Bob Kwiecinski (Bobski) is a retired Air Force veteran with a distinguished record of service both on active duty and as a veteran. Bobski writes a new message every month. His message is published in The 310 Dispatch newsletter as well as at the homepage of vva310.org. Please check here regularly for Bobski's monthly message.

To the Members of VVA 310,
the Vietnam Veterans of America
National Chapter of the Year
for 1999 and 2007

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Well this is it, my last President’s article!  Now I can say that these past two years have gone by fast.  We have such a busy Chapter and I am so very, very proud.  It has been one of the greatest honors in my life and a privilege to have been your President.  The true credit for such a fantastic organization is due to each and every one of the members, Friends and supporters who have contributed in so many ways.  I must thank and mention in name several of the key people who have supported our Chapter 310 these past two years.  In no particular order here goes… John and Jane Kinzinger who seem to be the backbone and core of our mission and values; they have unending and true devotion to the true meaning of supporting our veterans.  George and Lois Perrault dedicating so many hours of their lives to nearly every single activity we are engaged in, George and John are some of my mentors in life.  Roy and Bonnie Hall truly deserved to be honored by VVA 310 this year.  They both are always around to support our many activities.  Pete Belaire is a true stalwart for veterans support past and present; he is detail oriented and is incredible in his lust to make sure veterans are not forgotten.  Tim and Kathy Driscoll are always investing their time to supporting our Vietnam Memorial, Agent Orange Awareness and Chapter events.  Phil and Gena Hecker have the tedious job of maintaining our Chapter financial records, filings and elections.  Marv Rivers has been an outstanding Vice President.  Marv has put in countless hours of support to the Heritage Festival, parades, Fairs, Pig Roast and standing in for me.

Dell Mayes has done a terrific job of setting up and cleaning up after meetings, saying our prayers and packing parties.  Mike, Shada and Destiny Eadie are an incredible family supporting veterans and our Chapter.  Vance McCrumb does a simply outstanding job as The 310 Dispatch Editor in Chief and website!  Paulo Pereira has taken our website to the level as one of the best veteran websites in the nation!  Tim Clarke, Gary Bourdeau and Al Merritt have managed our merchandise sales to be well stocked and with merchandise that sells well!  
Jack McManus has been a fantastic supporter for our Vietnam Memorial and Agent Orange activities.  Tom Mullins, Marty Solvberg and Dave Hizer kept me on track with Rolling Thunder and Patriot Guard activities.  Horace Frazier and Gene Morley kept track of our Vietnam Memorial maintenance.  Gordon Moore with his spiritually inspiring articles.  Jon Luker with his excellent meeting minutes.  Ken Rogge keeping me straight with Robert’s Rules.  One of my biggest motivators was Gary Lillie; he was always telling me after a tough meeting that I handled it well.  Bill Ballou staying up all night at the Pig Roasts and keeping my golf game “above par.”  Sandie Wilson kept us informed on VVA State and National concerns.  Doc and Sandra Martinez did a fine job with our Food Pantry and supporting our Chapter events.  Elmer White kept me on my toes at meetings and was one of our strongest supporters and a very generous donor to Support Our Troops.  Tom Osmond and his garlic bread for the Chapter Recognition Dinner.  I’m sorry I can’t mention everyone who has contributed in some way to make Our VVA Chapter 310 the best in the USA!  From the bottom of my heart I sincerely thank you all for your support!  I know that with our new President, Marty
Cothorn, we will be in great hands!

What a fun night it was at the Luau put on by the Friends!  We went from Hula dancing to Rock and Roll!  Thanks to Kathy, Jane, Sharon and Gena.

Our Annual Recognition Dinner re-named in memory of Gary Lillie was a beautiful evening.  Congratulations to these outstanding folks: Presidents Award-Marv Rivers; Member of the Year-Tim Driscoll; Jerry Sims Award-Roy Hall.  Congrats also to Bonnie Hall as the “Friend of the Year”  (see page 7 for images and write-up).
We had 96 in attendance this year.  Thanks to all who donated raffle and auction items and especially to all those who helped out.  Check out our website for photos.
In closing, Sharon and I will be around to continue supporting our Chapter.  We do however plan to devote some of our new extra time to our church activities and to the Yankee Air Museum.  Last but not least, I wish to thank my beautiful bride of almost 42 years, Sharon, for all the support she has given me over the past two years.

Aim High,
Bobski

Read the entire 310 Dispatch for May 2012.