The AZ-LZ Vietnam Veterans of America—Arizona State Council

Welcome to the End of the Year-2011 The year 2011 has been a good year. The Arizona State Council membership has grown, a lot more attendance has been excellent at various chapter and state meetings and many more things have been accomplished in the last year. We also have a more memories of our time in the military which can be a blessing for all of us. We’ve learned how to save money with various companies that VVA has sponsored and we have been made aware of. We’ve been offered a chance to return to Vietnam many times with an outfit called “Vietnam Veteran Restoration Project” to visit Vietnam and give the kids that live there an opportunity for an education. We can also see the country from how it looks today. The word is getting out about VVA-Arizona and those that knew nothing about it are interested and have joined. And that helps everyone.

The AZ-LZ Oct-Dec 2011 Special points of interest: • Welcome to the end of another year • 15th Annual VVA Convention—Reno • 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Dinner Celebration • Happy Thanksgiving—2011 • Merry Christmas—2011 • A Glorious New Year—2012 • English Plurals

This is you back in the 1940’s or your children in the 1960’s or your grandchildren in the 1980’s or your great-grandchildren in the 2000’s. We’re all the same no matter what year it is.

The Veterans Administration medical system is getting better, and that allows us to be more informed about what we need to do after, we are ALL one year older and at this stage in our life, we need all of the help we can get when it comes to medical, emotional and spiritual help. Our families are growing up. Our children are no longer “little kids” as we remember them long ago. Our grandchildren are now married and having children. And what is happening to us? Lord willing we are happy, in good health, doing things for the less fortunate, mentoring

our family, guiding our grandchildren and loving our family. We are paying more attention to the things that are going on in the world and being aware of what we should be doing to protect our family. The idea of seeing some of the world that God provided us is maybe in the offing and taking our favorite one there could be closer than we think. Investing our grandchildren for their college education is certainly a need and looking after our neighbor to tend to their needs is always a first.

• Your Grandchildren • Veterans Day • Presidents Message • VVA Resolution Adopted • David Sommerdorf • The New US Army Rifle • See Vietnam—AGAIN • Morris Cookbook Update • English Plurals • Words Hardly Used • In God We Trust • Layovers • Life at 60+ • Your Amazing Body • Purple Heart Veterans • Grandchildren • USPHS • Peace Corps • Missions • Altering History Events • Challenge Coins as gifts

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Reasons Not To Join the Military Joining a branch of the military, such as the Marines or Army, or Navy or Air Force, means that you will receive quality education, physical training and hands-on skills such as self-sufficiency and teamwork. However, military enlistment is a long-term commitment that may require you to be away from your family for long stretches of time. While there are a variety of pros to joining the service, there are also several cons that should be considered before you enlist. You Must Obey Orders Let's face it---you'll need to develop a thick skin and a submissive attitude to make it through boot camp and the duration of your enlistment. Part of the oath taken by every military member outlines your willingness to obey: "I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the uniform code of military justice." If you are unwilling to follow orders and submit to your superiors, you may want to rethink enlisting in the military. You Will Spend Time Away From Home Part of being a military service member is making a long-term commitment to the service---two to fours years is the minimum amount of time that you will commit, and you may be away from home for much of that time. Boot camp lasts 8-12 weeks. There are boot camp all over the country. Once you complete boot camp, you will attend multiple weeks at any location for what we call “AIT” or Advanced Individual Training”. After your training is completed, you may be deployed to an overseas assignment or even within the USA. The Military Perform Challenging Jobs If you're looking for an easy job, you'll need to look elsewhere. Not only does the military undergo intensive physical training, you'll also be trained to perform challenging jobs such as flying helicopters or planes, fighting, gathering intelligence, and maintaining equipment including electronics and vehicles, you name it. The Marines are considered "the nation's 911 force"---always ready to respond to a crisis. The Army is the military might of the United States. The Navy is one of the best and the Air Force is #1 throughout the world, and as a military member you will be required to use critical thinking skills and adapt to rapidly changing situations. The Military Stands Ready for Combat Part of the commitment that you make is to "support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies." This may mean engaging in combat---as a Marine, you'll be in the thick of the fighting. Marines are widely considered to be the United States' "first line of defense." Much to the chagrin of the Marines, the Army brings in the bigger guns, while the Navy hauls in giant ships larger than most countries entire military power. And the Air Force, has the might you’d expect only in the United States. Everyone is trained as a rifleman. No matter what your specialty is, you may be required to pick up a gun and fight. What You Do Right Now If you live at home, you still obey orders, and if you don’t you get punished. You may not get court-martialed or obtain an Article 15, but parents’ punishment can also be severe, especially when you’ve earned it. When you ultimately leave home, you then “still spend time away from home”, albeit with friends, family or just on your own, and at your expense. If you work and don’t like the job then the job too can be challenging, but it a paycheck and I would probably guarantee that your civilian job does not pay for your meals, your clothing, your apartment and give you a decent salary, free schools, overseas trips, etc. But, here the good part, each American (no matter where you are from) will have to stand up for America, possibly one day soon. The only difference is that if you don’t join the military you will not have the training and know-how to fight the enemy at any given time. So, when it comes to the military standing ready for combat, it may very well happen if you remain a civilian. Bottom Line What can you do for your country? What can you do for yourself? Be ready and be prepared to fight for your country, because it has happened about fifteen times just in the 20th century and we are working on a war that has lasted just about eleven years. Want a job? Me neither, want a career? That is the best way to go. Join the service and consider a career and be prepared to consider all of those things mentioned in the above paragraph. These are the reasons for joining the military.

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Life When You Hit 60+

See The Color In Your Life

God gave us a world of color and we should in that sense enjoy the colorful world He has provided each of us.

This Fall, let’s all get out and see some of the vibrant colors in our world. Even Arizona has some great colors in the state.

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Purple Heart Vets A study led by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers found that aging Veterans who earned the Purple Heart show decreased mortality compared with those who had not earned the medal. Additionally, those war-wounded Veterans who survive into later life -especially those who do not develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)- may provide valuable clues as to the that lead to resilience to combat stress. A team of VA researchers who studied more than 10,000 Veterans of World War II and the Korean War produced these findings, which appear online in the journal Depression and Anxiety. "Among the older Veterans we studied, those with Purple Heart citations had half the mortality rate of those without Purple Heart citations," said lead author Tim Kimbrell, MD, a physician-researcher with the Center for Mental Health and Outcomes Research, based at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Whether the Purple Heart holders had chronic PTSD or not, they were about twice as likely to still be alive after some 10 years of followup, compared with those with no Purple Heart and no PTSD. The study included Veterans who were 65 and or older in the late 1990s. It tracked their survival through 2008. It is estimated that more than a million Service members received a Purple Heart in World War II, and nearly 119,000 in the Korean War. In recent years, researchers with VA and the Department of Defense have sought insight into the psychological and neurobiological factors that enable some Service members to not develop PTSD after traumatic events. The authors of the new VA study say Purple Heart holders who survive long past their war experience without PTSD may be the ideal population on which to focus such research. "Our theory was that there are many factors that contribute to resilience to PTSD, and these same factors may increase survival," said Kimbrell. The researchers were surprised to find that among Purple Heart recipients, those with PTSD had slightly lower mortality than those without PTSD. This is a contradiction to several studies that have shown a link between chronic stress conditions such as PTSD and worse survival. Kimbrell and colleagues suggest this finding is due to what they term "early attrition." Those who had been physically injured in World War II or Korea and suffered PTSD may have been less likely to survive until age 65 in the first place; the PTSD-Purple Heart group included in their study may have been an exceptionally healthy and hearty cohort of Veterans. The researchers say further studies involving these Veterans, as well as those who were wounded in combat but did not develop PTSD, may lead to new insights to help prepare future Service members to cope with the stress and trauma of war.

