Category Archives: Veterans

‘USS Silversides’ hosts Lost Boat Ceremony during Memorial Day weekend

3-bottom, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 29.
The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 29.

As Memorial Day comes upon us, many area communities prepare to host numerous programs honoring those who died while serving in the various branches of the U.S. military.

 

One of the most moving events is the Lost Boat Ceremony hosted by Muskegon’s U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum. The event is set for Sunday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at the museum, located at 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon.

 

“We remember these gentlemen because the men on the submarine are some of the most forgotten veterans,” said Siversides Curator Peggy Maniates. “What they did was quiet and unknown.”

 

In fact, when Pearl Harbor happened, many of the submarines were not in the harbor when the Japanese attacked, Maniates said. So while the United States needed to rebuild its fleet, the submarines were able to carry on, she said.

 

“Often time when a battle happens, you might lose one person or a few,” Maniates said. “When a submarine hits a mine, you lost 79 young men in a blink of an eye.

 

“We recognize these men because we have a submarine here, in Muskegon, and it is something very close to our heart.”

 

The ceremony usually starts with a fly-by featuring planes from World War II. For the ceremony, there is a special guest speaker, this year being former NASA astronaut James Francis Reilly, II. Reilly, who earned three degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas including a doctorate in geosciences, was selected by NASA in 1994 and completed training at Johnson Space Center in 1995. His first spaceflight was the STS-89 when he was part of the Space Shuttle Endeavour crew in 1998. In 2001, he was part of the Space Shuttle Atlantis team that went to the International Space Station. His last mission was part of the STS-117 mission with the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2007. That flight marked the 250th orbital human spaceflight.

 

The ceremony also includes the laying of a memorial wreath on the water and the Tolling of the Boats, where the names of the each of the 52 submarines lost in World War II along with the number of men lost with them are read. It is estimated more than 3,500 men died while serving on submarines during World War II. At the same time, the wives and family members of submarine veterans toss flowers on the water for each boat.

 

The service will conclude with a 21-gun salute and the starting up of the engine of the U.S.S. Silversides.

 

WKTV will broadcast the 29th Annual Lost Boat Ceremony on Memorial Day at 10:15 a.m., 6 and 9:30 p.m. The program will be one of several military specials aired that day. Also scheduled is the documentaries “Lest We Forget” and “Vietnam Moving Wall.”

 

For more on WKTV programming, visit wktv.org.

Honoring those who served: Kentwood, Wyoming host Memorial Day activities

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , ,
Joe Rossi with his fellow Marines. Rossi is Wyoming's Memorial Day guest speaker.
Joe Rossi with his fellow Marines. Rossi is Wyoming’s Memorial Day guest speaker.

“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.” General Douglas MacArthur’s Thayer Award Speech, 1962.

 

Those words, “duty, honor, country” have become synonymous with a soldier. The motto of the United States Military Academy West Point, those words now adorn three arches at Wyoming’s Veterans Memorial Garden, located in front of the Wyoming Public Safety Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW. The final arch, “Country” will be dedicated at the city’s annual Memorial Day Services, set for Monday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden.

 

“Our Memorial Day Ceremony is a tribute to that service and protection,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, the city’s directory of community services. “We are grateful to have the Veterans Memorial Garden in Wyoming. It is a place where we can hold these ceremonies and where people can honor and reflect, at any time, on those who have protected and those who continue to protect our freedoms.”

 

The new memorial arch, "Country" will be dedicated at Wyoming's Memorial Day Services set for Monday, May 30.
The new memorial arch, “Country” will be dedicated at Wyoming’s Memorial Day Services set for Monday, May 30.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was officially observed when in 1968, General John A. Logan, leader of the Northern Civil War veterans the Grand Army of the Republic, call for a nationwide day of remembrance. The date selected was May 30 since no major Civil War battles had ever been fought on that day. A 100 years later in 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, changing Memorial Day to the last Monday in May with most communities like Wyoming and Kentwood observing it on that day. (Note: The City of Grand Rapids traditionally observes Memorial Day on May 30 no matter when that date falls in the week.)

 

Guest speaker for the Wyoming Memorial Day Services is Retired Lt. Joe Rossi, who is a candidate for judge in the 17th Circuit Court race. Rossi served 22 years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, including serving in Operation Desert Storm where he commended a rifle platoon of 41 Marines and one sailor. He led a hostage rescue unit and had two presidential recalls to active duty to command the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Grand Rapids, where he mobilized more than 400 Marines for service in East Africa and Iraq.

