The Graybeards Nov/Dec 2005 - Korean War Veterans Association

Members of 37 are pictured
29’s Elected and appointed officers (L-R) Solis, Aquilera, Castaneda,
Handley, Chang, Dalla Costa, Eubanks, Verrill
37 PFC. JOSEPH R.
JOSEPH R. OULETTE [MA]
Edward C. Fonseca
Each year since the Greater Lowell Korean War Veterans
Association was formed, in September 1991, Chapter 37 has
proudly served the communities it represents by parading, conducting
memorial services, going to square dedications, and participating
in many civic activities. The following are done annually:
parades at Pelham, New Hampshire and Tewksbury,
Massachusetts on Memorial Day weekend; memorial service at
Joseph R Ouellette MOH Memorial, St. Joseph Cemetery,
Chelmsford; Flag Day observances at Tewksbury-Wilmington
Elks; 4th of July Parade, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; Yankee
Doodle Parade, Billerica; and Pearl Harbor observances, Lowell,
Massachusetts.
We have also marched in Franklin, New Hampshire; Horse
Guard Parade, London, England; Lowell, Massachusetts;
ANZAC Parade, Canberra, Australia; and the Horribles Parade,
Woburn, Massachusetts.
We have performed and attended memorials at Tewksbury
Cemetery, Burlington Common, Tomb of the Unknowns, in
Korea (1996 and 1997); Lowell Spinners baseball game, 2000
and 2002; Cathedral of the Pine, Rindge, New Hampshire;
Lowell Cemetery; Tewksbury High School Veterans Day ceremonies;
Massachusetts Korean War Memorial, hosting seniors
from Lowell High School, 2000 through 2003; and multiple veterans
monuments in many towns we represent.
Finally, we have hosted barbeques for hospitalized veterans at
Edith Norse Rodgers VA hospital, 1992 through 2001; sailed on
the retired destroyer Cassim Young (DD937) on many turnarounds;
greeted VFW national commander Nier at the
Massachusetts Korean War Memorial in Cbarlestown,
Massachusetts: greeted VFW state commander Arthur Lettiere in
Lowell; conducted a Tell America program with the Lowell High
School during the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, 2000
through 2003; manned a 24-hour guard on each June 25th at the
Korean War Memorial, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 2000
through 2003.
Indeed, our Chapter has been—and continues to be—very
active.
40 MINNESOTA A #1 [MN]
Bert Hoffman
Chapter Members Participate In Korean War MIA’s Funeral
John Strom, from Fergus Falls, MN, enlisted in the Army at
the age of 17 on February 2, 1950. He attended boot camp at Fort
Riley, Kansas. In September 1950, his ship sailed for Korea,
where John was attached to ”D” Co., 8th Regt., 1st Calvary
Division. On November 1 and 2, 1950, his unit was engaged by
Chinese regulars in the Camel’s Head area of Unsan County,
North Korea. As of that time, all records indicate that his unit
ceased to exist.
37
The Graybeards November - December 2005