Your Amazing Body—Did You Know?? The human body is a machine that is full of wonder. This collection of human body facts will leave you knowing the greatness of our God. -Scientists say the higher your I.Q. the more you dream. -The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm. -You use 200 muscles to take one step. -The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man. -Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three. -A pair of human feet contains 250,000 sweat glands. -A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball. -The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blade. -The human brain cell can hold five times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica. -It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach. -The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds. -Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis of the liver than men with hair. -At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell. -There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet. -Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil. -The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body. -Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born. -When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, and they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate. -Your thumb is the same length of your nose.

See how special all of us are

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VVA—15th Annual Convention The Vietnam Veterans of America 15th National Convention was held in Reno, Nevada on 17-20 August 2011. This event consisted of introducing new resolutions, voting on new officers and boards of directors, honoring those that have done well for VVA at large and seeing where the organization as a whole will be in the next several years. There were a number of resolutions that were adopted and some not adopted and a few retired by the committee as they came before the National Convention in Reno.

Richard Pimentel, the disabled Vietnam veteran who is one of the nation’s foremost disability rights advocates, gave a brilliant, stirring Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremonies of VVA’s National Leadership Conference last August in Orlando. As one VVA member put it: “That was not only the best Keynote Speech I’ve ever heard, it was the best speech I’ve ever heard, period!” Pimentel, who suffered severe hearing loss after a Viet Cong rocket attack in 1968, was one of the main advocates responsible for congressional passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. His remarkable life story was the subject of the Hollywood film, Music Within.

Who Was Re-Elected? MAIN OFFICERS PRESIDENT: John Rowan VICE PRESIDENT: Fred Elliott SECRTARY—Bill Meeks TREASURER—Wayne Reynolds NATIONAL DIRECTORS Richard DeLong—LA Pastor Toro—NY Dan Stenvold– ND Ken Holybee-CA

NATIONAL DIRECTORS (cont’d) Jerry Yamamoto-CA Jackie Rector –KY Joe Jennings-OH Marsha Four-PA Felix Peterson-OK Pat Bessigano-IN

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region1-Wayne Cartier Region2-Herb Worthington Region3-Sara McVicker Region4-Bob Barry Region5-Sandie Wilson Region6-John Margoowski Region7-Allen Manuel Region8–Tom Owen Region9-Dick Southern

Vietnam Veterans National Meeting Special Recognition Diana Dell, received the President’s Award for Excellence in the Arts at the Saturday night Awards Banquet. She volunteered to go to Vietnam in 1970 as a civilian working for the USO. She did so following the death of her 21-year-old brother, Sgt. Kenny Dell, a scout dog handler with the 49th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon of the 199th Infantry Brigade, who was killed in action in the Mekong Delta in November of 1968. In Vietnam, Diana Dell was a USO program director in Cam Ranh Bay, director of public relation in Saigon, and also hosted the “USO Showtime” daily radio show on AFVN. While in Vietnam, she also set up Feed the Children programs in orphanages and escorted USO shows and celebrities all around the country. She left Vietnam in 1972 and later worked as a free-lance writer and journalist and taught Vietnam War history and journalism classes at Tampa College. She is the author of, among other works, A Saigon Party and Other Vietnam War Short Stories, and the screenplay “That Year in Saigon”.

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2011 Proposed Convention Resolutions This set of resolutions were compiled by the 2011 Resolutions Committee and voted on at the National Convention.

Proposed 2011 Convention Resolutions Adopted 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Hearing loss added to the list of birth defects due to exposure to Agent Orange Native American Memorial Statue Forever POW/MIA Stamp PTSD and Parole Clemency Retention of Benefits for Incarcerated Veterans PTSD Treatment of Incarcerated Veterans Department of Veterans Affairs Research Continued funding for “Special Needs Grants The Department of Veterans Affairs to Identify Best Practices Model Addressing Homeless Women Veteran Transitional Residential Treatment Programs Through VA Homeless Grants and Per Diem Proposed 2011 Convention Resolutions Not Adopted

1.

Support legislation that would compensate Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who were involuntarily extended beyond their service obligation. 2. Support legislation to have the list of risk factors updated to include overlooked modes of transmission of the disease Hepatitis. 3. Urge Congress to pass appropriate legislation to establish Hepatitis C be considered a presumptive disability for certain veterans. 4. Urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to start the National Vietnam Longitudinal Study with all due speed. 5. Support the Authorization of the Cold War Medal for all military personnel who served honorably overseas in support in the defense of Communist aggression. 6. After the first year of membership, a AVVA member is entitled to receive all VVA publications that of a regular member. 7. Urge Congress to pass appropriate legislation to have the waiting period for dependency and indemnity compensation reduced from 10 to 2 years. 8. Support legislation that removes the annual 5% deductible (MAPR) from consideration of out-of-pocket medical expenses. 9. Urge The Department of Veterans to change to the title Post Traumatic Street Disorder to Post Traumatic Stress Injury to reduce the stigma associated with the condition to actually recognize what it is, an injury to the psyche. 10. Support legislation that Vietnam Era veterans should be tested for Hepatitis C. Proposed 2011 Convention Resolutions Retired 1. 2.

AO Committee—AO-11 US treatment for Vietnamese birth-defect in children. Employment Training and Business Opportunities-E-20-07 30th Anniversary of the disabled veterans outreach program-this event took place in 2007 3. Government Affairs Committee: G-11-07 Philippine Veterans 4. Membership Affairs Committee: No retired resolutions 5. Minority Affairs Committee: MA-4-95 Native American and Alaskan Natives 6. POW-MIA Committee: No retired resolutions 7. Public Affairs Committee: No retired resolutions 8. Veterans Benefits Committee: VB-5-95 Civil Liberties of Active duty personnel; VB-11-95Veterans benefits system, VB-12-95 DVA service connected disability compensation, VB-16-99 Copy of military records upon discharge 9. Veterans Incarcerated Committee –VIN 1-195 Veterans of the criminal justice. 10. PTSD-Substance Abuse Committee: No retired resolutions 11. Health Care Committee: No retired resolutions 12. Women Veterans Committee: No retired resolutions

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Specific VVA Adopted Resolutions Defined FOREVER POW/MIA STAMP Issue: To provide for the issuance of a ―Perpetual/Forever Stampǁ by the United States Postal Service to recognize and honor the sacrifices and service of those brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States, who have been held captive as Prisoner of War, or are Missing in Action or otherwise listed as unaccounted for from all military actions, conflicts and wars that the United States has been involved in, past, present and future. If and when they come out, buy $50.00 worth of them.

VETERANS AFFAIRS RESEARCH History: First adopted in 2009 as WV-5-09 Issue: Specific issues pertinent to women veterans must be adequately researched. Background: Because women veterans have historically been a small percentage of the veteran population, many issues specific to women veterans have not been researched. General studies of veterans often had insufficient numbers of women veterans to detect differences between male and female veterans and/or results were not reported by gender. Today, however, women are projected to be 10% of the veteran population by 2020.

