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The Official Newsletter of Vietnam Veterans of America

Chapter 172

17 North Liberty Street

Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2316

The First VVA Chapter in the State of Maryland, the Gold Standard

Phone 1-301-777-7001                                                                  Fax: 1-301-777-7041

Election Results

2006

 President – Roger Krueger

 1^st VP       -- Steve Parsons

 2^nd VP     -- Jim Malloy

 Treasurer—Rick Webb

 Secretary – Bill Lange

Board of Directors six positions were elected, here are the results from top to bottom.

1.      Dave Shaulis

2.      Bob Cook

3.      Ken Darnay

4.      Rusty Dennison

5.      Chip Bosley

6.         Bob Peck

7.      Nelson Lindeman

8.      Rodger Long

9.      Don Burkett

 State Council Delegates four positions, here are the results from top to bottom.

1. Roger Krueger

2. Harold Stallings

3. Jim Williams

4. Jim Harris

5. Chip Bosley

6. Jim Malloy

7. Roger Long

8. Rand Shaner

Nomination Committee two positions

1.      Denny Bantz

2.      Lawrence Wilson

3.      Rick Kelly

Alternate State Council Delegates four positions

There were no nominees for these positions. The BOD will make these appointments.

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Comment on elections

Chapter elections are behind us, there were no fatal injuries, just a few flesh wounds and broken knuckles. I would like to thank the Sergeant at Arms and his committee for collecting all of the knives and handguns at the front door.

I would also thank all of those candidates who stepped forward to run for office. I hope that as we get older and more and more of us find ourselves with time on our hands; more members will step forward to run for office. It is not always that easy, nobody likes rejection, but it is a necessary part of the system. So thank you to all of the candidates, for their dedication to Chapter 172, and insuring that the system works.

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Social Help Needed

As we wind up this election year, once again the Chapter is looking for volunteers to run the socials. Several Saturday socials are still available. You and your helpers would be responsible for the food and refreshments, and if you want to do a theme that is up to you. This is all done with no expense to you, the Chapter pays the freight.  If you take the job you will not be, left hanging help and advice are available.

In addition, if you would like to bring something in for the TGIF or run a TGIF it would be appreciated. Contact Jim Malloy for details.

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I Know What’s Wrong

Editorial Opinion

While lounging in a local beverage room the other day enjoying an herbal tea a very familiar event took place. A younger man, I’d say in his late twenties came in very agitated. He withdrew a hand full of bills from his pocket placed them on the bar and ordered a shot of Jack. He downed it, ordered another, downed it, and then asked for a beer and another shot.  I consider myself to be more or less in touch with world events and I recognized what was wrong immediately. The only thing that can make a man this mad always involves a woman. After the Jack had its soothing effect and he calmed down I talked to him a bit and I was right, his wife was driving him nuts, he had forgotten to take out the trash last night and she went Saddam on his butt. We’ve all been there, right? So after some sage words from me and a few of the other veterans of the marriage conflict he departed with a new winning strategy.

After he left the big light came on, I know what is wrong with the world and how to fix it. Since the beginning of recorded time men have been in charge of the world, it’s time we let go of the reins and let the women take over. Now, I know some of you pinheads will say that this is about Hillary, but it’s not; it’s about all women.  Let’s face it confidence would be no problem for them. They all know how to do everything better than us, just ask them. They also have a great sense of direction. I mean did you ever see a woman admit she was lost?

Look at the mess in the Middle East and look what they do with and to their women. Nothing will ever change in the Arab countries until women have equality, if not control. They have subjugated their women for so long the women consider it normal, and I guess it is. Think about this, women, the “church ladies” are who keep Christian and Jewish churches and temples functioning. Look at a shot of an Islamic worship service, all you will see is men’s butts. No, wonder their faith has strayed so far a field; they don’t have any “church ladies” to keep them straight.

How do they manage to put on an all you can eat spaghetti dinner, they don’t; and who organizes the bingo?

Who cleans the mosque when it gets dusty?

Look at the mess in China. There are 30 million more men then there are women. You want to get married in China, you’d better be a doctor or have a real good job, or you don’t have a chance. Prostitution is at an epidemic level. In the past every time this has happened China has declared war to thin the herd out. This is I believe why everything we buy is made in China. Those poor bastards can’t even get a date without a job, let alone some action. So they’ll work for peanuts, well we know what they are really working for, but let’s not be crude.

