January 9, 2007

VETERANS, MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,

I trust that most of our members will join in with me as I congratulate the University of Florida Gators on their consolidation victory in the BCS Bowl last night in Arizona. The Gators now hold the NCAA National Championships in College Basketball and College Football.

In so much as the State of Florida represents the location of 22% of all US veterans—and is still growing—and whereas the Department of Florida, KWVA, has been a leader in many of the KWVA growth and management initiatives, we are more than happy to extend our congratulations and join in their celebration(s). Better luck next time for the Buckeyes from Ohio, another of the leading Departments of the KWVA.

Two days ago I received another news report from Florida which I believe we all need to read.

“Wal-Mart has presented the LT BALDOMREO LOPEZ CHAPTER 175 KWVA OF TAMPA, INC., a check for $1000 as a reward for being the outstanding charitable organization that it is and for its work with the veterans at HALEY VA HOSPITAL, THE BALDOMERO LOPEZ MOH STATE VETERANS HOME in Land O'Lakes, THE CHILDREN'S HOME here in Hillsborough County and for all their other generous charitable works, particularly with all veterans throughout the area.”

Pictured from the left are President Fred Gossett, Treasurer Sam Hayes,
Immediate Past President Murdoch Ford and Wal-Mart Manager Joe Meggison.

Verlin Rogers (Sarge, Buck) the first official President of the Chapter reports, “I am very proud of this Chapter... I am particularly proud of all the people who worked so hard for and with me, and then took over and continue to do all of the great works that Wal-Mart recognized with this check.”

The National KWVA is gratified at this accomplishment.  These are days in which one of America’s greatest “grassroots” corporate startups, WAL-MART, is battered about by locals who in most cases have only ideological causes.  It is good for veterans to take every opportunity to acknowledge the great support which Sam Walton’s Arkansas started and based marketing giant has provided America’s veterans.  I encourage all members located near a WAL-MART store to contact the Manager and ask him/her to accompany you to their electronics department. Bring up this webpage on a monitor, and ask that they make a donation to the National Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. And while you are at it suggest that they let the National WAL-MART Corporation know that their paid advertising in The Graybeards would be highly appropriate and appreciated.

Thank you, Mr. Sam, and thank you WAL-MART.  Congratulations GATORS, Chapter 175, and DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA.

National President, KWVA/US
Chairman of the Board