Memories Of Vietnam Come Home To Manchester

Memories Of Vietnam Come Home To Manchester With The Wall That Heals
Hartford Courant
Jesse Leavenworth
October 6, 2015

After the start of the Iraq War in 2003, Simmons said he was determined to protect service members from the scorn heaped on veterans of his era.

MANCHESTER — On that indelible winter's day, Ann Marie Krajewski rushed to answer the doorbell with all the innocent enthusiasm of a 5-year-old.

Uniformed men stood outside, and her parents told her to go play, the now 52-year-old Ann Marie Grottke recalled Monday. Moments later, "I could hear my father burst out crying," Grottke said. "I never heard my father cry before."

U.S. Army Spec. 4 Donald Joseph Krajewski, Ann Marie's 19-year-old brother, was killed in Vietnam on Feb. 28, 1969. His remains were returned home on what would have been his 20th birthday, March 13.

Along with other men from Manchester, Krajewski's name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and on the replica that is scheduled to arrive in town Wednesday.

The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot-long traveling monument, is designed to bring the names home, allowing "the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist once more among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings," according to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

The keynote speaker for the opening ceremony is former U.S. Congressman Rob Simmons, a U.S. Army veteran who served 19 months in Vietnam and earned two Bronze Stars. Simmons also was a CIA operations officer in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
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Guardians At the Wall In Salem Virginia

Veterans guard Vietnam Veterans Memorial traveling replica in Salem
WDBJ 7 News
Shayne Dwyer
Sep 18, 2015

Volunteers known as the Guardians of the Wall make sure that the wall, and the more than 58,000 souls listed on it, are never alone. Half of the guardians are veterans.

SALEM, Va.
The Wall That Heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial traveling half-scale replica, is continuing its tour in our area. Organizers said a couple thousand people have already come to see it -- and while those people look on, there is a special group of people helping out.

They're called the Guardians of the Wall, and their job is to help people explore the wall and its history. Official duties include helping people find names, while unofficial duties include making new friends and exchanging war stories.

"They kneel down and they touch it, and you can feel their heartache when you see them crying," Army Veteran and guardian Richard Simms said.

At lease one guardian is with the wall twenty-four hours a day to make sure that the wall is never alone.

"It's the most important job because they are the first folks that visitors see when they come to visit the wall," Col. John R. Miller, Stonewall Jackson Chatper of the Associaiton Of The U.S. Army President said. "They are the face of the wall."
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Traveling Wall in Pennsylvania Offers Place To Remember

Hundreds pay tribute at traveling Vietnam memorial in Moore Township
The Morning Call
By Tom Shortell
August 15, 2015

"You can pray, you can cry, you can talk to them. It's so much more personal,"
Debra Reagan

Forty-four years ago, Army Specialist Bobby Nickols sent a letter to his family in Bethlehem. The form letter addressed to family, friends and draft-dodgers asked them to be patient with returning soldiers as they adapted to civilian life. It closed with the emphatic announcement that their soldier was coming home from Vietnam. Nickols scribbled in the margins that his tour would end in 16 days.

Richard A. Jones of Easton visits the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Moore Township.

(SHARON K. MERKEL / SPECIAL TO THE MORNING CALL)

The 20-year-old never reached the Lehigh Valley. His helicopter crashed at sea, and it was never clear if it was a malfunction or if it was shot down, said his sister Debra Reagan. His body was never recovered.

Reagan dug the letter out of safekeeping Friday night for a ceremony in Moore Township in front of the Vietnam Traveling Wall Memorial, a three-fifth scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. She had never read the letter publicly before, but she knew it was a fitting tribute to the 58,272 Americans named on the wall behind her as well as the veterans present.

"It was the one thing I wanted to do," Reagan said afterward as she smoked a cigarette to calm herself. "This was the perfect time to read it."

About 300 people attended the ceremony to pay their respects to the honored dead listed on the wall. State Sen. Mario Scavello and state Reps. Julie Harhart and Marcia Hahn spoke, followed by a three-volley gun salute by four members of the American Legion.

The wall was set up on a baseball field, but township officials provided benches for passers-by and mulch along the wall where people left roses, military patches and photos of the dead. Many in attendance were veterans with the Nam Knights, a national motorcycle club with a Lehigh Valley chapter that escorted the wall into the region.

Carrie Ball and her husband, Frank, came in lieu of Ronald P. Horsham, her father who served three years in Vietnam. Horsham died six weeks ago, but he would have loved the traveling memorial, she said. Despite suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and dealing with the aftereffects of Agent Orange, he lived and breathed for the Marines.
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Gloucester Embraces The Wall That Heals

'It's closure. It's healing': Hundreds of veterans visit The Wall That Heals
Salem News
By John Castelluccio Correspondent
July 12, 2015

One brother, in fact, didn’t open up about his time in Vietnam until a few years ago when he ran into another vet at Florian Hall in Dorchester, Driscoll said. “They couldn’t talk about it with other people, but they could talk about it with each other, I guess.”

'It's closure. It's healing' Three-year-old Andrea Pimental of Middleton looks to upright a fallen American flag placed at The Wall That Heals, Sunday afternoon during the last day at the Fuller School site.