 

The rest of the program will include the Lee High School Band performing “As Heavens Were a Bell,” the Department of Public Safety Honor Guard firing a rifle salute, and Lee High School graduate and Navy veteran Bronson Sawn performing taps.

 

The city of Kentwood’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony also will be Monday, May 30. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 48th Street and Eastern Avenue, with the route proceeding west on 48th Street and finishing at the memorial at Veterans Park, 353 48th St. The American Legion Post 208 will host a ceremony at the park following the parade at around 10:45 a.m.

 

Both the Memorial Day programs from Kentwood and Wyoming will be aired on WKTV. The Kentwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony are set for 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, May 30, with the Wyoming Memorial Day Service set for around 8:35 p.m.

 

For more on WKTV programming, visit www.wktv.org.

Final arch added to Wyoming’s Veteran’s Park

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Veterans, , ,
The new memorial arch at Wyoming's Veteran's Memorial Garden.
The new memorial arch at Wyoming’s Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

The final memorial arch was installed this week at the City of Wyoming’s Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

 

The installation marked the end of a more than 10-year project for the Veteran’s Park. Started as a vision of local veterans groups, in 1995, through the support of the community, the city was able to complete the first phase of the project by dedicating the Walk of Honor to all military branches. Over the course of the past several years, the city has been adding elements to the park. This week, the city completed the project with the installation of the last of the three arches. The new arch will be recognized during the city’s annual Memorial Service set for the observed holiday, May 30 at 7 p.m.

 

Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming, said the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department received a $6,475 grant from the City of Wyoming Community Development Block Grant to fund the final memorial arch. This included the casting and placement in the Veteran’s Park, Rynbrandt said.

 

“We invite the community to visit the park located at 2300 DeHoop Avenue to view its three arches heralding Honor, Duty, and Country and reflect upon the service of our veterans,” she said. The Veteran’s Park is located right in front of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and across from Pinery Park.

 

There are no current plans for any other additions to the park. Rynbrandt said. Memorial bricks for those who served are still available along the Walk of Honor. Bricks are placed in the spring for Memorial Day and in the fall for Veteran’s Day. Bricks are $40. For more information on purchasing a brick, click here or call the City of Wyoming offices at 616-530-7272.

Experience Veteran History Firsthand on WKTV

Education, Veterans, ,

Veterans History ProjectTake a moment during Veterans Day to thank a Veteran for their service.

Veterans have stories to tell. Tales of bravery, friendship, family, and hardship experienced while on duty. The Veterans Oral History Project, in partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, gives our countries Veterans an opportunity to tell their stories throughout the year.

Interviews with those who served in the US Military from WWII to the present are filmed and later aired on WKTV. The interviews can be seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 p.m. Shows are also aired every other Saturday at noon. Currently over 1,500 stories have been told thanks to project director Dr. James Smither, WKTV, and the Veterans willing and able to tell share their experiences.

Make sure you thank a Veteran all year-long.

Veteran’s Memorial Garden hosts a Veteran’s Day Celebration

Local Faces, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , , , ,

Veterans Memorial GardenToday is Veteran’s Day, and with Veteran’s Day comes Wyoming’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll will host this years Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW).

The event will start off with the Lee High School Band performing the prelude at 6 p.m. The Lee Band will perform three more musical numbers throughout the Ceremony.

Guest speaker CH (LTC) Mel Flikkema, USAR (Ret.) will address the crowd with the focus being “On Remembering.”  Flikkema served in Kuwait and Iraq during the Iraq war as the active duty chaplain of the 83rd Chemical Battalion.

Veteran's DayOn top of celebrating the Veterans who have served our country, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations throughout the month of November for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Important items for donation include the following:
•    New batteries: C, D and AAA
•    New release DVD’s
•    Gift Cards to: Meijer, Gordon Food Service, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.
•    New postage stamps (Forever Stamps preferred)
•    Bic Disposable Lighters
•    Large print paperback books
•    Recent magazines
•    New and gently used men’s and women’s clothing
•    Personal hygiene products

While the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations through November, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans will accept donations through December 30. Their doors are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

WKTV will provide a delayed broadcast of the Veteran’s Day Ceremony that will be shown on Channel 26.

