VVA CHAPTER 218 SANTA BARBARA

Greetings to the Membership:

 

Season’s greetings to everyone in the Chapter 218 family!

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In this final month of 2020, I couldn’t be happier to know that a vaccine or vaccines are really happening and maybe, just maybe by this time next year, we’ll be celebrating much more than just the holidays; we can celebrate the slowdown and potential shutdown of the pandemic, not only here but around the world.  

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This has been an indescribable year of loss, suffering and uncertainty for millions of our fellow Americans and for the billions of people across the globe. This virus has not only attacked the health of so many, but has led to a catastrophic economic spiral that also appears to have no end.

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At this time of year, when we usually gather with family and friends, I know many of you won’t have that opportunity.  It has been heartbreaking to say the least, but I urge you not to travel anywhere, unless absolutely necessary.  We need to get through these next 120 days or so and work hard to keep the virus from spreading.  Please wear your mask, social distance, and stay safe.  

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Perhaps if we have a 2021 calendar on the wall, it can give us hope that the coming year will be better for everyone, everywhere.  So, with that in mind, I’m ordering calendars from those hoping to build the National Vietnam War Museum and will distribute them to you once they’re on hand.  Lo and behold our very own chapter is pictured for the month of July, marching in a parade in Santa Barbara!  

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At the same time, we remember and honor the four members of our chapter who passed in 2020:  John Kerr, Charlie Franco, Craig Taylor and Terry Dodge.  Charlie and Craig were part of the founding members of our chapter 35 years ago!  All will be sorely missed. 

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I don’t know when we’ll be able to gather in-person.  My guesstimate is that it’ll be sometime toward the fall of 2021.  If it should happen sooner, all the better.  We need to put a lot of patience in our Christmas stockings and keep the faith, baby! 

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As you celebrate this season, please know that I’m thinking of you and your loved ones and wishing you God’s love and blessings.  It’s also been great to hear from many of you scattered around this beautiful land of ours and I urge you to keep “those cards and letters coming in”. 

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May 2021 be filled with comfort and joy and provide you respite and calm from the trial and tribulations we’ve all been going through this past year. 
 

With warmest regards,
Peter
Peter Bie
President