GLOUCESTER — By Mark Nestor’s estimation, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial lived up to its reputation this week in Gloucester, evoking the start of a cathartic healing process for several veterans who came to pay their respects to fallen comrades at The Wall That Heals.

Nestor, the commander of the Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3, said he shook hands with about 600 Vietnam veterans — many of whom he never met before — from the time the traveling wall opened to the public Thursday morning through late Sunday afternoon during the closing ceremonies. Many of them were from Cape Ann or the North Shore, but some also came up from Plymouth and other communities surrounding Boston.

“It’s closure. It’s a healing process,” said Nestor, adding that the traveling exhibit helps make that process easier for people who haven’t visited the actual memorial in Washington, D.C.
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Melbourne Wickham Park Veterans Reunion

I was glad for the clouds since it wasn't too hot out in Melbourne this morning. It was great to see the crowds and still stunning, even after all these years, to see the memorials.

UPDATE

Veterans reunion attendance builds after rainy start
FLORIDA TODAY
R. Norman Moody
April 24, 2015

"I get to connect with my fellow veterans," Miller said. "I get camaraderie with the other veterans."

MELBOURNE – The crowds, kept away from the rained-out opening ceremony of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, began to build Friday morning at the Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion.

Veterans strolled among the dozens of information and vendor booths and tents as others reflected at the wall.

The reunion, which goes on through Sunday, is open to the public. It is being held at Wickham Park in Melbourne and is billed as the largest of its kind.

"I like to meet different veterans and tell them 'Welcome home,'" said Harvey White, 73, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

White, 73, who served with the Army's 71st Transportation Company in Vietnam, said liked the camaraderie he encountered at the reunion.

"I'm very proud to have worn the uniform of this country," he said.

David Miller, a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran from Palm Bay, has been a part of the reunion for many years. He serves on the organizing board.
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Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Escort into Wickham Park

Sunday, April 19, 2015 over 1,000 escorted the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall into Wickham Park in Melbourne Florida for the start of the Veterans Reunion.

Over 1,000 Escort Vietnam Traveling Wall to Wickham Park

Vietnam traveling wall stirs emotions, memories 
FLORIDA TODAY
J.D. Gallop
April 20, 2015

Escorting the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall exhibit. Hundreds of motorcyclists head south on U.S. 1 toward Melbourne's Wickham Park, where the wall be set up until all week for the Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion. (Photo: TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY)

Derena Lampson knelt on a patch of grass and stared intently at the black aluminum wall etched with the names of thousands of men and women, hoping to find one important connection to her past.

"I'm looking for my great-grandfather. I don't know what he did but he was in Vietnam ... he was there," said the 47-year-old Melbourne resident who brought along her 8-year-old son, Shiloh, and her 16-year-old daughter, Bonnie, for an outing to the park in Melbourne to view the memorial.

"I haven't found him on the wall yet. His name was Ezra Lamspon and my father spoke of him but now he has Alzheimer's, so there's a gaping hole in our family history. This is my first time here and I just wanted my children to know that he died serving his country," said Lampson.

The mother of two was one of several dozen people who turned out as the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall arrived Sunday at Wickham Park under escort from more than 1,000 motorcyclists and volunteers.Derena Lampson knelt on a patch of grass and stared intently at the black aluminum wall etched with the names of thousands of men and women, hoping to find one important connection to her past.

"I'm looking for my great-grandfather. I don't know what he did but he was in Vietnam ... he was there," said the 47-year-old Melbourne resident who brought along her 8-year-old son, Shiloh, and her 16-year-old daughter, Bonnie, for an outing to the park in Melbourne to view the memorial.

"I haven't found him on the wall yet. His name was Ezra Lamspon and my father spoke of him but now he has Alzheimer's, so there's a gaping hole in our family history. This is my first time here and I just wanted my children to know that he died serving his country," said Lampson.

The mother of two was one of several dozen people who turned out as the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall arrived Sunday at Wickham Park under escort from more than 1,000 motorcyclists and volunteers.
read more here
This is where I was yesterday and working on the video now. Check back tomorrow.

Florida Veterans Events Kick Off With Wall Escort

Melbourne Florida Veterans Reunion

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Escort - Sun April 19 – begins at 10am from Brevard Community College, Cocoa and proceeds down the highway to Wickham Park, Melbourne. It will remain at Wickham Park thru Sun. April 26 for the Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion. The escorted arrival is always exciting with hundreds of motorcycles and First Responder vehicles.

This is the escort into Wickham Park last year.

Apr 28, 2014 Yesterday at Wickham Park in Melbourne Florida, the Vietnam traveling Wall was escorted by hundreds of motorcycles for the kick off the the 2014 Veterans Reunion.

More Events From Cathy Haynes

Mid-April notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida

               

Florida Women Veterans Conference – Apr 17-19 - a first ever weekend conference open to ALL women veterans of ALL eras.   Noted speakers.   Sandcastle Resort in Sarasota (1540 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, 34236)   The website provides full information including the agenda, registration and hotel:  flwvc.org  

Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Seminole Co. – Sat. Apr 18 – located at Seminole County Health Dept, 400 W. Airport Blvd., Sanford, 32773.   9am – 1pm providing free services like medical, dental, haircuts, food, VA claims services, Legal assistance, clothing and more.   Free LYNX bus service with the flyer.   Contact Ed B. at 407-665-2371, or VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans 321-397-6607.

