OK, so We The People isn’t on Arrellaga! I was just testing you. You know, drop you in the middle of nowhere and you have to find your way out.? After diligently making 20 or so last minute phone calls informing marchers of our formation location “at Arrellaga and State, near We The People”, turned out there were a few things wrong with that advice, one created by an organizer who had the staging map upside down! Oh well, in spite of the fact that we were on the opposite side of State Street on a different street, everyone passed the exam and was present for step off. Below is a picture of how we looked. Note the helicopter being towed behind us. We had a brief commune at O’Malley’s opposite the helicopter after the parade. Numerous color pictures can be viewed at our web site.

 

The complete photo line up here: click

Thanks to marchers Dennis Hartman, Steve Penner, Domingo Nuñez. Charlie Franco, Bill Frieburg, Don Matter, Dan Oroz, Keith Perkins, Patricia Rumpza, Jack Silveria, Jim Certa, Gerry Roberson, George Ogle, Henry Delgado, Mario Pintor, Malcolm Hamilton, John Parsons, Bill Stewart and Hap DeSimome. Non-marching members/associates/spouses/ included Cheryl Silveria, Cathy Franco, Maria Perkins, and Jenny Parsons.

 

Thanks to Gerry and Hap for repairing the jump seat and to George and Gerry for getting the helicopter cleaned up. Thanks again to Jack and Cheryl for the donation of new flag poles which looked spiffy. Thanks to George, Bill and Dennis for helping man the helicopter post parade for donations, ‘tours’ and photo opportunities. Thanks to Thomas Towing and driver Rick Valney (and his wife Michelle and their daughter Taylor) for transporting and accompanying the helicopter for 5+ hours. Thanks to Dennis for calling cadence. If you replayed the KEYT-3 news in slow motion - as I did - we looked very sharp and in step.

 

Jenny Parsons observed to me that the parade viewers were generally pretty quiet, but that when we approached they started applauding and cheering, many rising to their feet. For those of you who never got a proper welcome home, you may want to consider joining us next year. The short parade is quite a rewarding experience.

 

Our June meeting was well attended. Included with this newsletter are a couple of our new Adopt-A-Veteran business card handouts. I’ll have more available at the meeting. These are for your use to hand out to prospective adoptees. The key characteristic of these adoptions is that the service member contact us directly. I welcome questions.

 

George Ogle reported that the “Stand Down” (for which we contributed $510 for transportation) will be taking place at the Ventura National Guard Armory July 23 - 25. This event will give veterans in need of services a chance to meet in one place with a wide variety of organizations offering services.

 

Fiesta preparations are in full swing. Idaho member John Palmeri (our equipment benefactor) will be in town for the duration August 2 - 5. Our need for volunteers will begin on July 28 and will continue through August 6. Fiesta is our major fund raiser. It allows us to fund scholarships and to make other donations. We welcome any and all help and always look forward to seeing faces that we do not see during the rest of the year. Call Don Matter (962-1688) if you are able to help.

 

Member Dan Oroz reported on a recent visit to the Veterans Clinic on Calle Real. He has the impression that the assumption is that if you served in-country, you are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange, a circumstance that may impact the degree of your medical coverage. We are also seeking information on deceased former Chapter members so that we can add an ‘In Memoriam’ section to our web site.

 

Looking forward to seeing you at our meeting Tuesday night. After the Parade we invited at least a couple prospective members to join us too. Hopefully we’ll have some guests.

Proudly representing and serving noble warriors with noble intentions,

Keith

The Santa Barbara Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America is a tax exempt, non-profit organization. Our members are Vietnam era (you need not have served "in country") Veterans and Associates (individuals from all walks of life who may or may not have served in the military). Our Chapter is successful because of the efforts of Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, and Associates, all of whom are equally welcomed and prized. The Chapter’s Vance Committee distributes funds to qualified disabled American veterans.

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July, 2006

 

SERVING VETERANS AND THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

 

For all those soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen and marines, past, present and future, who have taken, are taking, or will take their turn on duty, recall a couple of lines from

A Few Good Men (1992):

 

"Why do you like them so much?" {Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak)}

" 'Cause they stand on a wall and they say: "Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch."" {Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore)}

 

"Proud To Be
A Vietnam Veteran"

 

 

© 2006 Maria By Design

Santa Barbara, CA
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