscellaneous VVA Vehicle Donations 738-2870 VVA Chapter 20 info@vva20.org 482-7396 24