Law Enforcement Career Forum – Mon Apr 20 - Recruiting by City of Orlando and Orange County to become law enforcement professionals and 911 communications personnel.   3pm – 6pm at Valencia College School of Public Safety, 8600 Valencia College Lane, Orlando, 32825 (East Campus.)   Contactkristina.fleming@ocfl.net   407-254-7489

Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Apr 21 – a “Chamber of Commerce” of sorts open to all veteran owned businesses, meeting at 10am, American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810.   19 states offer contract preferences to veteran owned businesses.   Florida is NOT one of them.   Our goal is to change that in big business, our cities, and counties too.   See FAVOB Facebook site.

Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – Apr 23 – 26, Wickham Park in Melbourne.   The nation’s largest veteran reunion is very well attended; military displays, reenactments and ceremonies, old and new friends.   Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall will be onsite from Apr.19 – 26.  

Check the website for the schedule of events – very busy and interesting each day.   www    floridaveteransreunion.com

Leesburg Bikefest – Thurs – Sun, Apr 23 - 26.    AMVETS Post 2006 will offer limited secure and parking areas for all motorcycles... as you may know they are only a few blocks from downtown at 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748.   Breakfast offered Fri thru Sun from 8am-10am.   Lots of food (Fish Fry, Chicken dinners and more, beverages, music and FUN.   Special fundraising T-shirts.   AMVETS Post 2006   352-323-8750 or see their Facebook page.

Employment 101 – Fri, Apr 24 – 10am – 12noon at the Orlando VA Medical Center, Auditorium A, Rm 504 (Lake Baldwin site), 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803.   Assistance for landing that desired job.   Ellamay "Annie" Artis, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator,   407-629-1599 x1846  ellamay.artis@va.gov

Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Brevard Co. – Sat. Apr 25 – located at National Guard Armory, 308 N. Fiske Ave., Cocoa, 32922.   8am – 2pm providing free services like medical, dental, hearing and eye exams, VA claims services, Legal assistance, haircuts, food, clothing and more.   Donated bicycles to be given away.   Free SCAT bus service.   Contact Bill at 321-431-0364 or Kim at 321-704-6712.

Greeters needed!   Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. Apr 25 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.   This group will return at about 9:00 pm and enter the terminal area at about 9:30pm.   Come welcome these former warriors home!   “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference!   Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines #2642 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.  

Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm   -   chaynes11629@yahoo.com    407-239-8468.

New:   Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage.   The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders.

For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.   Wave them off for a wonderful day!

Women in Defense Networking  - Tues Apr 28 – Central Florida Chapter of Women In Defense (WID) will gather with wine tasting in a Napa-Style Tasting Room and sample wine selections. A tasting includes seven to eight different wines and no reservation is necessary.  5pm – 7pm, Cooper’s Hawk at Waterford Lakes, 529 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32828.   $20 Member | $25 Non-Members, RSVP to Laura - programs@wid-cfl.org    Women In Defense, a National Security Organization, is a cross-section of national security professions in industry, government, military and academia.

Heroes Commons at Jefferson Park Ground Breaking – Wed. Apr 29 – 2pm at 1205 Polk St, at the corner of Benson Ave. in Downtown Orlando.   Homes for former warriors and their families are sponsored by numerous organizations.   Info and RSVP to lindsays@orlandorealtors.org   407.513.7277

USMCCCA Foundation Golf Tournament – Fri. May 1.    U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Foundation tournament.   The proceeds go to the Semper Fi fund to help wounded Marines and their loved ones.   James “Red” Carpenter at   jcar1@tampabay.rr.com  Sponsorships welcomed.

Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. May 2– Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.   This group will return at about 9pm and enter the terminal area at about 9:30 - 10pm. (HOWEVER – I have not received flight information yet from the Central Florida Honor Flight group.  Time may vary.)  Come welcome these former warriors home!   “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference!   Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Unknown airline at this time.   If you are interested in attending, please contact me so when I know, I’ll let you know.

Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm   -   chaynes11629@yahoo.com    407-239-8468.

New:   Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage.   The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders.

For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.   Wave them off for a wonderful day!

100th Birthday reception for WWII veteran – Sun. May 3 at 12:15p (Public welcomed) at Conway United Methodist Church, 3401 S Conway Rd, Orlando, FL 32812, in their fellowship hall around the back.   Mr. Barbe served from 1942 to 1945 with the 101st Airborne Division with Co. B, 327th Glider-Parachute Regiment.   He made a glider landing in enemy territory and he still has the shaving kit that caught a bullet and saved his life in the air.   Birthday cards would be welcomed and can be mailed to the church in attention to Mr. Barbe.   Contact me (Cathy Haynes) for info as details are still being ironed out as I send this.

