
Members Out and About
February 5th

I was invited by Don Bak to attend this lovely, patriotic gathering today of about 80 Korean American vets and their ladies today in Bayside, Queens. Their meeting had the flags of Korea and the USA, and most attendees were in military uniforms. They sang the National Anthems of Korea and the USA, and one vet added "God Bless America".
I was seated at a prominent table that included former high-ranking Korean vets, Bae Kwang Soo, Don Bak, and David Song. James Chung was the MC introducing many attendees for brief presentations using excellent microphones and speakers.
In my brief presentation as VVA126 Secretary, I spoke about: the Veterans Day Parade that included KAVVA members; my grandfather coming to this country in 1910 to make a better life as many of them had done after the Vietnam War; our monthly VVA126 chapter meetings; and the upcoming “Veterans Day at the Races” Fund Raiser.
Food and drinks were then served family style, photos were taken, and I was thanked many times for coming to their celebration, including KAPAGNY president Christine Colligan.
I thoroughly enjoyed attending and being a part of their patriotic meeting.
Marty
January 28th

Our participants, including AVVA and VVA Chapter 126 members Marleen "Molly Levi, joined by Michelle DellaFave and Monica LaCassange
On a brisk Tuesday, Molly held her annual 'Valentine's For Veterans' card-making event with members of her Municipal Bond Women's Club and other friends and guests! Common goal: create beautiful, handmade cards for our veterans to be presented on Valentine's Day as part of Molly's annual event at the VA.
Approximately 18 people attended to participate in this production; supporting our veterans with Valentine wishes and thanks for their service. We enjoyed snacks, wine/prosecco, candy, cookies and more! It was in part social engagement coupled with card-making for end result: 100+ Valentine's Day cards! There was a positive and supportive vibe in the room as participants were laser-focused on crafting great cards - with much success!
September 30th
Jayne and her family and I attended the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund’s “Walls of Honor Dedication “ Jayne's dad (George Schurr, USN) and brother in law’s (Joseph Koloski, USA) names were added to the Walls. George served in the Omaha Beach invasion, and Joseph served as a MP in Vietnam.


September 11th
VVA Receives President of the Korean Vietnam Veterans Association
The VVA National Officers received Hwajong Lee, President of the Vietnam War Veterans Association Republic of Korea; Don Bak, President of General Association of Korean Vietnam Veterans of US; and a delegation of Korean Vietnam War veterans.

July 5th thru July 28th
Chapter member Phil Milio and Alex Angel the creator of our Agent Orange plaque will be exhibiting their artistic creations at this prestigious art exhibit.
Journeys Onward: Military Veterans' Experiences
Curated by Omar Columbus, a U.S. Air Force veteran and photographer, Paul M. Murray, an award-winning photographer and son of two WWII veterans, the 2023 exhibit includes about 100 works across many mediums from over 40 veteran artists from across the nation. Open to the public. Free to attend.
Salmagundi Club of New York
47 Fifth Avenue @ 12th St
New York, NY 10003
1 pm to 7pm
July 3rd
Chapter member Benny Marrero represented VVA Chapter 126 with the honor of ringing the closing bell at the NASDAQ stock exchange.

June 24th
Our Chapter president Fred Gasior had the honor of being the keynote speaker at the Korean American Veterans Organization celebrating the end of the Korean War. Also in attendance were Nick Reynolds and Dave Dana.
