The Graybeards - KWVA - Korean War Veterans Association

Western Ohio #108 Chapter
Special Tribute to Korean Veterans by Native Americans
The chapter had their “Food Booth at Rowdy’s Festival in
Covington, OH - October 6th & 7th. Our total proceeds from the
weekend Festival will go to the 9/11 disasters in New York City
and Washington D.C.
There were 2 Native Americans for Festival entertainment, they
sang 2 songs of tribute to all Veterans. After their part of the program,
Sherri Two Feathers asked our Vets to come and join in, as
they wanted to honor us alone. Sherri’s Indian name is: Tali
Agwadontog. She is Eastern Band Cherokee from the Deer C1an.
Her father was a Sergeant in a demolition Squad in Korea. Sherri
is a nurse, pastor, has 4 children, a prison ministry, makes their traditional
regalia, sings, plays flute and drums their traditional songs
and made their beautiful and colorful clothes. Roger is Ojibway
from the Eagle Clan, Missassauga of the Credit First Nation. His
father was in both WWI and WW2 in the Canadian Army. They
call themselves The Fireside Drums (based out of the New Credit
Reserve First Nation, near Hagerstown, Ont.) Roger & Sherri
(Lalflorme) are married and live in Cayauga, Ont. Canada.
We also met another native American & his name was Harold
Darding. He was of Iroquois/Dutch Heritage. His Indian name was
U-Tsu So’Qui-Li (Singing Horse). He is a flute maker and player,
a story teller and men’s traditional dancer. All our men were rounded
up and Sherri & Roger lined them up for a Grand Entry Ritual.
They sang two honor songs and then danced in and around a circle.
Don Thrash, who is part Cherokee, is one of our Vets. He and
Sherri led them as Don carried the Eagle feather. This all happened
Saturday at 12:45 pm.
The men that danced in the Grand Entry were: Ernie Stahl, Dick
Swartz, Dale Snyder, Harvey Zimmerman, Lee Mendenhall, Don
Thrash, Ron Boram, Joe Ferrier, Gene Bowser, Kenny Williamson
& Buck Clawson. We were disappointed not to have a picture of
this original ‘happening’ On Sunday Tyler Write took our group
picture with Sherri and Roger (shown below). Some from Saturday
could not come back, so we had to pull a few of our Vets from the
Don Thrash, holding the Eagle feather, later joined Sherri & Roger for the
Friendship Dance & some of us missed this dance. The men in this picture
with our hosts- Sherri, Roger are: Back Row - Roger, Sherri, Don Thrash,
Dale Snyder, Ernie Stahl, Lee Mendenhall, Bob Straton. Front Row - Joe
Ferrier, Kenny Williams, Harvey Zimmerman and Doug Birch.
grills again to fill in. It also gave them a chance to meet Sherri and
Roger.
(Thank you Lois Ferrier for photo and letter. A super event.)
Annual Christmas Party
The attendance was great and dinner was excellent (catered by:
The Wooden Shoe Inn of Minster, OH). Every year we have a gift
exchange. Each person brings a gift (marked man or woman) and
Santa Claus usually gives out the gifts with a big HO HO HO. Our
decorations were beautiful and we definitely had the look of
Christmas everywhere.
President Coon and Kathy Clark.
Associate member Janice Petty received special recognition for
all of her faithful services for the many jobs she handles within the
Chapter. This too was one of the highlights of our Christmas party.
President (National KWVA Headquarters) Harley Coon and his
wife Sylvia were our special guests. They drove over 260 miles just
to be with us on this special occasion. We always enjoy their company.
Kathy Clark provided entertainment for the evening. Her
program consisted of songs and lyrics she personally wrote.
Included was “We’re Still Standing Here” This song was written
the day after the attack on America. (See book review this issue
more about Kathy.)
We have a very unusual fellowship within our chapter. It is wonderful
because we all work together to make it happen & this
includes our Associate members as well.
(Again thank you Lois E. Ferrier for photo and letter. You do have
a great chapter and special events.)
In Memory
Owners Don and
Diana Harper of
Somerset, Ky. had their
semi painted to express
their pride and remembrance
about the unifying
effect of the Sept.
11 terrorist attack.
It will be entered in
a number of truck
shows. They are invited
to the big one in
Louisville, Ky. this
coming March.
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