The Graybeards - Korean War Veterans Association

President’s Message
I wish all of
Harley Coon
President, KWVA
you a very
happy 2000.
Alot has
b e e n
accomplished
on the
national level
this past year. We
have had two
very productive
Board Meetings
and a great convention
in Mobile
in September. We now have in place an
accounting system that safeguards our
funds, The raffle kicked off in December
and looks to be successful. We are going
to expand The Graybeards by 8 more
pages. We will have 72 pages with more
information about the department and
chapter activities. We want to recognize
more Korean War Veterans and hear more
of their stories. It hard to believe that 50
years ago that company (“B” Co. 35th
Reg. 25th Div.) was in Mizaru, Japan,
repatriating Japanese that were held by the
Russians after WW II. Our Commander at
that time was Capt. Godfery. He was promoted
to Major and transferred to G2. The
last time I saw Captain Godfery was in
Korea in the back of a weapons carrier in
We are going to expand
The Graybeards by 8 more
pages. We will have 72
pages with more information
about the department
and chapter activities.
October 1950. The North Korean had
killed him by cutting him open from his
throat to just above his groin. Experiences
like this, one never forgets.
Warren Weidhan our revisit chairman
is working hard to get as many American
K-Vets to attend the Australian National
Korean War Memorial Dedication. Sir
William Keys was a key note speaker at
our dedication banquet in 1995. He is very
involved in the dedication plans of their
memorial. Many of the Australian Korean
War veterans attended our memorial dedication.
The dedication program starts on
Sunday April 16th and ends on the 18th or
19th. I would suggest signing up with our
revisit chairman as they have several side
trips planned. If you are going to travel
that far I would think it would be great to
see as much as possible.
Elliott Sortillo (l) President Korean Ex-POW Assn. and Harley Coon President KWVA Assn. They are preparing
to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Ceremony on Veterans Day. Wreath
held by Elliott is from Korean Ex-POWs and Harley’s is from the KWVA
Nick Nishmoto of the Hawaii chapter
is once again planning a great Prisoner of
War Day at the Punch Bowl, National
Cemetery. You can contact Nick at (808)
455-5088 for further details.
The Korean EX-Prisoners of War, is
planning a mini reunion which includes
wreath laying ceremony at Arlington
national Cemetery an June 25th 2000.
Please contact Nick Tosques at (302) 537-
7826.
The Mid-Winter board meeting will
held at the Arlington Sheraton National
The meeting dates are March 24, 25, 26th.
the board meeting will be on Saturday
March 25th from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. with a
break at lunch and a tour of the hotel. The
room rates are $95.00 with comp/parking.
One of the important items on the agenda
will be the July 2000 convention. (This
year we join the gathering and hope to
have the best convention yet.) It is time
for all Korean War Veterans to get together
as one unit as we were in Korea.
Another agenda item will be the up coming
elections. There are 7 offices to be
elected. The President, 1st Vice President,
2nd Vice President and 4 Directors.
Because, the nominations are closed
February 15th, it would be a good time for
the candidates for each office to be present
and present their positions on various
issues. This would be a opportune time to
meet those seeking re-election and those
that are running for the first time. Come to
this meeting and see how your KWVA
organization is being administered. All
board meetings are open to members and
anyone wishing to attend our board meeting.
The telephone number of Sheraton
National (703) 521-1900 or (800) 468-
9090. Tell the operator that you are with
the Korean War Veterans Association.
Room Rates will be $95.00. I would like
to have a dinner get together after the
board meeting on Sat. March 25th.
On the 9th of December, my wife
Sylvia and I were invited to Tallahassee
FL. for the dedication of the Florida State
Korean War Memorial. Emmit Benjamin
received much praise for his work in getting
this memorial completed. There was
a great ceremony honoring all the Korean
Please turn to PRESIDENT on page 6
Page 4
The Graybeards