Thank a Veteran on Veteran’s Day

Area Education, Veterans, , , , ,

Veterans' Day graphicSecretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds residents that, in honor of Veterans Day, all Secretary of State offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11. She also encouraged people to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.

“I had a rare opportunity to visit our troops in the Middle East in 2012 to study how to make overseas voting easier for those in the military,” Johnson said. “I will never forget the sense of honor, duty and patriotism that those young men and women displayed in spite of the terrible conditions. We owe everyone who has ever served this country a great debt for their service and sacrifice.”

Michigan is home to more than 680,000 veterans, the 11th largest population nationally. Given the great number of veterans who live here, Johnson has unveiled a number of initiatives in support of them:

•    Creating a veteran designation on driver’s licenses and state ID cards that helps identify Michigan veterans so they can be connected with the benefits they have earned and deserved.
•    Pushing new ways to ensure that military personnel have their votes counted on Election Day, such as successfully advocating to extend a federal write-in ballot to state and local races.
•    Waiving road tests for veterans applying for a Commercial Driver License to help their transition to civilian life if they have sufficient heavy truck experience in the military.
•    Offering more than two dozen military license plates that are available for veterans and their spouses, allowing them to display their service with pride.

“Patriotism and service run deep in Michigan,” Johnson added. “This Veterans Day, take a moment to thank a vet for his or her service.”

Because of the Veterans Day closure, Johnson recommends residents find alternate ways or days to get their Secretary of State business done.

Local Veteran Group Looking for a Home

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Veterans, Volunteers, , , , , ,
VFW 702
VFW Post 702 at Blueberry Fest in downtown Grandville

By: Doug Broek

Did you know that there is a VFW post right here in Wyoming that has been chartered since the mid-1940s? It might be better to start with a more basic question, do you know what the VFW stands for?

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a service organization comprised of veterans who have served our country overseas in times of war. To be eligible for membership, the veteran has to have served honorably as a member of the Armed Services of the United States in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition that has been recognized by the United States Government. Also, a campaign-medal service badge has to have been issued.

Post #702 Wyoming-Grandville is one of 300 VFW posts in the State of Michigan and is currently looking for a place to call home.

With the WWII and Vietnam veterans passing on at the rate of over 100 a day nationally, it is imperative that Post #702 recruit veterans from the current global conflicts, with Iraq and Afghanistan being in the largest combat zones. In order better recruit, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 702 Wyoming/Grandville is looking for a post home to better serve the area’s local veterans.

Currently, Post 702 does not have a post home, but they meet on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the United Postal Workers Union hall on Burlingame Avenue SW in Wyoming.

Post 702 is very active in the community. Current membership is about 96, with about 10% being active. Some of the many activities they participate in are:

•    Marching in both the Walker Memorial Day Parade and the Grandville 4th of July Parade.
•    Manning booths at the Grandville Pre-Fourth of July Kick-off and Blueberry Festival.
•    Active at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans working with their staff in providing activities not supported by the Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs such as the Bait Shop, Clothing Room, and Bingo two times a month.
•    Wreaths Across America.
•    Passing out American flags to each child in a Wyoming/Grandville elementary school around Veterans Day.
•    Grilling hot dogs for the 6th grade at Cummings Elementary School this past Spring.
•    Assisting the Grand Valley Armory with Christmas parties, picnics and other activities.
•    Manning a booth in the Wyoming Metro Cruise.
•    Raising donations for the Veterans Scholarship Fund for Grand Valley State University, Department of Michigan VFW’s Camp Trotter, and the veteran causes.
•    Several post members are part of the WGVU ENGAGE committee for Veterans. This is the organization that produced the LZ Michigan program in 2010 at the Fifth Third Ball Park and the Veterans Salute at GVSU the past two Fall seasons.

In order to promote new membership to keep VFW Post 702 alive and flourishing, a central hub – a home – is needed. Without the influx of new membership, the VFW will have a hard time continuing to exist. Coordinating future activities engaging with the community would be easier with a post home complete with its own phone number and address.

VFWMalta4VFW Post 702 is looking for a suitable building within the cities of Wyoming and Grandville to call its Post Home. A building with a canteen (bar) is not a necessity. The VFW is more interested in being community involved and assisting other veterans than having a canteen to contend with. Members need a place that they can have family activities: graduation parties, wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc. A post home would provide for that. Serving the community and assisting other veterans is the most important to the post’s membership.

Your support of VFW Post 702 would help better support our local veterans and the local community.

