It seems almost impossible, but as this is being written we have just finished observing Halloween and Thanksgiving, and Christmas is next. Then, another year is gone, when it seems we have
just started 2015. As our recently deceased friend and fellow veteran Yogi Berra might say, “It’s Tempus Fugit all over again.” I certainly do hope for all a Happy Hanukkah and A Very Merry
Christmas.
Shortly after I finished my last letter in September, I was off
on another very interesting trip. This time I had been invited by
Dr. Moon Kim to be the main speaker on September 19 at his
annual picnic for the Korean Veteran veterans in St Paul,
Minnesota. (See the story on p. 27). You may recall that Dr. Kim
is a staunch supporter and contributor of the KWVA and was
honored along with his wife at our annual Board and
Membership meeting in July. His picnics are somewhat legendary
to the Korean Veterans in Minnesota, because he puts on
a great show and feeds everyone really well.
It was a beautiful fall day with music and excellent food.
Approximately 150 Korean War veterans and Korean Americans
were in attendance. I enjoyed being there with Ed Valle and his
CID 40 members (Minnesota #1), and had an opportunity to
emphasize the need for maintaining our legacy by continuing to
tell our story and recruiting both Korean War and Korean
Defense veterans.
On October 14, along with several other Korean War veterans,
it was my pleasure to be a part of the welcoming committee and
the wreath laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial when
the Republic of Korea, President Park Guen-hye, visited our
country. It was a very special day, one on which significant
emphasis was placed on gratitude for what we did in Korea many
years ago.
Among those in the receiving line with me at the Memorial
were Don Loudner, Commander of Native American Korean War
Veterans, Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Truman,
and Jorje Rae Reyburn, granddaughter of a Missing In Action
pilot in the war. Retired Generals Walter Sharp and John Tilelli
and General Curtis Scaparrotti were there representing past and
current commanders of the U.S. forces in Korea. During the
evening, Jim Fisher and I, along with a large number of Korean
War veterans from Washington, Virginia and Maryland chapters,
attended a banquet at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium, where
Secretary of State John Kerry and the ROK President spoke of
the strong US-ROK Alliance.
During the banquet the Korean War veterans were asked to
stand and be recognized by the 500-person audience. Overall, it
was a good experience for all of us who took part.
The following day several of us attended a luncheon with
MPVA Minister Park and his staff for a very important and meaningful
discussion about Revisit Trips and several other projects
that we share. There was considerable discussion of the most
recent Revisit Trip during which one of the returning veterans
suffered a stroke and the wife of one of the other veterans died.
MPVA, the U.S. military personnel, and the ROK Health System
did all they possibly could to help the veterans and families who
were involved. During our meeting, Minister Park expressed his
concern about what happened and his sympathies for those who
were affected. (Please see MG Kyoung Soo Shin, Defense
Attaché, letter of appreciation concerning our participation in the
President’s visit in this issue on page 14.)
This has been a very busy time for me and others these last
few months, but I feel that our taking part in these opportunities
is a very important part of establishing the KWVA as a strong
Veterans Service Organization. It may be helpful to note that all
my expenses were paid by Dr. Kim on my visit to Minnesota, and
by the Republic of Korea for the President Park’s visit.
During November, I took part in the Veterans Day Ceremonies
in Washington D.C. It included breakfast at the White House,
which included representatives from the other major VSOs, and
a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
President Obama and VA Secretary Robert McDonald spoke to a
large audience in the amphitheatre about progress and improvements
being made in the VA Health Care System and their dedication
to continue them.
National Ceremonies Chairman Tim Whitmore and member
Ed Brooks served as the Color Guard during the Parade of Flags
and Wreath Laying Ceremonies. Later in the day General Shin
and I placed a wreath at the Korean War Memorial and Tim
Whitmore conducted the Turn To Busan Ceremony.
After the ceremonies, we concluded our fundraising project
for this year with a drawing for winners by General Shin and his
wife. The winners have been notified and prizes disbursed.
Fundraising Chairman/Director Tom McHugh has done a great
job this year in tending to all the details required for a successful
fundraiser. My sincere thanks to Tom and his Fundraising
Committee, which raised slightly over $50,000 this year. (See the
list of winners and results of the fundraiser on page 11 of this
issue.)
Please note in the staff section inside the front page of this
magazine that we have made a change at the Veteran Service
Officer position. Art Hills, who has served in this role for over 10
years, has resigned due to health problems. Art was knowledgeable and very helpful, and we appreciate his service. Richard
(“Rocky”) Hernandez, who has excellent credentials, has volunteered
to do this for us. His appointment has been approved by
the Board of Directors. His name, address, and telephone number
are listed on p. 2 of this edition.
On November 1, Jim Fisher completed his first year as
Executive Director for the KWVA. The Board has approved his
continuing in the role for another twelve months. Jim has done an
excellent job for us during this past year, and we are proud that
he has agreed to continue in that position.
Just as a reminder, I call your attention to the election for new
officers and directors that is going on as this letter is written. The
acceptance of resumes will probably be closed by the time you
read this; then comes the time to vote. I strongly urge every
member to read the resumes that will be printed in the January-February 2016 edition, and cast your vote for those who will lead
us in the next 2-3 years.
Larry Kinard, President
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (KWVA/US)