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THE COUNCIL COURIERBrevard Veterans Council, Inc. & Veterans Memorial Center, Inc.
400 South Sykes Creek Pkwy. Merritt Island, FL 32952-3547Office 321-453-1776 DAV Service Office 321-452-1774
Fax 321-453-1152Web Site: www.veteransmemorialcenter.org
June 2018(A Coalition of Veterans Organizations)
A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check, made payable to “The United States of America” for
an amount of “up to and including my life.”
Dedication of 4 Chaplin’s Monument 5/28/18Provided by: William K Kowalczyk
Editor: Doris Hendricks
Council Chairman’s Report
Well I made it home after a 7300 mile journey covering 19 states and some of those twice. I hit the bricks running with putting the 4 Chaplains monument together with the help of Donn & Jeanne Weaver, Dean Schaaf, Jim Dennis, and Chad from C-spray, American Bronze and others. The monument was dedicated on Memorial Day. We held the annual Memorial Day ceremonies. We completed giving the Law Enforcement Appreciation awards to the local Police departments. The award was the idea of our long time member Lou Rossi who was present at all the awards. We started with Cocoa Beach then Rockledge, Cocoa and then Titusville. Memorial Day we presented it to the Brevard County Sherriff Department. May completed the High School ROTC Cadets presenting our Colors at the General membership meetings. The Sea Cadets will continue to present the colors during the summer. I wanted to say it was a pleasure being your Chairman for the past two years and thank all who helped me out. The staff was awesome and I feel we had accomplished a whole host of great things around the center. I hope you can give the next Chairman the type of support you gave me.
Respectfully, Bill Kowalczyk Chairman BVC
President’s Report
Another busy month (Center election year) has been completed. The museum was busy with many tours and visitors and I want to thank our museum docent staff and store volunteers for all of your long hours and dedication to our mission. Hopefully you took the opportunity to visit the Titusville Veterans cemetery on May 26 as the volunteers showcased all of the improvements and beautification efforts many people worked long hours to accomplish. Our Memorial Day program was a resounding success and enjoyed by a record crowd. Thanks to the leadership of Donn and Jeannie Weaver, we have a new Monument in our plaza, dedicated to the 4-Chaplains of the USS Dorchester and Chaplains of all services. This was the culmination of months of fund raising, design, artistry by Jeannie and the work of ambitious carpenters and masons.
As our Chairman of the Council stated in his write-up, Bill is stepping down from his position, but will continue as chairman of the plaza. Bill has done an outstanding job as our Chairman and has broadened our reach and impact within the community. His leadership and guidance will be missed and he leaves a challenge for his successor to continue with his legacy. Bill, thanks for all that you have done and for the sacrifices you have made for the Center.
Please encourage all members to attend the June 13 General Membership meeting as the election for next year’s officers and directors will be held at this meeting. Included in this edition of the Courier are the nominations of for all positions that will be on the ballot and voted. The installation of officers and directors will be held at the July 11 General Membership meeting.
As I complete a year as your President of the Center, I want to thank you all for your continued support and challenge you to become more involved with the Council and Center this coming year.
We have a great thing going for us but still have a great many improvements that can be made if we all step up to the challenge and NEVER STOP SERVING!Remember, Never Stop Serving!
Dean Schaaf, PresidentMEMORIAL PLAZA REPORT
The Plaza had another monument added to it. We dedicated The 4 Chaplains Monument. John Howards name was added to the distinguished list of the other KWVA Chapter 210 Honor bench. We also added 11 other names to bricks through the plaza. Currently there are only 2 bricks left on the World War II walkway. If you haven’t thought about you might want to consider doing it soon. The US Navy sent a team to make sure that our A7 is now secured for the public to enjoy. With all the cement we had delivered we placed the 250 LB drop bomb on a cement pad and secured the A7 tail hook cable in cement.
William Kowalczyk
The 4 Chaplains MonumentProvided by William Kowalcyk
SPECIAL PROJECTS UPDATE — JUNE 2018
Here is the monthly update on the major projects and events ongoing at your VMC.
