Come march with us on July 4th. The parade steps off from Micheltorena on State Street at 1:00 P. M. We will start congregating sometime after Noon. Look for the helicopter which will be parked - probably within one block east or west of State Street on Micheltorena or Arrellaga. If I get more specific information in the interim I’ll post it on the website (www.vvachapter218.org) message board. Wear a Chapter shirt (check with Dennis Hartman at his store 965-2161) or uniform, though neither is required.

If you haven’t marched with us before and decide to do so this time, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the warm and appreciative welcome that we elicit from the spectators. After the parade we’ll park the helicopter on lower state street in the “classic car show” area and we’ll socialize for an hour or two somewhere nearby. Join us. Just show up. There will also be a barbecue following the parade (4:00 P. M.) at the Memorial Building. The barbeque is free to veterans and their spouses, $13.50 for the public.

We had a very successful Memorial Day event including a reading (by Abraham Lincoln) of the Gettysburg address, the poem Flanders Fields, the firing of rifles by Civil War reenactors, the playing of Taps, chapter photos taken (including in front of our helicopter), and tri-tip barbecue at which we served around 100 people. Our chapter was also represented (or instrumental) in ceremonies at the Goleta and Caprinteria cemeteries and at the Memorial Building. All in all, a fine day in tribute to our fallen comrades and predecessors who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our June meeting was well attended and was held in the Memorial Building room overlooking Cabrillo Blvd. and the beach. (If anyone was able to take advantage of the free tickets to see the advanced screening of “Rescue Dawn”, I would be interested to hear your review.) John Kerr followed up on his donation to establish a fund to help veterans by giving us guidelines for disbursal. We voted to forward $500 to the Vet Center for distribution by Joe Narkovits as circumstances present themselves.

Hap DeSimone (962-5765) gave us a recap of his inspirational motorcycle trip to The Wall (annual “run For The Wall”). He had not expected to make the entire cross country trip, but ended up doing so. He encourages anyone interested to consider making the trip next year. Dan Oroz reminded us that the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion is having a welcome home picnic on Saturday, July 21st, to which we have been invited. Details are still being worked out, bu we would like Chapter representation. Keep an eye on for updates on the Chapter message board or call Dan to let hi know you’d like to help welcome home the Unit members. We had a nice post meeting communing at The Fish House.

Fiesta will soon be upon us. We’ll pack up our equipment and supplies on Friday evening, July 27th. We’ll build the booth at De La Guerra Plaza starting early (7:00 A. M.) on Saturday the 28th. The actual event (our booth) will kick off on Wednesday, August 1 at about 11:00 A. M. (we’ll be open till 11:00 P. M. each night), and we’ll tear down the booth on Sunday, August 5th starting at 7:00 A. M. Please call Don Matter, event coordinator (962-1688), and let him know when you can help out. This is our primary fund raising event for our charitable activities. It takes a lot of bodies to get this accomplished each year.

Looking forward to seeing you at the parade and at our next meeting at the Memorial Building at 6:15 P. M. on Tuesday, July 10th. Vance Committee members are reminded that we will be meeting at 5:30 P. M. that same evening to elect a chairman and to set our objectives for this year.

 

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 , 2007

 

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"

 

 

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