In this Issue... From the President Page 1 Meet a Vet Page 3 Volume 1 Issue 10 From the President Hank Lewis virgill15@aol.com November 2017 Veterans Take a Hike Kiva Club Flag Ceremony Arizona Veterans Memorial Wall Zona Open House Celebration USMC Commandant Message Take me Out to the Ball Game Elementary School honors Veterans Madison Street Outreach He was a Hero, Soldier, & Father Page 5 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 13 Page 15 Page 16 Agenda Page 17 W hat a great November of Veterans activities beginning with our assisting on the furniture sweep following the November 4th. yard sale. TVC rented a 16 foot Penske and 8 Airmen and I filled it top to bottom with the generous donations of our Trilogy neighbor! I fielded an additional two dozen phone calls to donate by directing these folks to the VFC website. The Airmen and I followed Don Borland s truck down to the VFC and unloaded a huge load of great furniture for our veterans in need. What a great finish to the Trilogy Veterans Club core mission of assisting the VFC! As many of you heard, Bill Conner at the October meeting shared that the VFC needed to distance itself from the perception that it is closely tied to the TVC. In order to assist the VFC in this effort, I will call for a motion at our November meeting to discontinue the VFC effort as a TVC Core Mission. This does not end our volunteer effort for the Veterans Furniture Center. Any Trilogian, male or female, veteran or not, may volunteer to help the VFC serve veterans in need by helping with their furniture mission as Bill pointed out. I hope to see you on the trucks soon as a volunteer for the VFC mis- (Continued on page 2) Dates for monthly meetings (Meetings start at 4:00 pm) is a monthly newsletter for the members of the Trilogy Veteran s Club. If you have an article that you would like published, please send to Scott Duke at sid.duke@gmail.com November 28, 2017 April 24, 2018 December 19, 2017 May 22, 2018 January 23, 2018 June 26, 2018 February 27, 2018 July 24, 2018 March 27, 2018 August 28, 2018
Page 2 (Continued from page 1) sion. I will provide additional numbers and information regarding our many activities in November at our meeting with slides and numbers, thanks to Scott Duke s publication skills. Our second vote of our November meeting will be the unopposed election of Officers: Scott Duke, President; Bob Meizinger, Vice President, Mark Grindle, Secretary and Les Kessler as Treasurer. I will conduct that election and ask the incoming board to take over the planning process for our club for at least the next 12 months. Many decisions as to communications, missions, donations and club operations will need to be made now with your new board taking the lead and you actively participating in the decision process. I have been honored to serve as your President this past year, and trust you will agree with me that your club has been active in many different and exciting ways to serve veterans in need, our own community, and our neighbors. I believe our future as a club is bright and I have every faith in Scott and his Board as well as you, my fellow members of the club to lead us to even greater heights! I will, of course, remain a member of this great club and have no intentions of moving! That said, I also believe in giving my team opportunities to expand their roles. I have asked Mark Grindle to Chair the De- cember meeting. I will be present as I will be presenting as my last official act in December, the Friend of the TVC Awards to Susan DiGiovanni and Denice Carty assuming you approve this action at the November meeting. These are two very dedicated ladies who clearly deserve this designation. Have a great Thanksgiving and I will see you on November 28th at 1600. Thank you again for the Honor and Privilege of letting me serve as your President. We want to hear from you! Each issue, we will add a sound off section that will come from a member of the club. If you have an issue/complaint/compliment that pertains the club and its operation, you will now have space to voice that viewpoint. Send your sound off article to sid.duke@gmail.com.
Page 3 I an served in the United States Army from 1972-1974. His MOS was General Medical Officer and he held the rank of Major. He was stationed in Northern California with his Command at the Presidio in San Francisco. His decorations include the Army Meritorious Service Medal. After Ian s time in the Army, he practiced Urology in Los Angeles for 37 years. He was elected as a Fellow to the American College of Surgeons, and Ian served as Chief of Surgery and President of the Medical Staff of his hospital. Ian grew up in New Jersey and attended Rutgers University and NY Medical College. He completed his medical training at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Ian now lives with his lovey wife, Lisa over in Trilogy West. J ust a reminder for club members, due to the Christmas and holiday season, our December meeting has been changed to December 18th (Monday). Please mark your calendar so you can make plans to attend.