After Action and Update:
— The Memorial Tree Project for the Park continues on hold until VMP Upgrades are completed we hope by June. Details in the Library and Museum. With luck, this is the month for VMP second phase construction and launch! Please spread the word.
— We are supporting an effort to fund raise and spread the word on the years long project to Construct a Medal of Honor Park within the VMP. Check out the new Tri-Folds at the Museum and elsewhere.
— The Veterans History Project is open to all Veterans and just passed 155 dvds. Details and sign up information in the Library.
VMP Phase II: Working group for the Park to finalize recommendations now set to meet in late May or June with next phase of construction and improvements to start in May/June) (along with Memorial Trees)
New Monument Focus: You are aware of the new Four and All Chaplains Monument: We did it with the Great Dedication on Memorial Day !! Now our attention turns to long range fundraising for the Plaza and future monuments. Thanks to all who made our 2018 monument happen.
Speakers Pogram: We have had our own Prof. Norm give some very great talks and will have others as the year unfolds. Please help us spread the word to better support this effort.
The VMC Story: Thanks to Bill in the Library we know have a fantastic set of papers and photos tracking the history of the BVC and VMC from 1978 until now. Please check them out to learn about the people, support, projects and events that brought our great organization and facilities to where we are today!!
MAJOR SPECIAL EVENT:
On 23 June at 1000 hours at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery ,for the first time in Brevard, the remains of 23 veterans will be interred. See the calendar for more details on this MIA/P inaugural activity.
NOTE:Contact Donn Weaver on 321-613-2403 for any questions or suggestions re our Special Projects.
Submitted by: Donn WeaverBrevard Veterans Memorial CenterSpecial Projects Coordinator (321) 613-2403
Calendar: Brevard Veterans Community (JUNE 2018 and Beyond)
NOTE: Final Spring Calendar. New One in August
NOTE 2: VMC = Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island behind Merritt Square Mall. Contact VMC or Donn Weaver (321-613-2403) for any calendar questions or additions. This is an unofficial calendar intended
to help veterans, vet organizations and all others participate in many ways in the Brevard Veteran Scene. It is not meant to be all inclusive, though we welcome input.
The RECENT Past
28 May Annual VMC Memorial Day Ceremony 0900 - 1000 with Dedication of Chaplains Monument at 0830.
28 May Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (1130).
JUNE and Beyond:
23 June Missing in America Project (MIAP) Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 1000. They will lay to rest 23 Veterans and Spouses whose remains were abandoned in regional funeral homes, in some cases for decades. The first such ceremony in Brevard County History. Contact the MIAP Web Site and Donn Weaver for more information.
12-13 July Daytona Beach Ocean Center 10-3 each day for the Senior Veteran Expo of Central Florida. VMC Table.
11 Sep — Tentative Plans to host a Patriots Day 9/11 Ceremony in the VMC Plaza and Museum.
19-20 October 22nd Central Brevard Stand Down at the Cocoa Armory. VMC Lead with volunteers needed both days to set up on 19 Sep and stage the event on Saturday, 20 Oct (0800-1400)
11 Nov VMC Veterans Day Ceremony (0900-1000)
19 Jan 2019 — Eighth Annual Florida State Key Lime Pie Festival in VMC Veterans Memorial Park (0800-1700)
MUSEUM REPORT
April was a very busy month for group tours in the museum, contributing to our total of 1586+ visitors who came from 38 states and 11 foreign countries. We even had one service dog “sign” our guest book. He liked the museum so much that he came back another day! Our tours included 100 2nd graders from Lewis Carroll Elementary, 40 home school students of all ages, 26 retired Brevard County school teachers, and 130 former sailors from NSA Danang who served during the Vietnam War.
If you’re interested in joining us as a docent or working in the store, library or as MOD, please submit a volunteer form or contact Dave Clayton (401-255-5461). The museum is open 6 days a week from 8:30 – 4:00, and noon to 4:00 on Sundays.
