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Children’s Books on Wheels, Houston September 18, 2010
Santa Chucks Birthday
Santa's birthday fundraiser for the Bay Area Builder's Assoc (BABA) was quite a success. Good friends, great food and some nice beverages made this afternoon very special to me. There was over 40 folks that came by to have lunch, take part in the raffle and have some super BD cake Susan had made (yet, had a motorcycle on it). Ray S of MLC won the M/C helmet with a value of over $135
VFW Texas Motorcycle Group Unit 1 participated in Children's Books on Wheels event in Houston to promote literacy. Judy, Norm, Joe, Carol, John, Debbie worked the booth and trailer with books and children activities; handed out VFW & Ladies Auxiliary literature and membership information; gave out flags and flag literature; register to vote; Buddy Poppies.
The children (and adults) loved Judy the Clown and Carol the Clown!
Department of Texas VFW Recognizes Unit 1
Unit 1 is humbled and honored to receive 2 awards from our peers within the VFW. The first award was for recognition of the Unit's participation in the Houston Stand Down Event.
Unit 1 and VFW Post 12024 and the Ladies Auxiliary gave $200 each to the Houston Stand Down event and donated several hours of community service, along with purchasing shirts for the volunteers for the event. Several other Posts and service organizations participated in this event that aided in getting Homeless Veterans the chance to have assistance and benefits they need and deserve. Special thanks to Judy Brawner for the long hours and dedication to making this event an overwhelming success.
The second award was The Russ Richards Award to the Unit for community service. The record of community service is reflected here in the community service events listed on this website and reported to the VFW. This award would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and dedication of all Unit 1 members.
We do not do these things for the awards or the fanfare. We do them to help our comrades, and to assist the families of the fallen. Everyone's contribution to our cause is important. If it were not for you we could not do the things we do.
From Unit 1 to everyone, thanks
Summary of After Action Reviews 2010-2011
July
Donated $180.00 for Home Coming for 453rd Infantry members returning from Afghanistan
Donated $655.00 for local Veteran's Medical Assistance for Daughter's medical care
August
Participated in Welcome Home for Unit Member - Woodlands
Funeral Escort for Aux President's Husband
Participated Rolling Thunder "Spend the Day With a Vet" - Houston
Donated $500.00 to Woodlands Schools
September
Fundraiser for Stephanie Medical Expenses
Hosted Patriot's Day - Flag Retirement Ceremony
Participated in the Children’s Book Fair - Woodlands
Assisted Motor Vehicle Accident Victims
State Commander's Run - Voice of Democracy Fundraiser
Donation- $190.00 VFWMG-VOD
Donated - 145 books for Community Volunteer Program - Woodlands
Donated - $1596.50 for Stephanie Fundraiser
October
Participated: Funeral Honors to Medal of Honor recipient Sgt David McNenry - Houston National Cemetery
Participated: Funeral Honors to Army Veteran John Aquirre - Forest Park Lawndale
Participated: Funeral Honors - Liberty County Deputy Odell McDuffie - Brookside Cemetary - Houston
Participated: Funeral Honors - Marine Veteran and PGR rider, John Brinkman - Houston National Cemetery
Participated: Funeral Honors - WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, Navy and Air Force Veteran Henry Haskell - Houston National Cemetery
Participated: Texas Ceremony for the Wall
Donated: $50.00 Vietnam Education Fund
November
Coordinated and Participated in KIA Spc Pedro Maldonado escort and service - Ellington Field