HOMELESS VETERAN WOMEN Homeless women veterans do bring issues unique to women into programs. Many have history of trauma, domestic violence and childhood abuse. These women need to have a voice in, not only the services they would like to see, but in the services they need. It is our responsibility to take care of them as they too, served our country and have had our children and raised them and now they are seeing the other side of the coin in being homeless, left alone and abandoned. If you know of any homeless women, it would be worthwhile and humane that we all help them in their distress.

Identify Best Practices Model Addressing Homeless Women The Department Of Veterans Affairs To Identify Best Practices Model Addressing Homeless Women Veteran Transitional Residential Treatment Programs Through VA Homeless Grants & Per Diem (HVC-XX) Issue: To often agencies providing services to homeless women veterans are left on their own to create programs they think will work. By identifying Best Practices Models, organizations and agencies across the country will be able to replicate ―what worksǁ when addressing homeless women veterans and the issues they bring. Background: Homeless women veterans do bring issues unique to women into programs. Many have histories of military sexual trauma, domestic violence and even childhood abuse. These women need to have a voice in, not only the services they would like to see, but in the services they need. For many of them ―one size does not fit all.ǁ By investigating and studying programs currently on line within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Best Practices could be identified. This would eliminate duplication of services. Adoption of Best Practices will lead to the creation of new and innovative programs to assist with providing individualized services to our homeless women veterans. Many agencies spend countless hours trying to create new programs from the ground up, with no ―templateǁ as to what works and what does not work. Resolved, That Vietnam Veterans of America strongly urges the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify Best Practice Models addressing the unique needs and issues of homeless women veterans and move to implement these practices in programs for homeless women veterans nationwide.

Grandchildren Are Precious Yes, your grandchildren are precious, but the next time you consider giving them a kiss on the lips, you might to consider where they have been prior to going to you in your arms. But, who would not want to kiss this little precious girl. She even reminds me of my own granddaughter, Julia, whom I don’t think would kiss a pig, but

one never knows. At two what did we know? This is our one opportunity to do something for our grandchildren to ensure they have a great future and that is invest in them. Something such as collectibles, a savings account, college education funds an occasional vacation with them and NEVER forgetting their birthday or Christmas or gift them maybe just because. After they are yours!!

Sweet Piggy . . .

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VVA Future Task Force Findings The status of VVA is still in question and it may take a lot of years to fully determine what will happen when we approach an age where we are no more. But the issue remains, what will happen to VVA in the years to come? There are a lot of considerations with this by allowing another group to join or there are our dependents and other things to consider. The VVA Future Task Force Report as of April 2011 reports the following findings. These are not decisions, simply items that might consider for the future of VVA. •

•

•

•

Create a scholarship fund to help educate the descendents of VVA veterans. Funds would be placed in a perpetual trust. It would also focus on the history, legacy and lessons of the war in Vietnam. Merge with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). It would provide a vehicle for advocacy and practices to continue. Develop a lineage based philanthropic organization to work on issues such as Agent Orange, PTSD, timely and effective health care for veterans and their families, needs of women, homeless veterans and the legal system, POW/MIA and relations with Vietnam and Vietnamese Americans. Become a patron supporter of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and its efforts to maintain

the Wall and create a visitors center and museum. • Form a holding company with other VSO’s • Involve AVVA in whatever process the VVA membership decides to pursue. The legacy of VVA should remain with AVA even if the work on other issues in shared. • Leave all assets, resources and holding to AVVA. • Lave all assets, resources and holdings to VMW. • Let the chapters and state councils decide if they want to affiliate with another Veteran Service Organization. • Create a hybrid, lineage based organization with AVVA. This might be affiliated along the same lines as the DAR. • Change the organizations name to be more inclusive of veterans and their families. • Do anything but shutdown VVA • Remain a last person standing VSO ————————————————Where do we g from here? Perhaps forums can be held to narrow the choices and to explore each strategic or tactical option. The most likely seem to be pointing to:

One topic came up in the event we chose this method to keep VVA alive and join with another VSO.

1. Last Person Standing. 2. Expanding Membership. 3. Forming a partnership with another VSO.

Why would members of the new generations of war veterans want to join VVA?

The reasons vary from to another: •

But veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan indicate they feel an affinity with Vietnam Veterans.

•

They don’t feel comfortable with traditional VSO’s

•

They like the fact that VVA is an activist organization which takes advocacy seriously and is good at it.

•

They like VVA’s Service Representative program

•

They believe that while they have some issues that are unique to a large membership organizations, they also have some issues in common with Vietnam Veterans.

•

They don’t yet have a large membership and don’t see one coming in the near future.

VVA-VMW Soldiers Working Together Soldiers from the Vietnam War (1960-1975) and Soldiers from the wars of modern warfare (Iraq and Afghanistan-2001-Present). Doing what they do best KEEPING AMERICA FREE

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Public Health Service The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is an elite team of more than 6,500 full-time, well-trained, highly qualified public health professionals dedicated to delivering the Nation's public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. Driven by a passion for public service, these men and women serve on the frontlines in the Nation's fight against disease and poor health conditions.

Who Can Be In Public Health Service?

Physicians Nurses Pharmacists Dentists Dietitians Engineers Environmental Health Officers Health services officers Scientists Therapists Veterinarians

As one of America's seven uniformed services, the Commissioned Corps fills essential public health leadership and service roles within the Nation's Federal Government agencies and programs. The Corps has officers in many professions, they are listed to the right of this paragraph. The Commissioned Corps has full-time jobs for highly skilled men and women who seek professional fulfillment, enjoy challenges, and want to improve the quality of public health for the Nation's communities that are most in need. For information about how you can make a difference through the Commissioned Corps, call at 800–279–1605 or see http://www.usphs.gov. For their uniforms, they follow the U.S. Navy’s guidelines for uniform and rules.

U.S. Peace Corps Service The Peace Corps is a good place to get started for serving mankind that are much less fortunate than we our here in the United States. It will give your grandchildren the opportunity to “Serve others” and help them which will show those in a foreign country that Americans really care about those living overseas.

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship. Since that time, 200,000+ Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and contributing to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. Go to web site: http://www.peacecorps.gov to get details about serving.

Missionary On The Foreign Field Have you ever heard your grandchildren or even your own kids discuss going on to the mission field? Doing God’s work is of course a calling and one has to be prepared for it, but it is a calling that is certainly a blessing to those that those people minister to on a daily basis. Teaching the Word of God and showing them the plan of Salvation is a worthwhile ministry for those in need of a way to go to

Heaven. Being on this Earth is not about us, but about serving God and others. God will take care of us when we work for Him. Talk to those family members that have spoken to you about this and help them through the process of getting their education, speaking with a Pastor, going to a good Bible School (West Coast Bible College) at http:// www.westcoastbible.org/, raise funds

for their ministry in their country (deputation), by going to churches that may support them and through God’s leading of individuals to financially and prayerfully support them on their field of calling in His time. Serving man and showing him the way to Heaven is the every best calling anyone could ever have. Talk to your family member who has this on their heart. You’ll be blessed as well.

