quad cities chapter 299 may...

QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299 WWW.QCVVA299.ORG

CHAPTER 299

MAY 2018

VETS IN CRISIS HOTLINE

1.800.273.8255President - TOM HICKSON

1-309-558-7102 [email protected]

Vice President-BOB JACKSON 1-309-781-0175

Secretary-OPEN Treasurer-JERRY MANICCIA

Membership - LARRY TSCHAPPAT 309 - 788-2729

[email protected] Veteran Service Officers (VSO)

Al “Butch” Huber-VSO309.721.1453

VVA National Offices800.882.1316

VA Outpatient Clinic Bettendorf563.332.8528

VA Med Cent IA City319.338.0581 & 800.346.1843

IL Dept of Veterans AffairsVSO Carla Waibel

309.793.1460RI Cty Vet Ast & VSO

Todd Harlow309.558.3546

VET CENTER (Counseling) 1-309-755-3260

IA Vet Affairs & VSO David Woods563.326.8723

Honor Guard Co-CaptainsDennis Laird - Funerals

309.721.7468Andy Andersen - Parades

C: 563.940.5980

“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell

The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 299 is now affiliated with the John Deere Classic PGA Golf Tournament and Pledge Forms are being accepted for this year’s event. All money pledged to this year’s tournament and earmarked for the Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Assistance for Veterans #2088 will be provided to the VVA Chapter 299 Scholarship Program and John Deere will add 10% to that amount as a bonus. It is common to hear from our Membership the familiar phrase, “How can I help?” when it comes to Volunteering for different projects. Well this is a “no brainer”…just make a Pledge. Your Pledge will go directly into our Scholarship Fund. Here’s how a “Pledge” works. The Birdies for Charity Program tracks and tallies all Birdies made by the Professionals during the course of the actual event and at the end of the Tourney, post that number. Members and Friends of VVA 299 that make a pledge guess prior to the entry deadline as to how many total birdies will be made and will be in the running to win some nice gifts.

Birdies for Charity – John Deere ClassicJuly 9 – July 15, 2018 – Do You Have A Penny ?

The monetary value to Your Pledge will be requested and collected from you AFTER the tournament. If you guess [example] 2000 birdies will be made and pledge 1 CENT per Birdie your donation will be $20.00 and you will be notified by the Birdies for Charity Program to remit $20.00 which will be earmarked for the VVA Scholarship Program and John Deere adds the extra 10% to the total amount pledged by all contributors. The Deadline for All Pledges to be entered is Tuesday July 10, 2018. If your guess is the correct one or comes closest to the total of birdies made, you win a 2-year lease on a new Lexus NX or a lesser prize if you come close to the winning number. If you are Willing to Help and Make a Pledge for the Scholarship, don’t mess with filling out a pledge form, just Call Me, I’ll do it for you over the phone and submit the form for you. It could not be easier. This will contribute immensely toward getting our Scholarship Fund enhanced to continue to grow as soon as possible. Just call me and donate a few cents or dollars. Direct cash contributions to the Birdies for Charity Program are also accepted. I’ll answer your questions and file your Pledge. Call Now !

Ray HamiltonUSMCScholarship Committee1-563-650-7486 Cell

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER2

This is a Date to remember one and all, that gave their all. Please remember what was given on this day in 1944. A large percentage or our country doesn’t know of, or care about, Normandy. British artist Jamie, accompanied by numerous Volunteers, took to the Beaches of Normandy with rakes and stencils in hand to etch 9,000 silhouettes into the sand, representing fallen soldiers. Titled ‘The Fallen 9000’, the art piece is meant to serve as a stark visual reminder of those who died during the D-Day beach landings at Arromanches on June 6th, 1944, during WWII. The original team consisted of 60 Volunteers but as word spread nearly 500 additional local residents arrived to help with the Temporary Installation of Art that lasted ONLY A FEW HOURS before being washed away by the tide. 9,000 Fallen Soldiers were etched into the Sand on Normandy Beach to Commemorate Peace Day. What is surprising is that nothing about this was seen here in the United States. A friend from overseas sent it with a note of gratitude for what the U.S. Military started there. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE NOR HAS IT EVER BEEN – Submitted by Chief Master Sgt. Dan Johnson, USAF, [RET.]

