What a most amazing Veterans Day program, in the Grass Valley Veterans Building, on 11 November 2024. We started off with scouts leading our pledge of allegiance. That was followed by Auxiliary Chaplain, Pam Biertuempfel, giving her invocation so well. Next was American Legion Finance Officer, John Madeiros, a Specialist 5 Army Medic who served 1968/1969 in Vietnam. He spoke so well, without any notes. Then, Ed Wydra, Major, U.S. Air Force (Retired)… KC-135 Pilot who also served in Vietnam, spoke most well. He was followed by Auxiliary Lady, Donna Mattson, singing service songs, as veterans responded by coming to the front of the auditorium when their service song was sung. Our Honor Guard shot three volleys, which was followed by taps played on two trumpets by the Nevada Union High School Band. That was followed with Paul McKim playing Amazing Grace so well on bagpipes. At the end of the program, Chicago Park Garden Club's Elsie Durgin and Carlotta Wixon-Welker, dedicated their Blue Star Veteran Plaque, sealed on the front of the Building. Adjutant Mike Hauser organized the scouts and the high school band… thanks Mike.
Our next Executive Board/General Meeting will be on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, at 5:00 PM, in the Bunker.
We will support and participate in "Wreaths Across America," at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, 14 December, at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Lou Conter, Lieutenant Commander U.S. Navy (Retired) will be honored. He saved lives as an E-5, 7 December 1941, on USS Arizona, when hit in Pearl Harbor. He later flew sea planes and was twice shot down in WWII. He served in the Korean War, and during Vietnam, retiring in 1966. He passed away last year at 101 years old.
We will host an American Legion Dance at 6:00PM, on Saturday, 21 December. We'll have a great band playing, "Robby James," thanks to Pete Vasilakos who put it together.
All for now,
Claude