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David Sommerdorf Ministries I met a man in Oregon who was a former Marine and still is one and full time Evangelist who travels everywhere to bring the Word of God to everyone that will listen. He spent four years in the Marine Corps and travels with his CorpsVette. This car is simply amazing. He has images of the entire 9/11 disaster on the hood. Light in the back are the five services. Originally from Alaska, he has raised five children and most of them are in the ministry in the United States. His schedule is about sixteen months out, but his preaching is right on. One message he spoke on was the “PEOPLE” or “POSSESSIONS”. He believes the K.J.V. of the Bible to be God's word

for English speaking people, and the local church God's way to mature the saint. He has served as a pastor and assistant pastor, as well as a Christian school supervisor, He has a great appreciation for the dedication and faithful service that a man of God puts forth as a servant of the Lord. Additionally, he realizes the invaluable asset good families are to the local assembly, and as such have realized that the home is under attack in America today as never before. It is upon this concern that his family is extending our service into the field of evangelism, with an emphasis upon the Christian Home, and the need to strengthen families in our local churches. God’s Blessings be upon David Sommerdorf and his wife.

His Mission In Life His mission in life is to go to every church in America and provide a Biblical message that will make us all think about our lives and be a blessing to those around us. Encourage us to invite those to church and listen to something valuable out of God’s Word and apply to it our lives and pray it into others either in our family, coworkers and friends. His 1992 Corvette is a memorial to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It is wrapped with images from Ground Zero in New York City and the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. He displays his U.S. Marine CorpsVette for everyone to see and show others how a former military can devote his life to God and spread His Word to as many people as he can. His web site is http:// www.sommerdorf.com/

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Altering The Course of History How do world events change our history especially in the United States? It happens when we let our guard down and we believe we have friends everywhere and they will do us no harm. We, as a country should certainly be aware that is never the case especially in today’s world. But the element of surprise has always been around us. Just think back to our days in Vietnam and recall some great surprise attacks on the Landing Zone you were at or in the field or and Air Base. There are about six surprise attacks of great magnitude that will be mentioned below that have changed everyone in the world. But it seems the United States goes “back to sleep” after things simmer down and we don’t take life or this world seriously. The Attack on Rome in 410 This group was aided by slaves that wanted freedom, so it was by guess and by golly they would help to gain their freedom. King Alaric and the Visigoths made it through the city gate unexpectedly. The three-day siege was a first that Rome had been invaded. Christians got the blame and Rome was to say the least “embarrassed”, and then they were gone. The Battle of Trenton, 1776 On Christmas night in 1776, George Washington crossed the Delaware River to lead 2,400 Continental Army troops on an raid against the Hessian (German) Army hold up in Trenton, New Jersey. The American forces caught the enemy completely off guard. So what took place? Well, the lasting effect was the Americans felt super-powerful in their success in catching the enemy off guard. The Battle of France, 1940 The Germans launched an easy "successful surprise attack" on France, and it permanently altered the way the world regarded France and France thought differently about itself as well. Two hundred years ago, France could almost not be beat, but in the 20th century, that is a different story. They have a weak military and rely on others to assist them. The Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 The morning air assault by the Japanese Air Force on the U.S naval base in Hawaii changed the shape of the already-raging World War II "by bringing America in with its freshness and manufacturing competence. We could build anything at anytime and anywhere. The Six Day War, 1967 On the morning of June 5, 1967,the Israeli Air Force planes pulled a surprise-attacked the Egyptian air force, by destroying hundreds of planes. On the ground, Israeli troops marched into the Sinai Peninsula and inside the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians went from the West Bank of the Jordan River, seized the Golan Heights in Syria and continued on to the Suez Canal. This rapid set of events altered the landscape and the future of the Middle East. In short order, you don’t mess with Israel, because they have God on their side and He know exactly what is happening everywhere. The 9/11 Attacks on 9/11/01 The assault in September 2001 on the World Trade towers was probably the biggest surprise attack ever, because of the magnitude of what happened and what it did to New York city for a few years to come. The same for the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania when the planes crashed. The United States responded with an attack on Iraq and we are still attacking and fighting a never ending battle, that we’ll likely never win. But, if we don’t do something, the situation will get much worse. It has seemed that in the last 50-70 years that attacks like this one came out of thin air and for little or no reason. With it being 10 years later after 9/11, America should wake up and know that there will be another x/11 at some point, thus, we need to be on guard. In closing, keep on your guard, know that the end of the world is near, and don’t get caught up in the world’s affairs. Do right by what God has placed in America and know that He will protect us when we believe and trust on Him. Pray daily for our country, your family, your life and what you should to please Him. Time is short.

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The New U.S. Army Rifle There is no hiding place from new U.S. Army rifles that use radio-controlled smart bullets. The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System has a range of roughly 2,300 feet - and is to be deployed in Afghanistan this month. The rifle's gun sight uses a laser rangefinder to determine the exact distance to the obstruction, after which the soldier can add or subtract up to 3 metres from that distance to enable the bullets to clear the barrier and explode above or beside the target. Soldiers will be able to use them to target snipers hidden in trenches rather than calling in air strikes. The 25-millimetre round contains a chip that receives a radio signal from the gun sight as to the precise distance to the target. The Army was expected to buy 12,500 of the XM25 rifles this year. Tactics are going to have to be rewritten. The only thing we can see [enemies] being able to do is run away.' Experts say the rifle means that enemy troops will no longer be safe if they take cover The XM25 appears perfect weapon for street-to-street fighting that troops in Afghanistan have to engage in, with enemy fighters hiding behind walls and only breaking cover to fire occasionally. The weapon's laser finder would work out how far away the enemy was and then the U.S. soldier would add one metre using a button near the trigger. When fired, the explosive round would carry exactly one metre past the wall and explode with the force of a hand grenade above the Taliban fighter. 'This is the first leap-ahead technology for troops that we've been able to develop and deploy.' A patent granted to the bullet's maker, Alliant Techsystems, reveals that the chip can calculate how far it has travelled. 'You could shoot a Javelin missile, and it would cost $43,000. These rounds will end up costing $15.50 apiece. This is a game-changer. The enemy has learned to get cover, for hundreds if not thousands of years. Well, they can't do that anymore. We're taking that cover from them and there's only two outcomes: We're going to get you behind that cover or force you to flee. The rifle will initially use high-explosive rounds, but its makers say that it might later use versions with smaller explosive charges that aim to stun rather than kill. One of the revolutionary bullets which can be pre-programmed to explode to hit troops that are hiding.

Strange Things You Would Never Expect to See Set to take over the title as the world’s most expensive yacht from The Eclipse (costing an estimated $900,000.00 to build), The Streets of Monaco is modeled on a section of Monte Carlo, featuring smaller versions of the state’s landmarks including the Hotel de Paris and Monte Carlo Casino and, of course, the famous racetrack. Instead of ‘decks’, the 510-foot boat will have buildings and instead of a swimming platform it will have a beach.

Most if not all of us have a computer at home. Some have laptops or notebooks and even a desktop. By the standards of computer in this day and age, computers are relatively inexpensive. A decent notebook can run you about $500.00 while a desktop computer of the same specifications will set you back about $450.00 sometimes without a monitor. And then each of us has accessories for our computer such as scanners, backup drives, printers and the like. Let’s say you had one made overseas with some bells and whistles to it. But knowing that things are less expensive to make with parts made in China, you could getting a bargain. Unless your accessory is made with rubies and jewels that are far more expensive than you can imagine. So how much is this little backup drive and processor all built in one? Let’s say it is was over 6 figures and we’ll let it go at that. Still interested in having it made overseas? Think again!!

