February 28, 2017

Most of you by now have received, “the little yellow card” with the words on the front, “IMPORTANT MEMBER VERIFICATION NOW DUE.” It asks you to call an 800 number to verify the accuracy of the data currently listed on file. I assure you that these cards are legitimate.

We have partnered with Publishing Concepts Incorporated (PCI) to produce the new members’ directory. This action was approved by our Board of Directors at the Annual Membership meeting in October, 2016. I called the 800#, updated my information, and talked with a polite lady who recorded the information I gave her, after which she tried to take my order for a directory as well as a couple of miscellaneous items with the KWVA logo. I could have purchased all or none, but she was polite and didn’t pursue the sales effort beyond what was reasonable. In sales terms, I would refer to her effort as a “soft sell approach.”

I realize that some chapters have members who are members of the chapter, but not (for a plethora of reasons) members of the National KWVA Association. We strongly discourage this, but realize it exists. Chapter meeting “attenders” who refuse to be members to the National KWVA will not receive cards, as they are not in the National database. This is unfortunate, but a situation brought on by the individual, not the KWVA.

Anyone who is so inclined can rectify this by submitting their KWVA application (found on p. 71) to National KWVA with the nominal annual dues of $25. If you haven’t done so, I strongly urge all Korean War and Defense veterans to become active members of National if they are not currently members. By doing so you will receive The Graybeards and help insure the continuance of the organization into the future.

Those who have allowed their memberships to lapse into “inactive” status due to non-payment of dues will also receive cards. This will be their opportunity to renew their memberships, become active again, pay their dues, and purchase a directory if they choose to.

My next topic, which is important, is the recently approved law (PL114-230) signed by President Obama authorizing the “Wall of Remembrance.” This addition to the existing Korean War Memorial will list the names of all those who were killed, missing in action, or prisoners of war. However, an inherent part of the bill is that it did not provide for any federal funding.

A proviso of the bill was that it would be paid for entirely via private donations. In response to the funding challenge, your National KWVA Board recently authorized a donation of $25,000 toward the cost of the Wall of Remembrance (see pp. 12 & 13, Nov/Dec 2016 issue of The Graybeards). The authorization of the Wall represents the culmination on the part of numerous individuals of literally years of unrelenting effort.

The Chairman, Mr. William E. Weber, of the Korean War Veterans Foundation, Inc. (non-profit), has worked long and diligently to realize this dream. But, the daunting challenge remains of raising approximately $25 million. When the Wall of Remembrance is completed it will be the result of the generosity of Americans, many of whom were born after the signing of the Armistice on July 27, 1953.

Veterans of the Korean War are fading fast. Hopefully, the Wall of Remembrance can be completed while some of us are still around to visit it and honor those comrades who did not return home. Please consider an individual and/or chapter contribution. Go to www.koreanwarveteransmemorial. org to see how you can become a part of this effort that is so close to the hearts of all Americans, especially to those families whose loved one did not return from Korea.

Executive Order No. 9981, issued July 28, 1948 by President Truman, stated: “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” The order also established the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and opportunity in the Armed Services (Fahy Committee). Why do I call this to your attention? Because, February, has been declared, “Black Military History Month.” (See our related cover photo.)

Although readers won’t see this until late February, I felt the event should be recognized, as it will be an annual occasion. This is a month-long multimedia project honoring the unique contributions and sacrifices of African-Americans in U.S. military history. This project will tell of amazing stories full of pride and emotion. It will be a celebration of service, a unique sacrifice by a group of people who have given their all, selflessly and often without reward, but with hope.

For viewing videos and related features, please access the Military Times on the internet. For more information, contact MSgt Rob Wilkins, USAF, Ret., rwilkins@historynet.com.

It was recently brought to my attention that a sculpture depicting a battle scene from the Korean War was in the basement of one of our former KWVA presidents, still in the shipping crate, from a donor in California. With the able assistance of Bill Burns, KWVA Judge Advocate, I asked that it be shipped to the Truman Presidential Library, Independence, MO. They had gladly accepted the donation of the sculpture, agreeing to pay the cost of shipping.

The Truman Library not only was glad to receive the sculpture, but it hosted a reception and unveiling ceremony on January 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. Two KWVA chapters, Missouri CID 43 (KC Mo #2) and Kansas CID #181 attended, as did several interested invited guests. The invitation is shown below. We’ll take pictures of the event and submit them for a subsequent issue of the Graybeards. I thought you should know.

“I (Jim Meyer) give this sculpture to my father-in-law, Nick Mekis, a WWII and Korean War veteran. The sculpture stands about 17” high and about 36” long and 24”wide. Nick passed away in 2009. I now have it and would like to donate it to a museum.”

As you can see from the invitation below, Jim’s wish is coming true. The Truman Presidential Library is, in my opinion, the ideal place for this handsome sculpture. It is in a place now where it will be seen by thousands each year.

I’d also like to remind you that if you have a humorous story that occurred during your tour of duty in or around Korea, now is your chance to tell the world. Just contact Ray Amelio, 724 316-0575, or email him at ramelio845@aol.com. Ray’s company is planning to publish a book, “The Lighter Side of War,” that will be made up of those humorous stories.

KWVA election time is here again. In this issue you will see and read about the candidates who have stepped up and said, “Yes, I’ll serve KWVA.” I congratulate all the candidates for their willingness to make this organization rise to bigger and better things. Congratulations!

Everyone receiving this magazine has an obligation to cast their vote. The ball is in your court. Please take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the candidates (pgs. 12-17), discuss them with your comrades, and cast your ballots. I refer you to the “Why Vote” article in this issue.

As they say in current lingo, JUST DO IT!

Tom Stevens, President
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (KWVA/US)