From the President
This will be my last message as President. I want to especially “Thank” all the KWVA Officers and Directors
that I have worked with during my two terms. I believe that the KWVA’s latest election has produced, a
President, two Vice Presidents and four Directors who when added to those Directors who will remain in office,
are very capable of leading the membership. I believe that many things have been accomplished to make the KWVA a
special Association of Korean War Veterans. I also know that without the help of those who have given their time
to act as Chairmen of various Committees and to act in the many positions needed for a successful operation of
the KWVA this could not have happened. They have done an excellent job and can be very proud of what they have
accomplished the last four years. It is evident that the President cannot take credit with any one
accomplishment, since he must rely on those around him to spearhead and produce ideas, and also to bring about
the successful placement of the ideas for improvement. I know that those who continue in office will continue to
improve the operation of the National Office, Officers and Board of Directors.
I remain hopeful that a Congressional Bill Number will be placed on the KWVA Website in May or June and maybe
in a later addition of the next Graybeard Issue. I have contacted the person who is in charge of obtaining the
bill number and he said it could be in the month of May. However, this has been stated before and other pressing
legislation in Congress has come up with a higher priority. I can tell you that this will be pursued right up to
my last day as President and the newly elected President, that takes office on June 25, 2012, has assured me
that he will continue the quest to change the Internal Revenue Service definition of a Korean War Veteran.
The KWVA Board of Directors is scheduled to have a Board Meeting in Washington, DC. They will be attending
“The Gathering” on July 24 – 28, 2012. During this meeting the Board of Directors will meet on July 25th. Other
venues on July 26th include a Memorial Service, a visit to the Library of Congress and a special showing of a
documentary film about the rescue at Hungnam, Korea. We then will visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial for
photo opportunities. There is also a reception and dinner scheduled with a bus to take us to a Alexandria, VA
Supper Club for desserts and a play “Letters from Korea”, compliments of the DOD 60th Commemorative Committee.
On July 27th we are scheduled to attend the DOD 60th Commemorative Committees Ceremony at the National Cemetery.
The plan includes a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and also the Secretary of Defense, Leon
Panetta, will be the Ceremony Speaker, with other guest speakers including the new KWVA President. This ceremony
will be in recognition of all Korean War Veterans. Should you have a friend that is not a member of the KWVA an
invitation is offered for anyone who served in Korea June 1950 through the present time and also those who
served anywhere in the world during June 25, 1950 through January 31, 1955. Also any Armed Forces Personnel are
invited to attend. We will then attend a ceremony at the Korean War Bench of Remembrance to lay our flowers as
we remember those who paid the supreme sacrifice for freedom. A banquet will be held during the evening with
General Walter Sharp, US Army Retired, being the keynote speaker.
Look for information on the 2012 KWVA Membership Meeting that will take place in St. Louis, MO during October
10 – 14, 2012. The hotel will be the Doubletree Hotel St. Louis at Westpoint. A Chapter is setting up the
various events and will also set the required costs of the different events. This information is available in
this issue of the Graybeards, and also will be available on KWVA Website in June through August.
Our 2011 990 Form has been sent to the Internal Revenue Service and our 2011 Financial Audit and
Congressional Report have been completed and sent to Congress. A transition meeting between the Outgoing
Officers and the newly elected Officers will take place in May after the election results are received from the
CPA by the Election Committee. This meeting will be accomplished by the current President and Treasurer to
prepare the incoming President, Treasurer and Vice Presidents for change over and briefing them on the financial
material and report and other information so they are up to speed when they take office on June 25, 2012.
Again, Thanks to all of our members who have worked in their communities and have volunteered in VA
Hospitals, Clinics and have presented our Tell America Programs in schools and other venues. Many are now
finding that the Korean War was a major war that stopped communism from ever spreading in the world. Thanks for
allowing me to serve as your President.
William F. Mac Swain
National President, KWVA/US