JANUARY

Missing serviceman's life comes full circle

The POW/MIA bracelet that bears the name of Lt. J G Robert Alan Clark of Hollywood, CA whose plane went missing in North Vietnam on January 10, 1973. Clark's remains were recently identified and interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Randy Fleming, a member of Bucktail Chapter 720 bought this particular bracelet in 1997 and has faithfully worn it until now. Randy is now in the process of returning the bracelet to Mr. Clarks family, which is protocol in cases like this.

Letters from Home

 Program

On January 31 over 50 volunteers helped fill 850 envelopes with over 8,500 valentines and well wishes from resident across the region at the Johnsonburg Fire Department social hall. There were valentines from children from as far away as Loysburg, Westover and Salem.  The volunteers came from St. Marys, Ridgway, Wilcox, Kane, Mt. Jewett and Johnsonburg. This was the second mailing for the program, the first was in November for the Christmas Holidays, International phone cards were sent with Christmas wishes from the area. The Letters From Home has plans for future mailings with possibly one at Easter and one for the 4th of July.

The Letters from Home Program and The Bucktail Chapter 720 of Vietnam Veterans/American Legion Post

511 have selected this valentine out of the over 8500 valentines received as the 2004 Valentine that

says it all!!!

We are proud to present her homemade card with her consent.

Dear Soldier,

Hello. My name is Samantha and I'm 16 years old. I live in a small village in Pennsylvania. Besides going to school,

                                                                            I work at a local restaurant, where I am employed as a waitress.

                                                                            In general, some of my favorite hobbies include creating arts and

                                                                            crafts, listening to country music, and spending time with my

                                                                            friends and boyfriend. However, I really enjoy nature and love

                                                                            almost any recreation outdoors. I find myself very fortunate to be

                                                                            able to have such a fulfilling life, and I know that I owe all my

                                                                            thanks to you and the rest of the soldiers. Many Americans take

                                                                            for granted all the rights we have and the beautiful country we

                                                                            live in. But the truth of the matter is that our freedoms don't

                                                                            come free. This is why I would like to take the time and

                                                                            personally thank you and your fellow soldiers for all that you've

                                                                            done for us. It's your bravery, courage and patriotism that has made America what it is today. No words can express the deepness or amount of gratitude all of the U.S. citizens have for you. Not only are you in combat making sacrifices to protect and defend your country, but you are also fighting because you understand that it is the right thing to do. As a symbol of our appreciation for all that you do for us, I made you this card, even though I know you deserve so much more recognition. Please remind all of your fellow soldiers that we are thinking of you and that all of you are constantly in our hearts and prayers. We can't wait until you arrive home. Meanwhile, I hope you have a very Happy Valentine's Day. Thanks again! One of your many admirers, Samantha....Thank you for everything.

A few more pictures from the day...click on pictures to enlarge

To learn more about this worthwhile program visit http://www.lettersfromhomeprogram.org

FEBRUARY

February 11 during the school board meeting at the Johnsonburg Area High School we presented an issue of "We Were Soldiers" for their school's library. Making the presentation on behalf of the chapter was Jim Steinbiser.

February 21-

The first of our many fundraisers held throughout the year. Our famous spaghetti dinners...

Our kitchen crew hard at work!!

Enjoying their meals...

AND THE WINNER IS...

Charles Kline picks the winning 50/50 ticket

MARCH

THEY ARE HOME!!

On March 2nd amid the tooting of horns, the blaring of sirens, the waving of flags, and a whole lot of tears the Ridgway Fire Department, Ridgway Police and the Pennsylvania State Police, escorted two buses that carried 48 soldiers arriving in Ridgway at 6 p.m.

For more pictures go to www.lettersfromhomeprogram.org

The 48 National Guard soldiers returning from a peace-keeping mission in Kosovo.

Co. C 1st Battalion 112th Infantry

Forty-eight National Guard soldiers left Ridgway last March 3, and on March 2, 2004, all 48 came home safely to their loved ones.