VetBuds of Orlando meeting – Thurs. May 7 - a group of military veterans whose purpose is to provide assistance to other veterans thru personal resources - by our combined businesses, social and personal knowledge and connections.   9am at First Watch, 1414 North Mills Ave, Orlando, 32803 (northwest corner of intersection of Virginia Dr. and Mills) Purchase your own breakfast, informal and casual meeting.   No dues.   Info:   Forrest at   citrusolution91@gmail.com    407-347-6499

Central Florida Navy League luncheon and meeting – Wed. May 13 – All persons who support the sea services, whether civilian or military, are welcomed to attend this gathering on the 2nd Wed. of each month.   11:30 – 1pm at the Radisson Hotel (near UCF), 1724 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, 32826.  Interesting speakers and networking potential includes the simulation technology businesses.   $20 with RSVP or $25 at the door.   3rd largest Navy League in FL.   Contact Bob K. (Membership Chair.) atnavleaguecenfl@juno.com    407-977-7575

Armed Forces Appreciation Night – Wed May 14 – The Citrus Club in conjunction with the AUSA Sunshine Chapter, the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation and the Central Florida Navy League host this event to honor our military service members.   (Air Force – why didn’t you join? Maybe next year? But AF people will NOT be turned away!)   6pm – 8:30pm at the Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave. (18 ^th Floor), Orlando, 32801.   Hors d’doeuvres served.   No cost to attend but RSVP’s required toelcy.hernandez@ourclub.com   Add’l info: Jan Drabczuk at 407.448.5369

Sunshine Chapter of AUSA Scholarship Golf Tournament - Fri, May 15 – Local chapter of Association of the United States Army sponsors this event at Timacuan Golf and Country Club, 550 Timacuan Blvd, Lake Mary, 32746.   8am Shotgun Start; Check-in starts at 7am.   Lots of special fun!  $75/pp Golf & Texan BBQ Lunch and more.   Sponsorships welcomed. Register early at website of ausa-sunshine.org      Info:   Delloyd Voorhees at 407.541.4121   delloyd.voorhees@GDIT.com ; or Jeff Moss at jeffery.moss@gdit.com   407.541.2178.

Interested in becoming an AUSA member?   Sunshine Chapter has flexible general meeting dates.   See the website or contact   john.reams@zeltech.com   407.571.9920

Armed Forces Gala – Fri. May 15 at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 411 Mercy Dr. Orlando, 32805.   6PM - 10PM.   Proceeds will support The Military Edge Scholarship Program, and career workshops.   More details can be found on armedforcesgala.    eventbrite.com. Contact Nik Patterson 513-898-9097 npatterson@themilitaryedge.com.   Sponsorships welcomed.

The Jerry Dugan Memorial Charity Golf Tournament – Mon. May 18 - Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)Central Florida at the Heathrow Country Club, a private golf course in Heathrow.  Sponsorships VERY welcomed!   Cost for non-veterans is $125 and $100 for veterans and includes 18 holes of golf, unlimited drinks during play (beer, soda and water), a lunch buffet, a goody bag worth approximately $50 and a 60” golf umbrella. Hole in one prizes, on designated holes, include a 2015 Mercedes Benz, and an EZ GO Golf Cart. Prizes (gift cards for each team member) will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as closest to the pin and a raffle of over 40 different items as well as a silent auction with over 20 items. For more information call PVACF office at 407-328-7041 or emailccentralflorida16@cfl.rr.com

(PVA assists vets with spinal injury and neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.   There are 27 known veterans with ALS in Central FL.)

Golf Outing with a Hero - A Villagers for Veterans Event – Tues. May 19 - Bonifay Country Club, The Villages Fl. Come and meet SSGT. Brian Mast, a true hero. Brian lost both his legs and a finger while clearing for bombs in Afghanistan during one of his tours. Brian recently returned from Israel, where he volunteered for the IDF.   Afternoon Golf and Dinner - $100;   Dinner Only - $25.   Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068 villagersforveterans@gmail.com  

Indy Orchid Gala – Wed. May 20 – Sponsored by Villagers for Veterans to benefit the Independence Fund for severely wounded warriors.   6pm – 10pm, Silent Auction opens at 5pm.   $50 regular for dinner, dancing, show; or $75 VIP includes full cocktails with meet/greet Fox News Correspondent Jennifer Griffin. The Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, 32162.   Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068 villagersforveterans@gmail.com  

Tallahassee National Cemetery Dedication Ceremony – Fri. May 22 – 1pm ceremony with VA Secretary Bob McDonald scheduled to attend.   This site off of Apalachee Parkway will offer families in that area an alternative other than the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.  

NOTE:   A second one – the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor of Brevard County, will open within the next year.   It will serve more than 163,000 veterans, spouses and their eligible dependents living in the central eastern Florida area.   If there are (or will be) cremains that you need to place, the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery may be closer to you than the one in Bushnell…something for you to consider…..

MEMORIAL DAY/weekend  events:   (Mon. May 25) PLEASE consider joining with other organizations, Posts, etc. to commemorate and honor the DECEASED warriors and veterans of our communities.   Please consider the staggering of ceremony days and times.   Joining with others and staggering of days and times allows for a larger number of persons to participate in the ceremony, a larger overall attendance, saves monies and resources, allows more media coverage opportunity, etc.   I know…I frequently hear “We’ve ALWAYS done it this way for ten (or thirty, forty) years..”  But there can more awareness of the participating groups when they join together to form a larger effort.   Then you might gain the interest of potential new members.

So far notice has been received for:

Fri. May 22 – 11am – Ocoee Memorial Day Ceremony, Ocoee.

