Members Out and About
February 14th
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025; was a brisk, wintry day as Molly Levi, life member (AVVA/VVA126), and her team enthusically headed to the Brooklyn VA Hospital to host Molly's Annual 'Valentine's For Veterans' 2025, produced by PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc., Molly Levi, Founder! Started many years ago by late chapter life member, Patrick Gualtieri (then known as 'The Goodwill Valentine's Caravan') with an entourage to DC (Walter Reed; Bethesda); Molly continues this annual event, first hosting card-making event with great success!
This year, over 120+ beautiful cards were made by members/guests with Molly's member org - Municipal Bond Women's Club (MBWC). These cards are part of the vast array of items - all freebies - brought to the VA for veterans sharing a 'day of unconditional love'. Molly's team of volunteers was joined in person this year by her generous sponsors, (Dignity Memorial; and U-Haul International) adding to the joy of the event as a resounding success! Well promoted within the VA resulting in greater participation by well over 120+ day-of veteran outpatients; Molly & team were well prepared to greet all veterans with tables adorned with charming Valentine decor and a wide array of assorted goodies including but not limited to: beautiful hand-made Valentine cards (by adults & kids), hats, scarves, gloves, socks, chocolate candy, jewelry, more candy, CDs, DVDs, movies, books, patriotic pins, stationery, hand sanitizer, stress balls, purses, wallets, basket (raffled), patriotic fans, playing cards, one-off special gifts and much more - and beautiful red roses gifted to Molly (thank you, Bill) and shared with veterans who respectfully asked if they could take a rose home for their wife (permission granted)!
Professional entertainer and good friend, Michelle DellaFave, once again entertained the veterans with beautiful songs to the delight of all attendees! Her melodious voice of familiar songs was such a pleasure to hear! Some of our spirited veterans & volunteers were rocking to the music! Pictures were joyfully taken with veterans & volunteers!
Special thanks to my sponsors & volunteers, and too, the Bklyn VA/Darlene for her assistance that helped make this such a successful event... as I continue to receive such positive feedback!
By day's end, we all had big smiles on our faces and lots of love and thanks for our vets - as the veterans continued to thank us so very much, enjoying PLGs... 'Valentine's For Veterans' event and all the freebies they received! Already looking forward to next year and including Manhattan in addition to Brooklyn.
I hope everyone enjoyed a Happy Valentine's Day - a day of 'Unconditional Love' that should last all year. Molly
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.