Artifact Highlight for the Month:
There’s a new shadow box on the 2nd floor with a truly remarkable story of service and sacrifice. The medals, photos and supporting documents were pulled together over many years by former Museum Curator, Mel Mueller, who recently passed. The new display has the medals of a father who served in the Army in France during WW I and his twin sons. Both served in WW II, with one KIA in North Africa as anArmy Air Force B-17 gunner. The other twin was in the infantry and survived the war in Europe, receiving the Bronze Star. He stayed in the Army and was sent to Korea, when hostilities began, and was KIA shortly thereafter. As with many of our other stories and artifacts, we are proud to be part of continuing the legacy of those who served their country so selflessly.
Dean Schaaf – CuratorBecky Zingarelli – Collections Manager
May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. “Peter Marshall”
A Piece of HistoryProvided by Lou Rossi
Veterans Memorial Center Founding Member
1889 The 1st issue of the Wall Street Journal is published….
1785 Congress adopts a currency system with a basic unit called the dollar..
MEMBERSHIP
Just a reminder to everyone if there is a change in your membership information to please make me aware. As mentioned in the Courier previously this will assist our leadership as it will provide statistics that they can use to promote our Center, our Council and apply for future grants and recognitions. Thank you for all you do for our center/museum and out Veterans in need.
Doris Hendricks / Membership
New Members this month: Elaine Peterick & Richard Vengazu
Sick Call & Taps: Lou Rossi… *Note if you are aware of any Sickness and/or Taps please make me aware. I appreciate your assistance with this.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” – Coach John Wooden
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran doesn’t have that problem
”Ronald Reagan”
“The two enemies of the people are criminals and the government. So let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so that the second will not become the legalized version of the
first.” Thomas Jefferson
WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER
A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking. Please consider volunteering if you are able to.
OUR COUNCIL COURIER
Hello everyone! I hope that everyone is enjoying The Council Courier. Thank you to everyone that helps monthly to accomplish this. It continues to be the goal of this editor to have it completed the last day of each month. And also to have it emailed or mailed to you within the first two business days of the month.
I would encourage anyone that is able to receive their Courier per email to please do so. Email copy is nice as it is in color. The mailed copies are in black and white only. Contact me and let me know if you are able to receive it per email. Also if there is a
change in your email address I will need it. Emailing helps to reduce printing and mailing expenses involved with it.
NOTE: I have changed the email version of the newsletter. You will now receive a link to click on and when you do it will take you directly into it. I will no longer do it as a pdf. Let me know if you have any problems with it.
If you have an article to submit please make sure it is to me prior to the 15th of the preceding month. Should you have any questions or concerns about the Courier or It’s distribution please feel free to contact me at [email protected] and/or at (321)458-1138. Doris Hendricks/Council Courier.
“Local Businesses”. We will show their Business Card in our Courier monthly. It will be $5 a month or $50 for the year. Any questions please feel free to contact me. Doris Hendricks / Courier Editor
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” ― George Washington
LIBRARY REPORT
Almost all books have been catalogued (only exception is Military Novels)
We would like to obtain additional books in the following categories: "Revolutionary War",
"WWI", "Cold War" and "POW"
The book shelves will be "labeled" and support boards will be added for better support
We have many quality books in the Library which are available to take home for a small donation
DVDs, CDs and other multimedia will be catalogued next
Local lectures by Professor Norm have ended for now (they will resume in October)
2018 Red Cross/VMC VHP interviews have resumed after a few month hiatus (Les will be the
interviewer/recorder)
BVC/VMC Documented History Scrapbook Project is complete (Bill will maintain & update the files)
Vets Back to Class has slowed down for now and will resume in August
VMC Memorial Tree Plate Program is ongoing – please see the "duty" librarian or MOD if interested
in participating
The Library representative for the monthly Director's & General Membership meeting with be
Eleanor (her backup will be Joe)
Doug & Norm will be making their way back home for the summer and will return in the Fall!