Anyone able to assist in finding a post home; please contact Doug Broek at 616-532-5227 or douglas.broek@gmail.com, or the Post email vfwpost702@gmail.com.

Wounded Warriors and Flag to be Escorted into Grand Rapids by Police, Fire and Motorcyclists

Area Education, Local History, Our Cities, Veterans, , ,

veteranflagIn honor of those who sacrificed their lives during the terrorist events of Sept. 11, 2001, the exhibit 9/11: A Day That Changed America, on loan from the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City, and a rescue vehicle used following the attacks, on loan from the Henry Ford Museum, will be on display at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (GRFPM) in downtown Grand Rapids. The exhibits will be on display as part of the 14th annual Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute on Sept. 11, 2015.

In addition, Wounded Warriors from the West Michigan region, and the flag that will be flown at the museum during the commemoration, will be escorted into Grand Rapids by fire and police personnel, and more than 200 motorcyclists. Several other events are scheduled during the commemoration.

For the 14th year, the President Ford Council, Boy Scouts of America will lead the West Michigan community in a day-long “Scout Salute” at the GRFPM on Sept. 11 to pay respect to all those who died during the terrorist attacks. The day of remembrance has been held annually from sunrise to sunset since Sept. 11, 2002, at the GRFPM and has been supported by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation each year.

September 11“Each year the Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute are commemorated here in Grand Rapids so children and their families have the opportunity to learn about the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001,” Joe Calvaruso, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation said. “This year’s events and exhibits allow the West Michigan community to honor and remember all those who gave their lives because of the terrorist attacks 14-years-ago.”

To honor the arrival of the flag that will be flown during the Scout Salute, during the afternoon of Sept. 10, Wounded Warriors, members of various police and fire departments, the Patriot Guard Riders, members of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group and the Boy Scouts of America will escort the flag to the GRFPM from the National Guard Armory located in Belmont, Mich. Upon the flag’s arrival to the museum at 5 p.m., it will be raised during a ceremony which is open to the public.

During evening ceremonies on Sept. 11, SpartanNash will present a personalized Honor and Remember flag to the parents of Army Specialist 4th Class Brian K. Derks, who was killed in action August 13, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq.

“SpartanNash cares deeply for those who protect our families and defend our freedoms, and we are committed to ensuring that these brave men and women’s sacrifices and stories are not forgotten,” said Meredith Gremel, SpartanNash vice president, corporate affairs and communications. “The Honor and Remember flag pays tribute to all our soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country, paying the ultimate price for our freedoms.”

While the exhibits are on display in Grand Rapids, the GRFPM, located at 303 Pearl Street N.W., is free and open to the public to visit. The museum and exhibit will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 11.

The schedule of events for the day includes:

7:18 a.m. (sunrise) Scout Salute begins – the community is encouraged to participate at any time during the day

8:40 a.m. Honor Guard lowers flag from full- to half-staff

8:45 a.m. Moment of Silence and Remembrance

8:46 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for Tower 1 (the time the first plane hit the first tower)

8:50 a.m. Introduction of speaker Mayor George Heartwell

9:03 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for Tower 2

9:37 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for the Pentagon

10:03 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for United Airlines Flight 93

Noon Ceremony to honor Police, Fire, EMS and Military members

12:30-2 p.m. Canine unit demonstration, meet and greet at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

7 p.m. Evening ceremonies begin
· Performance by The Salvation Army Brass Band
· SpartanNash Honor and Remember flag presentation
· Remarks from keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley
· Remarks from Boy Scout Council President Wayman Britt
· The final salute and the flag being raised to full-staff

8 p.m. (sunset) Scout Salute closes

Peters Cosponsors Bill to Improve Health Care Access for Women Veterans

Politics, Veterans, ,

WomenVetsU.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that he has cosponsored the Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act, a bipartisan bill to improve Veterans Administration (VA) health care services to better meet the unique needs of women veterans. According to the VA, as of January 2015 there are more than 46,000 women veterans in Michigan, and nearly 2.3 million women veterans nationwide.

“Every veteran has earned access to the best care, and we must ensure that VA facilities and personnel are prepared to provide those services to the growing number of women who have served our country in uniform,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “Women veterans have specific health care needs, and this legislation will help them access the safe, effective and high-quality services they deserve within the VA system.”

