“Merry Christmas and God Bless all of you on the good Earth,” a message broadcast 52 years ago from three veterans orbiting our moon that we share with all our members and supporters.  Apollo 8 is perhaps best remembered today for this broadcast the three astronauts made when they entered the moon’s orbit on Christmas Eve in 1968. As part of 1968’s Apollo 8 mission, astronauts, U.S. Navy Captain Jim Lovell Jr., U.S. Air Force Colonel Borman, and Major General Anders spent the night before Christmas orbiting the moon.  The operation was originally planned to test out the lunar module—later used in the Apollo 11 moon landing—in Earth’s orbit.  But when work on the module fell behind schedule, NASA ambitiously changed the mission plan to a lunar voyage.  Apollo 8 went on to result in a series of breakthroughs for manned space flight as he three astronauts became the first men to leave Earth’s gravitational pull, the first to orbit the moon, the first to view all of Earth from space, and the first to see the dark side of the moon.  Watch the historic broadcast at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLIq9Amyizo

A reminder MN DAV Chapter 39 does not meet in December. Check back in early January for the status of upcoming meetings. Stay Safe and Happy Holidays!

Sholes, Kenneth P., age 71, a resident of Minneapolis and Blaine, Minnesota, passed on Nov. 4, 2020.  A graduate of Hamline University, Ken had a passion for theater, cooking, annual summer vacations with his siblings in Wisconsin, was an equal rights activist, and loved volunteering for fundraising events as a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.  He shared his life’s story on stage at college campuses, the Minneapolis Veterans Home, and the Guthrie Theater as a touring member of the 2015 Telling Project ( thetellingproject.org ). In 2017 his story reached into the homes of millions of viewers, sharing his experiences as a Navy cook during a controversial war as a cast member of the Telling Project and Twin Cities Public Television’s production of Minnesota Remembers Vietnam ( pbs.org/video/the-telling-project-performance-minnesota-remembers-vietnam-zmuqin/ ) Shortly following the televised production, he suffered a stroke and began an arduous journey of recovery dealing with aphasia and partial paralysis.  Undertaking extensive physical and speech therapy he graduated from a nursing home bed to wheelchair, to cane.  With the help and support of his friends, distant family members, Coon Rapids American Legion, Anoka DAV, and Hope Church, he moved into Crest View Senior Community in Blaine, MN. His recovery was a testament to his resiliency and the help and support of his family, fellow Veterans, life-long friends, therapists and doctors of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, U of M School of Dentistry, the DAV, along with his friends and family.  Four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Ken was able to travel, leaving behind his Crest View Senior Community friends and staff to the sanctuary of his sister Jan’s home in Frederick, Maryland.  Utilizing VA telemedicine and support of local veteran organizations he continued his recovery enjoying walks in the outdoors, tackling puzzles, writing cards to his family and friends, and consistently beating his sister at games of scrabble in front of the fireplace. He is preceded in death by parents, Sylvester G. & Margueritte M., and step-sister, Sandra McDaniel.   He is survived by siblings John (Patty) Sholes, Deborah Sholes, Vivian (Jeff) Juneau, and Janet Sholes, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, loving relatives, and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made through a donation to his local DAV.  Your check should be made to “MN DAV Chapter 39” with annotation, “Ken Sholes Memorial.”  Funds will be used to sponsor the 18th Hole at the July 8, 2021 Chapter’s Golf Tournament, held at the Refuge Golf Course in Oak Grove, MN, supporting area Veterans.  Mail to: MN DAV Chapter 39 Adjutant, 3443 136th Ave. NW, Andover, MN 55304.  A Virtual Celebration of Life Ceremony and internment at Fort Snelling Cemetery with military honors to be announced. Guest Book to share your memories of Ken at https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000374706/

From all of us, to all of you, have a SAFE and HAPPY Thanksgiving.

Terry Plaster (November 24, 1942 – November 15, 2020), beloved Husband, Dad & Papa. passed away at the age of 77.  Survived by “His World,” his loving wife, Gloria (Sampson) of 57 years; their sons, Terry Jr. “TJ” & Douglas; his beloved 11-year-old granddaughter and “Light of His Life,” Audrey; grandsons, Cody & Brandon; mother like sister-in-law, Betty Loughrey; siblings Janet, Bill, Mary, Michael & Archie. Preceded in death by his “more than a brother-in-law,” Bob Loughrey.  Terry was loved & respected by many Nieces & Nephews.  Terry served in the U.S. Army and is an active and lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).  He was recently elected as the 2020-21 Commander of MN DAV Chapter 39.  Funeral service at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH BLAINE CHAPEL (107th Ave. NE & Hwy. 65) Monday, November 30th at 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior.  Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  All COVID Regulations will be followed.  Please RSVP using the following link to maintain capacity restrictions.  https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/19008746/Terry-Douglas-Plaster/Blaine/Minnesota/Kozlak-Radulovich-Funeral-Chapels

We are saddened to learn of the passing of two of our MN DAV Chapter 39 members… Ken Sholes and Terry Plaster. Please keep their families in your prayers.  Memorials for Ken Sholes will be sponsoring the 18^th Hole at the 2021 MN DAV Chapter 39’s Golf Tournament.  Terry Plaster chaired the 2020 Golf Tournament which was canceled due to the pandemic and was recently elected as the Chapter’s Commander.  Services, Celebrations of Life, and details of memorials will be published when details become available.

Minnesota DAV Anoka Chapter 39 and The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs invites the community to celebrate and honor Veterans who have served our country. The State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program will be held virtually this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 30-minute program can be viewed on the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs website at https://MinnesotaVeteran.org/VeteransDay2020. The National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery starts at 10 a.m. Central Time, with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. uniformed services. VA will live stream the ceremony at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs.

MN DAV Anoka Chapter 39 November meeting has been cancelled. The Chapter Holiday Party has also been cancelled.

Clothing Drive coming to County Market in Andover, Sat. Oct. 17th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sun., Oct. 18th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Look for our DAV trailer and volunteers in the parking lot. Proceeds from the clothing drive supports area Veterans.

MN DAV Chapter 39 will conduct our monthly meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 6:30 PM. Meetings held at the VFW located at 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Attendance REQUIRES wear of mask THROUGHOUT THE MEETING, maintain social-distancing, and no more than three members per table.