Paul Julian, VMC Librarian
A Good Read : Islands of the Damned by R. V. Burgin (found at Marine-29 in VMC library )
As I’ve watched videos of the Pacific campaign , I find myself wondering where these soldiers came from as they scurry down the rope ladder. I can’t imagine what is in their minds as they’ve gone through one island after another fighting a enemy willing and expecting to die. “ Islands of the Damned “ was written by one of these soldiers. It is a common story but so well described and hard to put down. Many of these men came from the farms where the gun was a tool they used to obtain food and hardships were not uncommon. Remus Bergin’s story started at Peleliu to Okinawa , where he received the Bronze Star. This book is well written and a good read.
Tim Scott VMC library book reporter & Library Assistant
Ed FrenchJohn RichardsonJames DennisJohn PallaClaire CapaldoGerald CantinHans NeugebauerMichael Isner
Edward MadiganNorman DesmaraisJoseph CaldieroRichard DonnellyWarren WeldA Terrero JrStanley Keller
Warren BarnettPaul KuisleJewell schickDoris BrownHarry BeaverBobbie SmithJ Van Teeffelen
CHAPLAIN MESSAGE
On June 25, 1950, the Korean War began when some 75,000 soldiers from the North Korean People’s Army poured across the 38th parallel, the boundary between the Soviet-backed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the north and the pro-Western Republic of Korea to the south. This invasion was the first military action of the Cold War. By July, American troops had entered the
war on South Korea’s behalf. As far as American officials were concerned, it was a war against the forces of international communism itself. After some early back-and-forth across the 38th parallel, the fighting stalled and casualties mounted with nothing to show for them. Meanwhile, American officials worked anxiously to fashion some sort of armistice with the North Koreans. The alternative, they feared, would be a wider war with Russia and China–or even, as some warned, World War III. Finally, in July 1953, the Korean War hostilities came to an uneasy end. In all, some 5 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the war. The Korean peninsula is still divided today.
We are about to see history been made as the USA, North Korea and South Korea will hopefully end that war.
If not for the brave men And women who fought to stop Communism, and the brave men and women who have served since the end of hostilities July 1953 to the current date, this meeting may never have happened.
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children! (Matthew 5:9)
Chaplain Chip Hanson
VETERAN’S STORE
The store seems to have settled in to a fairly steady $2,500 in gross sales per month. This is normally enough to generate $1,000 a month or more for the Veterans Center, however this month I had to order many shirts so the store only passed on $500. The good news is our new (and first) “museum” t-shirts are in. Soon we will also have the burgundy dress shirts everyone has been waiting for and new tan hats. The store inventory is at its largest level to date with $14,000 in inventory.
I have moved to Merritt Island and now live just 10 minutes away. I still need volunteers to fill-in my schedule.
Dave Miller
2018-2019 Officers and Board of Director Elections for BVC and VMC
A nominating committee composed of Jerry Watkins (chair), Ray Norman and Ted Schmid developed the below slate of candidates for the positions up for election this year, along with continuing board members that are not up for election this year. The voting will be held at the Annual Membership Meeting on June 13th at 0900 at the Veterans Memorial Center. You must be a member and present to vote. The new officers and board members will be installed at the July 11 th Membership Meeting. Any questions, please contact Jerry Watkins at [email protected].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appointed positions: Fleet
Reserve=Jerry Watkins; DAV=Bill Grooten; Curator (asst.)=Becky Zingarelli; Librarian=Paul Julian; Asst. Secretary=Julie Adamson.
Brevard Veterans Council & Veterans Memorial Center
2018-19 Role Candidate3-yr Rich Tomasso3-yr Bill Kowalczyk3-yr Ted Schmid2-yr Les Beecher1-yr Darryl Benton
BVC CANDIDATES2018-19 Role Candidate
3-yr Carol Womble3-yr Ernie Hoffman3-yr Kim Paige2-yr Linda Wilson
VMC CANDIDATES
2018-19 Role CandidateBVC Chairman /
VMC Vice PresidentDonn Weaver OR Dave Miller
BVC Vice Chairman / VMC President
Dean Schaaf
Secretary Ray NormanTreasurer Dave ClaytonChaplain Chip Hanson
BVC / VMC OFFICER CANDIDATES
2018-19 Role Board Member2-yr Bob Doyle2-yr Ted Suzor1-yr Alex Terrero1-yr Steve Bodie
BVC CONTINUING BOARD2018-19 Role Board Member
2-yr Harry Beaver2-yr Lou Rossi1-yr Doris Hendricks1-yr Chris Gibson1-yr Jay Longway
VMC CONTINUING BOARD
Become a Booster today and help defray the cost of printing & mailing our newsletter.
