President's Message

President's Message - Mar/Apr 2026

Vance McCrumb

Alfred 'Fredo' Merritt

As most are aware, Alfred ‘Fredo’  Merritt passed away February 18th around 2030 hrs at the Ann Arbor VA.  Per Luker, he and Wendy spent two days with Fredo at the hospital until the end. 

Fredo's wish is that he will be cremated and buried at the National Cemetery at Holly, MI.  As more details are known, I'll send out another email.  

Al joined VVA April, 3 1985.  His membership number was 577.  Most of us have 5 and 6 digits on our membership card, Al has 3. He originally was a member of Detroit Chapter 9, and transferred to 310 shortly after we were granted our charted in February, 1987. 

Al, will be missed by everyone.  He volunteered for every Chapter activity including merchandise sales at the Clinton Fall Festival, our annual Pig Roast, Ypsilanti Heritage Festival (we no longer participate in the Ypsi event) as well our monthly sales at the VA.  Al really enjoyed our Christmas Parties for the patients at the VA hospital, Watchfire, and our Memorial services. He loved conversing with anyone, anywhere, and anytime.  When I would call him, he would answer with “What’s going on my old friend.” 

His dog, Tilly, hatted me!  He would bark and growl whenever he saw me.  Having been a dog handler in the military, I was used to that, but Tilly would show his teeth with his lips pulled back when he growled, which told me he did not like me.  My nickname for him was KILLER!  Al had another dog name Kit.  Kit and I never met, but I sure Tilly told him that I was a scoundrel, and not to be trusted.   

Al was a Board of Director member for many years and rarely missed a meeting.  He was one of the founding members of the TLC (The Liars Club) coffee group that meets weekly at the Brewed Awakening Cafe in Saline.  He was also instrumental in reestablishing the breakfast group that would meet at different restaurants on Friday’s, following our Thursday membership meetings.   

His other love was the Memorial. He spent many hours daily at the Memorial.  If not  working on improving the landscape, he was dreaming up projects with Luker to improve an already fabulous setting for the Memorial. Rest In Peace My Friend, Rest In Peace… 

 Vance McCrumb, Stan Harrison, Miss Michigan Hanna Palmer, Berry Bourne

John Kinzinger arranged for the 2025 Miss Michigan, Hanna Palmer, to visit patients at the Ann Arbor VA on February 13th.  Hanna resides in Brighton, Michigan and is a third grade teacher in Ann Arbor.  She placed 6th in the 2025 Miss America Pageant! 

Needless to say, she brighten the day for the patients as well as the three of us, who were fortunate enoughto have our picture taken with Hanna. 

We had a nice turnout for our February meeting, and the first round of officer and board member nominations were completed.  If you would like to pitch your hat in that ring, please come to our April meeting.  That meeting will be the last round of nominations, followed by the election.  Please plan on attending and support your chapter. 

We had a good day of merchandise sales at the VA this past February.  Our sale’s date was changed from Tuesday’s after our Thursday meeting to Friday’s.  Not sure why, but it didn’t seem to affect our sales in a negative way.  The sales team consist of Stan Harrison, Ed Scruggs, Tim Driscoll and me.   Occasionally Marty Cathorn, George Betts, and Bob Kurtz would show up.  And as mentioned on page one, Fredo was a regular as well. 

Our once-a-month Friday hours are 0800 to 1330 hrs.  We do have a good time socializing with the VA staff, family members of patients and outpatient veterans.  We could always use additional help. 

I read in a VVA Press Release that another Vietnam Veteran, Marine Major James Capers, Jr, was awarded the Medal of Honor.  Then-Second Lieutenant Caspers lead his nine-man Force Recon team through four days of intense combat against a far superior enemy force, calling in close-air support, artillery and mortar strikes to within 50 meters of their position.  He also led counterattacks that saved every Marine on his team.  Oorah!!!

Our Chapter will host the Vietnam Veterans of America, Michigan State Council (MSC) meeting that will be held on March 14, 10 am to 12 pm. Rev. Bull will provide the donuts and we will supply the coffee. 

This would be a good time to meet your state officers and other chapter representatives.  Jon Luker, Sandie Wilson and Tim Driscoll are regular attendees at the MSC meetings.