To: Vietnam Veterans of America Bucktail Chapter 720

In Recognition for the support given to

Co. C 1st Battalion 112th Infantry

APRIL

HIGHWAY CLEANUP

April 19

From left Tom Weisner, Jerry Bonfardine and Mick Meyer

 Dakota Meyer

Missing from photo Jim and Cathy Swanson and Ed Greenawalt

MAY

May 27 at our monthly meeting

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

At our May 27th monthly meeting, members of the Inter-Parish Confirmation Teams from Queen of the World, Sacred Heart, St. Marys  and St. Marks Roman Catholic Church in Emporium presented the chapter $475. for the purchase of phone cards.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The Vietnam Veterans Bucktail Chapter 720 are a very active group of individuals, sometimes needing to spread

ourselves thinly. Below are some of the pictures taken over the weekend from several locations and events that we were involved.

May 29 in Brookville

Jefferson County Fairgrounds for the World War II Dedication

St. Marys

The Ceremony was held at Elk County Catholic High School because of inclement weather.

Jack Bowser received the Silver Rose Medal

Presenting the Silver Rose to Jack was Gary Schreiber.

May 31 in Wilcox

Through the raindrops of the day!! The Chapter chose to "ride" with the "Letters from Home".

They did however, climb down from the float for this photo!!

JUNE

Fox Township Firemen's' Parade June 5

Thanks to Ken Meredith, Letters from Home was able to be there too!!

June 12-

Flag raising at the Elks Club

Saint Marys, Pa.

June 25-

At the regular monthly meeting, our annual scholarship awards were given to Marty Assalone, Jennifer Shutz and Megan Cassels-Conway. Presenting the awards was Duey Geitner, Scholarship Chairman.

JULY

July 3 - Angela Huey Memorial Park - Kersey, Pa. Tribute to the Gulf I & II veterans

July 22 -

At our regular monthly meeting, I was both shocked and surprised to receive for the second year in a row, the AVVA member of the year award!!

MANY THANKS TO ALL!!

Especially Gene Flynn who took this picture!

July 24 - Chapter Picnic at "Sunny Acres" - where it NEVER rains on party day!!

Our Host and Hostess

Duey and Sis Geitner

Thanks for your hospitality!!

Is it done yet??                                   You don't say!!                        It's really nice and relaxing here!

The pool was great!!                               Chow Time!                          After dinner beverages!!

AUGUST

August 1 - Dice Run to benefit S.D.I.T. (Sons and Daughters In Touch)

The "sign-up" table at the Dagus Mines Legion

From Left to Right: Megan, Alyssa Rihn, Jim Steinbiser, Kelly (Coleman) Rihn (SDIT), Mick Meyer,

Ed & Jennifer Greenawalt

Over 90 riders turned out for the event. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped in any way to make this event such a success!!

NOVEMBER

Clean-up along Bucktail Highway

November 7th

Craig Singer, Dakota Meyer, Mick Meyer, Jim Steinbiser, Ed Greenawalt

and Jim Swanson

November 18-

Each year Chapter 720 raises and then donates monies to worthy organizations during the Christmas Season, Jim Swanson has chaired this event for many years and does a fantastic job!!

Sally Wilson accepting a check for the "Toys for Tots"

Unable to make the meeting but will also be receiving checks are the following:

The Kersey and St. Marys Ministerial Organizations

American Red Cross

Other benefactors include:

 The Extended Care facilities of St. Marys, Ridgway, Brockway and Dubois

Any needy family whether military or not whose name is brought to Jim through any  member of our chapter.

The "Letters from Home" program has funds allotted in their budget to help any service men and women and their families presently serving in the military.

DECEMBER

December 11--

Membership Christmas Party

Dagus Mines Legion Post 511

Once again, Activity chair Duey and Sis Geitner did an Outstanding Job!!

              Enjoying the meal and company                                    Selecting the next prize winner

Receiving 10 year membership pins

Craig Singer, Gene Flynn, Duey Geitner, Ed Greenawalt and Jim Steinbiser

Not present but also receiving pins were: Dean Abel, Bill Agosti, Robert Anzinger, Roger Auman, Joe Bobenrieth, Paul Bobenrieth, Doug Butterfuss, Walter Donachy, Ray Ferguson, Tom Fleming, Dan Frit, Ed Hepler, Dale Himes, Louis Mattivi, John Pasquinelli, Ken Wendel, Jack Bowser and Bill Burgeson

Receiving 5 year membership pins

Louise Meyer, Lana and Rich DeSantis

Not present but also receiving pins were: Chuck Cole, Gerald Gardner, Leah Kerchinski, J. D. McClain, Thomas Paropacic, Randy Simbeck, Shirley Stewart and Frank Troha

And so ends the year 2004!!