Sun. May 24 – 10am – American Legion Post 112, and Sea Cadets in Orlando.

Mon. May 25 – 8am – Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee – Osceola County Veterans Council

Mon. May 25 – 10am – Mount Peace Cemetery, St. Cloud – Osceola County Veterans Council

Mon. May 25 – 10am – Orange County Courthouse by the Orange County and Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Councils, and others.

Mon. May 25 – 10am – Seminole County Memorial Day ceremony

Mon. May 25 – 2pm – the first Memorial Day ceremony at the Central FL Veterans Memorial Wall located at the Lake Nona VA Hospital site.

Mon. May 25 – 11am – Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell.

Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – Ceremony starts at 10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending  to provide the keynote address. The dedication will culminate a week of special events, including a day for Veterans, the media, and our stakeholders as well.   Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.   Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.

Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 29.   Disney’s Palm Golf Course is the site for this 5 ^th annual event sponsored by Camaraderie Foundation. The Foundation provides counseling resources for warriors (past and present) and their families – especially for those experiencing Post Traumatic Stress.   The proceeds of this tournament assist with those resources.   Sponsorships (corporate and private) are VERY welcomed.   8am Shotgun Start.   Info online or to register at www   ParsandStripes2015.kintera.org   or contact Jackie Nelson at 407.841.0071jnelson@camaraderiefoundation.org

Battle of Midway Commemorative Dinner – Sat. Jun 15 in St. Augustine.   Contact the Navy Leagues in Mayport or St. Augustine for info.

240th Army Birthday Ball – Sat. June 20 – The local Sunshine Chapter of AUSA (Association of the United States Army) planning committee is working diligently to ensure we recognize our Government Civilians and Soldiers with a grand celebration.   Special invitations to Wounded Warriors, Soldiers, Gold Star families and our senior war veterans from Central Florida.   All interested persons are welcomed to attend with RSVP.   6pm – 11pm at Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.   Sponsorships welcomed.   Discounts for event and hotel room rates if registered before May 15.   Info:   Mike Flanagan or Tony Krogh at armyball@ausa-sunshine.org    407.277.8069, x 304, (c) 717.609.9665

Interested in becoming an AUSA member?   Sunshine Chapter has flexible general meeting dates.   See the website or contact   john.reams@zeltech.com   407.571.9920

The American Legion, Department of Florida, June 25 -28 - 96th Annual Department Convention at Renaissance SeaWorld in Orlando.

3rd Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament - Mon. July 20. Central Florida Navy League, a large active group composed of civilians and veterans supporting all sea services.   (USN, USMC, USCG, and Merchant Marines.) This golf outing honors a long-time CFNL member, Robert "Bob" Bret - Proceeds go to support NJROTC scholarships and the Welfare & Recreation fund for USCGC Cutter's Vigilant and

Shrike, (based in Port Canaveral) crew & families.   Tournament at The Golden Bear Club, Keene’s Point in Windermere.   Corporate sponsors welcomed.   Contact Brian Holmes at 407.252.3008  bholmes@aegistg.com

EXTRAS of interest

Unique PTS Therapy – Warriors, past and present with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, experiencing life altering Post Traumatic Stress may wish to inquire about a local clinical research program.   The UCF (Univ. of Central FL) RESTORES is still investigational but three years of results reported by warriors are very encouraging.   Two separate therapy programs are available at NO COST use sights, sounds and smells to reduce fear and anxiety.   One program lasts 17 weeks, and the other is an intense, shorter termed one.   Both instruct you to deal with and manage your anger, depression, and re-adjustment after deployment.   Contact the Program Coordinator Dr. Sandra Neer at 407.823.1668 for a confidential telephone interview.

Research Study volunteers with children needed – UCF Family Stress and Resilience Program needs several types of families for a study of biological and psychological stressors.   Orlando is one of three sites (the others are Houston, TX and Honolulu, HI) for this comparison of children (ages 7 – 17) with military or civilian family stresses.   Participating families will receive $100.   Saliva (spit) will be collected to measure cortisol - the stress hormone – NO needles!    Needed as many families as possible:  Military families with a currently deployed parent; Military family with no currently deployed parent; Civilian family with parents who are divorced or separated (within past 12 months); Civilian family with two parents/caregivers in the home; Civilian family where one parent is temporarily separated from the family because of a work assignment (ie: working on oil rig.)   Contact: UCF Coordinator Dr. Sandra Neer at 407-823-1668 sandra.neer@ucf.edu   

Free Cell Phones at VA Locations - Veterans can apply for a FREE cell phone through the SafeLink Program. There are a few guidelines for usage. Must be able to present some form of military ID (i.e. VA card, Retired ID). Only one phone will be issued per household.

SafeLink outreach reps are staffing numerous locations around central Florida. Here is a helpful schedule for our VA clinics:   Orlando VA Medical Center in Baldwin Park: 9 am-2 pm, M, T, and F, next to the Travel Counter

Kissimmee CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, Th and F.

Orange City CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, W and F.

Leesburg CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, M-Th.

Ocala CBOC: 9 am-2 pm, M-Th.

Viera Outpatient Clinic: 9 am-2 pm M and W.

Daytona Beach location: 9 am-2 pm M and T.