In Honor Of Normandy – D-Day, June 6, 1944

Moline resident Héctor E. Colón has passed away May 15, 2018. Héctor graduated from Officer Candidate School, Ft. Benning, Georgia, and went on to proudly serve his country in Viet Nam. On January 5, 1968, his platoon of 32 men came under attack from 400 enemy fighters. Héctor led his brave men in battle in which seven of them were killed and many were wounded. For his bravery and dedication to duty, Héctor received the Distinguished Service Cross, the United States Army’s second highest award for valor. He was inducted into the Office Candidate School Hall of Fame on May 8, 2017.Citation for his Distinguished Service CrossThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hector E. Colon (ASN: 0-5338231), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Colon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 January 1968 as

US Army Lieutenant Héctor E. Colón [ret.] Passes Awaya platoon leader of an infantry company during a helicopter extraction operation in War Zone C. Lieutenant Colon’s platoon had just completed a reconnaissance-in-force mission and was awaiting extraction when it came under heavy rocket, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire from an estimated four hundred Viet Cong. He quickly positioned his men to repel the

advancing enemy. His radio operator was wounded and the radio damaged. Lieutenant Colon secured another set and directed artillery fire and air strikes on the insurgents, sometimes to within five meters of the friendly positions. He personally killed five enemy soldiers who tried to overrun the platoon’s perimeter. As the firing subsided, he supervised the evacuation of the casualties, saw that the remainder of his men were extracted, and insured that all weapons and equipment were recovered. His exemplary leadership was directly responsible for routing the numerically superior and determined Viet Cong. Second Lieutenant Colon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 3

CHAPTER 299 HONOR GUARD UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2018May 4-6 Vietnam War Vigil In Springfield, Illinois 16 Midwest Food Bank Food Distribution At Rock Island Qcca Expo Center From 9:00 - 11:30Am We Can Always Use Help 18 Presentation Of The Colors At The Honor Flight Golf Tournament At The Arsenal.June 16 Flag Disposal Ceremony At The Arsenal Jim Bell Will Be Singing The National Anthem 20 Midwest Food Bank Food Distribution At Rock Island Qcca Expo Center From 9:00 - 11:30Am. We Can Always Use Help 23 Wiebler’s Harley Davidson Freedom Ride Ceremony. Jim Bell Will Be Singing The National Anthem.Sept 08 Leading The Andalusia Parade.

James W. VictorExecutive DirectorFinancial Advisor4300 East 53rd Street, Suite 300Davenport, IA 52807563-344-4334 or [email protected]

© 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.CRC897541 05/14

TAPSFollowing is a list of funerals at which military honors were performed by the combined efforts of the VVA Chapter 299, VVA Chapter 776, and the MAVA (Mexican American Veterans Association) Honor Guards. Included in the list are the dates of the funerals, names, ages, and branches of service in which these veterans served. Any Chapter 299 Members are designated by bold letters and underlined.

Date of funeral Name of veteran Age Branch of service APRIL 03, 2018 JAMES E. GALL 70 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)APRIL 07, 2018 JEFFREY W. SWEATT 56 U. S. AIR FORCE, NAVY, NATIONAL GUARD (GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM VETERAN)APRIL 09, 2018 WILLIAM L. CARTER 69 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN) APRIL 11, 2018 KENNETH L. HOYT 82 U. S. ARMY (COLD WAR VETERAN)APRIL 13, 2018 HAROLD L. TEEL SR. 78 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)APRIL 23, 2018 KYLE P. A. MEDINGER 33 U. S. ARMY (IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN WARS ON TERRORISM VETERAN)

2508 – 25TH STREET, SUITE #3 ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201

Go to voicemail? Leave a message.


