The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 28.
By WKTV Staff
While there will be many Memorial Day events this holiday weekend, events honoring those who died while serving in the various branches of the U.S. military, one of West Michgan’s proudest traditions is the U.S.S. Silversides’ Lost Boat Ceremony.
Also a Memorial Day Weekend tradition, WKTV’s coverage crew will be at the event and will rebroadcast the ceremony multiple times.
This year’s Lost Boat Ceremony, hosted by Muskegon’s U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum, is set for Sunday, May 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the museum, located at 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon.
WKTV will broadcast the ceremony on Cable Channel 25 on Monday, May 29, at 10:15 a.m. and again at 9 p.m. It will also be broadcast Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m.
The ceremony starts with a fly-by featuring “warbirds” — planes from World War II. There is also a special guest speaker, this year U.S. Navy Capt. Fred Bertsch (Ret.). The service will conclude with a 21-gun salute and the starting up of the engine of the U.S.S. Silversides.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools inducted six new members into its Hall of Fame late last month, and while the most Rebel-rousing acceptance speech was given by — no surprise — long-time football coach and educator Thomas DeGennaro, the district’s hall of fame is for more than only athletic personalities.
The induction ceremony, which took place prior to a boys basketball game on Jan. 20 at Lee High School, also included a war hero, a university professor, a long-time school board member, a school band leader and a woman who gave back to the school system almost up to her last day.
Football coach and educator Thomas DeGennaro. (WKTV)
DeGennaro — who has served as teacher, principal and now, again, varsity football coach — was the final of the inductees to speak, and he spoke clearly about what it means to be a Lee High Rebel.
“I have been grateful to work with some of the toughest kids in the United States,” DeGennaro said. “To be a Rebel means you are willing to stand up against the establishment. You have to be willing to put yourself on the line when you stand up. Our kids here do this every day.
“They overcome obstacles that would unimaginable to surrounding districts. Many of our students are immigrants, or children of immigrants, much like my grandparents … These students overcome language, cultural and other challenges that stall most students learning process. Not only do they overcome these obstacles, they excel. … The establishment loves to keep these kids down, but they rebel. They are Rebels.”
DeGennaro’s history in the district includes taking a position on the Lee High faculty in 2002, teaching U.S. History and Geography as well as a variety of other elective social studies courses. But it is on the football field where he did most of his teaching. In 1998, he took over the Rebel football program and coached the first Lee football team ever to make it into the MHSAA playoffs, when his team went 8-2 in the fall of 2006. After an eight-year absence from the sidelines at Lee Field, he returned this past fall and has begun the process of rebuilding a program that has not experience much success since his last season in 2007.
Starting in 2007, the Rebel Hall of Fame selection committee, comprised of members of the Board of Education, district administration, faculty, alumni and the Godfrey-Lee community has selected alumni, staff and other individuals associated with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in recognition of their achievements and contributions.
The six new members joined forty-two other individuals and one athletic team in the Hall of Fame. David Britten, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee School District, was master of ceremonies of the event.
This year’s inductees also included Staff Sgt. Daniel Hayes, Lee High School class of 2004; Dr. Carl J. Bajema, class of 1955; Dennis E. Groendyke, class of 1979 and Board of Education member from 1999 to 2016; Christine Vettese, district SIG Coordinator for 2010 to 2013; and Robert Hill, high school band director from 1967 to 1981.
Douglas Greenwold, class of 1960, was also selected but requested to delay participation in the induction ceremony until 2018.
Personal stories of dedication
Staff Sgt. Hayes is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan military operations where, with the 101st Airborne Division, he earned the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat in Iraq in 2006. He was later personally awarded the Silver Star, the third highest decoration for valor for gallant actions and devotion to duty, while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. In 2011, he sustained another injury and earned a second Purple Heart. His award was accepted by his aunt.
Dr. Carl J. Bajema, with his wife, Claudia.
Dr. Bajema, after graduating from Lee, earned his Ph.D. in zoology from Michigan State University and retired from Grand Valley State University with the designation of Professor Emeritus in 2007 following a forty-three year teaching and scientific research career. He was also the recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.
And his wife, reading from a statement and speaking for him due to a medical condition that hampers his ability to speak clearly, revealed a little of Dr. Bajema’s own history.
“When I learned I was to receive this Rebel award, I dug into my archives for my report cards, I actually had all my report cards,” Claudia Bajema said, as Carl waved an old report card for the audience to see. “Well, I can assure you that anyone viewing those would not conclude that I would be given one of these prestigious awards.
“I left my mark on the high school in an unconventional way. For several years following my graduation … my lab mate and me were given as an example of how not to do experiments. … we were in a hurry and failed to read all the instructions on how to conduct an experiment … (and) a chemical reaction caused an explosion, a volcano of sorts, leaving a very nasty stain on the ceiling.”
Dennis E. Groendyke
Groendyke, Board of Education member from 1999 to 2016, is a lifelong resident of the district who chose to raise his own family of seven children here and watch them attend Godfrey-Lee schools, according to supplied material. He concluded his service this winter following 17 years, including four-and-one-half years leading the board as president. A strong supporter of athletics, he has provided many hours of volunteer coaching for baseball and softball, including weekend clinics for youth during the school year.
“I love this district, I love the people in it, most of all I love the children,” Groendyke said. “My heart will always be here.”