POC: Laine Strutton – Orlando Manager, Safelink (914) 689-6716

Civil Air Patrol – Wanted:   Youth and adults who have a passion for aviation, space, the military or leadership and want to learn to fly, lead, hike, camp, get in shape and push themselves to new limits.  Details:   407-600-8596.   capsmkin-sey@gmail.com   or fl259.org

Museum of Military History – History in Miniature special exhibit.   Over 50 past and present award winning military dioramas, hand crafted tall ships, 1/72, 1/48, 1/35 scale airplane models, historical artwork and more!   5210 .comW. Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34796.   Open 10am – 6pm Tues – Sun.   www   museumofmilitaryhistory

Work at Lake Nona -The Orlando VA Medical Center has opened a Recruitment Center at the new medical center in Lake Nona. The Recruitment Center provides a "one stop" location for potential employees to find out information about applying for jobs at the Orlando VA Medical Center.   Human Resource Specialists, Nursing Recruiters, and Physician Recruiters are located at the Center and are available to provide information and assistance.

The address for the new medical center at Lake Nona is 13800 Veterans Way.   Upon arrival to the medical center, park on the first floor of the west parking garage and follow the signs to enter the building. Take the elevator to the fourth floor and follow the signs to the Recruitment Center welcome desk. The room number is 4A101. Volunteers are stationed at the facility to assist with directions.

The main telephone number for the Recruitment Center is 407-631-4001.

INFO to keep and share - because we care

Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline:   1-800-273-8255, #1.  

Or:   Website at   veteranscrisisline    provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance;

Or:   text 838255   for   24/7 confidential assistance.   They are there because they care….

Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for warriors and their families.    It works.   It has saved lives, marriages and families.   Contact 407-841-0071

Operation Homefront assists military families during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance.     operationhomefront.org    Central FL rep:   Chip Whiting at 407-758-0492   whiting_charles@bah.com   

Vet Centers are available for combat zone veterans to help with personal and family readjustment counseling and outreach services.    The nearest centers are located in:

Orlando - 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite #30, Orlando, 32822.   407-857-2800 Or 877-927-8387.

Melbourne -2098 Sarno Road, Melbourne, 32935.   321-254-3410 Or 877-927-8387.

Clermont -1655 East Highway 50, Clermont, 34711   352-536-6701 Or 877-927-8387.

Daytona Beach -1620 Mason Ave., Suite C, Daytona Beach, 32117.   386-366-6600 Or 877-927-8387.

And coming soon to Seminole County....      vetcenter.va.gov       

Caring and sharing,

Cathy Haynes

Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL

407-239-8468

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

All Generations Find Healing PTSD at The Wall

How does The Wall hit all generations? After all, it is just about lives lost during the Vietnam War. It all depends on what is behind your eyes. Vietnam veterans look at the names on The Wall and remember friends they lost but they remember far more than the names there. They remember the men they were with and the experiences they had with them. They remember lives lost because of Vietnam whose names will never be added to it. Lives lost to Agent Orange as well as they remember those lost to suicide. When asked "When were you in Vietnam" many veterans respond with "last night" because it came home with them.

Other generations look at The Wall and remember their own battles as well as those they served with.
They also remember that Vietnam veterans set everything in motion from the way veterans have been treated since they returned with respect because they promised no generation would ever have to experience the indignity they endured coming home.

They look at The Wall and know that generation overcame the worst this country was capable of doing to veterans and got them to start doing things for all veterans who put their lives on the line. They educated the public to separate the war they may not have approved of from those we sent to go.

It is amazing how life goes full circle when folks are not willing to just sit back and let it all happen.

If you are not a member of a military/veteran family, next time you look at the names, remember, the power of The Wall is a lot more than you can imagine.

Coping with PTSD at the 'Wall'
The Spectrum
Kevin Jenkins
March 14, 2015

Bridget Cantrell (Photo: Kevin Jenkins / The Spectrum and Daily News)

WASHINGTON CITY – When Hurricane resident Shari McTiver returned from military service, she found herself struggling to cope with the consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I thought I could get by with just the medication," McTiver said. "I was reluctant to do the counseling because, as a veteran, you think you can handle anything. Also there's a stigma, because it's associated with illness. … They say, 'Never let them see you sweat.' Well, there are some of us who have been sweating."

McTiver was among several PTSD patients and their family members attending a workshop sponsored by Bellingham, Washington author and clinical psychologist Bridget Cantrell, a PTSD expert who visited the Vietnam Memorial replica known as "The Wall That Heals" in Coral Canyon this week to speak with veterans struggling to overcome their stress.

Cantrell has devoted the past 25 years to working with veterans experiencing the effects of PTSD after her own experiences with her father, a World War II and Korean War combat veteran, led her to try to understand what caused his occasional fits of temper and emotional meltdowns.

"Right now, she's one of the best in the world there is at PTSD and its effects," said Bruce Solomon, a readjustment counselor at the St. George Vet Center who spent the week at a booth near the wall greeting veterans and their family members.
read more here

Bridget Cantrell PH.D. PTSD
VeteransForumNetwork

Cantrell wrote Down Range with Chuck Dean

Among the many books Chuck Dean wrote, this one is close to my heart. I am with Point Man International Ministries because it addresses the hardly ever talked about spiritual part of healing, the very core of the Combat PTSD.

