Fall 2012 - Vol. 11, No. 2
Celebrate and Be Honored Mindy Honey, Branson Tri-Lakes News
It has been nearly 20 years since Tony Orlando hosted his first free Veterans Day show in Branson to a few hundred people. That show was the start of what has now evolved into Veterans Homecoming week when thousands of veterans gather in Branson to be celebrated and honored. While Orlando will once again host his free show, “Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute,” at 2 p.m. Veterans Day, numerous other activities are planned in the week leading up to Veterans Day. The popular mini-reunions will return this year, giving warriors a chance to reunite with fellow soldiers they served alongside. The popular day room, hosted by Chip and Sandy Milner will also return this year to Factory Merchant Branson, often referred to as the Red Roof Mall.
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Since last year’s homecoming, the mall is now a city redevelopment project. Stores have relocated elsewhere in Branson and future plans for the mall have yet to be decided. In the meantime, the city of Branson has made the complex available for Veterans Homecoming. You’ll not only find the day room, but also the lunch room where free lunch will be served to veterans once again from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 6-10, and Veterans Village, where vendors will be on hand throughout the week. Several shows are planned to help kick off the week. The “Patriotic Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week” is set for 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at Yakov’s theater. The free event will feature entertainment and speakers. You’ll also want to mark your calendar for the new “Vets for Vets” welcome show set for 5 p.m. that day at The Starlite Theatre. Performers in the USO-style show are veterans and active-duty personnel who perform in various Branson shows. This is also a free show for veterans and their families.
Veterans Homecoming November 5-11 ExploreBranson.com/Veterans
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1897 Branson, MO 65615
PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BLACC/CVB
20628
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The Branson Bugle
Make ‘Vets for Vets’ part of your plans Ernie Bradley, Branson Veterans Task Force Chairman
Veterans week 2012 is fast approach-
Eddie Beesley will be the guest speaker at the opening of the Vietnam Traveling Wall Nov. 5 at Welk Resort.
ing. The Vietnam Traveling Wall will open Veterans week on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Welk Resort at 10 a.m. The guest speaker will be Eddie Beesley, aka “Mr. Branson.” (By the way, I highly recommend you read Eddie’s book “Lucky Enough”). All of our Veterans week Task Force events will be at the Factory Merchants Branson (aka the Red Roof Mall), buildings 5 and 6, on Gretna Road. The Branson Veterans Task Force has two buildings at the Red Roof Mall that will accommodate all of our Veterans week activities — Day Room, Veterans’ Village, Walls of Heroes, and the Veterans’ lunch program. The Veterans’ Village space will be much larger this year. As in the past, veterans will receive a free lunch; we request a $5 donation
Veterans Homecoming is held annually in Branson Nov. 5-11 and includes dozens of reunions, activities, ceremonies and salutes honoring our nation’s heroes.
NOV. 5, 2012
Mindy Honey | Branson Tri-Lakes News
from non-veterans. The task force office is now located at Red Roof Mall in building 6. The Starlite Theatre and the Branson Veterans Task Force continue their plans for the Veterans week openErnie ing show “Vets For Vets” at Bradley 5 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 5. The Starlite Theatre is located at 3115 W. Highway 76. This show is unique in that the entertainers and the show producer are veterans providing entertainment for veterans. The 5 p.m. showtime was chosen to allow our visitors to schedule their activities easier. As you know, the Branson Veterans Task Force is an all-volunteer organization. If you are in the Branson area and
would like to help us in our projects and programs, contact our office at 417-3378387. The activities we can provide are limited by the number of volunteers we have to share the responsibilities.
VENDORS
SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE
VETERANS VILLAGE
SALUTE
VETERANS HOMECOMING EVENTS
NOV. 4, 2012 SKAGGS
VETERAN’S WALL Where: Skaggs Cafe at Skaggs Regional Medical Center Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10 Skaggs Regional Medical Center will have a wall exhibit near its cafeteria, displaying photos and biographies on its employees and their families who are active duty or veteran U.S. military. VIETNAM
MEMORIAL WALL Where: Main lobby of Grand Country Music Hall on 76 Country Boulevard When: Open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone: 417-335-2484 This free exhibit will showcase hundreds of patches collected from all branches of the military service. Each patch holds special meaning for the branch, division or unit represented. It is a collection in progress and patch donations are welcome.
The Branson Bugle
TRAVELING EXHIBIT OPENS
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL When: Nov. 5 Time: 10 a.m. Where: Welk Resort Branson Phone: 800-505-9355 An opening ceremony for the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be held at Welk resort during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration. This moving tribute to fallen and missing Vietnam veterans will be open to the public. A special locator book will be available to assist visitors in finding specific names. The wall will be open Nov. 5-12.
