New officers for MN DAV Chapter 39 include Commander Paul Kampa, Senior Vice Commander Loyd Brandvold, Junior Vice Commander William Gordon, Treasurer Michael Stenquist, Judge Advocate Terry Plaster, and Chaplain Becky Killinger. Leading the new officers in oath is the MN DAV Vice Commander Scott Berndt at the March 18, 2019 chapter meeting. (photo by Ken Plant, Chapter webmaster).
Due to last week’s blizzard MN DAV Chapter 39 meeting has
been rescheduled for Thursday, April 18 at 6:30PM at the Coon Rapids VFW. This
is a very important meeting to elect our new officers. Last month nominations
were made to fill Chapter officer positions. Any member in good standing can
run as a Chapter line officer.
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.
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