Point Man in Your Pocket: A Forty-Day March with Jesus Paperback – June 22, 2009

Chuck Dean was one of the first leaders of Point Man International Ministries.

Chuck Dean, publisher of a Veterans self help newspaper, Reveille, had a vision for the ministry and developed it into a system of small groups across the USA for the purpose of mutual support and fellowship. These groups are known as Outposts. Worldwide there are hundreds of Outposts and Homefront groups serving the families of veterans.

PMIM is run by veterans from all conflicts, nationalities and backgrounds. Although, the primary focus of Point Man has always been to offer spiritual healing from PTSD, Point Man today is involved in group meetings, publishing, hospital visits, conferences, supplying speakers for churches and veteran groups, welcome home projects and community support. Just about anywhere there are Vets there is a Point Man presence. All services offered by Point Man are free of charge.

Watchfire at Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall in Oklahoma

Replica Of Vietnam War Memorial Touches Local Veteran
NEWS ON 6
ERIN CONRAD
Posted: Oct 22, 2014

OKMULGEE COUNTY, Oklahoma - The American Veterans Traveling Tribute, a replica of the Vietnam Wall War Memorial, stopped in Henryetta Wednesday, and the community held a welcoming ceremony for its arrival. The traveling memorial lists the more than 58,000 names of those who died in the Vietnam War - 19 of those were from Okmulgee County - and one local Navy veteran shared what it meant to him to see the wall.

“I think I'd have to be dead not to feel anything,” Alfonso Mogana said while wiping a tear away.

Mogana has never had the chance to see the wall before, and he isn't sure he'll be able to recognize any names when it goes up in Henryetta, but said it will touch him all the same as he hopes it will others.

“It's a reminder for everybody what was going on there. And because that was an unpleasant war that a lot of people didn't like," he said.
read more here

Emotional Gathering at Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall

TEMECULA: Strong emotions emanate from The Moving Wall
Hundreds are expected to visit the exhibit, a 252-foot-long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., this weekend
The Press Enterprise
BY TOM SHERIDAN
STAFF WRITER
Published: Oct. 10, 2014

Volunteer Rocky Rockers, 87, helps Marti Scott copy a name from The Moving Wall, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula.
FRANK BELLINO, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The sniffles – as soft as the sunlight filtering through the leaves on a fall morning – could be heard among the visitors to The Moving Wall, a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial visiting Temecula this weekend.

Mark Sitar, 64, of Temecula, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, was one of the volunteers manning the exhibit at Sam Hicks Monument Park on Friday.

“This is going to be open 24 hours,” said Sitar. “And there will be people here at 2 o’clock in the morning, because they don’t want people to see them cry.”

The half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is sizable, consisting of 74 panels and stretching 252 feet. It is on display at the park on the outskirts of Old Town Temecula. It has visited more than 1,000 U.S. cities since it began traveling the country 30 years ago.
read more here

27th Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion Wall Escort Video

Apr 28, 2014

Yesterday at Wickham Park in Melbourne Florida, the Vietnam traveling Wall was escorted by hundreds of motorcycles for the kick off the the 2014 Veterans Reunion.

Bikers rev up for Vietnam veterans in Michigan

Bikers rev up for Vietnam veterans
Citizen Voice
BY TOM RAGAN
STAFF WRITER
Published: September 3, 2013

For many, it is a grim reminder of the lost lives of brave soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam.

The names on the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall are the same as the memorial wall in Washington, D.C., but this memorial is half the size and moves around the nation to pre-determined sites across the nation.

The moving wall is currently in Sparta, Mich., and will soon move on to Pleasant Prairie, Wis., where it will be on display for a short period of time.

On Monday, a ceremony was held at the Laurel Mall in Hazle Township to honor Vietnam veterans and veterans of all wars.

About 200 people attended, including a large number of veterans on motorcycles from various clubs in the area.

Jim Waschko organized the event with the Laurel Mall to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the moving wall's appearance at the mall.

"Also to honor Agent Orange victims, for disabled American veterans, including Vietnam veterans, soldiers that have passed on and the Gold Star mothers and wives who are also victims," Waschko said.
read more here

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall May Stop Traveling

Traveling veteran wall may stay permanently
ABC News
July 10, 2013
Posted: July 10, 2013

CHARLOTTE COUNTY
The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that attracted over 80,000 people to Punta Gorda in 2009 may be coming back for good as soon as next year.

During an emotion city council meeting Wednesday, a group of vets urged leaders to support bringing the monument to Laishley Park – council members supported the idea.

"Why did we survive and others didn't? It's a question you just can't answer," said Chuck Weinberg, a Vietnam veteran.

Weinberg says seeing the name of his comrades serves a stiff reminder that his memory should never go unforgotten.

There's a problem when it comes to getting the monument to Southwest Florida though, and like many blocks in the road, it has to do with money.
read more here

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Oregon

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, traveling replica, on display during long holiday weekend
By Larry Bingham
The Oregonian
on November 07, 2012

Faith Cathcart, The Oregonian PORTLAND, OREGON - November 6, 2012 - Navy Veteran Daniel Brooks arrived at Skyline Memorial Gardens with the Patriot Guard Riders who accompanied the arrival of the Dignity Memorial Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington DC. Faith

The last time Dignity Memorial Gardens, a national chain of funeral homes and cemeteries, brought its replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Portland, Dan Wilhelm wanted to be a part of putting it together.