Only $10.00 per name per year! Show Your Support!Our Booster Club
Skip and Ruth Bateman (July 2026) In memory of Noel Lee Bateman In Memory of Robert M. BestM. D. Bisset (June 2019)Margie & Gary Collins (August 2018)Garrett Clark (April 2019)Tom Daley (June 2018)William Diaz (December 2018) John & Janet Dymond (Sept 2018) Bob Estes (April 2018)Fleet Reserve Association Branch 263
(March2019} Rick & Joan Fugaro (Oct 2018)John & Cindy Kaufmann (March 2019)Rick Leonhart (June 2018)Hans & Susan Neugebauer (June 2019)
J.P. & Donna Longway (Sept 2018)Mel & Dora Mueller (March 2022) AilenePicheco (August 2018) Walt & Kim Ranallo (June 2018) Gary W. Rapp, USMC (Aug 2020)Don & Barbara Rathbun (December 2021) Jeff & Yvonne Rathbun (December 2021)Tom & Patrice Roseland (January 2021) Dean and Susan Schaaf (March 2019) Tim Scott (Feb 2019)John S. (Tank) Sherman (Sept 2019) Jim and Anh Tootle (August 2018) Donn & Jeanne Weaver (Sept 2018)
In Memory of Lt Todd Weaver William C Weimer (December 2018) ld (June 2018)
If you feel your name is missing and that you paid for Booster sponsorship this year, please contact the Treasurer. Thank you for your forbearance and understanding. This is a work in progress!Fill in your names and send to the BVC along with your check. Please make your check payable to: Brevard Veterans Council. Single Name - $10.00 / Double Names – $20.00
Name(s)_____________________________________________________________________
Brevard Veterans Council Officers/BoardChairman Bill Kowalczyk 321-302-4077 [email protected] Chairman Dean Schaaf 321-452-0365 [email protected] Chairman Bill Vagianos 321-431-0364 [email protected] Ray Norman 321-452-5376 [email protected] Dave Clayton 401-255-5461 [email protected] Chip Hanson 321-543-7505 [email protected] Year Bob Doyle 321-276-7814 [email protected] Year Ted Suzor 321-271-4327 [email protected] Year Gerald Watkin 321-243-0440 [email protected] Year Alex Terrero 321-759-5543 [email protected] Year Steve Bodie 321-720-2020 [email protected] Year Skip Bateman 321-693-9910 [email protected] Year Donn Weaver 321-613-2403 [email protected] Year TBA1 Year Paul Julian 321-452-9414 [email protected]
Veterans Memorial Center Board of DirectorsPresident Dean Schaaf 321-452-0365 [email protected] President Bill Kowalczyk 321-302-4077 [email protected] President Bill Vagianos 321-431-0364 [email protected] Ray Norman 321-452-5376 [email protected] Dave Clayton 401-255-5461 [email protected] Chaplain Chip Hanson 321-543-7505 [email protected] Year Rod Smith 321-978-5359 [email protected] Year Harry Beaver 321-507-4228 [email protected] Year Lou Rossi 321-455-9743 no email2 Year Doris Hendricks 321-458-1138 [email protected] Year Chris Gibson 503-467-6102 [email protected] Year Jay Longway 321-449-9037 [email protected] Year Becky Zingarelli 321-704-9194 [email protected] Year Ernie Hoffman 203-962-9000 [email protected] Year David Miller 321-210-2776 [email protected]
Veterans Memorial CenterOperations Bob Doyle 321-276-7814 Security Manager/AsstOperations TedSuzor 321-271-4327Asst Operations,& Membership Doris Hendricks 321-458-1138Facebook Admin. & Website Webmaster Doris Hendricks 321-458-1138Council Courier Editor Doris Hendricks 321-458-1138Website Asst& Courier Asst Linda Wilson 315-278-2401Asst Museum Curator Becky Zingarelli 321-704-9194Special Projects Coordinator Donn Weaver 321-613-2403Museum Store David Miller 321-210-2776
