VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA
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IN FAITHFUL SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
AN ORGANIZATION OF VIETNAM VETERANS
THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS
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SOUTH BAY CHAPTER 53
A MESSAGE CONSIDERED TO BE OF VITAL IMPORT TO ALL VETERANS
CAN BE READ BY GOING TO THE NOTICES ONE PAGE ON THIS SITE
CALENDAR YEAR ACTIVITIES
Chapter 53 participates in a variety of activities in our community.
We support local Memorial Day Observances, in addition to conducting our own ceremony at the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial.
The Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial is a focal point for the Chapter, in that the majority of the Committee that created the Memorial are members of Chapter 53.
On the first Saturday of each month, Chapter 53 members clean the Memorial.
The spirit of 'camaraderie' is abundant, as we usually share breakfast together after completing our task.
See 'NOTICES PAGE' on this website for picture
Chapter 63 sponsored a local youth group known as:"THE YOUNG MARINES",
for the opening ceremony, at the 3 day ART FESTIVAL in Hermosa Beach.
The 'YOUNG MARINES' performed their famous and inspirational:
"FLAG FOLDING" CEREMONY.
Chapter 53 presented a donation to the group, as did the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Chapter 53 awards Scholarships to deserving High School Seniors in the community.
All Scholarship Applicants are related to Veterans of Vietnam.
They are requested to write an Essay about the impact of the War on their families.
Representatives of Chapter 53 attend Award Banquets and present Scholarships to the Essay Program winners.
In the summer, the Scholarship Winners and their families are extended an invitation to attend a GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, for the purpose of reading the winning essays.
Refreshments are served during an interlude, in order to allow the Essayists to meet with other Veterans of Vietnam.
These exchanges have been extremely cordial and inspiring.
(Note: 1998's WINNING ESSAYS can be found posted on this web Site)
The highlight of the Fall, was a Ceremony in Hermosa Beach, observing the Reunion of three former Combat Veterans.
Chapter 53's assistance was requested in the observance, which occurred due to the work of newspaper reporter David Hunt, of the "EASY READER".
Mr. Hunt's involvement in the Reunion, came about as a result of contact with one of the Veterans, who requested his help in finding a buddy, who saved his life in Viet Nam.
All of the Veterans involved, were now living in other States.
Mr. Hunt did a fantastic job of arranging for airfare and lodging for the Veterans and their families.
Chapter 53 worked diligently on preparations for the ceremony, as members spread the word, arranged for a moving "fly-by" of four U.S. Army Helicopters and suggested the musical accompaniment.
Chapter 53 arranged for the services of the local Marine Corps Junior ROTC, who provided Escorts and Color Guard for the Ceremony.
They did an OUTSTANDING job.
This was a truly memorable occasion.
The event was covered and aired on television by the ABC news program '20-20'.
A monthly Chapter Newsletter: "LZ 53", is the result of hard work on the part of Steve Mandel, Chapter 53 Treasurer and Newsletter Editor.
Steve insures that the latest info on issues and events important to Veterans, is made available to the membership.
We are also very proud of the Chapter's Website which was created and is maintained by Chapter 53 Board Member, Brad Bradbury.
The Chapter raises additional funds through quarterly yard sales, various product sales and donations.
Members work hard to support the Chapter in these efforts and it would be impossible to function without them.
Over the years, we have annually provided food baskets containing enough groceries for a family of four, for a week, to as many local needy Veterans as we can identify.
This year we plan to combine funds with a local church, which provides meals for the homeless.
We also celebrate the Christmas Season with a Holiday Party, at a local Torrance Pizza Parlor.
Pizza, salad and soft drinks, are provided, courtesy of Chapter 53
A great deal of time and energy is needed to continue the work of the Chapter, but the rewards of fellowship are many.
Chapter 53 strives to promote a positive impression of and attitude toward, the Veterans of the Vietnam War.
A major goal is to provide a place where we can all meet, feel welcome and at home.
SUMMER '2000
Summer finds Chapter 53 Volunteers manning the Official Airport Information Booth at the Torrance Air Show.
This affords an opportunity for potential V V A members to meet with and ask questions of fellow Vietnam Veterans.
Also at the booth, V V A pins, Bumper Stickers and V V A T-Shirts, are available for purchase.
Chapter 53 Members welcome the opportunity to share in each others company.
The Summer of '00 saw the third joint picnic which was sponsored by our brothers and sisters at Long Beach Chapter 756.
A great time was had by all.
WE INVITE EACH OF YOU TO UNITE WITH US
IN THE SPIRIT OF CAMARADERIE and BROTHERHOOD
A Message from the President of Chapter 53
As you can see in the listing of Projects completed and Events attended by Chapter 53 in the Calendar Year, we are active in many Community-Related and Veteran-Oriented Programs.
The 2000 Calendar Year will see similar achievements, as we continue our highly successful events, such as:
The Student Scholarship Program,
Tours of Duty at the Moving Wall,
Support of the Kenny Nickelson Foundation Care Days,
Public Information Booths at the Torrance Air Fair,
Yard Sales.
We continue to participate in several Special Events, such as:
The Hermosa Beach Reunion for our Brother Soldiers of the Americal Division,
Support of the National V V A Convention, which is being convened in Anaheim, California this coming August
and Full Support of new Legislation intended to benefit all Veterans.
The addition of new Events have already begun, such as:
Bingo Nights at the Long Beach VA Hospital.
Other possibilities include:
Sponsorship of Area Sports ...
Social gatherings, such as: Pancake Breakfasts.
Most importantly, we will strive to enhance the quality of life for all Vietnam Veterans and their Families.
We will faithfully support issues involving KIA/MIA's and POWS.
We will strive to care for and about, our Homeless.
We welcome your support and request your attendance at the various Chapter Activities.
We encourage you to bring Family, Friends, and Acquaintances with you.
We respectfully request your help in an effort to increase Membership.
'New Blood' means:
New Energy
Increased Vitality
Added Committment
and
Numerical Strength.
Thank you for the Honor and Privilege of serving as Chapter 53 President.
In Brotherhood,
Jerry Yamamoto
Pres. CH-53
ACTIVITY BULLETIN
As mentioned in the Presidents Message above, Chapter 53 has begun a series of VA Hospital Visits.
Next scheduled visit will be Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 20, 2000
Anyone (members, or otherwise), interested in taking part in this worthwhile, rewarding activity, contact:
[email protected]
for all pertinent information.
Chapter 53 Members proudly participate in a WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
at the HERMOSA BEACH VETERANS MEMORIAL on May 31st,
as part of their MEMORIAL DAY Observances.
There are readings of Poetry and related Stories.
Chapter 53 Vice-Pres. Paul Verner renders TAPS on trumpet.
See the Notices Page on this Site for Updates.
Everyone, as always, is invited, encouraged and welcome to attend all Chapter 53 Activities.
READ THE ESSAYS WRITTEN BY THE 1998 WINNERS OF
CHAPTER 53's HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
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