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| Chapter member LTC. (Retired) Chuck Kettles receved the Medal of Honor - July 2016 |
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LTC Charles S. Kettles (ret) Passed Away On January 21, 2019. Rest In Peace My Friend, Rest In Peace.......
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Press Release: Dingell, Peters, Stabenow Announce Enactment of Bill to Rename Ann Arbor VA Facility After Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles
Lt. Colonel Kettles Received Medal of Honor in 2016 for Heroic Service During Vietnam War
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced that President Donald Trump signed their legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Ann Arbor after Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles. Lieutenant Colonel Kettles, a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti who passed away in January of 2019, served in the Vietnam War as an Army helicopter commander and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2016 for leading a rescue operation that saved 44 soldiers. The lawmakers’ legislation passed the House of Representatives in October and the United States Senate earlier this month. “LTC Charles Kettles never asked for recognition or sought the spotlight for his selfless service and courage. But by engraving his name above the Ann Arbor VAMC, we will ensure his story is told for generations and his legacy cherished by all who seek care within those walls,” said Congresswoman Dingell. "He was a hero, a mentor, and a friend, and I will forever be grateful for the time I was able to share with him" In May of 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Kettles led three rescue flights into enemy territory to deliver supplies, reinforcements and to evacuate wounded airborne soldiers who had been ambushed by Northern Vietnamese forces. After Kettles was informed during the middle of his final flight that eight soldiers remained on the ground, he immediately returned without any support to rescue the remaining men. All told, his actions saved the lives of 40 soldiers and 4 crewmembers from the 176th Aviation Company. In 2015, Dingell led legislation to waive time limitations that deemed Lieutenant Colonel Kettles ineligible for consideration of the Medal of Honor. Finally, after the bill was enacted, President Obama awarded Kettles the Medal of Honor on July 18, 2016, nearly 50 years after his heroic actions.
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I say VVA 310 is doing a pretty good job of maintaining through this time of Covid-19. Our fiscal year budget looks like we will finish up only about $200 in deficit below our forecast. It seemed like every time we had an unexpected expense, we had an unexpected donation to cover it.Looking forward for this year, we have set up a committee to look into the feasibility of holding some kind of pig roast this fall. It wouldn't be like our usual Pig Roast, but we may be able to generate some funds and some fun.
Many of our members have already started getting their Covid-19 vaccinations through the Ann Arbor VA Hospital. If you want to be vaccinated, you can call the VA at 734-222-7100. Be prepared for a little hold time. They will ask a few questions then schedule an appointment for your shot. If you have never registered with the VA, they can help you with that, too.
Stay in touch.
Stay safe, Be proud,
Stan Harrison, President