The legislation would require the VA to establish and integrate standards in VA health care facilities that focus on the specific needs of women veterans. Every VA medical center would also be required to have full-time obstetricians or gynecologists to provide services for women veterans.

Senator Peters
Senator Peters

The bill also seeks to improve women’s health outcomes by including them as a performance measure that must be reported by VA executives. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would also be required to study the VA’s ability to meet the health, security and privacy needs of women veterans, including the availability of gynecologists and a women’s health clinic in each VA medical center.

Women are a growing demographic within America’s armed forces, and currently make up 15 percent of the U.S. military’s active duty personnel and 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces.

As a former Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserve, Senator Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for Michigan’s veterans and service members. Peters recently joined the bipartisan Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, which focuses on understanding how to best serve the 21st century veteran, specifically those that served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, which includes historically large numbers of women, National Guardsmen and Reservists.

Earlier this month, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to help veterans who may have been erroneously given an administrative discharge due to behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Peters also cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation signed into the law by the President to improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs for veterans.

100 year old World War II Navy Veteran, Fred Winter, Gears up for Meijer State Games

Local Faces, Senior Living, Veterans,

Fred Winter Meet Fred Winter, a 100-year old World War II US Navy veteran. He plans on competing in this year’s Meijer State Games of Michigan Track & Field event. Not just one event, but five (javelin, shot put, 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, discus) Track & Field events.

Fred grew up in Scranton, PA, a coal mining town where natives were destined for a life of black lung disease due to inhaling coal mine dust. “These gold miners would only live till about 50 because of the diseases they got,” Fred explained. “They knew it was just a matter of time for the Grim Reaper to call their name.” Determined to have a better quality of life, Fred enlisted in the US Navy as his only way out.

Fred served a total of 25 years while in the Navy, which included a term during World War 2 in the Battle of Okinawa. He started as a deck scrubber, and eventually worked his way up to a Chief Petty Officer. Fred recalled fresh water being so scarce in the Pacific that each crew member was handed a bucket of water to start the day. This was all they got to wash their clothes and bathe. All showers onboard operated with salt water from the ocean. Among his many years enlisted as a member of the Navy, Fred served upon the USS Mississippi, Enterprise Air Craft Carrier, and the Amphibious Command, which was the second line of defense behind the Marines.

Fred Winter 2When his time in the Navy was up, Fred studied pre-med at York College in York, Nebraska. It was at York College he met his eventual wife of 65 years, still going strong to this day. Following graduation from York, Fred had trouble getting accepted into medical school, so he turned his studies to Accounting. After receiving his master’s at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, Fred became a college professor in the subject. In a state that runs its economy off crops, however, the teaching salary in Nebraska was not cutting it. At the age of 65, Fred got a job offer as a high school accounting teacher in Holland, Michigan, that offered $3,000 more per year. Needless to say, Fred jumped at the opportunity. He has lived there ever since.

When Fred turned 70-years old, he decided he wanted to start competing in Track & Field through the Senior Olympics, something he hadn’t competed in since high school. “I wanted to compare myself, physically, mentally, morally, with people my own age,” Fred said about his desire to enter the sport, “and the one way to do that is to go into Track & Field.” At first, Fred struggled to qualify for most events, but through hard work, he slowly started earning bronze medals, then silver medals, all the way up to the point where gold medals became expectations.

You might think that Fred has a collection of all the gold medals he has won, but you would be wrong. During combat in the Navy, there was a time that Fred was 10 feet under the Pacific Ocean surface and was certain he was going to die. A fellow member of the Navy, however, rescued Fred and brought him back to the surface. Beyond grateful for having his own life saved, Fred decides to give his gold medals away to anyone he can find that has saved a life. According to Fred, “They deserve it more.”

To be successful in Track & Field, Fred relies heavily on maintaining a healthy living. Every day Fred does aerobics at six in the morning, gradually increases in push-ups (currently at 110 a day), and runs outside. If the weather is poor, Fred avoids excuses and simply runs alongside the walls of his house. When asked what the key to a long lifespan is, Fred answered, “Face God, face your fellow man, and face yourself.” Fred also encourages staying active no matter how young or old you are.

With the Meijer State Games of Michigan just a week away, Fred looks forward to competing and trying to win a few more medals to handout to those who have saved lives. At 100-years old, Fred Winter is nowhere close to slowing down. His wisdom, generosity, determination, and no-quit attitude is something we can all learn from.

