Recap of Moving Wall Event 2014

Michigan Chapter-Legacy
To All Michigan Chapter VHPA Members, September 2014
What will be our legacy? I’m writing to ask for your thoughts and suggestions on how we can preserve our history for future generations. This has been an ongoing discussion with the VHPA as time marches on and our ranks continue to thin.
I recently participated in a teleconference with chapter presidents across the country and this topic came up. One chapter has listed their members on their website and solicited each members’ stories, photos, other memorabilia. For the members who have contributed their histories, their names are underlined on the website roster.
Another thought discussed among our chapter members is to recruit younger associate members – family, friends, history buffs – to carry on with our chapter after the torch has been passed.
To build interest with the younger generations, we need to participate in public events such as the Moving Wall activity we just covered. More hands-on items especially for youngsters would help. We noticed the “grunts” had gear the kids could put on. If anyone has access to military-style flight gear that would be a start. Vietnam era, of course, would be best but anything close would work.
At least two of the other state chapters have non-flying helicopters – UH-1s and an OH-6 – that they use for displays and pull on trailers in parades. The crowd reaction, especially from veterans of all conflicts, has been impressive. I don’t know that we have or get that kind of resource, but it gives an idea of what works.
One chapter has a single individual who actively goes to schools, service clubs, etc. to spread the word. He has a flight suit and other items to show and makes a big impression.
While I’m on this track, we need to find another event to participate in as a chapter next year. The Moving Wall this year was a great opportunity. So if anyone knows of any event next year that sounds like a good fit for us, please let me know.
I’m only expecting to do one major event a year, but don’t hesitate to participate in any event where you can represent us. Just let me know and I’ll put the word out.
Rich Deer
Member and President
Michigan Chapter, VHPA

After Action Report – Moving Wall, Hamburg. Labor Day weekend August 28 – September 1, 2014.

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To All Michigan Chapter VHPA Members,
We have just completed a very successful participation in the Moving Wall activity in Hamburg Township, MI. Chapter volunteers covered three days of our exhibit in the Veterans Village.
We met many veterans, especially Vietnam era, and many members of the public who were interested in our service in Vietnam. We also recruited some new chapter members, including one from an adjacent state chapter (who says you can’t belong to more than one chapter?).
The activity was very large in scale. Besides the Moving Wall as the centerpiece, there were many displays of historical military equipment, uniforms, photos, and other memorabilia. Great attention to detail throughout. It was a huge draw for many in the community and all over the region and beyond. I suspected and confirmed that chapter member Glen Veno was very instrumental in making it all happen, along with many others. Outstanding!
Just to highlight some other activities, there was a Huey provided by American Huey 369 group. http://www.americanhuey369.com It was based a short distance from the park where the Wall was located. They accepted memberships for a fee which then entitled the new member to ride in the Huey. It was very popular as the Huey was overhead frequently, flying over the Wall and the area. The sound of the Huey was unmistakable, of course, and the veterans instantly recognized it. Some of our chapter members took advantage, joined and rode along. And a few even got to ride in the left front seat and fly it.
Another popular event was a Bob Hope USO put on by Lynn Roberts, a great Bob Hope impersonator. He performed Friday and Saturday evening, along with a band and other entertainers each night. Besides Bob Hope, he impersonated Jack Benny, Jimmie Durante, and Red Skelton. All amazingly real with many great jokes.
At least 12 chapter members volunteered to man our booth through parts of the three days we participated. Several wives came as well and added some different perspective to our war stories. As advertised, we also had a gathering at the Zukey Lake Tavern for dinner Saturday before the Bob Hope USO show that evening.
You can find some photos from the event on our website https://vhpami.wordpress.com/ and link to photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/95571247@N07/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-VHPA/176511502507215?fref=photo
Thanks to Bob Rich for his continuing work on our website and Facebook page.
And many thanks to the volunteers who participated. Vice President Dave James and I expect to find another event next year to keep this rolling.
Rich Deer
Member and President
Michigan Chapter – VHPA

Michigan Chapter articles published in “The VHPA Aviator” magazine 2014

November/December issue of
“The VHPA Aviator”
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Additional Thoughts
I must say I agree whole heartedly with your comments. I had a lot of fun and am very happy I decided to participate.
One thing I noticed was that the displays that were doing well had the younger generation involved. Several of the older guys who have been storing and moving from event to event with their displays mentioned to me that they were getting too old to continue. As a movement and to keep the memorials alive we need to somehow recruit younger generations. Like the Civil Air Patrol does. Like the display that had the kids dressing up in jungle fatigues and using mess kits in a GP medium. Did we really look that young back then?
Anyway It was an observation I thought I would throw out there for discussion.
Yes we need more of these type of events. When is the next one?
Charlie Martin

Showing our respect finding inspiration
Each time I go to this memorial, either the granite monument in D.C. or the Moving Wall as we had in Hamburg, Mi., it’s as difficult as it is moving to see. It is sobering and silent as we witnessed a part of our personal history and look up names. I attempt to find some of the twelve from my flight school class, the eight from my unit in country and others from high school and civilian life. I wonder if fate switched places how our lives and families would of been different. You leave remembering young faces, better times and at the same time feeling strength from their sacrifice. Humanity does go on in spite of our losses.
Bob Rich