Participated: Washington County Veterans Day Ceremony and Veteran Escort - Brenham TX
Wounded Warrior Escort - Clearlake - Kemah
Participated: VVA 685 Watch Fire Ceremony
Participated: Funeral Honors Air Force Veteran Captain William Gregory - Santa Fe
Participated: Outlaw Dave's Ranch Ride for Stevens and Puitt Children’s Ranch
Participated: Funeral Honors - Army MSGT Jerome Gonzalez - Houston National Cemetery
Participated: Funeral Honors - Air Force Steven Sharp - Houston National Cemetery
Participated - Honors US Navy Veteran James Frye
Participated - Welcome Home for USAF 272nd Squadron
Participated - Army WWII Veteran Guadalupe Barboza
Participated - Honors of homeless Army Veteran Carl Lester Banks
Participated - Santa for Marines Toys For Tots
Participated in Honors - Arrival of PFC Klye Holder at Lone Star Airport conroe Texas killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Participated - Funeral Honors - Bob Jackson former mechanic for the Flying Tigers also Japanese POW
December
Participated - Shriner's Burn Hospital Christmas Card Run
Participated - Funeral Honors Army Vet Bobby Brooks Dye
Participated - Member Santa in Dickenson Festival of Lights Parade
Participated - Wreaths Across America escort
Delivered Christmas Cards and Santa visit to Bay Colony Elementary
Participated - Funeral Honors for Army Vet Donaciano Fuente - Galveston
Participated - Welcome home services for 3 Army Vets
Participated - Boys and Gilrs Harbor of La Porte Christmas
Participated - Funeral Honors for Army Vet Walter Stringer - HNC
Unit 1 Wins Award at Wounded Warrior Ride
At the 1st Annual Wounded Warrior Ride in Pearland Texas Unit 1 was honored with a plague for most represented group. We certainly thank all the riders and auxiliary members who helped us to make such a strong showing. We also appreciate BACA for recognizing the contributions the Veterans of Foreign Wars Motorcycle Group continues to make for our veterans and country. More on the Ride page.
Joe Thompson (VFW-MG Unit 1 President) won the book about IKE (value of $25)
George Burrus (PGR) won the R/T trip on SW Airlines. They told me he wants to get close to Oregon to visit his brother (can't give a price on that one yet).
For Bay Area Builder's Assoc (BABA) - our guests really stepped up: $325 total. The VFW-MG was the big donation with $100.
Thanks to each and every one of you for your patronage - it made this "young man" feel really good!!!
The Quick List of What We Have Done 2009-2010
July ’09
Participation in the 4th of July Parade -Woodlands Participation in the State Cmdr’s Run military Assistance Program Run- Mexia
Participation in the Funeral James Waterman - Houston
Donated $150.00 to National Home Aug. ’09
Participation in the Honor Run - Waller (Fisher House) Participation in the Vanderclute Run - Nat’l (Fisher House)
Donation to Post & Aux School Supply Program
Sept. ’09
Participation in the VVA Homecoming - Freeport
Participation in the POW/MIA Dist. 16 - Bay City
Participated in the Houston POW/MIA Ceremony Dist 4 - Houston
Participation in the TX Honor Ride - Conroe
Participation in the Patriot Day - Woodlands
Participation in the Patriot Day Flag Retirement Ceremony – Pasadena
Participation in the U of H. Vets Benefits Prog. - Houston
Participation in the VV Wall Escort & Set Up - Pasadena
Participation in the Funeral of Frank Butch - Houston
Oct. ’09
Participation in the VVA Reunion - Houston
Participation in the Stand Down for Homeless Veterans- Houston
Participation in the Lone Star Rally - Galveston
Participation in Welcome home AF Capt Rachael Ramos (TXCty)
Participation Escort Funeral WWII Army Veteran (Pasadena)
Participation Ellingon Air Show
Donation $100.00 for Stand-Down Event for Homeless Veterans
Donation $140.00 for Troop Honor Ride
Donation $100.00 to Dist 4 Ceremonial Detail –Houston National Cemetery.