Robert Hill
Hill was Lee High band director from 1967 to 1981, where he yearly took a “sometimes unruly” group of teen musicians unifying them into well organized marching and concert bands, according to supplied material. A visible teacher and mentor, he could be seen leading his bands at every home football and basketball game, believing that the band was central to inspiring young athletes and building school pride. His musical talents also carried him to perform with the Grand Valley State University faculty orchestra.
“This high school has, and always will, have a very special place in my heart,” Hill said. “I will always remember the joy of teaching students.”
Roberta Burke, sister of Christine Vettese.
Vettese was district SIG coordinator from 2010-13. She died in 2015. When Lee High School needed help with academic improvement to get off a state list of low-performing schools, she came out of retirement from East Grand Rapids schools and applied her many leadership, curriculum, and personal relationship skills to serve as a principle leader in that effort, according to supplied material. Through her advocacy, guidance and dogged persistence, she helped secure grants in excess of $3.5 million dollars over the three years to support the work of teachers, administrators, and students.
Her sister, Roberta Burke, accepted the award.
“I know if she were here today, she would say … its all about the students, and how to get them to be the best they can be,” Burke said, pointing to the heavens. “I know she is looking down right now and saying ‘bravo’ ” for what the district has accomplished.
The West Michigan Military and Veterans Career Expo, which is open to active-duty military, veterans and their spouses, will be held Friday, Jan. 27 at Wyoming’s Grand Valley Armory.
The West Michigan Military and Veterans Career Expo will be held Friday, Jan. 27 at Wyoming’s Grand Valley Armory. (WKTV)
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grand Valley Armory gymnasium is located at 1200 44th St SW.
A hiring event is for service men and women in all branches of the military, veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses. Attendees must bring DD214 military identification and copies of resume.
More than 50 employers are expected to attend, including Advance Packaging Corporation, Amway, Arconic, Bayer, Buddy to Buddy, Charter Communications, Cintas, Consumers Energy, CROSSMARK, Custom Profile, Dart Container, Davenport University, DeWys Manufacturing, Directions in Research, DK Security, DTE Energy, Effex Management Solutions for Magna Mirrors, Farmers Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Fusion IT, Gun Lake Casino, Herman Miller, Holland, JBS USA, Jedco, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Macy’s, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Meijer, Metal Flow, Metron Integrated Health Systems, Michigan Army National Guard, Peckham, Perrigo, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Plasan North America, Shape Corp., SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Sunset Communities, TEKsystems, The Empire Company, The Home Depot, Tooling Systems Group, Tradesmen International, Trans-Matic Mfg. Company, Trinity Services Group, TST Tooling Software, Tyson Foods, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, World Financial Group, Wynalda Packaging and Yanfeng.
The event is co-sponsored by West Michigan Works! and the New Horizons Computer Learning Center.
Those planning to attend may register at at WMIVETS but registration is not required.
WKTV’s Government Matters lists a sampling of news released by state and federal officials who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood areas. Among this week’s highlights are Sen. Stabenow nominating 45 students to the military academies and Sen. Peters voicing support for veterans as part of a new Department of Defense bill.
Sen. Stabenow nominates Kentwood student among 45 total in state to military academies
Sen. Debbie Stabenow recently announced her office’s nominations of local students for the service academies. (Supplied)
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced recently the nomination of 45 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
Among those nominated, according to supplied material, were Jarrod Torr, of Kentwood, to the Naval Academy, as well as Grandville’s Luke Ensing and Connor Fischer, both to the West Point.
“Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,” Sen. Stabenow said in supplied material. “Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.”
Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.
Sen. Peters supports defense bill with provisions for state’s veterans
Sen. Gary Peters
On Dec. 8, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.SA. Navy Reserve, helped pass a defense bill which advocates for a pay raise for service members, supports veterans suffering from mental trauma, and advocates for Michigan’s manufacturers and small businesses, according to a press release from the senator’s office.
The National Defense Authorization Act, which sets policy for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2017, passed the House of Representatives, the senate and was then sent to the desk of President Barack Obama for signature.
Among other things, the bill included a 2.1 percent pay raise for service members and, according to supplied information, provides “the necessary tools and resources for our military while ensuring those suffering from the invisible wounds have the support they need after their service,” Sen. Peters said.
A provision helps veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge due to behavior resulting from metal traumas including PTSD. The Fairness for Veterans provision gives liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the service member has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. A less than honorable discharge prevents veterans from accessing Post-9/11 GI Bill opportunities, VA home loans and other benefits. Michigan is home to more than 600,000 veterans, including 50,000 post-9/11 veterans.
Another part of the legislation requires the DoD provide American-made athletic footwear to new military recruits. DoD already applies this policy to uniforms and combat boots, but not athletic footwear. This legislation could boost manufacturers like Wolverine Worldwide with offices in Rockford, which produces Saucony athletic shoes and is a major manufacturer of footwear for the U.S. military.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Take 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.
Today 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.
On 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.
Secretary 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.
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.
VFW 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.
In 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.
“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
U.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
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.
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.
When 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.
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 from 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)
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.
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 SturimPhoto by Harriet SturimPhoto by Harriet SturimThe Lee High School Band Performs. (Photo by Harriet Sturim)
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.
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.
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.
