Vietnam Veterans, Inc.

Dear Brothers;

I hope everyone is fine; and had a good year. I want to thank brothers Pat McGrath, Bob Chesko, John Zupko, and Larry Pinkerton for representing the Chapter at the Veterans Day ceremonies at both the VFW and Civic Auditorium. As usual, they were looking good, and were very impressive. As for My Veterans Day, it was history making. I represented the Chapter by laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. The wreath had banners on it saying "'Vietnam Veterans "and" LaPorte In". After Vice-President Cheany laid a wreath; I was one of the 26 Veterans organizations representatives who followed. I also had the opportunity to be a volunteer who handed out programs and American flags to the thousands of persons attending the ceremony. It was an awesome experience. I want to thank brother Jim Shields for all the work he did to set this up. Jim also paid for the wreath. Jim worked with NAMVETS Past District II National Commander Philip Anderson, whom I have come to know and admire greatly. Phil and Jim are Veterans who spend much of their free time and resources doing for Veterans. The Chapter and myself are in their debt! I hope to have pictures available at the December 18th meeting. There will be no November meeting since it would be the night before Thanksgiving.

The Chapter Christmas party will be January 27, 2002 at the LaPorte VFW Post 1130. Open bar from 6:00 PM till 7:00 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $10 per person, which will help to cover the cost of dinner. You can either send in your money, or let me know if you plan to attend so we will know how much food to order. I hope you will attend.

Other dates to remember, Saturday February 16 is the Sweetheart Dance at the LaPorte VFW Post 1130, with music by The Rock Doctors. Doors open at 6:00 PM with music at 8:00 PM.

The annual fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday April 27 at LaPorte VFW Post 1130. We will be planning this at upcoming meetings, so plan to attend and lend a hand. Start now to get donated items for the tip boards and silent auction.

Now is a good time to send in your annual dues. Only $12 for a year, that’s only $1 per month. Also, why don't you sign up that buddy of yours who is an In-country vet and needs to be a member. They will thank you for it.

Included is the meeting schedule for 2002. For those of you who don't attend meetings, you really don't know what you are missing. It is the third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 PM at LaPorte VFW Post 1130 in OUR OWN OFFICE. Plan to attend; you will be glad you did.

I want to wish everyone a safe holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We have an organization that stands a tall among the Veterans organizations and we should all be proud of it. Plan to get involved this year; it is really a lot more fun than you think.

Sincerely;

Richard J. Mrozinski Jr. President, Vietnam Veterans Inc. , LaPorte Co.