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Happy Veterans Day To All Veterans Everywhere Veterans Day is considered a yearly American holiday venerating military veterans. And both a state holiday and a federal holiday in all states, Veterans Day is generally celebrated on 11th November. On the other hand, if Veterans Day happens on Sunday then the next Monday is selected for the holiday leave, if Veterans Day happens Saturday then either Friday or Saturday may be so chosen. It is commemorated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other part of the world. Veterans Day is celebrated on 11th November, the anniversary of signing of Armistice that finished World War I. The main hostilities of World War I were properly finished at 11th hour of 11th Day of 11th Month of 1918 with German signing of the Armistice. And the holiday is generally printed as Veterans' Day or Veteran's Day in advertisements and calendars. Veterans Day History The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an Armistice Day for 12th November, 1919. And The United States Congress conceded a parallel resolution after 7 years on 4th June, 1926, applying for a President issue another declaration to survey 11th November with proper ceremonies. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) permitted 13th May , 1938, made 11th of November in every year an authorized holiday; "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'." In the year of 1953, an Emporia, Kansas, shoe store holder named Al King had a plan to increase Armistice Day to commemorate all veterans, not presently those who provided in World War I. King had been keenly occupied with an American War throughout World War II. Then he started a crusade to turn the Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. And The Emporia Chamber of Commerce assumed the reason after resolving that 90% of the Emporia merchants with the Board of Education supported finishing their doors on 11th November, 1953, to tribute veterans. And with the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, from Emporia, a bill for holiday was push through Congress. The President Dwight Eisenhower marked it into law on 26th May, 1954. Congress modified this act on 8th November, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with Veterans. It has been recognized as Veterans Day since. Even though originally planned for commemoration on 11th November of each year, opening in 1971 compliant with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was shifted to fourth Monday of October. And In the year of 1978 it was retreated to its original commemoration on 11th November. Veterans Day today, is a way of receiving thanks for what our military members have done for America. The security of America should never be taken for granted as we have had millions of men and women go to war for the cause of peace and freedom. It is by God’s grace that America is still free, but if you look around at the world’s situation and some of it right here in America, we need pray that the Lord will continue to bless America and have its people do right by Him and His Word. We need to teach our current generations the precepts of the Bible and what America started out to be back 200+ years ago. We need not have to lose the generations that are in front of us, but we need to be THANKFUL for what God has done for America. We need to accept His grace on our nation and be ever so grateful that with the world terror, natural disasters in America, financial calamities facing us everywhere that we ask God to preserve our country. To you veterans, we thank you for doing all you have done for all of America. You have made America what it is by God’s grace and we thank you for it. Let us never take it for granted nor assume “we are the reason for our freedom”. Stay strong, teach the generations in your family and do the right thing for God Himself and He’ll bless America.

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Veterans Day – 2011 Veterans Day is a very special to ANYONE who has served in the military and we SHOULD NOT forget anyone who has been in one of branches of service. To many of us we have five branches, but let’s not forget the Merchant Marines, for where would we be without those thousands of ships who sailed millions of everything overseas during World War II? And let’s not forget those in the cemeteries throughout the world. This one to the right is in Ver Dun France. I’m not certain about the number of men that died in Europe, but I’m glad he did his job for America. May we encourage our fellow military to remember each other as we enjoy our own Veterans Day. Those no longer with us can’t join in with us.

Remembering Our Vietnam Veterans With A Challenge Coin To Our Chapter Presidents: Some of our men and women that served in country have felt they got the short end of the stick when they returned back from an in country tour. Each of us has a different take on remembering what their tour and coming home was like and many have overlooked the issues. Consider setting up a special dinner to include presenting each member in your chapter with a coin such as this. It’s a nice keepsake and hopefully it will cause that person(s) to recall the good times that he or she has had over there and always know that God was with them during this difficult time and to honestly forgive and forget, but enjoy the fact that they are just as important as any other veteran.

Thank A Vet—Everywhere You Go How many times have you been in an airport or a store or somewhere else and you have run into an active duty military person? It has happened to all of us and this might be the opportunity to remember them when you are out and about. As our world has changed so and our military is more in the forefront anymore, it might appropriate for all of us to carry some coins in our pocket and give them out to those that are in uniform or those recognizable to be in the military.

someone you don’t know, but have risked their life for their country and you.

How easy are they to obtain. Go to website: http:// medalsofamerica.com and look over their huge array of coins and other military gifts. Christmas is coming and blessing a close friend or family member might be the thing to do for them beThis coin is labeled: ”THANK A VET”. cause of what they did for And it is a coin to give to a best friend or you and yours.

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50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War The Department of Defense has announced that the beginning of the Vietnam War was in 1961 and in the year 2011 will mark the 50th anniversary of that armed conflict. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

You will not want to miss the “50th Vietnam Anniversary Dinner and Presentation” to be held on: Date: Time: Loc’n: Adrs: City: Phone: Cost: POC:

22 October 2011 6:45 for dinner Wild Horse Pass Hotel 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd Chandler, AZ 800-946-4452 $40.00 per person Joe Abodeely

Keeping The Vietnam Spirit Alive How is your chapter keeping the VIETNAM SPIRIT alive in your city? Well, there are number of ways. You can: 1. Visit schools and provide talks, give out DVD’s on the Vietnam War which lasted from 1960-1975. 2. Write up documents (short ones) that you can give away. It would be best to make them extremely informative for the students. 3. Personally invite to your events such as parades, color guards, 21 gun salutes, etc. 4. Talk to them about incidents while in country. 5. Show them Vietnamese memorabilia from in-country. 6. Repeat #1 thru #5 again three times per year.

Can You Name These Helicopters? The HUEY UH-1 is in the left picture and the CH-54 Sky Crane is in the right photo. What are the Native Indian names of each of the helicopters?

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The Night Of A Life Time For All Of Us to Fully Enjoy This October 22, 2011 will become history as nearly 400 of us celebrated the Vietnam War’s 50th Anniversary. Hosted by the Arizona Department of Veteran Affairs and the Arizona Military Museum, this event was quite the memorable one for all of us to make it an occasion for all of us to enjoy as we close this large chapter in our life. From this event, we should walk out of the doors a very proud veteran of doing their duty while in country. But, while there, make the most of meeting who you can, associate with those you don’t know, enjoy a delightful dinner. Listen intently to see what GEN. McCaffrey has to say. Enjoy the mu-

sic, read the various literature and items that will be in the room and savor the moment. As this evening will be the FIRST and LAST time any of us will enjoy a 50th Anniversary for the longest war ever fought by the United States. On your way home, consider what you might do for your fellow veterans. For the State Council in Arizona for the good of YOUR organization. If you’re member of VVA draft up some valid and doable recommendations that we can accomplish and consider heading up that committee for that certain idea that you developed. Talk at a school about the Vietnam War

and provide some good information to the students. Seriously consider writing a memoir of the good things you experienced in Vietnam during your tour of duty. You all know as well as I do there a lot of good times we enjoyed. Find that long lost buddy of yours you said you’d never forget. How about visiting the country some 4+ decades later. There are three methods to do so earlier in this newsletter and you have as much information as I do. Want to find out more? Simply contact me by email. Let your heart settle into the evening and fully enjoy what has been planned for us. It will be a blessing.

