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Hi everyone. I hope you’re all ready for the holiday season. Unfortunately, by the time you read this we will have already blown past Thanksgiving, but that’s OK because we have a lot more to look forward to. So, for those who cannot make the meetings, or follow us on our website, let me give you a little tour of this past year. I guess the main buzz around the VVA is what’s in the future of the VVA? Are we are going to stay as the Vietnam Veterans of America and finish off as the last man standing which will be the end of VVA National? One option being considered by VVA National in their “Strategic Plan for Dissolution” is broadening the membership to include all veterans. It is far too long and complicated for me to lay it out in this message. The bottom line is it will be addressed at the next convention, and I, along with the rest of the executive board, will be there to represent this chapter. What I do recommend is for you to visit the national website and read up on what's it all about. I also want you all to contact either myself or Frank Russo through our email addresses letting us know you how you feel. This chapter has been in existence since 1988, and will continue to move forward in the direction of our membership’s wishes.
Our membership has grown to almost 250 and at each meeting we have between 50 and 60 members. Our meetings always have a specific agenda set to benefit all, Veteran Advocates, and invited public officials to help all of us through the issues that are important to us. We also have an occasional break so we can have a night of food and beverage just let our hair down (excluding me of course).
At the November meeting I laid out where we are with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’ Park's beautification project. This project was put together so as to make the Park a place of beauty that will stand forever. This project is too big and important for just one person and that is why I have formed a Memorial Committee consisting of Nick Castoro, Frank Russo, and Al Paolucci.
Parts of the project that have been completed are the re-pavement and replacement of the curb surrounding the entire front of the Memorial. The water service located outside the grounds was relocated to inside the Park. This was requested by the Superintendent of the Armory. Also, an electrician was brought in to install an electrical line that will light up the two new monuments. What monuments you ask? Let me explain.
We, the committee, with the blessing of the membership, believe that for this monument park to reach out to those that will be around for years to come, need to convey an understanding of what the Vietnam War was all about. To that end we have designed two monuments. One with a brief history of the war and the other an Agent Orange monument. Both are the same size and will be placed on both sides of the flag. As I said, we feel these two additions will help those who do not know about the war to have some understanding.
So, to continue, the two monuments have been approved and will be erected this coming spring. This will give us enough time for repaving of the sidewalk grass area on the Manor Road side.
All of this is being financed by our own fund raisers and State and City Grants. If you want to keep up on what is going on just punch into our website. We will have updates and pictures.
That's it for now. Once again have a great holiday and always remember our fallen brothers and sisters.
Your Brother,
Gene