
The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified crisis responders who are there to help. Many of these responders are veterans themselves.
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Chapter member LTC. (Retired) Chuck Kettles received the Medal of Honor in July 2016 |
LTC Charles S. Kettles (ret) Passed Away On January 21, 2019. Rest In Peace My Friend, Rest In Peace...
We lost another hero on December 23, 2021, Lloyd Lee (above). Click Here To Find Out If You Qualify For Health Care At The VA As A Veteran.
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President’s Message -May 2023
We have a few things to look forward to in May. Of course, we have our regular meeting on the 11th where we will swear in the new officers and board for the next year. Included in that group will be our new President, Vance “Dog Man” McCrumb and our new Vice President, Marvin “Oorah” Rivers. At last, adult leadership!
On Saturday, May 13th we will celebrate at our annual “Gary Lillie Recognition Dinner”. Tickets are $15 each and as usual it will start at 1800 (6pm) at the UAW Local 898 Hall at the corner of Textile and Tuttle Hill roads. Also as usual. we will need help putting on this event. Vance and Marvin can’t do it all by themselves.
On Tuesday the 16th we will have a small sale at the VA hospital in the canteen on the 3rd floor near the Central Elevators. Due to lack of space, we won’t have much merchandise on display so we won’t need as much help with set up or take down.
Memorial Day festivities start for us on Sunday evening, the 28th, with a watchfire/cookout. Bring a lawn chair and your own beverage to the Memorial at about 1800 (6pm) where we will eat hot dogs and respectfully retire American flags. Each flag will be dedicated to a deceased veteran. It is a great way to remember a loved one. Chief George Perrault says that we have plenty (hundreds) of flags so there will be no shortage.
On Memorial Day itself, Monday May 29th, we start with a parade in Saline at 10 am. Tim Driscoll keeps us all in line but nobody seems to be able to keep us in step. At 1300 (one o’clock) we gather at our Memorial to remember and honor those who didn’t return. We will also remember those Chapter members that we have lost during the past year by placing an engraved brick for each in the walkway. This is the highlight of our year, not to be missed.
Every day in May before Memorial Day, at 10 am, 22aday.org and VVA310 will be placing 22 crosses along Veterans Memorial Drive at Huron River Drive. Each cross will represent a military or veteran suicide. Prevention begins with awareness. When all 660 crosses are up on Memorial Day, they will be a stark reminder of the magnitude of our loss each month. Be sure to sign up for a time or two to place crosses. It only takes about 15 minutes. Jon Luker can answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President for the last three years. You have given me amazing help and guidance all along the way. I am very grateful. You have chosen excellent leadership for the future. If you support them as you have supported me we can move forward with confidence.
I’ll see you at our next meeting. In the meantime -
Stay safe and
Stay Proud.
Stan Harrison
President