General McCaffrey Speaks The guest speaker will be GEN Barry R. McCaffrey USA (Retired). And he’ll likely talk on a subject near and dear to us. The attire for the evening: men are to wear a suit with tie and ladies in a semi-formal evening wear. Military must wear a Class A or equivalent.

Barry Richard McCaffrey (born November 17, 1942) is a retired United States Army general, former U.S. Drug Czar, news commentator, and business consultant. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the United States Military Academy, where he was the Bradley Professor of International Security Studies from 2001 to 2005. He is also an NBC and MSNBC military analyst as well as president of his own consulting firm, BR McCaffrey Associates.

You must be registered to attend and seating is limited to 400 persons only. For further information, please call McCaffrey attended Phillips Academy, Joe at 602-253-2378 or 520-868- Andover. He is a graduate of the U.S. Mili6777. tary Academy (Class of 1964), and earned This is sure to be a great time as this will be THE ONLY TIME, Vietnam Veterans get to celebrate “A 50th anything”, so let us make the most of it and enjoy the evening. It will be a nice event for all of us to remember and pass onto our grandchildren.

an M.A. in Civil Government from the American University in 1970. He also attended the National Security and Executive Education programs at Harvard University. His postgraduate military education includes the National Defense University, the United States Army War College, the Command and General Staff College, and the Defense Language Institute's program in Vietnamese.

Commander in Chief, U.S. Southern Command (USCINCSO), 1994–1996.

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Odyssey of a U.S. Marine—Edward J. Miknaitis This is a story about a Marine who joined the favorite branch of service in the early 1950’s. He enlisted in June 1950 while in his senior year of high school. And he knew that Uncle Sam would feed, instruct, take care and provide a dwelling for us. A train eventually took him to Parris Island, and they witnessed the swamps and different terrain he was used to. The Korean War was just starting and all of the Marine recruits were “hot to trot”. Ed was sent to Millington, TN for aviation training for Aviation Engine School. He then had a thirty day stint in a Navy mess hall. After training, it all seemed like a memory as it was over with soon. He made six requests to serve overseas, especially Korea and within a year’s time, I wound up going to San Francisco to board a troop ship. He sailed on a rust bucket for 30 days to dock at Yokosuka, Japan and onto Atami, Japan. He pulled guard duty for a while and marched and had military affairs instruction. Living in Quonset huts, but rough in the summer and often in the winter. A year had passed and back we are sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. He was assigned to the USS Essex and there some mishaps aboard the ship with planes. On our way back to Norfolk, VA, Fidel Castro was rattling his saber against the US and a multitude of ships went to the Caribbean but after a short time, he backed down. While the Essex was in port, we joined another ship and started a Mediterranean cruise and some of our ports of call were France, Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Greece. We then flew to Guam, gathered weapons, boarded a plane and headed for Thailand. Communist insurgents were making their to take over part of the country. The King and Queen of Thailand (Siam) honored and thanked us for helping them out in their time of trials At this point, I became a quality control person for planes and with Vietnam building up, there was a lot going on and a shortage of tires for the planes was one of them. I had returned back to the United States and was stationed at Columbia, SC. He inspected planes regularly and found hundreds of maintenance issues. By 1969, he was on my way to Vietnam and became a senior data analyst. He was stationed in Da Nang and remained there for a year. I returned to America. By this time, my 20 years was coming about, however I was granted an additional three years. He spent some time on the USS New Orleans an attack carrier. My family is now in Yuma and that is where he will be at MCAS-Yuma. I retired on June 27, 1973 after 23 years of active duty and joined the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve for seven years. He held six MOS specialties and enjoyed all of time as a United States Marine.

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A Last Chance to See Vietnam Again Have you really ever considered going back to Vietnam? This is the time to do it., before you can’t travel any longer, not get around, ride a motor bike and things like that. There are many outfits that allow you to go and I’ll speak of three of them in this issue of the AZ-LZ and allow you the opportunity to pick-n- choose. Read the items of “Battlefield Vietnam”, the point of contact is Gene Miller at URL www.vietnambattlefieldtours.c om

VVRP—Vietnam Veterans Restoration Project Thinking of Returning to Viet Nam? Return with Us! Build a school! Meet a new generation of Vietnamese! Join a team of fellow veterans building a school along side the Vietnamese. Create new friendships. Go in Spring 2012

Typical 3 week trip costs: $1700 + airfare For more information: Visit our website at www.vvrp.org and view a video about accompanying a VVRP team. Contact: Bob Worrall—(210) 854-7546 or email: [email protected]

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Going To Vietnam On Your Own Personally, I found this to be one of the best options, because YOU can select where you’d like to go and what to see. We all served in different areas in country and have that attachment to the area in which we are most familiar. The cost is likely to be far different than if you travel with a group, but, the “know-how” that companies like Battlefield Vietnam Tours and VVRP have can be invaluable as well. To start with, we all recall what the country has in it as far as cities, we might like to visit and places to go, so gather a map or visit the scores if Vietnam tourist sites on the internet and make your own choices as to the what and where of your trip. I chose to go for seventeen days and lined

out the trip based on the number of days and stayed 1-2 days overnight (depending on what was there and what was to be seen).

show your children a large phase of your life and reconnect with the country you were attached to so long ago.

The expense was of course a factor and also getting around. Frankly, getting around was the easiest I have ever found in a foreign country and we were so pleased with the people. They were an immense help to get you where you wanted to go and help you with food, motels, transportation, etc, that the trip “ON OUR OWN” was so worthwhile.

In my opinion, the best way to go is with a family member. That will show them the country as you recall it, you’ll see new locations, towns and cities you’ve never seen before and it will be a superb adventure for all of you as you re-create the time you originally had when you were there in the 1960’s.

We saw what we wanted to see and did the things that we could and wanted to do. Taking a son or daughter would be a great way to go and show them the country and that part of the world. What a blessing to

The country is beautiful, it is very inexpensive and easy to get around in. The people are extremely friendly and helpful. Seriously consider going back to mend any bad feelings and have a great time with your son or daughter.

What’s To See in Vietnam?

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A Very Merry, Merry Christmas Any major plans for Christmas this year? TO be honest with you, I am thinking of it already in the aspect of who do I want to remember this year? There are likely some folks that we may not care for through out the year and we simply “let them go” or those that irritated us once or twice and we have already scratched them off our “Santa” list. But, we are instructed to forgive and forget. Christ has done that for us and it is our obligation to do the same. It makes us better people to start with and causes us not to be like those that we don’t like.

invite the families that live on your block (whether you know them or not) and get to know them over some eggnog, vegetables and ranch dip or some Swiss Colony special desserts that you only splurge on annually.

I learned a long time ago that all of us are the same, we are no better and no worse than anyone else. And if you are honest, we (within ourselves) have a lot to clean up on our inside. May you enjoy this Christmas by making a difference in your neighborhood and meeting the people that you don’t know and show them that they are Can you provide a Merry Christmas for An idea might be to have a special important enough to you to have insomeone else this year and make their Christmas Eve gathering whereby you vited them over to your home. Christmas a real blessing for them? I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten, and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white

I too, am dreaming of a White Christmas, but I’d like for my Christmas to be a blessing towards the Lord Jesus Christ as it is the day we celebrate His birthday. But, then there are others that don’t know anything about Christmas, much less why we celebrate the holidays. Frankly, they are not just holidays,; but a day we celebrate knowing why He came to Earth to start with. I believe it is our responsibility to keep our hearts white along with our lives and God will provide us with a white life. He also says we need to tend to others; those without Christ and show them what Christmas means and what it is all about. It is not about the gifts or the dinner but what He did for us by coming Earth as a baby and spending 3 1/2 years to minister to people and show them the way to Heaven and be saved .