Wilhelm, a Vietnam vet, was at Lincoln Memorial Garden Cemetery in Southeast Portland in 2006 when the tractor trailer arrived. He was a member of the crew that set up the elevated ramp on a bed and soil and gravel and laid the 240 feet of walkway. When the 8-foot tall individual wall panels of faux granite were unloaded, he was one of four men who carried each from the truck and set it in place.

For 63-year-old Wilhelm, who was drafted into the Army in 1967 and enlisted in the Navy in 1977, "it was a privilege to touch" each of the panels.
read more here

Procession of veterans, motorcycles escort Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall

Honor guard: Procession of veterans, motorcycles escort Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall
By MATT KOESTERS
September 13, 2012

Motorcyclists congregate in the front parking lot of S & S Powersports in Clarksville as they wait to escort the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall on a tour of the area on Wednesday evening.

CLARKSVILLE — Pearl Pearson of New Albany may not have worn the uniform, but she served the military during the Vietnam War. She’s one of the countless military wives that stayed behind while her husband fought in Southeast Asia, thousands of miles from home. She raised her three daughters and took care of the family finances while her husband was away.

“We’d get on the ground, put our knees down and put our heads down and pray beside the bed that their daddy and all the men and women would get back safe from the war,” Pearson recalled.

On Wednesday, Pearson was among the throng of supporters stationed along Veterans Parkway in Clarksville as an estimated 1,000 motorcycles and other vehicles escorted the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall to the grounds outside of the Clarksville Municipal Building.
read more here

Greg Welsh, manager of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

Veteran hauler stands tall for the Vietnam Wall
Memorial replica now at Landers Center

By Henry Bailey
Posted May 12, 2012

PHOTO BY STAN CARROLL Greg Welsh, manager of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, salutes during the National Anthem at the Wall's opening ceremony.

Greg Welsh of Cocoa, Fla., is a stand-up guy for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall -- on view this weekend in Southaven -- even as he oversees its take-down and transport across the country.

The Vietnam veteran and Air Force retiree hauls the replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington in a "dually" truck across the country for its Florida nonprofit owners, the Vietnam and All Veterans group of Brevard. It's a duty that he's cherished since this Wall, one of a number of replicas, was built in 2005.

"I'm basically the keeper of these names, for all the people who come to see them," he said on the Landers Center grounds, where the Wall arrived Wednesday and is the focus of DeSoto County's tribute to all Vietnam-era veterans. Visitation and all events are free.

The county's main salute program is today at 10 a.m. inside the Landers Center with Chancellor Percy Lynchard as speaker. The closing ceremony with former Democratic state representative John Mayo of Clarksdale speaking will be at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Wall; people at this event should bring their own chairs.
read more here

Here are a couple of videos on the reunion

Vietnam Memorial Replica escorted into Orlando by over 100 motorcycles

Vietnam Memorial Replica Visits Lake Eola

Memorial In Town Until Sunday

POSTED: 11:56 am EST January 16, 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A half size replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is visiting Central Florida.

The memorial will be at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando until Sunday.

Over 100 motorcycles escorted the wall to Lake Eola Monday morning.
go here for video

Target is among top 10 donors to nonprofit groups

Fact Check: Target is among top 10 donors to nonprofit groups

Veteran who was source of misfired email has tried to clarify message
Posted: September 4, 2011

By Carole Fader
Times-Union readers want to know:
An email I received says that when asked to be a sponsor for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Target refused, saying that "veterans do not meet our area of giving." The email goes on to say that Target will not allow Marines to collect for Toys for Tots at its stores and would not continue insurance coverage for employees who were called for active duty. Could this be true?

Target has unfairly been a target of some miscommunication.

The genesis of the claim is Dick Forrey, a member of Indiana's Howard County Vietnam Veterans group, according to several fact-finding groups.

It is true that Forrey's local Target store would not grant him a $100 sponsorship for a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in March 2002. Forrey wrote of his displeasure under the headline "Target Stores do not support veterans." Around the world his message went.
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Vietnam vet walked long, tough road

Vietnam vet walked long, tough road


by KIM SCHMIDT
Kearney Hub

Published: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 1:47 PM CDT
RAVENNA - Don Macek didn't want to see the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. He didn't think he could handle the emotion.

After having been wounded in the hand with a punji stick, regularly having to pick leeches off his body, and sitting within inches of a buddy who was shot in the back of the head by a sniper, he said the wall would just bring back too many bad memories of Vietnam.

"I'm afraid I'll break down," Macek said last week. "It was worse than people said. You grew up in a hell of a hurry."

The traveling wall has been in at the Great Platte River Road Archway for public viewing 24 hours a day since Friday. It can be seen until midnight tonight.

Macek was drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1969 - four days before his 19th birthday - where he was an infantryman operating an M60 machine gun. The gun weighed 28 pounds without ammunition.

With the gun loaded, the ammunition and a backpack in tow, Macek carried about 90 pounds on his back daily.
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Vietnam vet walked long, tough road