Is Vietnam Veterans of America and its Members now passé ? For nearly 50 years we’ve been fighting for recognition of Honor for Service for a job well done. For 30 of those years the genesis of our Chapter, #299, was born and we remain one of the largest Chapters in the United States. It took our government nearly 40 years [2012] to recognize the last Combat Troops departed from Vietnam March 29, 1973 and yet another 6 years to codify the “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017” just 2 months ago. Were we too pooped out to even “celebrate” Vietnam Veterans Day this year with a combined and aging groan or worse, obliviousness to the sacrifices ? There remain 58,000+ names on “The Wall” and God knows how many more died as a direct result of Vietnam within the first 15 – 20 years subsequent to 1973 and that many, many more die each year with Agent Orange or Combat related or service connected injuries or diseases. Yet like the attitude of most Americans it seems that Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 299 could not care less about March 29th. We cannot blame America for our obtuseness. Active Duty Generals do not come to us and never did. Why would they ? The first four years = 2013 – 2016 Chapter 299 achieved an upward gradient from a small coterie of Members getting together at the John F. Baker Monument [2013] to Lieutenant General Michael Tucker Commanding Officer of 1st Army, Rock Island Arsenal and Major General Kevin O’Donnell, Commanding Officer of the US Army Sustainment Command opening up their wonderful Meeting Hall [2016], setting up and hosting our event with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos in attendance and media outlets highlighting our Service, our Sacrifices and Sadly OUR WAR DEAD of nearly 200. Each year we specifically Honored “one of ours” and their Family to present his survivors with an Honor Flag, a “Shadow Box” with his Medals, Awards and Divisional Patches, an Honor Guard Salute with 3 Rifle Volleys, Live Taps by Tracy Hepner and a Dirge / Elegy by Derek Grant our “Chapter Bag Piper”. Our objective was to structure March 29th as a “Day of Remembrance” to counter the effects of a hostile media and poor planning and policy upon the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, who carried out their duties

OPINION ON VIETNAM VETERANS DAY MARCH 29, 2018- THE DAY THAT CAME AND WENT – while my ink pen gently weeps

honorably during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War remains a turning point in American history. On discussion and dissemination of those times, we, while alive, should participate in the dialogue. Do not engage in the discourse at your peril and risk additional folks who were not there to tell your story. In 2017 Chapter 299’s Leadership ‘just wasn’t into it’ and through some last minute phone calls many Members did enjoin a small event at the Ybarra / Gomez VFW Post #8890 in East Moline. This year [2018] I brought the topic up far in advance of March 29th and received great interest but no responses or actions from any Local Veteran Organization[s] and certainly not Chapter 299. I did see a few Members attend the 1st Army / Rock Island Arsenal Event which proves to me that with proper guidance and notification Veterans, Citizens, politicians, media and current Military Members will host and attend our event. As an organization we did nothing. While we still breathe; dare we allow any General Officer or US President “hijack” or politicize Vietnam Veterans Day or our sacrifices ? When we become so old, unable to maintain our affairs fine, turn over the reins to others, disband the Chapter and do what you can with any monetary or physical assets. Perhaps we are there already. Poor leadership and lazy attitudes promise a lousy outcome. The Korean War is called the Forgotten War. Will the Vietnam War and its Veterans again be called the “Forget You ?” Will March 29th be “moved to a Monday” ? For decades the Vietnam Veteran was stereotyped in every light but the brightest sunshine by those that were not there. Today when recognition of ALL Military Service during the Vietnam War is ours to exalt in it seems VVA Chapter 299 needs to look into the mirror and ask itself if the Chapter likes what it sees. * I encourage all Members to speak out on the issue relevant to Vietnam Veterans Day. Stick within the parameters of the topic and I’ll print your counter-point - JH

MCAThe Eastern Iowa - Western Illinois

Mechinical Contractors Association of America

Salute America and Our Veterans!