Africa or most of it has also turned into a dung heap. It is wars, slaughter and in some nations an AIDS rate of 60%. There women have no say in their lives, in some countries they have no more value than cattle. Just like cattle, they are bought, sold and traded.

The nations that are in the most trouble all have one thing in common. Their women have no power; which means half of their population has no input or rights. I don’t care what nation or country you are talking about, you cannot ignore the ideas and brain trust of half of your population and still succeed.

The 21^st Century, the one we are in right now will be the century of the woman. It’s time for women to take their place as the world leaders and give the men some time off. Look at it this way, even if they did start a war there would only be fighting three or four days out of the month.

“…with liberty and justice for all.”

Steve Parsons

April 2006

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Chapter Social Functions

April 2006 Thru March 2007

(cut it out put it on the refrigerator)

April 15^th : Saturday Social  7:00 PM

May 6^th: Chapter Chili Cook off Hidden Springs Campground, cooking begins 11:00 AM judging at 1:00.

June 17^th family picnic Hidden Springs, camping available 16th and 17^th chapter will pay for member and guest to camp, be sure to mention that you are with VVA 172 when making reservations. Lunch will be served at noon, dinner at 4:00PM.

July 15^th Saturday Social begins 7:00 PM.

August 19^th Saturday Social begins 7:00 PM

September 17 adult steak feed, Mt. Savage fire hall dinner begins 6:00 PM.

October 28^th, 7:00PM, make a note this is the fourth Saturday to coincide with the Halloween parade on the mall. Come in costume, prizes will be awarded.

November 18^th Saturday Social 7:00PM

November 24^th: Children’s Christmas party to be held at the downtown armory, immediately after the Christmas Tree lighting on the mall.

December 2^nd, Chapter Christmas Party, rocky Gap Lodge. Room rates $67.00 per night. Be sure to tell them you are with VVA 172when making reservations. The band this year will be the famous “Hub Caps” show band. They will do a show first then play a dance set with our kind of music. Happy hour 6 to 7 – dinner 7 to 8:30 – band 9 to 12. Hospitality room opens 1:00 PM 5^th floor same as last year.

December 31^st New Years Eve party at the Chapter begins 8:00 PM.

January 20^, 2007 Saturday Social 7:00 PM

February 4,2007 Super Bowl Party

Ravens vs. ??????? begins 4:00 date may change.

March 17^th Saturday Social 7:00PM

All TGIF socials every Friday at 4:30 if you would like to bring something contact Jim Malloy a few days in advance at the Chapter 301-777-7001 or at home 301-722-7844.

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Surprise

I was in Baltimore last week for a meeting with Senator Barbara Mikulski and her veteran’s advisory panel of which I am a member.

I asked the Senator if the VA would have enough money and resources to take care of the men and women coming home from the war. She answered.

“Let me give you the short answer ---NO --- Even though they put 1.6 billion back into the VA budget, they are still short 3 billion dollars.”

She stated further. “This in not a Democrat or Republican problem, it is a house problem. The house did not allow the VSO’s to testify on the VA budget.”

The Senator is working with legislators from both sides of the isle to try to repair this short fall.

Time for us veterans to get out the pen and paper and write the folks in D.C. (keep it clean) and tell them not to short change our returning troops.

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Bargain Hunters

Looking for a bargain on “Jane’s Crazy Mixed Up Salt”? Contact Marie Krueger, she has an inside supplier.

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CHAPTER OFFICE SPECIAL

May 1^st till August 31^st buy any Tee Shirt, any size (Reflections, VVA or POW/MIA, sizes Medium to 3X-Large) for only $10.00.  Good gifts for those upcoming holidays like Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Memorial Day, 4^th of July, birthdays, and even early enough for next Christmas. So stop in and stock up. We’ll even give you a friendly smile.

Framed Reflections Art Print Raffle

Stop in the chapter office to see this beautifully framed Reflections print and buy your tickets.  Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00, the drawing will be June 17^th at the Family Picnic.  Framed print size is 41”W X 34 ½”H

“French Dressing”

Whatever happened to the good old days when all the French people wanted to do was to make wine and love, not necessarily in that order, but sometimes simultaneously?

