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Hey Gang:
The Associated Press released the following late
yesterday:
"There was a major gathering at the Rock Island
Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois on the day of the
summer solstice today and a large number of Vietnam
Veterans and their families and friends were treated
to a dining experience the likes of which could not
be duplicated for the meager price of $5.00 per head.
Rumor has it that the event made expenses and all
present were treated to an excellent time with
commaraderie being the binding force. Those who
stayed long enough got the added bonus of a partial
air demonstration from the Blue Angels as part of the
Quad Cities Air Show.
A guest appearance was made by Don (I eat at the Maid
Rite on Monday) Peck who reported that the 'Birdies
for Charities' Program applicable to the MHS Class of
'59 Scholarship Endowment Project 2009 is in the
$8,500.00 vicinity as of today and there are 17 days
remaining to get your pledges in. He requested that
committee members phone some of their distant friends
to encourage a contribution. President Tom Seitz
acknowledged he has released his wife Sue from the
basement after she completed the comprehensive
accounting of the Endowment since its beginning. Tom
is presenting Sue with a green bookkeepers visor in
recognition of a job well done. Way to go Sue!
Another surprise appearance was made by Ken Riceman's
sister and her husband.
A
raffle was held at the event which involved
giving away a commemorative Vietnam era K-Bar
knife. Mel Poston, who was present, won the
raffle.
Lee Wassenhove, who thought he was buying raffle
tickets for a pair of trained pygmy goats won the
50/50 drawing, making it a clean sweep for the
Class of '59, although Mel is a Chapter 299
member.
(Vicki created this shot of Lee and his
"prize goats" with Photoshop.) |
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The
big news of the day was the update on the
'financials' which puts the projected current tally
at $40,000.00 plus if the Birdies pledges hold out
and keep growing. A big thanks to Committeeman Jim
Benson for a gracious $1,000.00 donation which was
matched by Dick and "Leather" (what a name)
Boyer. Dick said it is easy to donate when you have
the guy next to you say "here's mine, where's
yours? (This follows like contributions from the
Tanner's, Wassenhove's and Larsen's) The committee
has several more events scheduled for the year, so
the year end totals could well exceed $40,000.00.
The day's event was broadcast live to anyone within
earshot by WPIG which is located on the lower end of
your AM radio dial."
Thanks to all who were there for this one.
Remember Sexton Ford is this coming weekend on
Saturday! It is sandwiches only.
Thanks for the condolences on behalf of Pat. Aloha
Ray
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