When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday Where: Factory Merchants Branson Phone: 417-337-8387 Find out about area veteran organizations. OPENING CEREMONY
PATRIOTIC WELCOME TO VETERANS HOMECOMING Where: Yakov’s Theatre Time: 2 p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 This event is free to veterans and their families.
REGISTRATION AND
BUTTON SALES Where: Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 2900 Green Mountain Dr. When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 417-230-2278 Register with Branson Veterans Events & Reunions for the week and pick up the second Veterans Homecoming Week Button for $5.
AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
TEA
AND
COOKIES
When: Nov. 5-11 Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian Phone: 417-336-2935, ext. 104 Veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy Victorian tea and cookies compliments of Hotel Grand Victorian.
TO VETERANS Where: Showboat Branson Belle Time: 4 p.m. cruise Cost: $44 plus tax, gratuity not included Phone: 417-618-9283 The Showboat Branson Belle, a 700-seat 1890’s paddle wheeler, is America’s largest ship ever built on a landlocked lake. The Showboat Branson Belle will host a special salute to veterans, including a meal, cruise and show. WELCOME SHOW
VETS
FOR
VETS
Where: The Starlite Theatre Time: 5-7 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 A USO-style show performed by veterans and active duty personnel including No. 1 Hits of the 60s, the TV series ‘China Beach,’ pianist Dino, Keith Allynn’s Neil Diamond Tribute and more. The show is free to veterans and their families. Donations will be accepted. The show is presented by the Branson Veterans Task Force. EVENTS
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Opening ceremony, tribute to spouses on tap Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions Director Make sure to check out our s we prepare for Veterans new event, A Salute to Homecoming week, we’re excited about all Veterans Spouses Luncheon, of our events scheduled this year. set for Nov. 7. Remember this is an election year so if For those who wish to paryou’re going to be in Branson for the open- ticipate in the Sporting Clays ing ceremony on Nov. 5 you’ll want to con- Shoot, you can go to our sider an absentee ballot. Just be sure to website and download the vote. Arlen registration form and mail it Branson Veterans Events & Reunions to Ozark Shooters. Lipper have the following events set for this The registration form is at November: the opening ceremony, Veterans the bottom of the home page. Sporting Clays Shoot at Ozark Shooters This year we’re having a registration at Sports Complex; Persian Gulf War Mini- our temporary office at 2900 Green Reunion at Golden Corral; the first Spouses Mountain Dr., where you can purchase Luncheon, the Women Veterans Mini- your Commemorative Collectors Button at Reunion at Golden Corral; the Korean War our office. Part of the proceeds will go to Veterans Mini-Reunion at Stone Castle benefit homeless veterans and assist Hotel & Conference Center and Walmart wounded warriors. Don’t forget to get yours and help our veterans. There is a limTribute to Veterans.
A
ited supply. Watch our website for updates. We had a successful Vietnam veterans event in March and are looking forward to our second one in April of 2013. Please see the article in this issue of the Bugle. As we honor our veterans here at home, we want to remember those still serving here and around the world; we also want to remember the families of those serving as they are making the sacrifice of taking care of the home front. It’s not easy on the family not knowing where their loved one is serving. Let’s take some time each day to remember our fallen heroes and those serving in harm’s way with our prayers. We hope to see you in Branson for Veterans Homecoming Week weather your coming from afar or locally, drive safe. We’re working on new events, so please
watch our event calendar and look at our newsletter online at bransonveteransevents.com.
SPORTING CLAY SHOOT
AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
VETERANS HOMECOMING EVENTS
NOV. 5, 2012
TRIBUTE
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SKAGGS
VETERAN’S WALL Where:Skaggs Regional Medical Center Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10 Skaggs Regional Medical Center will have a wall exhibit near its cafeteria, displaying photos and biographies on its employees and their families who are active duty or veterans of the U.S. military.
NOV. 6, 2012 DAILY
REVEILLE Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 7 a.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 DAILY
DAY ROOM Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Enjoy coffee and cookies and a chance to meet new friends.
POW/MIA SERVICE
Where: Vietnam Memorial Wall at the Welk Resort Time: 8 a.m. Web: pownetwork.org Phone: 417-336-4232 Special guest speaker will be former POW Capt. William Robinson. The event is hosted by the POW Network. BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE
VENDOR VILLAGE When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday Where: Factory Merchants Branson Phone: 417-337-8387 Find out about area veteran organizations. REGISTRATION AND
BUTTON SALES Where: Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 2900 Green Mountain Dr. When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 Register with Branson Veterans Events & Reunions for the week and pick up the second Veterans Homecoming Week Button. The button is $5 and a portion of the proceeds will go to help veterans.
