The October KWVA Board meeting was held in Las Vegas, NV on October 11th, followed by our Members meeting
the next day. Both were productive. Several decisions were made that will move our organization forward
and better position us for the future.
A major consideration pertaining to our constantly declining membership is to decide on a means to utilize
electronic platforms in attempting to reach younger generations of potential members. One proposal was presented
that involved a revamp of the KWVA.org web page, reaching out to those who frequently use social media as
a means of communicating and the use of external databases to reach potential members. It all sounded great,
but the price tag was more than we had expected, considering that results could not be guaranteed.
Membership Chairman David Clark will request a “slimmed down” version of that proposal which would be
within possibility, considering our financial resources. He is also going to reach out to other vendors
of similar services that we can consider. You can read about this subject in more detail in the minutes
of the Board meeting in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue.
Another presentation to the Board and the Membership was made by Ray Amelio, concerning a coffee table
book his company, “The Story Line,” will be publishing, with input from veterans of the Korean War. It will
be entitled “The Lighter Side of War.”
He hopes to compile stories of a humorous nature that were experienced by veterans of the war. He is
asking KWVA members to get in touch with him with their stories. He can be reached at 724-316-0575 or ramelio845@aol.com.
Please communicate with Ray directly with your remembrances of your service during or after the Korean War.
The successful publication of the book holds the possibility of financial benefit to the KWVA via corporate
sponsorships.
I don’t want to bore you with a lot of Board meeting detail, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you
that within the next six months to a year there will be available to KWVA members a Directory of your Korean
War Veteran comrades. It has been three years since the last Directory was published. The Board voted to
move forward with a new and updated edition.
As has been past practice, you will receive a telephone contact from the PCI Company regarding your interest
in purchasing this Directory. The cost is projected to be $99, plus tax. At the same time a variety of miscellaneous
products with the KWVA logo will be made available.
I am not encouraging or discouraging your purchase of a Directory or any other product PCI may be selling.
I just want to make you aware that such a thing is happening and that you will be contacted to make a purchase.
Do not feel any obligation to agree to purchase. The last Directory gave our income a positive boost, and
we hope this one will have a similar positive effect.
Veterans Day 2016 is now in our rear vision mirror. There were many great commemoration events across
this great nation. While wearing an item of apparel indicating that you are a veteran, how many times has
someone come up to you and said, “Thank you for your service”? It is absolutely heartwarming whenever that
happens.
I arrived at a car wash the other day while wearing a KWVA cap. The proprietor stepped from behind the
window counter, thanked me for my service, and said the wash today was free. He said he isn’t a veteran,
but he has five sons who are currently serving our country. He nearly brought tears to my eyes. Yes, the
legacy of a free nation and the legacy of what we did to keep South Korea free lives on, thanks to all veterans
who have served and who are serving.
This year, for the first time, Barbara and I were privileged to attend Veterans Day events in Washington,
DC. Friday, November 11th, started with a congregation at Fort Myer at which a group of folks, including
us, were honored to receive an invitation for breakfast at the White House. After clearing unbelievably
detailed security screening, we reached the buffet location in the White House. We filled our plates with
delectable breakfast items and found our assigned table in the East Room. It was difficult to eat and take
in the surroundings simultaneously. But we managed. I estimate that about 200 folks representing a plethora
of VSOs were our dining partners.
After a photo op with President Obama, we departed the White House and traveled to the Tomb of the Unknowns,
where President Obama presented a wreath and delivered an inspiring speech before a packed house in the
filled-to-capacity Amphitheater. We then attended a reception sponsored by the Polish Legion of American
Veterans, U.S.A., in the Women in Military Service Memorial venue located near the entrance to Arlington
Cemetery.
At 4 p.m. there was an impressive ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Several wreaths were
placed, including one by the Korean War veterans. I was honored to accompany Fern Sumpter Winbush, Acting
Director of the DPAA, in placing the KWVA wreath at our Memorial.
Our hard working and highly competent Executive Director, Jim Fisher, did an unbelievable job in organizing
the ceremony, at which he capably fulfilled the role of moderator. The entire ceremony appropriately honored
those who have served and are serving.
This column would not be complete without paying honor to a good friend of all Korean War veterans, Major
General Kyoung Soo Shin, ROK Defense Military Attaché. As MG Shin often says, “we are his heroes.” MG Shin
is being rotated back to Korea now that his three-year tour in the USA is completed.
All who attended his farewell dinner on November 10th expressed their sorrow with his impending departure.
He was presented several beautiful and meaningful departure gifts. The one he said that he held in highest
regard was the presentation of a Lifetime Honorary Membership in the KWVA. He was light heartedly reminded
that as a member now, he will be expected to proactively recruit new members.
MG Shin and his lovely wife Miyoung Yu will be truly missed.
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, New Year…
Tom Stevens, President
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (KWVA/US)