Board of Trustee’s(Phone Numbers Listed Above)
Ted Schmid Ray Norman Tim ScottJay Longway Bob Doyle Linda WilsonErnie Hoffman
TABLE TENNIS CLUBMeets
Every Monday 7:30-10:30 pm &
Every Wednesday 7:00-10:00 pm
For more information, callBill Mitcheson 321-243-1048Kevin Pollard 321-340-2002
3 DAYS OF PARTY BRIDGE
Tuesday 12:30Wednesday 12:30Thursday 12:30
For information,Jewell & Bill Schick at 452-
2387
MEETING ROOMS &RECEPTION HALL
FOR RENTHourly or Daily Rates
At the BeautifulVeterans Memorial Center
Call 453-1776 for informationOperations
This Newsletter is recyclable, pass it along to a friend, mail it, copy it, post it on a bulletin board, copy articles into your newsletter
The Council Courier is the Monthly publication of the Brevard Veterans Council, Inc, and the Veterans Memorial Center, Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily that of the organization. News items, poems, and letters of interest to Veterans are encouraged. We reserve the right to edit anything submitted. The Council is not responsible for content of fliers inserted by our members.This Newsletter is mailed at reduced rates and the Post Office will not forward it. Please give any address changes or corrections to Doris Hendricks at 321-458-1138, or mail it to her at The Brevard Veterans Council, Inc., 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, FL 32952
JUNE EVENTS
American Legion Post 344 – Last Thursday each month 6:00pm to 7:30pm
BIN – Every Tuesday 7am
Bliners – Every Wednesday 7am
Blue Thunder Motorcycle Club – 1st Saturday each month 10:00am to 11:00am
Bone Builders– Every Monday 10:30am to 11:30am AND Every Thursday 9:30am to 10:30am
Brevard Veterans Center – Board Meeting 1st Wednesday each month 9:00am
Brevard Veterans Center – General Meeting 2nd Wednesday each month 9:00am
Bridge – Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm to 3:30pm
Cape Canaveral Ladies – Last Monday each month 2pm to 4pm
Cocoa Beach Sail and Power Squadron – 1st Tuesday each month 6:00pm to 8:00pm
DAV General Membership Meeting, 2nd Thursday of each month at 12 noon. All Welcome.
General Membership Meeting, 2nd Thursday of each month at 12PM
Fleet Reserve Association – 1st Wednesday each month 6:00pm – 8:00pm
FL Sports Fishing Assoc. – Last Tuesday each month 6:30pm to 9:30pm (except Jan/Aug/Dec)
Harbor Woods – March only 1 Wednesday – 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Jazzercise – Every Monday 5:00pm to 7:00pm AND Every Wednesday 5:00pm to 6:40pm
Marine Corps League Chapter 513 – 1st Thursday each month 6:00pm to 7:00pm
MIA/POW – 2nd Monday each even number month 11:00am to 1:30pm
Military Order of the Purple Heart – Last Monday each month 11:00am to 1:00pm
NAUS & BVC – 3rd Thursday each month 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Rolling Thunder – Last Sunday each month 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Sea Cadets - 2nd Friday 6:00pm
Table Tennis – Every Monday and Wednesday 6:00pm to 10:00pm
VFW – 3rd Thursday each month 6:00pm
World Of Fitness with Mark Miller 3rd Thursday each month 6:30pm to 8:30 pm
Zumba– Every Monday 9:30am to 10:30am (Low Impact)Every Tuesday 9:30am to 10:30amEvery Saturday 9:00am to 10:00am
“If you have an article to submit please forward it to me prior to the 15th of the preceding month” at [email protected] Hendricks, Editor