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SHOOT
WITH A
VET
Where: Ozark Shooters Sports Complex Time: 9 a.m.-noon Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 Pre-register by Oct. 29 and be entered into a special drawing. Fees include 100 targets, drawing for door prizes. Furnish your own shells. This event is hosted by Branson Veterans Events & Reunions. FREE FOR VETS
LUNCH Where: Factory Merchants Branson Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Free for veterans; $5 per guest. The lunch is sponsored by local Steve Weyher in building 6, along with Veterans Village. GATHERINGS PLUS
VIETNAM MINIREUNION Where: Camden Conference Center Time: noon-5 p.m. Web: reunionpro.com Phone: 417-338-4048 Enjoy lunch, entertainment and drawings for show tickets and gifts. This is a great time to catch up with old friends, as well as make some new ones.
VICTORIAN TEA AND COOKIES
When: Nov. 5-11 Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian Phone: 417-336-2935, ext. 104 All veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy Victorian tea and cookies compliments of Hotel Grand Victorian in Branson. JERRY FORD ORCHESTRA
BIG BAND DANCE Where: Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Parish Center on Vaughn Drive in Branson. Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Web: jerryfordorchestra.com Phone: 800-689-3969 Jerry Ford’s 14-piece orchestra from Cape Girardeau will have three performances during the Branson Veterans Homecoming week for big band dancing. Sessions will also be held Nov. 7 and 8 at the Catholic church parish center on Vaughn Drive. The sessions are sponsored by Bank of Missouri. According to organizers, this is the first time big band dancing has been offered during Branson’s Veterans Homecoming week. EVENTS — cont. on 5
The Branson Bugle
VETERANS HOMECOMING EVENTS
NOV. 6, 2012 cont. from 4
SKAGGS
VETERAN’S WALL Where: Skaggs Cafe at Skaggs Regional Medical Center Web: skaggs.net Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10 Skaggs Regional Medical Center will have a wall exhibit near its cafeteria, displaying photos and biographies of its employees and their families who are active duty or veterans of the U.S. military. TRAVELING EXHIBIT
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL When: Nov. 5-12 Time: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Welk Resort Phone: 800-505-9355 Welk Resort in Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration. This moving tribute to fallen and missing Vietnam veterans will be open to the public. 237TH MARINE CORPS
BIRTHDAY BALL Where: Chateau on the Lake When: Nov. 6 Time: 5 p.m.-midnight Phone: 800-569-3493 The annual celebration will include keynote speaker Kenneth T. McCabe, who served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. McCabe was in charge of the evacuation of more than 6,000 individuals including PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat from Beirut, Lebanon, and participated in a prisoner exchange between the PLO and Israel. While assigned to the Basic School, Quantico, Virginia, McCabe received an appointment as a Special Agent in the FBI. He retired as a member of the Senior Executive Service in the FBI after 21 years. DAILY
RETREAT Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 5 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387
The Branson Bugle
NOV. 7, 2012 DAILY
REVEILLE Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 7 a.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 DAILY
DAY ROOM Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Enjoy coffee and cookies and a chance to meet new friends while relaxing at the day room. MINI-REUNION
PERSIAN GULF WAR
JERRY FORD ORCHESTRA
DAILY
BIG BAND DANCE
RETREAT
Where: Our Lady of the Lake Parish Hall Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Web: jerryfordorchestra.com Phone: 800-689-3969 Jerry Ford’s 14-piece orchestra from Cape Girardeau will have three performances during the Branson Veterans Homecoming week for big band dancing. The sessions are sponsored by The Bank of Missouri. FREE FOR VETS
LUNCH Where: Factory Merchants Branson Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Free for veterans; $5 per guest. A SALUTE TO VETERANS
SPOUSES LUNCHEON
Where: Golden Corral Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 This reunion is for those who served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. It includes breakfast in the show room, speakers, entertainment, drawing for door prizes. The reunion is free to veterans and their families. Please RSVP for this event.
Where: Radisson Hotel Time: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 Branson Veteran Events & Reunions will honor spouses of veterans and thank them for their service while their spouse served our country. Speaker, entertainment and door prizes. Please RSVP by Nov. 1. This is a free event.
BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE
VETERAN’S WALL
VENDOR VILLAGE When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Where: Factory Merchants Branson Phone: 417-337-8387 Find out about many area veteran organizations. REGISTRATION AND
BUTTON SALES Where: Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 2900 Green Mountain Dr. When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 Register with Branson Veterans Events & Reunions for the week and pick up the second Veterans Homecoming Week Button. The buttons are $5 each and portion of the proceeds will benefit veterans.
Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 5 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387
NOV. 8, 2012 DAILY
REVEILLE Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 7 a.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 MAIN STREET CRUISES
NAVAL CEREMONY Where: Main Street Lake Cruises When: Nov. 8 Time: 8 a.m. Phone: 417-343-5079 Main Street Lake Cruises will host Lost At Sea Naval Ceremony. DAILY
DAY ROOM Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 FREE FOR VETS
SKAGGS Where: Skaggs Cafe at Skaggs Regional Medical Center Web: skaggs.net Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10 TRAVELING EXHIBIT
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL When: Nov. 5-12 Time: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Welk Resort Branson Phone: 800-505-9355 Welk Resort Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial. AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
VICTORIAN TEA AND COOKIES When: Nov. 5-11 Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian
LUNCH Where: Factory Merchants Branson Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Free for veterans; $5 per guest. BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE
VENDOR VILLAGE When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Where: Factory Merchants Branson Phone: 417-337-8387 REGISTRATION AND
BUTTON SALES Where: Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 2900 Green Mountain Dr. When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 EVENTS — cont. on 12
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Plans for Annual Military Gala & Banquet under way Mary Schantag, P.O.W. Network
T
he P.O.W. Network will again host this year’s 16th Annual Military Gala & Banquet — Branson’s longest-running military salute held during the Veterans Homecoming celebration. The semi-formal event will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Chateau on the Lake on Friday, Nov. 9, starting at 5 p.m. with a social hour, cocktails and dancing before dinner. Portraits are available for those attending. Once the dinner call is sounded at 6, the evening, patterned after a military dining out with emcee LCDR Michael O. Jones, USN (Ret) and President of the Mess, LTC James P. Schreffler will start with the Colors being posted, a moving candlelight POW/MIA service, military toasts and introductions of those being saluted in 2012. This year Purple Heart recipients and wounded warriors from all conflicts are being recognized. Action Impact Ministries will entertain our guests during dinner with a patriotic tribute of music and mime. These young students delight audiences with their rou-
tines. Their message of faith, family and country is a special, moving tribute, not only for the veterans and active-duty service members in attendance, but for their family and friends, as well. They have performed at Fort Leonard Wood for activeduty troops at the invitation of the base commanding officer after he saw an earlier performance in Branson. During intermission, guests will enjoy an outdoor display of American-made fireworks, produced and provided by local vendor A.M. Pyrotechnics. During the second half of the gala, a special recognition, the True American Hero Award will be presented by MOZARK MOAA and then the Patriotism Award will be presented by the evening’s host, the P.O.W. Network. Event sponsors are also recognized. The evening continues with more dancing to the strains of the Moonlighters. The group is comprised of talented veteran musicians from the Springfield area. Information or reservations are available by calling 417-336-4232 or emailing
file photo | Branson Tri-Lakes News
info@pownetwork.org. Tickets are $55 per person and include dinner, entertainment, wine or non-alcoholic juice for toasts and
dancing. Reunion groups are asked to make reservations early, as seating is limited and no tickets are available at the door.
Fake Warriors Project to host seminar Mary Schantag, P.O.W. Network
The Fake Warrior Project will host a Round Table Seminar on the epidemic of military impostors at Factory Merchants Branson in Veterans Village the week of Veterans Homecoming. The event will start at 3 p.m. on Nov. 8. The easiest entry to the event is from the Gretna Road entrance. The P.O.W. Network’s Chairman, Mary Schantag, and former Navy SEAL Steve Robinson, author of “No Guts, No Glory — Unmasking Navy Seal impostors,” will lead the discussion. Henry Mark Holzer, the author of Fake Warriors and Fake Warriors second edition will participate by teleconference. Other leading experts and authorities will be available to answer questions. Topics will include: Stolen Valor Act Unconstitutional, now what?; Free Speech versus impersonation and medal wear; Why phonies succeed; Military documents, forgery, file salting and consequences; Self-submit databases and oral histories — and how they complicate factual history; No quick fix, but how a public data-
base can help; How to verify claims, who can help; Fake Warriors II, the revised new edition by Henry and Erika Holzer: The SF 180 form and membership drives. Robinson starts his book with a quote that can be adapted for any branch, by any investigator, regarding any doubtful military credentials claim: “Those who undertake to impersonate U.S. Navy Seals, for whatever purpose, are a disgraceful insult to every man and woman who ever served honorably in any branch of America’s armed forces...” Schantag has been exposing those making false military claims for more than two decades. As social media sites flooded the Internet and reports of claims exploded, the P.O.W. Network reached out to experts across the county for help verifying the tales. An ever-growing team developed, representing all branches of military service, including the most elite military retirees and experts that could be found. Robinson became the “go-to” expert on Navy Seals. This past summer, 23 years after it
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was founded, the Network found it necessary to expand. It established The Fake Warrior Project, a Division of the P.O.W. Network. The website, fakewarriors.org, is exclusively dedicated to exposing those individuals who steal the honor and glory of legitimate veterans, while suffering none of the nightmares or pain that so many veterans face daily. In its Supreme Court Ruling overturning the Stolen Valor Act, the justices stated, “And it has not shown, and cannot show, why counter-speech, such as the ridicule respondent received online and in the press, would not suffice to achieve its interest…” The “counter-speech” referenced in the Supreme Court ruling involves ongoing voluntary efforts by citizens and veterans’ organizations to focus the spotlight of public awareness on military impostors, to enlist the participation of the press in that effort, and to shame fake warriors into ceasing their disgraceful charade. For further information, call 417336-4232.