Page 4 TVC Elections This Month T his month, the club will vote in a new Executive Board. The results of nominations from last month revealed elections will be unopposed with Scott Duke nominated for President, Bob Meizinger for Vice-President, Mark Grindle for Secretary, and Les Kessler as Treasurer. Ballots were e-mailed to all members and those that cannot make the meeting may e-mail their selections to Mike Ponting (michaelponting99@gmail.com). Others will bring their ballot to the meeting on the 28th of November. This was pretty good, well if you are a Sailor maybe... A sailor in a bar leans over to the guy next to him and says, ''Wanna hear a MARINE joke?'' The guy next to him replies, ''Well, before you tell that joke, you should know something. I'm 6' tall, 200 lbs, and I'm a MARINE. The guy sitting next to me is 6'2'' tall, weighs 225, and he's a MA- RINE. The fella next to him is 6'5'' tall, weighs 250, and he's also a MARINE. Now, you still wanna tell that joke?'' The sailor says, ''Nah, I don't want to have to explain it three times.'' Because the election is unopposed this year, Hank Lewis (current President) will entertain a motion to select by acclamation, so no vote is needed. Under the current By-Laws, with 143 members, we will need 30% present, or 43 members. Keep in mind that all absentee ballots will count towards that 30% needed to pass.
Page 5 Veterans Take a Hike I t all started at 0700 at the Vietnam Memorial Trail outside of Trilogy at Vistancia. Twenty-nine (29) veterans and residents began the 0.23 mile hike up the trail to the top, where the American Flag was waving so majestically. Once everyone arrived, the National Anthem was played. Hank Lewis, club president, spoke briefly about Veterans Day and the Vietnam trail. It was a somber moment of reflection for all that attended. Here are some pictures that captured the event. Special thanks to Curtis Roberts for the Drone view picture. Awesome!
Page 6 New Membership Mike Ponting Michael.ponting99@gmail.com Veterans Club Membership O ur membership is now at 144 members: 67 Army, 34 Air Force, 22 Navy, 15 Marines, 2 Coast Guard, 3 members from the Canadian Armed Forces and 1 member from the Royal Navy. How amazing that we have grown so much and speaks well of what we are doing as a club. Veterans helping veterans in need. I have received applications from three new members since our last meeting. Say Hello to William Groves, Army; Robert Marek, Army, Michael Clark, USMC; and Milton Hall, Army. As a member of another club here in Trilogy, it has been brought to my attention that not all members are receiving that clubs emails. After researching the issue, it was discovered that some of the email servers will send the email into the Junk or Spam folder. This happens when there is more that 15 email addresses being sent. There are two providers (who shall remain nameless) that this happens to on a regular basis. My point is this: if you are aware of anyone not receiving our emails or newsletters, please have them check to see if it was put into their Spam folder. They can then let their computer know that this is not Spam. It is always a good habit 144 to take a look at your Spam or Junk folder to see if something was put their by accident. Personally, I have found I get some emails sent there when I am also receiving emails from that sender in my regular inbox. (I just use technology, I don t always understand it.) Finally, I encourage all members to reach out to your neighbors that are veterans, as they move in or return for the season, to find out if they have an interest in joining our club. Let them know they are welcome to come to our meetings and try us on.
Page 7 Kiva Club Flag Ceremony I t was another exciting and well received event, as veterans, their spouses, and residents of the Trilogy attended the Veterans Day Flag ceremony at the Kiva Club. All gathered at 11:00 to meet and greet veterans and exchanging war stories. It was such a great turnout with over 65 in attendance. At precisely 11 minutes after 11 O clock, on the 11th month, and 11th day, there was a moment of silence. After that, the wonderful Troubadours sang the National Anthem and veterans in the crowd rendered a crisp and sharp salute to the flag. Trilogy Veterans Club President, Hank Lewis spoke for a few minutes about the meaning of Veterans and how the club supports military veterans in need. Special thanks to members of the club that woke up early Saturday morning and displayed the flags of the country and all branches of service at the corner, where you enter the Kiva Club.
