Robert Dale Bormes died unexpectedly March 20, 2019, at the age of 72 years old. He was born in St. Cloud, MN on November 10, 1946, to Robert H. and Darlene L. (Liestman) Bormes.  Bob graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1966. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Larson on May 23, 1970, in Anoka, MN. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy from February 1974 to December 1994. While in the Navy, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). Upon leaving the Navy, he earned his electrical degree and worked as an electrician for 15 years. Bob was an active contributor in many organizations. He worshiped at Pine Grove Bible Church, where he organized the local blood drive, among his many forms of service. He was a member of the MN DAV Chapter 39 Honor Guard since 1994 and served as chaplain. He was active in the Minnesota Church of God state board and involved with the annual state church camp. He could always be counted on for building projects for the Church of God, for family, and for friends. Bob will be missed by so many people. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his bride of 48 years, Shirley, along with their sons Robert J. (Cheryl) and Brian A. (Jetmi). Also missing him terribly will be his grandchildren whom he adored: Emily, Samuel, Hannah, Kennedy and Isaiah. Bob will be missed so much by his father, Robert, and siblings: Karen (David) Hansen, Gary (Ailll), David (Carlene), Mark (Julie) and Pam (Mike) Theisen along with many nephews and nieces. Bob was preceded in death by his mother in 2009. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob may be donated to the American Cancer Society, DAV, or the American Red Cross.

Wearing your purple today? “Purple Up! for Military Youth,” is an initiative encouraging everyone to show their support by wearing the color purple April 15th.  The choice of color comes from a combination of all the military branch colors, symbolizing bringing all military children together in celebration.  More than 15,000 children in Minnesota have been affected by a parent’s deployment. In honor of their sacrifice Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will send children of Service Members and Veterans a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice. Link to register: https://www.mdva.state.mn.us/motmc/

CALL TODAY… We need a MINIMUM of 42 Chapter and Unit members to make the May 5th Treasure Island Casino trip a “GO” this Spring. Cost is $25.00 which includes a $3.00 meal ticket and $15.00 casino play credit. Call Unit members Dorothy Hegna at (763) 571-4042, or Nancy Berndt (763) 427-3544, or Diane Bohlman (763) 757-1550 to sign up and receive details on where and when the casino bus will depart.

Volunteers are needed to keep our Chapter engaged in supporting our area Veterans, organizations and initiatives. As our adjutant takes on new responsibilities at the state level we are in need of volunteers to take minutes, help with the Chapter newsletter, write letters for donations, set up and maintain our new portable audio system, and serve on the golf and fund-raising committees. You can “step up” to the plate at this week’s April 11th meeting, 6:30 PM, at the VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433.

We need your leadership skills! To accomplish this magnificent tradition we need people like you to help with FFFS operations. Sign up for a leadership position by clicking the “Delegate” this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/delegate-registration-2019-registration-57941188655

Between 1964 and 1973, millions of Americans deployed to Southeast Asia to fight in the Vietnam War. Today, we pause for National Vietnam War Veterans Day to recognize the veterans who served in the war and thank them for their service.  More at https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/57181/national-vietnam-war-veterans-day-2/

Stacy Pearsall’s passion for combat photography led her to document some of the most dangerous and inspiring moments of her unit’s deployment in Iraq. When her spine was injured, however, she lost that passion and was left feeling uncertain about her future. Meeting veterans who knew exactly what she had been through reignited her desire to tell stories through photography. Today, Stacy works with the Veterans’ Portrait Project, photographing veterans of all ages from all around the country, produced in partnership with Disabled American Veterans.  More at https://moments.org/watch/stacy-pearsall/?fbclid=IwAR2c4RD930WP2RNiPYzUlmD9QxwO9JIWydd5K4uV0r8lBiJzLmQSsItvKiM

“I would like to thank all of our Veterans and supporters who traveled to St. Paul yesterday to a be a part of Veterans Day on the Hill 2018,” shares Trent C Dilks, Legislative Dir., DAV, Dept. of MN. “The turnout was amazing and it sent a clear message that we as a Veterans community are engaged and paying attention. It was nice to see all of the service organizations, cvso’s and other groups working together towards one goal.  If you have any questions, would like an update or visit please contact me at [email protected] or 651-788-3186.”

Hundreds Of Veterans Rally In Solidarity At Capitol. Watch local CBS coverage at…https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/03/20/hundreds-of-veterans-rally-in-solidarity-at-capitol/?fbclid=IwAR0d_siEthv7L_yPsezr92qnD5pdlU86b0iJcD8j15knXhJZDJOuHzljhuM#.XJS4HH2xUvM.facebook

Veterans Day on the Hill Pre-rally Lunch (free) at 10:30 am, March 20th, at the St. Paul Armory (600 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55101). At 12:45 Veterans March to the rally (line-up at the Minnesota Veterans Bldg, 20 West 12st St., St. Paul, MN 55101). Based on the number of DAV members interested in participating, we may or may not have a bus. Call the Chapter Adjutant, Scott Berndt, if you plan on attending.

MN DAV Chapter 39 and Auxiliary Unit 39 Grocery Bagging Fund Raiser in Andover at County Market Dollar Days, Wed. March 20, 2019 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Proceeds support local Veterans.