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Big band dancing set for 2012 homecoming Mindy Honey, Branson Tri-Lakes News
World War II-style big band
courtesy of The Bank of Missouri
The Jerry Ford Orchestra will perform in Branson Nov. 6-8.
dancing is coming to Branson this Veterans Homecoming. The Bank of Missouri announced earlier this year it has partnered with Jerry Ford’s 14piece orchestra from Cape Girardeau and will have three performances during the Branson Veterans Homecoming week in November. “This is the first time big band dancing has been available to our veterans in Branson,” said David Cook, president of The Bank of Missouri in Branson. “The Bank of Missouri’s mission is to give back to the communities we serve. We are all proud of our veterans and happy to bring this event to them and the public.”
Ford has been entertaining audiences throughout the Midwest for decades, has performed with many national performers, and has played for the past five Missouri Inaugural Balls in Jefferson City. “We are excited to bring our big-band style of music to Branson,” Ford said. Dances will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Parish Center on Nov. 6, 7 and 8. For tickets, call 800689-3969. The dances are set for 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7; and 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Parish Center on Vaughn Drive in Branson.
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Women veterans honored at Rose Petal Ceremony Branson Veterans Task Force Women Veterans Committee
Women veterans from all services, guard
Officers’ School, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Air War College. After retirement, she became a best-selling author with more than 90 novels to her credit. The University of Oklahoma named her Oklahoma Writer of the Year. For more information about Lovelace, visit merlinelovelace.com. Amy Bennett, Women Veterans coordinator for the state of Missouri, will be the keynote speaker at the Rose Petal Ceremony. She served in the United States Air Force from 1993-1997. As an E4, her job was Inventory Management Specialist. Bennett has been with the Missouri Veterans Commission since 2010, first as a Veterans Service Officer and, as of last April, Women Veterans Coordinator. In her current position, she conducts outreaches for women veterans in Missouri, prepares reports to include statistical data reflecting the number of women veterans and is senior editor for the quarterly Missouri Women Veterans
Newsletter. For more information or to make reservations, call Barb Riggle at the Branson Veterans Task Force 417-337-8387. For more information, visit bransonveterans.com.
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and reserves will be honored at the 8th Annual Tribute to Women Veterans on Nov. 9 at Stone Castle Hotel Conference Center at 3050 Green Mountain Dr. in Branson. The tribute includes a Rose Petal Ceremony and Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. Retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon, veteran and award-winning author Col. Merline Lovelace and Missouri’s Women Veterans Coordinator Amy Bennett are all slated to speak at the event. Gen. Aragon will introduce Col. Lovelace, the speaker for the luncheon. Gen. Aragon is the first female and the fourth Oklahoma Secretary of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. She is the liaison to the governor for all Oklahoma military and veterans’ issues. She participates and facilitates the Oklahoma Military Strategic Planning Group that helps ensure the stability and growth of the communities and facilities of the five mil-
itary installations in the state. She is tasked to develop programs that support current military and veterans individually and in total. Gen. Aragon served as the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, the first female to command a state’s Air National Guard and the first female of Native American Ancestry to become a general officer. Col. Merline Lovelace graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin with a major in German and a minor in Russian. She also studied Mandarin Chinese at Princeton University and Middlebury College in Vermont; earned a Masters from Troy State University, Alabama; and attended Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. During her 23-year military career, Col. Lovelace served tours in Taiwan, Vietnam and at the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She commanded Eglin Air Force Base, the biggest and best base in the Air Force, and is a distinguished graduate of Squadron
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Champion archer to share story at Hand in Hand Marlyce Stockinger, Branson.com
Branson is the home of the Hand In Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients. The event is sponsored by Branson.com. In April, for the past four years, Branson has opened its arms and wrapped them around the combat wounded of the United States. There are three days of healing and sharing that goes on in this little community in the Ozarks. The first time an event such as this has ever been done for the Purple Heart recipients and those that attend are so grateful to our community for the love, respect and honor they receive from everyone while they are in our special community. Each year a keynote speaker joins the group and shares his or her story with the attendees and offers them hope. The 2013 guest speaker has been chosen and event coordinator, Marlyce Stockinger, is very excited.
