The Graybeards - KWVA - Korean War Veterans Association

Siginaw County Chapter #251 of Michigan
Saginaw County Veterans’ Memorial Plaza. We have our
block granite Korean War Monument located in the $344,000
Plaza. Other monuments are WWI, WWII and Vietnam. We have
three 30 foot tall flag poles in a 50 foot diameter pod and the
other 4 war pods are 25 foot diameter. Of the 26,000 paver bricks
(engraved) we have well over 7,000 bricks for the 4 wars. We
also have 6 welded wire benches, ground lights, irrigation system
and an audio system for school children to listen to each respective
war.
(Thank you Bob Simon for photos and letter. A photo of your memorial would
have helped.)
From left, Wayne Doenges, Chaplain (LTC) Jim Cotter and Ken Kurtz.
Presenting eagle to the Chaplain at Base Chapel.
Fred Bauer (left) and Bob Simon
Quiet Warriors Chapter #133 of Indiana
After three years of receiving thanks our chapter felt it was time
to give thanks to those currently serving our nation. On March 30th
2004 the chapter traveled to the Atterbury Training Center area
where they presented the base with an eagle for their flag staff holding
the American Flag in their Chapel. In addition the chapter made
up a proclamation signed by the Mayor of Ft. Wayne, making April
4, 2004 LTC. (Chaplain) Jim Cotter’s day of honor. Rev. Cotter had
formed the Allen Co./Ft. Wayne Yellow Ribbon group to support
families during the Gulf War I. He was activated for OEF and OIF
and serves as the base Chaplain.
This was presented at the Base Commander’s staff meeting. The
group toured the base and ate lunch in the All Ranks Club. The base
has a full time staff of 600 and prepares activated units for deployment
overseas as well as out processing upon return to the states.
They are particularly proud of the live-fire convoy protection training
they have developed and are using. Two of the chapter members
present had been at Atterbury during the Korean War. The chapter
plans similar visits to the Crane Naval Weapons Base this Fall and
Grissom Air Force Base and Marine Reserve Base next year.
Shown L to R are Dick Loney, Ken Kurtz, Chaplain (LTC) Jim Cotter, Wayne
Doenges. Others shown are Atterbury Base HHC Staff. We are presenting
the Mayors Proclamation to Rev. Cotter.
(Thank you Dick Loney for photos and letter.)
Rockford Chapter #272 of Illinois
Chapter Members are shown with their new float preparing for their second
parade of the day. The Chapter marched in both Freeport Illinois and
Pecatonica Illinois on Memorial Day. The float was originally a John Deere
hay rack that now has permanent benches and signs. Goodyear Tire
Company donated a set of radial tires and members donated over $1,100.
to finish the project. (Thank you Jack Philbrick for photo and letter.)
July/August, 2004 Page 51