[email protected]


Cemetery Volunteers are needed for placement of American Flags on Thursday, May 24.The Rock Island National Cemetery is seeking Volunteers to Place American Flags at theHeadstones of Fallen Service Members in Honor of Memorial Day. Work to place American Flags will begin at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 24, rain or shine. Please plan to arrive earlydue to the incredible support from the greater Quad Cities area, which will result in hightraffic into the Cemetery. In the event of severe weather, Flag Placement will be 4 p.m.,Friday, May 25. All Volunteers need to show up inside the cemetery to receive Flags and Instructions. The public must enter the Arsenal through the Moline Gate. Hotdogs will be served to Participants and Volunteers at the conclusion of Flag Placement. Work to remove the American Flags begins at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, weather permitting.

This Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m., Monday, May 28, at Rock Island National Cemetery. There will be no parking at the cemetery for this ceremony except for individuals who are wheelchair bound. Parking for all others will be behind Memorial Park in the large lot. Buses will be transporting people from the parking lot to the cemetery and will run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Memorial Park is located off of the main Island road, Rodman Avenue at the corner of East Street. Visitors should arrive early to ensure enough time to park their vehicles and be transported to the cemetery. The public must enter the Arsenal through the Moline Gate. For more information, call 309- 782-2094. **Submitted by Daniel Saito, CIV, US ARMY, JMC [US]

*MEMORIAL DAY FLAG PLACEMENT

– NATIONAL CEMETERY, ROCK ISLAND, IL

Vet 2 Vet wants to give a special “Shout Out” and thank Don Theesfeld who scrounged up 50 “ditty bags” to take to VA Medical Center on our April 4th 2018 Vet 2 Vet trip to Iowa City, Iowa. We had a great turnout of Vet 2 Vet Volunteers and hope we can continue to keep our Volunteer numbers at this level. The following Chapter 299 Members made the April engagement: Don Theesfeld, Gary White, John Heberling, Rich Hockenberry, Jim Stanbary, Doug Holmgren, Ken Madden, Gary Morrison, Bill Howard, Al Bradley, Tom Skorepa, Larry Tschappat, Jim Kerr and Chairman Frenchy Eaves. Our next Vet 2 Vet trips to VAMC in Iowa City will be held on the following Wednesdays. Please mark these dates on your calendars. We will return to VAMC on June 20th, August 22nd and October 17th. We always welcome Volunteers to make the road trip to Iowa City. The hospitalized and ill Veterans very much appreciate our visits to them and any Volunteer will tell you he receives much more than he gives in the few hours spent at the hospital. ** Your Vet 2 Vet Chairman, Paul “Frenchy” Eaves

VET 2 VET REPORT – MAY 2018

April 17th Quad Cities VVA – Chapter 299 elected Officers, Board Members and Nominating Committee Members. Tom Hickson was elected President, Bob Jackson was elected to remain as VP, and Jerry Maniccia was elected Treasurer. The position of Chapter Secretary remains open.

The Board of Directors elected was Frenchy Eaves, Dennis Wohlford, Ron Roman, Jim Bell, Dennis Laird and Dean Service.

State Delegates are Joe Ramos and Bob Sager and Alternate is John Long. The Election Committee will be Terry Lynch, Tom Courtney and the motor of the ice machine at the Vikings Club drowned whoever was elected to the third position on Election Night.

ELECTION 2018 RESULTS

Memorial Day Ceremony

– National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL


Thomas SkorepaATTORNEY AT LAW

3725 Black Hawk Road Suite 200Rock Island, IL 61201 309.788.7481

Continuing the tradition of service to those in need.