Page 8 Arizona Veterans Memorial Wall The wall is open to the public and is located in Peoria at: Rio Vista Community Park 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd O n Veterans Day, eight members headed down to the Arizona Veterans Memorial Wall in Peoria to represent the Trilogy Veterans Club. Leading the team there was the club s vice-president, Mark Grindle. The 88-foot long, black granite wall gives special recognition to the current five branches of the armed forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. The United States Great Seal is boldly represented on the first eight foot panel section along with the five service branches and a special tribute that states, This memorial is dedicated by the city of Peoria to all of those who have served and are serving our country in the defense of freedom. An inscription along the length of the wall bears the saying, Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of freedom. John F. Kennedy, 1961 Inaugural Address
Page 9 TVC Shows up for Zona Open House Scott Duke Sid.duke@gmail.com I t was a beautiful day to have an Open House and Zona Communications did it right! Part of the ceremony was a tribute to the Trilogy Veterans Club and the work the club does on behalf of military veterans inneed. During the ceremony, Mike Urdahl (President of Zona Communications), introduced our club president, Hank Lewis and presented him with a donation to the club. Hank spoke eloquently about the club, its core missions, and the men and women that comprise the club. As part of the open house, Zona collected small appliances (toaster ovens, toasters, coffee makers, some small furniture, and other items) that will be used by military veterans who have acquired housing. As you will see in the picture below, that Zona vehicle was packed full! Thanks to all the TVC members who took the time to come out and be part of this great event. Special thanks to Zona Communications for their support. Do you know who I am? I am a member of the Trilogy Veterans Club and served in the United States Army Answer can be found on page 17
Page 10 Letter from Commandant, USMC S eventy-five years ago today, after months of fighting at Henderson Field and along Edson s Ridge, Marines on Guadalcanal spent the night of 10 November 1942 planning and preparing. Although the Battle of Guadalcanal would continue for three more months, the plans laid on our Corps most sacred day became integral to the amphibious campaigns that followed. Success at Guadalcanal proved to be the turning point that ultimately paved the way for Allied victory in the Pacific. Those warriors defended their positions in brutal conditions against a formidable enemy and triumphed. Through every major conflict our Nation has seen since the Revolution, Marines performed their duty with utmost courage, devotion, and raw determination. Their valiant deeds in the face of overwhelming challenges give us confidence and inspire us to meet the trials of today. As we pause to celebrate the birth of our Corps this year, we honor the legacy that was passed down to us and we recommit ourselves to carrying those traditions into the future. This November 10th marks 242 years of warfighting excellence. At places like Trenton, Tripoli, Chapultepec, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Chosin, Khe Sanh, Fallujah, Sangin, and so many others, Marines have fought with an inner spirit a spirit that bonds us, binds us together as a cohesive team. It s that intangible spirit that has formed the foundation of our warfighting reputation for the past 242 years. Now it s our responsibility to ensure we honor and carry on that legacy. The American people expect a Corps of men and women who are committed, selfless, willing to sacrifice, who epitomize honor, courage, commitment, virtue, and character. We owe our Nation and our predecessors no less. Today, as we celebrate our 242nd birthday, we must remember who we are, where we came from, and why we re here. We must remember the past, honor those who are no longer with us, focus on today s battles, and get ready for tomorrow. We can and will prevail as we always have, in any clime and place. But we must prevail together, united by the unyielding spirit in each of us that makes our Corps unique that willingness to put our Corps and fellow Marines ahead of ourselves. Victory in battle comes through the integrated efforts of many teamwork. We value the sacrifices and contributions of every Marine and Sailor, as well as our family members without whose support we would not be able to accomplish our mission. And we remain committed to being our Nation s Expeditionary Force in Readiness that sets the standard for honor, discipline, and courage. I am proud of each and every one of you. Happy Birthday, Marines! Semper Fidelis, Robert B. Neller General, U.S. Marine Corps Commandant of the Marine Corps
Page 11 Take me out to the Ball Game! I t was a wonderful display of military veterans from around the area at the Peoria Sports Complex on Veterans Day. This project was three months in the making, but it was all worth it, as the crowd listened to two club members (Richard Brown and Paul Bernard) sing the National Anthem, and then watch club member, Ian Gale throw out the first pitch. Thirty-three club members attended the game and when you include their guests, the Trilogy Veterans Club was in full-force with 67 folks being part of the nearly 1,000 fans that showed up to hear Richard and Paul sing, watch a game, and enjoy the fireworks. A video of Richard and Paul was made and posted on Facebook.
Page 12 PRESIDENT Virgil Hank: Lewis Virgill15@aol.com VICE-PRESIDENT Mark Grindle jetsetter05@msn.com SECRETARY Jim Long jimlong13058@ TREASURER Les Kessler kesslerleslie@ gmail.com yahoo.com Membership Director Mike Ponting michaelponting99@gmail.com Communications Director Scott Duke Sid.duke@gmail.com Social Director Robert Meizinger boval51101@gmail.com Madison Street Outreach Donald Borland Donb173@cox.net TVC/Luke Volunteer Program Richard Brown rbrowntrilogy@cox.net Member-at-Large Will remain vacant until next election of board members.
Page 13 Elementary School honors Trilogy Veterans Club I t all started with an idea at the Vistancia Elementary School. The kids wanted to honor military veterans as part of Veterans Day. The idea became reality and it was an impressive show of support for those that served in the Armed Forces. The day kicked off with a delicious breakfast, then a school assembly. Club President, Hank Lewis spoke to the children about the club and mission and then it was time to storm the halls of the school. There were so many kids, exclaimed one of the veterans. The school children even created homemade cards for the military veterans. Special thanks to Kady Binsbacher for working on this project with others to make it so successful. Speaking for the Trilogy Veterans Club, we are so appreciative and thankful to be part of the day.
