Thank You’s

·        I would like to thank the newly elected officers for their commitment to the membership. 

·        As well as, the volunteers from the Veterans’ Committee, (Frank Savickas, Dominic Marsiglia, Leon Chase and myself), who donated their time to drive and escort eleven  Veteran’s and a nurse from the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans to the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington DC May 27-30.

·        Thanks to all who helped and attended the Local 730 picnic held Saturday, June 12.  Many members expressed to me that they had a wonderful time.  What a great day of sunshine and family fun.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the following winners of the Community Service raffle drawn Saturday at the picnic:  Harold Teeter won the grill and Shawn Jones won the $25 gift card to Home Depot.  Thanks to everyone for their participation and support.  

Upcoming Events/Dates to Remember

July 5-16

Plant shutdown, as well as, the Union Hall.

Saturday, July 31

·        Veterans’ Cemetery Gate #2 Project Dedication

·        Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Annual Summer Carnival

August 2-9

Vietnam Moving Wall will be in Whitehall.  The Newaygo County Democrats are attempting to get Presidential Candidate Kerry to attend this.

Saturday, August 7

UAW/GM/Delphi Family Day at the Races

(Rain Day - August 14)

News

·        U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has asked me to participate with the Veterans’ History Project’s Library of Congress under the American Folklife Center to preserve Veterans’ history.

·        John Kerry is coming to Detroit Thursday, June 17.  I have been given the opportunity to meet and greet Senator Kerry at the airport where we will kick off the “National Veterans’ for Kerry” Program.

Flags at Half Mast

Members have inquired how long flags are to be kept at half mast in honor of the passing of past President Reagan.  We were told by Governor Granholm’s office that they are to be kept at half mast for 30 days.  This time frame would run from June 5 to July 5.  They stressed that they are to be kept at half mast July 4, but can be taken back up July 5.  I hope this helps our members who were in doubt.  

In Closing

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.  Please make it a safe and enjoyable one.

Respectfully submitted,

Don Southwell

President