Donation $100.00 to School Bowling League
Nov. ’09
Participation Funeral Escort WWII Veteran - Houston
Participation TX Honor Ride from Houston to BMAC in San Antonio
Participation PGR presentation at Collage of the Mainland – Texas City
Participated rolling tribute and BABA home donation to disabled Marine – League City
Participation Houston Veterans Day Parade - Houston
Participation member was guest speaker for Veterans Day meeting at La Marque Rotary Club - La Marque
Participated Welcome Home for Army Spc4 - South Shore Harbor - League City
Participated Funeral Escort WWII Veteran - Houston National Cemetery
Participated in Blue Knights Toys for Tots Run - Galveston
Participated Funeral Ceremony WWII Navy Vet J.A.Lee
Participation in the Post Aux. Thanksgiving Dinners (Woodlands)
Dec. ’09
Participation in the 75th Eng Bn Rolling Tribute and Send Off Ceremony (Ellington)
Participated in Wreaths Across America Motorcycle Escort to Houston National Cemetery
Participated Snowball Express - Charity for Children of Fallen Military Heroes (IAH)
Participated Motorcycle Escort and Santa visit to Shriner's Burn Hospital - (Galveston)
Participated in Santa by the Sea (Galveston)
Participated Burial and Escort WWII, Korea, and VN Vet Richard Bray
Participated in Welcome Home for USCG Cutter Dauntless - Galveston
Participated Dickinson Festival of Lights as Santa
Participated as Chaplain for funeral Air Force Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Silva
Participated Villas/Puryear Ralty Team Toys for Tots Run - Deer Park
Participated Funeral Ceremony WWII Army Vet - F. Quintanilla
Participated Funeral Ceremony WWII Army Air Corps Vet - D. Schoeffler
Participated Santa Chuck visits orphans at Boys and Girls Harbor in La Porte
Donation $50.00 to Post Ladies Aux for Thanksgiving Dinner for the Troops
Donation $250.00 Wreaths Across America Foundation.
Jan. ’10
Participated Wreaths Across America Pick Up - Houston National Cemetery
Participated Funeral Flag Line and Escort for Korea and Vietnam Navy Seal Vet - Lloyd N Smith Sr - Pasadena
Participated Department of Texas VFW Mid-Winter Roundup
Donated $200.00 to FRG 453 in Afghanistan Unit Fund for media room.
Donated $250.00 Voice of Democracy Grant
Feb. ’10
Participated Funeral and Escort WWII Navy Veteran Adam Richards.
Participated BABA fundraiser
Participated Funeral Honor Detail for WWII Veteran Terry Newman
Participated Funeral Honor Detail for WWII Veteran William Harrell
Participated Dipping Springs Food Bank Fundraiser
Participated Honor Escort and Funeral SSG Rogers, Army, Iraq Vet.- Woodville
Donated $100.00 BABA fundraisers
Mar. ’10
Participated Funeral and Honor Guard Korean War Army Vet Darrell Ryland - Texas City
Participated Escort of Ft Hood's 1st Calvery from Waller to Houston
Participated Assisted in move of Veteran to new home in Houston area while undergoing treatment in local hospital
Participated Funeral VN Vet 3 Bronze Star Recipient Von Wesley Simpson
Participated Lone Star Honor Flight III for WWII veterans escort to Washington D. C.
Participated Presentation of National Standard
for Army Korean War Veteran Robert Bage - Hitchock
Participated Escort of USMC Funeral of LCpl Gamble
Participated Honor Guard for USMC WWII veteran Bishop
Participated in Parade for Wounded Warrior Fund Raiser
Particpated Funeral Army WWII Veteran Morgan
Participated in Welcome Home for Army Spc 4 Figueroa from Afghanistan
Participated in Honors Ceremony for 101st Airborne veteran Wev
Participated funeral of MIA/KIA from Laos (1972) interned in Dallas
Apr. ’10
Participated in Welcome Home 85 members of the 808th Eng Co USAR
Participated in Final Tribute WWII Army Veteran Perez in Pearland
Participated Commanders Run
Participated Escort of honor Flight #4
Participated Honor Guard Albert Valdez
Participated Honor Guard Jeffrey Bleden
Participated VFW Foundation Run
Participated Texas T-Patch Ride
Participated Welcome Home Cpl Ferguson
Participated Ride for the Kids PBTF
Participated Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundations Fundraiser
May '10
Donated School Supplies to Sam Hailey Elementary - Woodlands
Donated $210.00 to Wounded Warrior Project
Participated Rolling Tribute to Marine Cpl J. Johnson - Tomball
Participated Escort of Vietnam Mobile Memorial Wall - Austin
Participated Wounded Warrior Ride - Pearland
Participated Honor Flight #5
Jun '10
Participated Rockport Memorial Day Ceremony
Participated Grandview Memorial Day Cemetery Pasadena
Participated Flag Placement and Honors Grandview Cemetery
Participated Funeral of Army Spc M. R. Catlett, KIA Afghanistan – HNC
Unit 1 Helps VFW to Assist School District
The VFW Post, Auxiliary and Motorcycle Unit 12024, The Woodlands has partnered with Sam Hailey Elementary in helping to get students started with approximately $500 worth of new school supplies. "Ensuring our students get the tools needed for a successful school year, is only a part of how our Veterans make a difference in our community. We appreciate our Teachers and the extra challenges they overcome in teaching our children and grandchildren, and helping to provide needed school supplies will cut down or eliminate one of those challenges", said Lee Derby, Post Commander.