Chuck Lear, a double-amputee as a result of wounds suffered in Vietnam, is one of the finest archers in the world and he will be here for the entire three-day event to share his story. “It was a shock and led to some dark moments,” Lear said. “We weren’t supposed to drink in the hospital, but I did, a lot. It was my way of dealing with the situation.” He said one day a counselor told him plainly his arm and the leg would not grow back and he needed to pull himself together and move on with his life. So began a recovery battle and trying to find himself. It led Lear to becoming a World Champion Archer. He started taking this sport seriously in 2001 and today he has medals and has represented the U.S. in international competition on several continents. He is a two-time Paralympian and a threetime world championship team member,
who won his first major international medal in 2011, taking silver along with two teammates at the World Para Archer Championships in Turin, Italy. Lear is a humble, quiet man and his personal story from battlefield wounded and “accomplished alcoholic,” to a world champion athlete is a story that offers inspiration, hope and excitement for life. “We are only limited by what we are afraid to try,” Lear said. For more information about Chuck Lear’s visit to Branson or Hand In Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients, call 417-334-2360 or visit branson.com or veteransgalleria.com. Hand In Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients is set for April 25-27, 2013, and will include guest speakers, entertainment, a fishing tournament, fish fry, motorcycle run and closing ceremony. Registration open Jan. 15.
PURPLE HEART CITY | Branson recognized as place for wounded warriors
courtesy of Branson.com
Chuck Lear, a double-amputee, will share his story in April.
NAVAL EVENT ADDED TO HOMECOMING At 8 a.m. Nov. 8, Main Street Lake Cruises, located at the Branson Landing, will host the First Annual Lost At Sea Naval Ceremony. Owner Larry Milton is a former Marine. Milton and General Manager Steve Johnson, a former seabee in the Navy Reserves, came up with the idea. They contacted Carl Dietrich, retired Navy, and he agreed to present a ceremony that would honor Navy veterans lost at sea. This event will be open to Navy veterans, but the public is invited to board the vessel and be a part of this moving ceremony, as well. This will be a chance for Navy veterans to reminisce. Coffee and cinnamon rolls will be available following the ceremony. For more information, call 417-343-5079
MARINE CORPS BALL
M
courtesy of Branson.com
Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley, center, holds a Military Order of Purple Heart flag during a board of aldermen meeting earlier this year. In May, Branson officials proclaimed Branson a Purple Heart City, the first in the state of Missouri. Gathered together to witness this event were approximately three dozen Purple Heart recipients, including past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Clayton Jones, and State Commander of Missouri Military Order of the Purple Heart Everett Kelley. Branson.com hosts Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients each year in Branson, the first event of this kind for Purple Heart Recipients in the United States. A Purple Heart trail on Interstate 44 is in the works.
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ake plans now to attend the 237th Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 6, at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa. The event runs from 5 p.m.-midnight. This year’s keynote speaker will be Kenneth T. McCabe who served more than eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was in charge of the evacuation of more than 6,000 individuals including PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat from Beirut, Lebanon, and participated in a prisoner exchange between the PLO and Israel. He was appointed as a Special Agent in the FBI and retired as a member of the Senior Executive Service after 21 years. He directed the FBI’s Scientific and Technical response to the bombing of the USS Cole, the 9/11 attack, the anthrax investigation. The cost is $60 per person. Call 800-569-3493.
ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 11
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL
‘Yellow Ribbon Salute’ returns Staff Reports
W
hat began almost 20 years ago when Tony Orlando put on a free concert for veterans in Branson, originally attended by only 600 people, now has grown to become the largest community event of celebrating veterans in the country. This year’s “Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans” is expected to attract more than 174,000 in a week-long, citywide salute. The concert will be held at 2 p.m. Veterans Day at Welk Resorts theater, a 2,250-seat venue in Branson on Missouri 165. One highlight of the celebration is the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom presentation to an outstanding American who has helped the cause of veterans. Past recipients of the honor include Bob Hope,
submitted photo
For the 16th year, the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as The Wall, will be on display and open to the public for viewing at Welk Resorts Branson during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration this November. The official half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most-visited memorial in Washington, D.C., spans nearly 240 feet in length and lists the more than 58,000 names of the nation’s fallen heroes in the Vietnam conflict. “It is with a sense of gratitude and honor that the Welk Family and the Welk Resorts sponsor this tribute,” Dathan Atchison, general manager of Welk Resorts. “We invite our visitors and our neighbors to come experience this moving memorial.” The Wall is available for public viewing from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 5-11. A special locator book will be available to assist visitors in finding names.