To view our interview with Fred, you can find it on our YouTube page or by viewing his athlete spotlight on our website: http://stategamesofmichigan.com/fredwinter.

Village Motorsports Hosts Second Annual West Michigan Freedom Cruise to honor fallen Kentwood soldier David Warsen

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Veterans, Volunteers

If there is only one event you can attend to help our Veterans who have served so courageously, this would be it.   Every dollar raised stays local.

The West Michigan Freedom Cruise and its partner charity, Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund, is already having a major impact on West Michigan Veterans and we are excited to announce the details of the 2015 event schedule.

In part to proceeds fromFreedom Cruise 2 last year, we are nearly finished with the new G.R. Veterans Home Ampitheater Project which will be an incredible asset to all West Michigan residents including those residing at this facility.  Help us rebuild this iconic home one project at a time–Finish The Mission!

2015 Freedom Cruise Event Schedule:

Wednesday, June 24th   (5:00-8:00p.m.)   WLAV/Freedom Cruise Summertime Blues&Cruise

This was formerly called “Blues on the Mall,” and now features classic cars, bikes, music, food and beverages–outside at the Delta Plex.  Listen to great blues bands while enjoying beer and food at this historic event.  Contact Marcus Bradman at Cumulus Broadcasting at (616)617-7061 for more details.

Thursday, June 25th   The David Warsen Honor Ride

Starting points will be the Davenport University (south) and Driftwood Inn (north) with kickstands up at 5:30p.m. (please arrive at least 1/2 hour early.)  Cars and motorcycles will then travel in a procession and converge in Downtown, Sparta, MI. for live music, food and beverages along with a special flag presentation to the family of the late David Warsen.   Contact Elizabeth Morse at 616-887-2454 or 218-0488 for vendor information or event details.

Friday, June 26th (9:00a.m. Shotgun Start)  The 2nd Annual Freedom Cruise Golf Classic

Four man scramble at Thornapple Point Golf Course.  Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, all proceeds will go to the Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund.   Contact Josh Buckenroth at Fifth Third Bank to sign your group up, or for sponsoring opportunities.  Josh can be reached at (616) 654-2566.

Friday Night Cruise (4:00p.m. until dark)       freedom cruise

The Freedom Cruise is going “retro” as we welcome everyone to join us for a classic car and  bike cruise up and down Plainfield Ave on Friday afternoon and evening featuring Perrin VPA (Veterans Pale Ale) which will be served up and down the avenue generating revenue for West Michigan veterans.  Perrin VPA will also be poured at the Garage Bar & Grill Biker Block Party on Ottawa Avenue.  Great food, beer and live music will be featured on Ottawa Ave.

Saturday, June 27th (8:00a.m.-4:00p.m)

Plainfield Motor Mile Power Cruise featuring plenty of muscle cars, classics, bikes, vendors and fun–sponsored by the West Michigan Mustang Club and Plainfield Motor Mile & Village Motor Sports.  This is going to be an incredible day with all of the Plainfield automobile dealerships rolling out the red carpet for a great day of classic cars, cruising the strip and awards sponsored by the West Michigan Mustang Club.  All makes and models are welcome to attend and bike enthusiasts are welcome to visit the Village Motor sports open house.

Freedom Rocks Grand Rapids Concert (5:00p.m.)

This will be an event that will rock your summer as we escort the American Fallen Soldier Project and portrait of fallen West Michigan Navy Seal, David Warsen to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Amphitheatre.   This event will honor the family of David Warsen, followed by a free concert featuring national recording artist Madison Rising.

Sunday, June 28th (1:00p.m.)   Blessing of the Rides

Classic cars, muscle cars and motorcycles are welcome at the Veterans Home for our closing ceremonies and blessings over all those who participate by the Christian Motorcycle Association.  Contact Ted Vonk for more information at (616)-874-2604 or (616)-822-0367.

For more event information go to www.freedomcruise.net.

Wyoming Memorial Day Ceremony in Pictures

Our Cities, Recreation, Veterans, , ,
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim

This past Memorial Day, the City of Wyoming held a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW). The Lee High School band performed along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard, Bronson Swan. The newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden was recognized and couldn’t have been made possible without the Community Development Block Grant Funding.

“Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to the services of the armed forces. We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming where we can not only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, on any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services in the City of Wyoming.

WKTV’s Harriet Sturim, also the 5th District Auxillary Chaplain, was a guest speaker for the event. She gave an address entitled “Voice for our Veterans” and also took pictures to capture the essence of the ceremony.

Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
The Lee High School Band Performs. (Photo by Harriet Sturim)

 

City of Wyoming to Hold Memorial Day Ceremony

Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Veterans, Volunteers

Veterans Wyoming

The City of Wyoming will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 7:00 pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW).  Harriet Sturim, 5th District Auxiliary Chaplain, will be the guest speaker for the event, with her address entitled, “Voice for our Veterans”.  The Lee High School band will perform along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard.  Bronson Swan, a graduate of Lee High School, and a veteran, as well, will perform “Taps”.  Mayor Jack Poll will host the ceremony.  In addition, the newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (made possible by Community Development Block Grant funding) will be recognized.
“The City of Wyoming prioritizes the recognition those who have served, and continue to serve, our country in the armed forces,” according to Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services for the City of Wyoming.  “Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to that service.  We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming (Veteran’s Memorial Garden) where we cannot only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, at any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms.”
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people,  parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area.  For more information, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department  at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec.              Veterans Wyoming 2

All Hands On Deck for Talons Out Honor Flight

Local Faces, Veterans

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This is an event that will prove to be inspirational, informative and educational.  Talons Out Honor Flight requests your presence at the Homecoming Celebration for over 110 World War II veterans on May 16, 2015! Talons Out is the Southwest Michigan hub of the National Honor Flight Network who recognizes the sacrifices and achievements of these veterans by flying them to Washington D.C. for a day at absolutely no cost. While in D.C. these servicemen and women will visit the National World War II Memorial as well as several events scheduled to honor their service.

“We are losing close to 900 WWII veterans each day, “explains Talons Out President Bobbie Bradley, “There are fewer than 2 million alive today.” Each veteran deserves to see the elegant memorial raised to honor those who gave so much for our country. Bradley describes the flight as their “final mission.”

The veterans and their guardians will be leaving out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport at 7:00 a.m.  Saturday morning. After a whirlwind of activity in D.C., the flight will land back in Grand Rapids around 8:30 that evening and have a heartwarming patriotic escort to East Kentwood High School. That’s where you come in!

“Everything we do from start to finish is to honor the veterans,” states Jamey Matheny, Flight Day Coordinator. “We would like not only family and friends, but the whole community to come out and show these men and women our gratitude.”

There will be food, entertainment, and an opportunity to make posters to greet the veterans as they roll in.  Come out to East Kentwood field house after 7 p.m. to cheer them on, shake a hand or two, and thank them for their service! It promises to be a day the veterans will remember for the rest of their lives!

“Volunteers are welcome and we want to hear from you if you or your group would be interested in honoring our heroes, “stresses Matheny.  For him and the whole Talons Out crew

Every day is Veteran’s Day!

For more information go to the organization’s website:  Talonsouthonorflight.org

If you know of a veteran who would like to attend a future Honor Flight, the next scheduled mission is September 26, 2015.

World War 2

Peters, Stabenow Applaud $446,875 Federal Investment for Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

Local Business, Our Cities, Veterans,
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U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today applauded a $446,875 federal investment in the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. The grant, which comes from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will go towards installing an anti-wander and security system.
 
“Our brave men and women in uniform have defended our country and freedom, and they deserve the best care possible,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “We must keep the promises that we have made to our veterans, and I applaud this critical investment that will help keep Michigan veterans safe.”
 
“America’s heroes selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our country,” said Senator Stabenow. “Today’s announcement is great news for our veterans in Grand Rapids. Not only will this new security system help make sure they stay safe, it will give their families peace of mind.”
 
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans stretches across 90 acres and provides critical long-term care to veterans, from rehabilitation therapy to spiritual, social, recreational and educational activities. The facility hosts 450 nursing care beds and more than 100 domiciliary beds. The nursing care beds include 115 special needs beds, with two 35-bed nursing units for the care of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and one 45-bed nursing unit for dual diagnoses patients.
 
Senator Peters has been a strong voice for Michigan service members and veterans in Congress. Earlier this year, Peters cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by the President earlier this year to provide additional resources to improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs for veterans.
 
For years, Senator Stabenow has led the fight to make sure they have access to the care and resources they need. She has led efforts to bring VA clinics to Michigan so veterans don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to receive medical treatment. In recent years, new clinics have opened in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Clare, Grayling, and Mackinaw City.