MOJAVE DESERT MEMORIAL TORN DOWN!
Reward offered to catch and prosecute vandals
WASHINGTON (May 11, 2010) — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. learned yesterday that the cross-shaped veterans' memorial in the Mojave Desert was torn down Sunday night by someone or persons with no respect for the dead or the nation's laws.
"This was a legal fight that a vandal just made personal to 50 million veterans, military personnel and their families," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr. "To think anyone can rationalize the desecration of a war memorial is sickening, and for them to believe they won't be apprehended is very naive.
"The memorial will be rebuilt and the vandals will be caught and prosecuted in federal court, since the crime occurred on government property," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis. "We hope this horrible act will highlight the importance of resolving this case quickly so that the memorial and land can be transferred to the VFW so that the service and sacrifice of all American war dead will be properly recognized and honored, as originally intended by a group of World War I VFW members 76 years ago."
A reward is now being offered through the Liberty Institute, which represented the VFW, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and American Ex-Prisoners of War in an amicus brief involving the 76-year-old war memorial in the Supreme Court case of Salazar v. Buono.
Anyone with information relating to this crime can leave a message on a National Park Service Tip Line that will soon be posted on the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial website at www.donttearmedown.com.
Texas Honor Ride
This fun run raises money for the wounded warriors at Brook Army Medical Center. Wounded Warriors will be there for you r to meet ant greet at every stop along the way.
The Texas Honor Ride is celebrating its fifth year of supporting our wounded troops and will have 5th anniversary merchandise with great prizes and auction items.
Follow this link for more info:
http://www.texashonorride.org/2010/fun_run.htm
Wounded Warrior Escort
We will support the Blue Knights in their escort of the Wounded Warriors to Port Oconner from IAH on Friday 5/21/10. We will be staging at the CELL PHONE PARKING LOT, located at Will Clayton Parkway & Colonel Fischer drive at 10 a.m. The Blue Knights will have a safety meeting at 10:45 a.m. with KSU at 11:15 a.m
DO NOT BRING FLAGS
1st Annual Motorcycle Ride and Fundraiser Benefitting the WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
May 22, 2010 at 1134 N. Main, Pearland, TX
Ceremony Including Presentation of Colors, Escorted Motorcycle Ride, Live Auction, Raffle, Live Music, Catfish Plates
Best Represented Category Cruisers/Dressers vs Crotch Rockets
Registration 10 AM
KSU 11 AM
$30.00 per Bike - Price includes Ride pin and raffle ticket
$7.00 per plate all sides included - Event shirts Available
Contact KID @ 281-935-2656 or Sleepwalker @ 713-306-6288 or email at info@ride4thewarriors.com
Santa Chuck Honors
The Galveston Dailey News reported that Santa Chuck was selected as Citizen of the Year and Unsung Hero in Galveston county.