Give The Future To Your Grandchildren Most if not all of us have grandchildren and we should help be responsible for their college education and their future as much as we can be. I have heard this saying for many years: “If I only could have had grandchildren first”. Well, we know that is not possible, but what is possible is to devote some of your millions to their college education. How might

you do it you ask? Well, invest in a 529 account for them where you have control over the funds and when they are ready, you provide the money to the college they are attending. To me, this would be a real blessing to them and it shows them that you truly care for them and their future. Give them a Christmas gift of a selected amount for a nice gift for them when

they get ready for college. You can earn money on the account as well and it can be available for them when they get ready for college if it in fact a few years away. Who doesn’t love their grandchildren? Mmm, no one that I don’t know of, they are the best. Give them a call today to tell them how much you love them. Both of you might need that.

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A Wonderful Sweet Christmas To All Of You As you read this article, it may be a bit early for Christmas shopping, but you might be wanting to think on what you’re going to get your family and closest friends. It may not be all that hard if you start preparing right now. After all, you too can count the shopping days left until the 25th of December and by placing some thought into it might make it easier for you. May I recommend that you consider a charity that you have favored over the years and provide something to them. Americans have been on the hungry side for the many years and those less fortunate in our country are in great need. You food bank collects funds or food for the needy. I often think, “What if I was in that situation, what would I do? As the 25th of December comes around, think of your living situation and think of others as you will provide a great and wonderful Christmas to your family, but remember others that will not be as fortunate as we are. The Lord Jesus commands us to be there for others.

Be A Blessing To A Child There are hundreds of children in each of Arizona’s cities that will not have a nice Christmas. To them, it is all about gifts both giving and receiving, but if they do not have the means of doing either one, then it may be up to you the reader of this article to seek out a child or children to buy a much needed gift for them and maybe their parents or sibling.

If you were that child, you too, would like it done for you. So, when you’re done reading this article or newsletter, drop what you’re doing and locate a child or two, take them to lunch and then onto Target, Penney’s or WalMart and but a couple of nice gifts for them for Christmas and ask them what their parents might like for Christmas. An idea or two might be a gift card for some food or a lunch out, all compliments of you and your heart.

The Heritage Of Your Family For Christmas Most of us knows our heritage, but many of us do not know hardly any of the details of people, country, culture, etc of our original homeland. Consider taking your child either back to your country where you are from or some place in the United States where they have items that are from that country. Take Germany for example, there are many places and web sites (www.germandeli.com) where they sell everyday and Christmas items.

The reason for this is to bring the culture and heritage into your family for your children and grandchildren. If they do not know the beginnings of your family, it will be lost with you when you pass on. Seriously consider doing a family history book with your family’s beginnings from that country and make it a long lasting gift for your family, they will love it

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Blessings To You On Thanksgiving—2011 The Pilgrims set ground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. At the beginning of the following fall, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower. But the harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one. And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast including 91 natives who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year. It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the natives. The feast was more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true "thanksgiving" observance. It lasted three days. Another modern staple at almost every Thanksgiving table is pumpkin pie. But it is unlikely that the first feast included that treat. The supply of flour had been long diminished, so there was no bread or pastries of any kind. However, they did eat boiled pumpkin, and they produced a type of fried bread from their corn crop. There was also no milk, cider, potatoes, or butter. There was no domestic cattle for dairy products, and the newly-discovered potato was still considered by many Europeans to be poisonous. But the feast did include fish, berries, wa-

Why The Pilgrims Had A Thanksgiving This "thanksgiving" feast was not repeated the following year. Many years passed before the event was repeated. It wasn't until June of 1676 that another Day of thanksgiving was proclaimed. On June 20 of that year the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving. It is notable that this thanksgiving celebration probably did not include Native Americans, as the celebration was meant partly to be in recognition of the colonists' recent victory over the "heathen natives," (see the proclamation). By then, it had become apparent to the settlers that the natives were a hindrance to their quest for more land, so the good will they shared at the first feast had long been lost. A hundred years later, in October of 1777 all 13 colonies joined in a thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one-time affair. George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson opposed the idea of having a day of thanksgiving.

The 1676 Thanksgiving Proclamation “The

Holy God having by a long and continual series of his afflictive dispensations in and by the present war with the heathen natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular intimations of his Fatherly compassion, and regard; reserving many of our towns from desolation threatened, and attempted by the enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our confederates many signal advantages against them, without such disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive thankfulness, when our enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an insensible people, as not standing before Him with thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our complaints in the time of pressing afflictions. The council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn, Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his goodness and favor, many particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a people offering praise and thereby glorifying Him; the council doth commend it to the respective ministers, elders and people of this jurisdiction; solemnly and seriously to keep the same beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."

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Any Resolutions You’re Intending To Keep?? With three months before 2012 will ring in the New Year, there should be a few things to consider as to when the New Year turns over on December 31st 2011. Do you have any plans for the next year? If not, plan what you’d like to do for the first six months in 2012, and then plan the next six months shortly after that.

..

that cruise you mentioned you’d give to your daughter on her 18th Birthday. Oh, yes that car for your grandson? Those promises and resolutions you “thought” last year and failed to keep this year, make them a real priority this coming year and keep them. By the way, ho much time do you have left to live? Your answer would likely be “I How about that long overdue vaca- don’t know”, that is why you want to Looking outside the window of life is tion with your wife that you prom- fulfill those leftover promises and what God gave us everyday and He gave us opportunities everyday as well. ised when you got married. And resolutions as soon as you can.

The Year 2012 Is Coming Upon Us . . . If any of us had a crystal ball, we might have some idea as to what 2012 is to be like. But, no one has that all-seeing round object that has never existed, so we have to rely on a few things in life. This might be a good time to start thinking and writing down those things that you have ALWAYS wanted to do for the past several years. Now that we are all in our mid-to-late sixties, this might be a great time to “begin” some of those long lost and overdue things that seemed important to each of us so long ago. One thing I might stress here is to do more with your family. They work and you don’t, you have more money and they don’t. They don’t have the time and you do. The answer is simple.

The clock ticketh away and no man know the hour except the Father

You pay for EVERYTHING. Take them on a trip none of you will ever forget. Start the planning now and make it a complete family get together to a place of your choice (you’re paying for it). Shop smartly, buy your tickets with air miles (if possible). Why would you want to do this? You will never know until the day comes that you (Veteran) cannot walk, or you’re bed-ridden or house-bound or maybe in the hospital about to say the last words of life, saying I wished I had done this in 2012. Make 2012 a splendid year for everyone especially you and your family.

We’re All One Year Closer To The End of Time There have been rumors upon rumors about 2012 being the last year on Earth. How does anyone know that? What it amounts to is that it is in fact one year closer to the “END OF TIME”. What does that mean? Well, it means that the Lord Jesus will return one day soon. I believe we are all smart enough to know the world has changed drastically since

our days of growing up with the “white picket fence outside our homes in the 1950’s when things were relatively quiet, but that is not the case anymore. We basically have two words that we should concentrate on and they are “BELIEVE” and “TRUST”. We’re all aware that things are not good in the world, but that should NEVER stop us from do-

ing the right thing God’s way and TEACH our children and grandchildren to do the right thing in their life. If you trust and believe that He will protect and save us, then there is nothing to worry about, simply because we ”trust” and “believe” Him. So, live right, take care of yourself, eat healthy, pray and look after your family, Amen.