It’s called the 21^st century. No more status quo Froggy, you must actually earn your job in order to keep it. The 2 hour lunch is about to disappear and that annual 8 weeks of vacation is soon to be a memory.

I did learn from watching the Paris riots on television that the French can still fight. Just try and cut into their wine drinking time and it’s fight time.

WORDS OF WISDOM?

“The streets of our country are in turmoil. The universities are filled with students rebelling and rioting. Communist are seeking to destroy our country. Russia is threatening us with her might.

And the republic is in danger – yes danger from within and without.

We need law and order! Without law and order our nation can not survive…”

Adolph Hitler – 1932

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I Feel That Old Tyrant Approaching

The sad truth is the Chapter is losing members every month. Every month a few of us lose the battle with time.  In the past, I have been lax in printing a final salute in “The Point”.

I do not know each and every member

Hell on a lot of days I cannot tell you what I had for lunch. In the future I will try to see that death notices are in a column labeled “Taps.” If I miss one of our members or someone important to the Chapter passes please notify Barb in the Chapter office. If a friend of yours passes and you would like to pay tribute in the newsletter, please feel free to do so.

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SOCIAL NEWS FLASH

The Saturday Socials now start at 7:00PM.

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 Little more social news

Hidden Springs Camp Ground.....Saturday May 6th Chili Cook off.. Cooking starts at 11:00 am.

Judging at 1:00 pm.   We need cooks and judges.  Call Jim at the chapter, 301-777-7001 or at home 301-722 7844

Bus trip to Wheeling WV   to the dog track,   June 24th.  Must call the chapter to sign  up.

There will be a   $ 10.00 sign up fee.  If you show up, the   $ 10.00 will be refunded.  Bus leaves Cumberland Holiday Inn at  8 : 30  am.

Christmas Party December 2nd, Rocky Gap Lodge.  If you are interested in staying the night, rooms are $ 67.00 plus tax.   Rocky Gap has 218 rooms, last year we occupied 147 rooms.

We are expecting a large turn out this year due to the band, the fabulous Hub Caps.   I suggest you reserve your room now, I have.  Be sure to tell them you are with the V V A.

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THANKS:

I want to thank everyone who helped with the socials last year.  The response has been overwhelming.  Every week I have people approach me and ask what they can do to help.  We are very blessed. 

If you’re interested  in doing  a  Saturday social this  year, I have a  sign  up  sheet  just  let me know.  In addition, a special thanks to my wife, and all the other wives for their help.  Your contribution does not go un-noticed.

I look forward to another great year with Chapter 172.  Our Friday night socials have grown enormously.  If you want to un-wind from your week, and have some good fellowship, come join us.  Your spirits will be lifted.

Jim Malloy

Social Chair

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CHAPTER 172 OFFICERS AND BOARD FOR

2006-2007

President, Roger Krueger

First Vice-Pres. Steve Parsons

Second Vice-Pres., Jim Malloy

Secretary, Bill Lange

Treasurer Rick Webb

Board of Directors

Chip Bosley, Dave Shaulis, Bob Peck,

Ken Darnay. Bob Cook,  Rusty Dennison

State Council Delegates

Roger Krueger, Jim Harris, Harold Stallings

Jim Williams

Nominating Committee

Danny Bantz, Lawrence Wilson

Committee Chairs

Color Cmdr. Joe Brenen

Comm. Service Chip Bosley

Constitution…Steve Parsons

ETABO…Don Burkett—

Finance…William Lange

Govt. Affairs…William Lange

Membership…Ken Darnay

Minority Affairs Dave Shaulis

Vets Affairs Rusty Dennison

Veterans Benefits Bobby Cook

Women Vets Harlan Smith

Agent Orange…Robert Cook

Scholarship Rusty Dennison

Grunt Shirt…Harry Bosley

Health and Care…Robert Cook

Incarcerated Vets… Charlie Pennington

Museum…Jim Feagles

Chap.Photog…Charlie Pennington

Newsletter…Steve Parsons

POW/MIA…Don Burkett

Reflections…Jim Malloy

SPOC… Steve Parsons       

Social…Jim Malloy

Vets Assistance…William Lange

Web site…Nelson Lindeman