Page 14 T rilogy Veterans Club (TVC) shirts, hats, bricks, and coins are for sale. Prices are below. Hats and shirts have been increased in price. Bricks go up to $40 in January 2018. Coin remained the same in price. Polo Shirt Tee Shirt Customized Brick Club Coin Price increase January 2018
Page 15 A friend of my posted this on Facebook and I thought it was worth a read.. Ever wonder why Veterans Day is on the 11th and not changed? The war ended on the 11th month on the 11th day on the 11th hour. Today, I saw a man selling poppies stop a lady and asked if he could re-position her poppy. While doing so, he told that lady that she should wear the poppy on her right side, the red represents the blood of all those who have their lives, the black represents the mourning of those who didn t have their loved ones return home, and the green leaf represents the grass and crops growing and future prosperity after the war destroyed so much. The leaf should be positioned at 11 o clock to represent the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the time that World War One formally ended. He was worried that the younger generation wouldn t understand this and his generation wouldn't be around that much longer to teach them. We must remember those from our current wars too! Madison Street Outreach Program F or the month of November, we were excited to learn that a family will take care of the entire meal for the Madison Outreach Center. That is simply outstanding we thank Ron (head chef) for taking on that above and beyond effort. We still needed help with sodas, bananas, servers and drivers, so we still had some help from fellow Vets from the club. We think for December, we will be on track for full support from the club to support Madison Street Outreach Center. As always, if you have questions or comments about the program and this mission, please contact our mission leader, Don Borland @ donb173@cox.net
Page 16 He was a Hero, Solider, and Father W hen my Father passed away earlier this month, I posted on Facebook some pictures and wrote about my Dad. Some Trilogy Veterans saw those pictures and asked me if I would write something in the newsletter about Pop. I was reluctant because it felt self-serving, but I thought sharing my Dad s military time with the people he loved the most Veterans, would be okay to do. My Dad actually joined the Army back in 1950 when he was underage for military service. While fighting in the Korean War, he was shot and awarded the first of two Purple Hearts he would be awarded in his career. When the Army found out he was not old enough to be in the military, they had a dilemma on their hands. Do you really kick out a 16 year old Soldier that was just awarded the Purple Heart? The answer was no, and that led to a 21 year career that included my Dad s MOS as a military policeman, tank commander, and drill instructor. He was tough as nails and had a very low tolerance for incompetence, but he loved being a solider! During his time in the Army, along with the Korean War, he served three tours in Vietnam as a commander on an M60 tank. He was awarded the bronze star for Valor, Silver Star for Gallantry, and the Defense Service Medal, along with many campaign and service medals. But you know, the one thing Dad cherished the most was his Combat Infantry Badge, or CIB. For those that are not familiar with the CIB, it is awarded to infantrymen and special forces soldiers in the rank of Colonel and below who fought in active ground combat. He never spoke about the war or what went on there until the last few days before he died. I knew my Dad was a heavily decorated soldier, but the stories he would tell me were absolutely amazing. He was awarded his second Purple Heart when a mortar round hit his tank and knocked him from the turret position down into the tank. One crew member was killed, Dad and the rest were injured. Dad lost 75% of his hearing that day. He told me when the round hit the tank it was like being inside a trash can with the lid on and somebody hitting the can with a baseball bat. Another time, Dad was on a recon mission and encountered a group of Viet Cong heading his way. He was outmatched and outgunned. Dad laid in a rice patty and remained silent as they were approaching. Just then a Two- step snake swam across Dad s chest. To be clear, a two-step snake was a name given to the snake my GI s because the word was you could only walk two steps after being bitten before you died. Dad said he never knew if that was true, but in that rice patty, he seemed and felt very true! Dad retired in 1971 as a Sergeant First Class. The only reason he retired was the Army was going to send him back to Vietnam for a 4th tour and Dad was raising three boys with no mother (divorced in 1969), When he retired, he became a police officer in Radcliff, KY (town outside of Fort Knox). When he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police, the rank was a second Lt bar. Dad told the Chief of Police that he would only accept the position if they changed the rank to a 1st Lt bar. Dad did NOT want to wear butter bars after serving as a NCO in the Army for 20 years. Final thing I will write about is this. Try growing up with your Dad as a drill instructor! Every Saturday morning, we would have room inspections at 0900. If you failed, a make-up inspection was at 1300. If you failed that...you were grounded for the weekend. That prepped his three boys for military service; older brother retired Navy (21 years), me, Air Force (42 years), and younger brother, Coast Guard (20 years). In total, the Dukes served 104 years on federal service (84 active-duty years). He was a Hero, Soldier, and best of all Father! RIP Pop.
Page 17 H ere is a look at the agenda for this month s meeting of the Veterans Club. We hope to see you there at 1600 hrs. Meeting comes to order at 1600 Pledge of Allegiance Membership Update President s comments Voting for club officers Financial report Core Mission Updates OLD business New business Good of the Club Adjourn If you thought it was Bob Paquin, you would be correct!