Santa is tireless in his giving to the community and is well know for his work with the Childrens hospital. Santa not only rides with Unit 1, but also with the SE Texas Patriot Guard. Santa's tireless efforts bring great credit to himself, the VFW Motorcycle Group, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United Sates.
MID WINDER CONVENTION REPORT
Hello everyone.
I am happy to report that the Council of Administrators meeting was successful. There were no injuries or assaults to any of the participating members and we agreed on a majority of issues.
The Motorcycle Group COA met on Friday Jan. 29, 2010 from 5 pm to 7:00 pm. There were 22 unit representatives present. Unit 6 & Unit 10 were absent. Unit 20 is our newest unit and there are 3 more units that have applied for membership.
Follows are the results of that meeting.
Vests: A motion was carried in that members will have an OPTION to buy the vests with patches included from Unit 1 OR to buy the patch Kits only. Current prices are $150 for vests/patches or $100 for the patch kits. It will be up to the unit president to see that all patch kits are properly installed according to guidelines as set up by the council.
We were reminded that all After Action Activity reports are to be turned in within 30 days.
It was also decided that NO MG unit is allowed to join the Coalition of Clubs. We are a Motorcycle Group not a Club and we have our own agenda.
With the growth of our units, comes more accountability. We as units must maintain
• A Membership Roster
• Perform regular treasurer audits
• Keep proof of member eligibility documents. (VFW membership card and copy of drivers license)
A vote was carried for the state council to provide a $1000 contribution for the Voice of Democracy winners. There has been a shortage of contributions by the posts in these areas and the council decided to make a worthy contribution to this program.
A GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING was held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
The state Senior vice Commander Wayne De Pute addressed the general membership. He emphasized the fact that the MG is auxiliary to the VFW. In the future, each new MG member will be required to sign a document that states they have read and will abide by the MG by laws. This will prevent any kind of misunderstanding by what is required of members of the MG.
The Ride to National Children’s Home was held this past August 18, 2009 which was sponsored by Post 6974 and raised over $30,000. Unit 1 members that participated were Russ Richards, our now deceased member Jimmy Woods, Wayne and Millie De Pute. Units from California and New Mexico have indicated they will participate in the ride this year.
As stated previously, the VOD program has fallen short of funds this year…..sooo our MG units stepped up to the plate big time!
Units 1,3,4,5,8,14,16,17,20, (sorry, 1 unit missing) have each pledged $250 for a total of $2500. In addition, the general membership voted another $1000 contribution to come out the general fund for the VOD program.
A total of $4500 was pledged from the MG units!! We are doing good things folks! Thanks to all of you and let’s keep up the good work.
It was brought to our attention that each unit will be required to obtain an EIN number. We should submit an application under our sponsoring post. There should be no fee for obtaining this number which will keep us in good standing with the IRS.
Norm and Judy Brawner hosted a hospitality room which was very popular and made for a fun couple of evenings. Thanks Norm and Judy…..I know that you worked very hard on this. Also should mention that Harvey and Dana Smith were very much appreciated for the help in the hospitality room.
Unit member that attended were
Joe Thompson, President
Norm Brawner, Treasurer
Harvey Smith, Chaplain
Carol Thompson, Secretary
Judy Brawner, Vest Co-coordinator/Auxiliary member
Dana Smith, Auxiliary member
Marvin Lockhart, Unit member/Photographer
Thanks to everyone for your support and let’s move on to make 2010 a productive and fun year.
Joe Thompson,
Unit 1 President
$1080.00 Donation from McRhee Ford
Santa Chuck along with many Patriot Guard Riders went to Dickinson to receive a $1,080.00 donation to the Texas Honor Ride. The Tx Honor Ride is a statewide run that raises money for wounded warriors that have to be taken care of at Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio Texas.
The Texas Honor Ride Fun Run will be Saturday, May 15, 2010. It will be hosted by Stubbs Harley Davidson at 4400 Telephone Rd. Then on Saturday, September 25, 2010 the Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser and Ride will be hosted by the West Conroe Baptist Church. For more information please visit http://www.texashonorride |