At our Annual Election Night Meeting the Chapter Membership overwhelmingly approved to increase our Scholarship Fund by $15,000 bring the fund’s total to $75,000. Chapter 299 continues to increase our endowment for future generations of Veterans to access Scholarship money for enrollment on technical or collegiate course work after their terms of Military Service ends. Our Scholarship Fund will also let future generations remember Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 299 ‘put our money where our mouth was’; that “Never Again would One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another”. Bill Albracht, Dean Service, Bob Jackson and Ray Hamilton met with the President and CEO of the Moline Foundation’s Joy Boruff and are seen holding the $15,000 “check”. These 4 Members met with the Chapter 299 Vietnam Veteran Scholarship Committee at the Moline Foundation and went over applicants while

we provided our insight as to the direction Chapter 299 wants the selection committee to pursue in awarding the Annual $1,000 Scholarship. The committee was grateful for our input and will weigh all applicants and render a decision very soon. The recipient will be asked to address Chapter 299 to provide us his / her background and goals. This fund is also set up to accept donations from individuals

and groups and is tax deductible. *** Submitted by Bill Albracht

Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 299 Scholarship Fund – April 17, 2018

Dear Veterans, Right now in Illinois, if a Disabled Veteran Receiving Property Tax Relief through the Homestead Exemption moves in the middle of the year, then that Veteran would be On The Hook for paying the outstanding property taxes on their new residence until they can reapply for the exemption the next year. That’s not right, and it doesn’t make sense. That’s why I am co-sponsoring legislation that would simply Allow that property tax Exemption to Move With the Veteran no matter when they move during the year. I am pleased to report this legislation passed the Senate April 11 and now heads to the House for consideration. I am hopeful the House can pass it as well so we can get it signed into law. Our Wounded Veterans deserve the best, as they gave their best and paid the price through their sacrifice and service to our country. This property tax exemption already exists, so it makes sense that our Disabled Veterans Shouldn’t have to worry about a higher property tax bill simply because they want to move. This is common-sense legislation that gives our disabled heroes a much-deserved break in their property taxes no matter when they move during the year. Here is more information from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs on this exemption: The Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption provides a reduction in a property’s EAV to a qualifying property owned by a Veteran with a Service-Connected Disability. A $2,500 Homestead Exemption is available to a Veteran with a Service-Connected Disability of at least 30% but less than 50%; a $5,000 homestead exemption is available to a Veteran with a Service Connected Disability of at least 50% but less than 70%; Veterans with a Service-Connected Disability of at least 70% are EXEMPT from paying property taxes on their primary residence. This exemption is available to the Unmarried Surviving Spouse of a Service Connected Veteran provided that the Veteran was in receipt of the exemption prior to his/her death. To apply for this exemption, please contact or visit your local County Assessor’s Office. Thank you for your service, and let me know if you have any questions. State Sen. Neil Anderson


Danny’s Family History of Military Service began over 100 years ago when Danny’s Grandfather served in WWI with the 93rd Provisional Infantry Division, seeing Action in the Ardennes Forest. Danny’s Father served in WWII with the 370th Infantry Regiment that was part of the 92ndd Infantry Division. His Father saw major action in the Battle of the Po Valley in Italy. These segregated Infantry Regiments Served with Distinction and Honor with little recognition. Few Americans know of their exploits or sacrifices for this Nation. Not until July 26, 1948, when President Truman issued Executive Order No. 9981, did “official” integration take place. In 1971, Danny enlisted into the U.S. Navy. (His brother, a Sea Bee, also served in the Navy.) In 1972, Danny was deployed to the Vietnam Theatre on the Destroyer USS Perry DD-844. Danny recalls hardships due to racial bias but owing to the Navy’s system of appeals and opportunities for advancement, he overcame these barriers, becoming an Interior Communications Electrician, obtaining a rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. He successfully “integrated” the ships Engineering Department, opening the way for other minorities to enter other engineering rates. Despite existing racial bias, Danny loved his Naval experience and proudly wears and displays his Navy service. The Navy challenged

CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT – DANNY WEATHERSPOON

him to always move forward, be the best you can be and have pride in what you do. Danny left the service 2 months early by securing admission to the University of Illinois in Engineering - no easy feat then or today! He credits his success to the work ethic of his parents and that of two older sisters who also graduated from the University of Illinois. Danny has a rich work history that includes Illinois Power, Illinois State Water Survey, Consumers Power, Palisades Nuclear Plant and Alcoa. He retired from Monsanto as a Senior Project and Maintenance Engineer after twenty years. Danny’s interests include photography, golf, travel, audio/visual (he says he’s a geek) and music. As a Master Gardener AND a Master Naturalist, Danny has participated in many community projects with the University of Illinois Extension. He redesigned and rebuilt the interior of his home that would make any architect proud. Since retiring, Danny substitute teaches in Rock Island and East Moline School Districts. He also has taught at Black Hawk College. Danny is married to his wife of 25 years, Gloria, and they have three daughters. While Volunteering at Arrowhead Ranch, Danny credits Rich VanDerleest, also a Volunteer there, for encouraging him to join Chapter 299. Rich, thanks to you we are blessed with a talented addition to Our Community and Our Chapter! ** Submitted by Past President Terry Lynch, US Army, CIB, [ret.]

I know it can be more difficult than it should be to get an identification card with a Veteran designation on it. That’s why I am co-sponsoring House Bill 4332, legislation that allows for a Department of Defense Form DD-2 (Retired) to be an Acceptable Form of Proof for the purposes of issuing an identification card with a Veteran Designation. The legislation unanimously passed the House, and I expect a similar outcome in the Senate. Thank you for your service to our great country! Illinois State Sen. Neil Anderson

Dear Retired Veterans,

The John Deere Classic’s main purpose is to raise funds for local and regional charities. In 2015, $8.73 million was donated from the tournament to 488 charities to help meet the needs of children, families, handicapped individuals and a variety of others. Included in the tournament’s charity efforts are donations from tournament proceeds and from the Birdies for Charity program. The John Deere Classic remains #1 per-capita in charity donations on the PGA TOUR

Birdies for Charity – John Deere Classic - PGA Golf


Named a military friendly

college by Victory Media

6 years running!

Thanks to our service men and women and our

veterans!

R. Lee Ermey, ‘Full Metal Jacket’ Gunnery Sergeant, Dies at 74 Born on March 24, 1944 in Emporia, Kansas, Ermey was a United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant before making his acting debut in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now”; he also served as a technical advisor on the Vietnam War drama. His role in “Full Metal Jacket” proved to be his breakout, earning him a Golden Globe nomination and leading to a long career in which he frequently played domineering authority figures. His wife of 43 years, Nila, and their four children survives Ermey. R. Lee Ermey, who was best known for playing the Terrifying Gunnery Sergeant in Stanley Kubrick’s “FULL METAL JACKET”, has passed away at age 74 from complications of pneumonia. The Actor’s longtime Manager Bill Rogin shared the news on Ermey’s Facebook page, calling it “a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for” and noting that “the real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, a kind and gentle soul.” Here’s Rogin’s full statement: “It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (‘The Gunny’) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. He has meant so much to so many people. And, it is extremely difficult to truly quantify all of the great things this man has selflessly done for, and on behalf of, our many men and women in uniform. He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever.

Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need. “There is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It’s actually the Riflemen’s Creed. ‘This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.’ “There are many Gunny’s, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That’s what he wanted most of all. “Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.”

Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed In Boot Camp at Parris Island or San Diego, and in the Basic School at Quantico, No One Escapes from the Rifleman’s Creed. EVERY Marine is trained, first and

foremost, as a Rifleman, for it is the Rifleman who must Close With and Destroy the Enemy. The Rifleman remains the most Basic Tenet of Marine Corps Doctrine. ALL else revolves around him. Marine Aviation, Marine Armor, Marine Artillery, and all supporting arms and warfighting assets exist to support the Rifleman. It is believed that Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC, Authored The Creed shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It is commonly known as

the Rifleman’s Creed, but it has also been called “My Rifle: The Creed of a United States Marine.” Every Marine must memorize this creed. And, every Marine MUST Live By The Creed. THE CREED This is my Rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine. I must Master it as I Master my Life. Without Me my Rifle is useless. Without My Rifle, I am Useless. I Must Fire My Rifle True. I must shoot straighter than the Enemy who is trying to Kill Me. I must shoot him Before he shoots Me. I Will. My Rifle and I know that what Counts In War are not the Rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We Know that it is the Hit that counts. My Rifle is Human, even as I am Human because My Rifle is my Life. Thus, I will learn from it as a Brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths , its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I Will Keep My Rifle Clean and Ready, even as I am Clean and Ready. We Will become part of Each Other. Before God I swear This Creed. My Rifle and I are the Defenders of my Country. We are the Masters of our Enemy. We are the Saviors of my Life. So be it, until Victory is America’s and there is NO Enemy.