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Morris Cook Books Update At the June 2011 meeting we discussed the possibility of having a cookbook fund raiser and many of you Chapter Presidents responded in a positive way. I’ve since obtained most of the information I need to pass onto you and your chapters for consent to move forward. Chapter 835 would serve as the main location for all menu items and receipt of books upon their printing. We would then mail them to the appropriate chapters that ordered them so they may sell them or if it was timely distribute them at a State Council meeting. We would prefer to have one or two persons input the recipes online saving us $.25 per book, so if you let us know who that might be and how many recipes there would be. To save time and cost, the two book options are: 3 ring binder with 150 recipes (for example) costs $5.05 for each book A coil binder with 150 recipes (for example) costs $2.95 for each book We are allowed the following at no cost to us Four personal pages for an organization, company or individual to SPONSOR or ACKNOWLEDGE the cookbook and VVA. One color VVA page will be a part of all books. FINANCIAL DETAILS A 3 ring binder holding 150 recipes with one VVA color page and four free personal pages would cost $5.05, sell for $10.75 or even $12.00 each. A coil binder holding 150 recipes with one VVA color page and four free personal pages would cost $2.95, sell for $8.50 or even $10.00 each. Shipping – is $.40 per book which is included in the above prices PRODUCTION TIME Between now and the 1st week of October, we would enter recipes into an online database Printing would take 45-50 days from the time of release of the one line recipes Shipping would take 2 weeks (at the longest) or about 15-30 November Receipt of the books would be about the first week of December 2011 Below are some estimates on cost using the scenarios I received from the company: For example: Ch 106 buys: 100 cook books could come in a coil ring binder, Their cost is: $2.95 x100 books = $295.00 They sell them for $8.50 with a profit of $555.00 or they sell them for $10.00 with a profit of $700.00. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For example 975 buys: 200 books in a 3 ring binder, Their cost is $.05 x 200 = $1010.00 They sell them for $11.00 x 200 = $2200.00 with a profit of $1200.00 (rounded) You could provide these gift certificates for books that you PERSONALLY want to buy and give away to family and friends.

These forms are PRE-SALE documents when you know of people that are interested in the book before it goes to press. This provides a means of selling the book beforehand it comes to you.

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Morris Cookbook Layouts These are INPUT recipe sheets for recipes for those ladies (or men) that would submit them to the personnel keying them

This is the CATEGORY sheet for the recipes. For example, if you’re submitting a MAIN COURSE, DESSERT, SOUP, APPETIZER, etc, this is the sheet to refer to you so the person submitting the recipe knows “HOW” to do it.

This is the PERSONAL PAGE form whereby a company in your city, an individual or another organization acknowledges or sponsors VVA Arizona in one way or another or even their own. It cannot be any form of advertising. We get four (4) of these for free. If you choose to use a company or org’n or an individual in your town or city, it would be a good idea that they provide a donation or pay for their “name” being on this page.

This is the OUTPUT format we have decided on when the recipes are finally printed. It is simple, no cost, not too busy looking and easy to read.

This is the FRONT COVER to the book whether it would be COIL or 3 ring. We will have wording to include VVA Arizona on the front cover of it.

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An Ode To English Plurals We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose should never be meese. You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice. If the plural of man is always called men, Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen? If I speak of my foot and show you my feet, And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet? If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth? Then one may be that, and three would be those, Yet hat in the plural would never be hose, And the plural of cat is cats, not cose. We speak of a brother and also of brethren, But though we say mother, we never say methren. Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him, But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim! Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England . We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend. If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? We ship by truck but send cargo by ship. We have noses that run and feet that smell. We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway. And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, There is one thing the English language cannot mess up and that is to tell someone that you love them, over and over and show it on a daily basis. You NEVER know, but that may be the last time you ever do it in person.

Strange and Amazing Buildings in the World

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Do You Trust In God?? "In God We Trust" was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956. It is also the motto of the U.S. state of Florida. The phrase has appeared on U.S. coins since 1864 and on paper currency since 1957. The phrase is derived from the Bible; several psalms contain it or derivations of it (Psalms 20, Psalms 56, & Psalms 62). The phrase has been incorporated in many hymns and patriotic songs. The final stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner, written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key (and later adopted as the U.S. national anthem), contains an early reference to a variation of the phrase: "...And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust'. On July 11, 1954, just one month after the phrase "under God" was incorporated into the Pledge of Allegiance, the U.S. Congress enacted Public Law 84-140, which required the motto on all coins and currency. The law was approved by President Eisenhower on July 30, 1956, and the motto was progressively added to paper money over a period from 1957 to 1966. In 1956 the phrase was legally adopted as the United States' national motto by a law passed by the 84th United States Congress.(Public Law 84-851)",and the United States Code at 36 U.S.C. § 302, now states: "'In God we trust' is the national motto." On the 50th anniversary of our national motto, in 2006, "In God We Trust," we reflect on these words that guide millions of Americans, recognize the blessings of the Creator, and offer our thanks for His great gift of liberty. From its earliest days, the United States has been a Nation of faith. During the War of 1812, as the morning light revealed that the battle torn American flag still flew above Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned, "And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust!'" His poem became our National Anthem, reminding generations of Americans to "Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation." On July 30, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the law officially establishing "In God We Trust" as our national motto. Today, our country stands strong as a beacon of religious freedom. Our citizens, whatever their faith or background, worship freely and millions answer the universal call to love their neighbor and serve God who is greater than self. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins. From Treasury Department records, it appears that the first such appeal came in a letter dated November 13, 1861. It was written to Secretary Chase by Rev. M. R. Watkinson, Minister of the Gospel from Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. But it all started when the U.S. Constitution was written for nearly ALL of the men in the Continental Congress were devout Christian men who many fled from England to be able to worship God and raise their families in accordance with the Bible. They also BELIEVED that America was founded on JESUS Christ and what He did for the world. For those of us reading this article, you may remember saying a PRAYER before school started. You also remember saying the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE before classes began. You likely also recall ASKING THANKS for the food during school lunch. That was back in the 1950’s. This is 50 years later and look what has changed. Do your grandchildren PRAY at home or at school? Do they know the PLEDGE? Do they recognize that GOD began America as we knew it 50 years ago? When you look at the motto: “IN GOD WE TRUST”, it is on every document and piece

of money that is printed by all of our mints countrywide. Every dollar you have has it on there. All libraries country wide has the Ten Commandments and mounted mottos of “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the walls. All of our capital buildings have the same words” IN GOD WE TRUST” throughout them and in plain sight and they have been their for 175 or more years. We should no further than to know this. Our country is complacent and very apathetic. By us (Fathers and Grandfathers) we are allowing our grandchildren to grow up NOT knowing how this country was founded. Do you know what their history books say about HOW our country was founded? If not look into it. America needs to come to God for He will put up with America like this only so long and then all we have to blame is ourselves, because it begins with ALL OF US.

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Any “Layovers” In Life Lately? When we began life we did not know of any delays or what I will term a “layover”. We have for sure caused layovers or delays in others peoples lives to be sure. First off, not ALL of us were born on time. We were either early or late, but only