VETERANS HOMECOMING EVENTS
NOV. 8, 2012 cont. from 5
JERRY FORD ORCHESTRA
BIG BAND DANCE Where: Our Lady of the Lake Parish Hall Time: 2 & 7 p.m. Web: jerryfordorchestra.com Phone: 800-689-3969 Jerry Ford’s 14-piece orchestra from Cape Girardeau will have three performances during the Branson Veterans Homecoming week for big band dancing. AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
VICTORIAN TEA COOKIES
AND
Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian Phone: 417-336-2935, ext. 104 MINI-REUNION
WOMEN VETERANS Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Golden Corral Phone: 417-230-2278 Enjoy a dinner show, speakers, entertainment, drawing for door prizes. The cost is free for women veterans and one guest, and $15 for additional guests. Please RSVP by Nov. 1
Tony Orlando embraces veteran Alan Babin.
Box Car Willie, President Gerald Ford, John McCain and the Eisenhower family.
TRAVELING EXHIBIT
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
Where: Welk Resorts Branson When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Web: WelkResort.com Phone: 800-505-9355 Welk Resorts in Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration. This moving tribute to fallen and missing Vietnam veterans will be open to the public. BRUNCH
GOLD STAR, BLUE STAR MOTHERS When: Nov. 8 Time: 10 a.m. Where: Mid-Town Cafe Email: bsmmo2@aol.com Phone: 417-272-0630 The Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers of Branson will host its annual brunch for Gold Star Mothers, mothers who have lost a child in battle, and Blue Star Mothers, mothers of veterans or current servicemen or women. The brunch will be held at Mid-Town Cafe on 76 Country Boulevard, next door to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. People do not have to be a member to join the brunch. RSVP no later than Nov. 1.
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DAILY
RETREAT
Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 5 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387
BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE
VENDOR VILLAGE
When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Where: Factory Merchants Branson Phone: 417-337-8387
SKAGGS
VETERAN’S WALL Where: Skaggs Cafe at Skaggs Regional Medical Center Web: skaggs.net Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10
NOV. 9, 2012 DAILY
REVEILLE Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 7 a.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 DAILY
DAY ROOM Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387
REGISTRATION AND
BUTTON SALES Where: Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 2900 Green Mountain Dr. When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 WOMEN VETERANS
ROSE PETAL CEREMONY When: Nov. 9 Time: 11 a.m. Where: Stone Castle Hotel & Convention Center Web: bransonveteranswebsite.com Phone: 417-339-6823 for reservations The Rose Petal Ceremony is a moving tribute to women veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The luncheon is open to women veterans, active duty and their family members. EVENTS — cont. on 21
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Vietnam Veterans welcome home planned Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions Director
B
ranson Veterans Events & Reunions kicked off the first annual Vietnam Veterans Event honoring Vietnam Veterans March 29-April 1, despite the Feb. 29 tornado making changes in the schedule. The event started March 29 with the opening of the Veterans Registration and Veterans Expo at the Camden Hotel and Conference Center. On Friday morning the opening ceremony at the Hughes Brothers Theatre was enjoyed by many veterans and their families. Our POW/MIAs were honored with an empty chair and place setting in place throughout the show. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley addressed the audience to welcome home and thank the veterans for their service. Jason Yeager emceed the show and many local entertainers performed and expressed their gratitude for the sacrifices made by
those who served. That afternoon the veterans were invited to a hospitality room at the Radisson Hotel. On Saturday, the veterans got a parade, some rode and some walked, some were pulled into the parade from being an observer on the side. They were told, “This is your day to be honored.” There were local entertainers, veterans, rat-rods, motorcycles, hotrods and various others to honor our hero’s. Saturday afternoon Dee Tours to Branson hosted a hospitality room at the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center with refreshments and entertainment. The closing show was canceled due to tornado damage to the theater that was going to be used and not being able to get a replacement. Please note next year’s event will begin April 4.
When we set the dates of March 28-31, 2013, we did not realize Easter falls on March 31, so we have moved the event to April 4-7, 2013. We’ve all made sacrifices over the years leaving our families behind and doing what we had to
Showboat to host Salute Staff Reports
The
Showboat Branson Belle will present a Special Salute to Veterans cruise at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5. The cruise includes a special program paying tribute to service men and women. The cruise includes the show, “Made in the USA,” featuring the world’s only violin-playing aerialist, Janice Martin, a U.S. Army veteran, and the male vocal group The ShowMen. “Made in the USA” presents allAmerican musical selections and Christmas music in November and December. Martin brings her high-flying theatrics to the Showboat stage in a unique act showcasing her talents as a world-class violinist, vocalist, acrobat and multi-instrument musician. The ShowMen, five talented male vocalists and dancers from all across America, join Martin to fill the stage with a powerful blend of contemporary harmonies and standout solos. Comedian and magician Christopher James is the ultra-
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sharp, uber-funny master of ceremonies and entertainer, and all are accompanied by the Showboat’s signature live band, the Rockin’ Dockers. Each cruise features a threecourse meal, including slow-simmered beef roast and honey-Dijon glazed chicken topped off with the chef’s own golden brittle lemon-
berry torte. All meals are prepared onboard in the ship’s galley and served in the three-story atrium dining theater. A special memorial service is available year-round to military reunion groups. For information, contact, Teina Woodburn at 800-618-9283, ext. 3911.