Dan Bebber, 71, of Geneseo, Ill., died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 12, 2018, in the emergency room at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, with visitation one hour before the services. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory following the funeral. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to Church of Christ, Geneseo. Danny Wayne Bebber was born Dec. 14, 1946, in Davenport, to Clifford and Mildred Cheek Bebber. He married Patricia Lulow on April 2, 1970, in Rock Island. Dan served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring in 1989. He then worked for Illinois Veterans Affairs as Veteran Service Officer for Rock Island County for 22 years, retiring in 2016. He was a Member of the Reynolds American Legion, an avid baseball card collector and New York Yankees fan, and walked a mile every day. Dan is survived by his wife, Patricia; three children

and spouses, Scott and Veronica Bebber, of Augusta, Ga., Jennifer Bebber, of Rock Island, and Carrie and Patrick Schmidt, of Geneseo; six grandchildren, Danny, Ryan, Caitlin, Skylar, Jacob and Justin; one great-grandson, Gabriel; and a sister, Penny McIntyre. His parents preceded him in death; a sister, Connie; and a brother, Buddy.

LONGTIME VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER [VSO] DAN BEBBER PASSES AWAY

What Lies Before Us and What Lies Behind Us are Tiny Matters

Compared to What Lies Within Us - Emerson


280 East 90th Street • Davenport, IA 52806Phone: (563)285-1914 • Fax: (563)285-1917

Thanking our Veterans for their service to our country!

307 6th Avenue E - Andalusia, IL - Phone: (309) 798-2512

61204-6076

VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA Chapter 299 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Membership open to U.S. armed forces Veterans who served on active duty (other than training purpose) in Vietnam between February 28.1961 and May 7, 1975, or any other duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.ATTENTION: All new members must submit a copy of your DD Form-214 along with this application and dues payment.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________City: _________________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP: ___________________ Home Phone: ________________________Cell Phone________________________ Work Phone___________________e-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________Date of Birth: _____________________________ Gender: Male / FemaleOptional : SPONSOR________________________________________ VVA Membership Number___________________I am already a VVA member and would like to become a life member. My current VVA Member number is: ___________

Type of Membership: (Please circle one)

___Individual Member – 1 year: $20 (One year Membership Special $10.00)(Chapter 299 only), Individual Member – 3 years: $50, Life Member – Ages 56-60: $200, Ages 61-65: $175, Ages 66-71: $150., Ages 72+: $100, Life Member Time Payment Plan - $50 down, $25/month (until age bracket is paid in full) * (Please make checks payable to “VVA”)Associate Membership available to anyone not covered by the requirements for VVA membership. This includes family, members, friends, and Veterans not eligible for VVA Membership. (One year VVA Membership Special - $10.00 - this is only offered by Chapter 299 & must be sent to Chapter address).

If there are any questions please call (309) 788-2729 (Membership Chairman) or (309) 788-VETS (8387)(Leave message)Chapter 299 meets the third Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7:00 pm at the R. I. Arsenal Cafeteria. VISITORS WELCOME! COME CHECK US OUT BEFORE YOU JOIN! Return your completed application with payment and a copy of your DD Form-214 to:

“VVA” Chapter 299 * P O Box 6076 * Rock Island, IL. 61201-6076

Moline Vikings Club - 1450 - 41st St. Moline

o Individual Member - 1 year $20 (One year Membership Special $10.00) (Chapter 299 only)o Individual Member - 3 years $50o Life Member $100 Life Member Special $50.00 • Chapter 299 ONLY! * (Please make checks payable to “VVA 299”)

Associate Membership available to anyone not covered by the requirements for VVA membership. This includes family,members, friends, and Veterans not eligible for VVA Membership.

