To date, 1,004 Vets/Caregivers/Volunteers have taken this trip with us over the past five years (ten trips) to see these Memorials. If you are a WWII or Korean War or Vietnam/Vietnam Era Vet in Shelby County (Ohio), contact us to see how you too can join us on the "Honor Bus."

Friday, September 27, 2013

Vets Trip #9 was a HUGE success...

This past weekend, 111 Vets, Caregivers and Volunteers, media and drivers all went to Washington to honor the Vets at their memorials.  With one WWII Veteran, one Korean War Veteran, and 43 Vietnam/Vietnam era Veterans on board, we made our way to DC for the trip of a lifetime which was highlighted by the laying of a wreath at the Tombs of the Unknown Soldiers and ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall.

We will have many stories to publish and links to many, many pictures of the trip -- from send-off to welcome home.  Stay tuned.  In the meantime, here are just a few pictures from the day.  Enjoy and stay tuned.

Hooah
Dennis Thatcher (L) and Art Muhlenkamp (C) accompany Sgt. McGuire (R) of the Old Guard as they prepare to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
Marine Team picture at the Iwo Jima Memorial: (l-r) Jack Curl, Ted Levering, Dean Long, Del Bickel, John Griewe, Ron Frances, Ralph Kunk, Ken Mescher, and Darrell Spangler.
Team picture at the Vietnam Wall ceremony.
Placing a flag (courtesy of the Sidney High School FCCLA) at the Wall are Craig Miller (l) and Denny Brown (r).

Placing a wreath at the Ohio pillar at the WWII Memorial are (l-r) Jim Hall, Eric Hall, Maclin Hall (WWII Veteran), and Larry Hall.
The Air Force Team Picture (l-r); Art Muhlenkamp, Rich Wade, Duane Mullen, Jim Hall, Ken Replogle, Bud Sanders, Tom Johnson, Dean Morrow, and Paul Snider.
Group picture at the Buckeye Lake rest stop on Sunday.
Jim Barton (r - leaning over) helping with the Vets' luggage at the return home ceremony.

Monday, September 9, 2013

A gathering of heroes...

This past week, we had the pleasure and honor of helping an old friend with his Army reunion.  Weldon Oakley is a member of the 58th Engineer Company (Treadway Bridge Company) which fought at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea.  This was a really big deal in terms of the Korean War and these guys were right in the thick of it.  If you would like more info on their unit, mission, and some of the things they went through, check out this web site (Chosin Reservoir ).

Weldon was hosting this reunion and we thought maybe our Vets to DC committee could be of assistance. The group was rather large at one time, but they are down to just a handful that are able to travel.  In fact, there were only 6 members (below) left to attend the Sidney reunion. There is still a "buddie" in Kentucky, but he is not able to travel so they will try to see him next year for the get together.

The remaining members of the 58th Engineer Co. (Treadway Bridge Co.) attending the 2013 reunion.
This is the team picture of the Vets and their guests.
Our group played a small part in making their reunion a success.  We attended their get together on Wednesday evening, Sept. 4 at the Hampton Inn located in Sidney and presented each of the Vets with a hand carved wooden cane, courtesy of the Shelby County Wood Carvers Association.  This is the same cane we have presented to each of the Vets who travel with us to DC.  We also presented them with a copy of the book, Forgotten No More, "The Korean War Veterans Memorial Story" by Carol Highsmith and Ted Landphair., a couple of Korean War and U.S. Army pins for their hats, and a bookmark for the book.

We also supplied drivers for the group for their Thursday tour of the local area.  They toured the Airstream plant in Jackson Center and the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakonetta.  We also drove them to dinner at the Cracker Barrel in Piqua for a leisure dinner.

It was an honor for our members to assist and help these heroes get together again.

The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.  G.K. Chesterton

Hooah

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Vets to DC at the Sidney Applefest

The Vets to DC committee had a booth at the Applefest weekend in Sidney this past weekend.  They gave out info on the upcoming trip (Trip #9, Sept. 20-22), sold tickets for the Canoe and the hog raffles, and had a display of photos of all the Vets who have been on our past trips.

The canoe raffle winning ticket was drawn, and Dick Wilgus of DeGraff was the winner.  The hog raffle winner was being notified and I will update this when I get the name.

Thanks go to all who supported these fund raising events.  We will have a financial report presented by chairman Gus at the next meeting, September 12th.


Vets and caregivers who have been notified that they are taking part in this upcoming trip are reminded they need to plan to attend the pre-departure dinner September 16.  The social time begins at 5:30 followed by dinner at 6:00.  The dinner is held at the Sidney, Ohio VFW Post 4239, locatged at the intersection of I-75 and State Route 25-A.   Just look for the tank!  Volunteers are reminded to be at the VFW by 5:00.

Hooah

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Two other upcoming Fundraisers for VETS to DC...

Here are some other fundraisers sponsored by the VETS to DC Committee:

1.  HOG RAFFLE.  The Committee is selling tickets for a hog raffle.  This is a whole hog, processed any way you wish (packaged, whole hog for a BBQ, or however you want).  The club is also paying for the processing.

Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.  They are available from any committee member or at the Farmer's Market on Saturday Mornings.  The drawing will be done at the Applefest along with the canoe drawing (see article below).  Winner will be notified.

2. GOLF SCRAMBLE.   The Watercutter Family is sponsoring the 4th Watercutter Memorial Golf Scramble on Saturday, July 20th at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Minster, Ohio.  This will be a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.  Good fun, food and lots of door prizes will mark this 18 hole, 4-person scramble.  

Get a team together and call the Pro shop at Arrowhead (419-628-3111) to get registered.  Don't have a team ?? just call the Pro shop and they will take your name and try to get you fixed up.


Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, 
nothing is going to get better.  It's not.  (Dr. Seuss)

Hooah

VETS to DC Committee raising funds for Sept. 2013 trip...

Picture this ... it's a lazy early summer day, there is a slight breeze on your favorite lake or river, and you are there in your canoe, drifting, dreaming, maybe fishing as the hours and stress of life evaporate.  Sound like fun ???  Well, you could very easily find yourself in this picture.  All you have to do is buy a ticket (or tickets) from one of the committee members and you're on your way to winning this beautiful, hand-made 11-1/2 foot, single seat, wooden conveyer of dreams. 

This is a hand made canoe, built and donated by Gene Hoellrich of Sidney.    


Tickets can also be purchased from one of our members who will be located at the Farmer's Market in downtown Sidney every Saturday the Market is open.

Cost:  $5.00 per ticket or 6 tickets for $25.00
Drawing will be made during the Applefest Weekend.  Winner will be notified.

 When you open your heart to giving, angels fly to your door.  (Author Unknown)

Hooah...