If there are any questions please call (309) 788-2729 (Membership Chairman) or (309) 788-VETS (8387) (Leave message)

Chapter 299 meets the third Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7:00 pm at Eriksen Chevy, 325 E. 1st Ave, Milan, IL. VISITORS WELCOME! COME CHECK US OUT BEFORE YOU JOIN! Return your completed application with payment and a copy of your DD Form-214 to: VVA Chapter 299 • PO Box 6076 • Rock Island, IL 61201-6076

Phone: 309-277-8700

Thanking Our Veterans For Our Freedom!

Ken Stotmeister CLU LUTCF 563-349-9160 Producer/Broker [email protected] Personal & Business Insurance Solutions

17620 HUBBARD ROAD EAST MOLINE, IL 61244

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Providing advice on Medicare Supplement Plans, Prescription Drug Plans & Medicare Health Plans since 1983

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VET 2 VET REPORTVET 2 VET went to Country House Residence in February to spread good cheer to the people there. Taking part in handing out Patriotic Hats, lapel pins, Flags and playing card were, Jerry Lingard, Fred “Hammer” Swim, Dale Baker, Larry Tschappat, Steve Brenner and Frenchy Eaves. A Chapter 299 Charter member is living Country House – Jeff “Doc” Lance. “Doc” was so very pleased to see us, and his Mother, Eileen resides there too. Vet 2 Vet was very well received and all had a good time. Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy” Eaves

CATERING – HOG ROASTER UPDATEAs of the November 2013 the Catering Crew for Chapter 299 wrapped up the year with 4 Events that occurred after publication. On December 11th they met at the Viking Club to internally assess the year and make rough plans for going forward into Year 2015.The Viking Club held their annual Open House Sunday December 21st and the Catering Crew provided a minimum 4 Volunteers to help with this event. The Viking Club provides a staging area for Chapter 299 to do all the prep and clean up work throughout the year.

The Roaster and its utensils were all stowed away and put “in mothballs” in December 2014. The Roaster and the Crew will take a respite from all Catering Activities until early Springtime 2015.As always, your editors request more Member Volunteers for our Chapter’s largest fund raising vehicle. Whether you can pitch in to help stage an event at the Viking Club in Moline, assist with clean up there after an event or pitch in for any amount of time at an event, The Catering Crew needs help. If you can only spare an hour or two a few times during the Roasting Season, those hours will be greatly appreciated by the hard working – core group. Please consider Volunteering this year. JL, BA, JH

SAM’S CLUB #82383845 ELMORE AVENUE

DAVENPORT, IA 563.355.3939

SAM’S CLUB #40616600-44 AVENUE

MOLINE, IL 61265309.581.7128

SERVING OUR VETERANS & OUR

COMMUNITY

With Respect and Admiration To All Who Served.

61204-6076

We proudly support Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 299

309-756-2700

LIFE MEMBER ROCKY BLEIER’S BIGGEST FAN – Staff Sgt. John S. Crevda [ret] In the lower right corner, kneeling in front of his Ball Turret is US Army Air Corps Staff Sgt. John S. Crevda. Mr. Crevda served in the 301st Bomb Group / 352nd Squadron manning the Ball Turret [ Belly Gunner ] on his B – 17 named “THE DUKE”. A few years back Rocky, representing Chapter 299, served as the Keynote Speaker at the NAACP National Convention in Moline and I received a copy of his memoir, “FIGHTING BACK” for Mr. Crevda. Paraphrasing Rocky he wrote: ‘Mr. Crevda, To a Man that has been in the Belly of the Beast and Survived – Sincerely, Rocky Bleier.’ Today Mr. Crevda is 95 years old and ailing. As we Honor those that gave all this Memorial Day, take a moment to thank a both a Man and a Member that gave a lot, yet Our Member took the time to gift an old Airman that lives and breathes “Pitt”, Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. JH

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