do. This is a time of year to spend thanking our Lord for His sacrifice and spend time with your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Life is precious and for some it is too short and we don’t want to
interfere with that time of year. We want to wish you all a happy Easter and hopefully we’ll see you in April. You can check out our schedule of events at bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com.
BLUE STAR MOTHERS, HELPING FAMILIES AND SUPPORTING SOLDIERS Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers of Branson invite you to join us. We are mothers of military veterans and current service men and women. We are a 501C3 organization. We support our men and women in uniform. We always work to get items to send to our deployed service men and women to show them how much we appreciate their service. We help alongside veteran’s organizations in the Branson area and participate in veterans activities such as the November Veterans Village and Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day. We are always ready to talk with a family who has a child deployed. Many of the businesses and organizations in Branson work with us on our projects. Please join us at the Golden Corral on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson. Our meetings are on the second Monday of each month. Anyone interested but wanting more information may email bsmmo2@aol.com or call 417-272-0630. — Fran Davis, Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers of Branson
ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 13
Vietnam Vets reunion set
WOUNDED WARRIORS TO HONORED IN PARADE
Gatherings Plus was privileged to host Fort Leonard Wood Wounded Warriors and their families June 9 for the lunch cruise and show on the Showboat Branson Belle. It is an honor for us to participate in this each year. Because of this association we are arranging for five Wounded Warriors and their families a complimentary weekend during Branson’s Veterans Week celebration. They will also participate in the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11, where locals and visitors can thank them for their service. Branson honors our Veterans and Active Duty Soldiers every day of the year. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. — Pam Brown, Gatherings Plus
Pam Brown, Gatherings Plus
G
atherings Plus is once again honored to host the Vietnam Mini-Reunion during Veterans Homecoming. Because of scheduling conflicts the date has been changed to Nov. 7 at the Camden Conference Center, 275 Tanger Boulevard. We will be serving lunch starting at noon and will provide first-class entertainment from Branson stars and door prize drawings during the afternoon. This is a special day each year for all of us at Gatherings Plus and we hope you will join in this event that honors our Vietnam veterans and their families. If you have questions don’t hesitate calling us at 417-338-4048 or emailing pamb@gatheringsplus.com.
2012 BRANSON VETERANS HOMECOMING BUTTON The second Branson Veterans Homecoming Souvenir Collector’s Button will be available at the Branson Veterans Events and Reunion Office, as well as in several other locations. The office is now located at Classic Creations by Nan, 2900 Green Mountain Drive in Branson. There is a limited supply of these buttons, so you will
want to get your’s early. Branson Veterans Events and Reunions still has some of the 2011 collector buttons still available, as well. For more information on how to get your button, call Branson Veterans Events and Reunions at 417-230-2278 or email bransonveter ansevents@yahoo .com. -Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions
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BE
Day room plans under way in Branson Chip and Sandy Milner, day room hosts
We are getting excited already!
Plans are well under way to make Veterans Homecoming Week an outstanding event again this year. The day room is our corner of the world during that week and we are very much looking forward to seeing you all again. We are pleased to say we will be in Building 5 of Factory Merchants Branson, again this year. In fact registration, Veteran Village, lunch and Veteran’s Walls of Heroes will all be in the same general area. There’s lots of parking and easy access to everything. Sometimes the generosity of our day room friends totally amazes us. Donations for our drawings began early this year and we already have some incredible gifts. Just as much, we appreciate those who have stepped up with a gift of their time; the volunteers who donate baked goods, and spend hours doing whatever needs to be done, to make the day room all about the veterans. We are truly blessed. Would you believe the day room is coming up in the world? We now have our own website, bransondayroom.com. Please be patient with me while I learn this stuff, we are trying hard to keep you informed. The website will grow as we go
along, so check back often for new information. You can even leave a post on the site, or email bransondayroom@yahoo.com. Don’t forget to bring your instruments to join the jam sessions; and for those who haven’t brought me
pictures yet, you still have time to find one of you in uniform when you joined the service. It will look great on our home town heroes wall. See you soon! We’ll have the coffee on.
Mindy Honey | Branson Tri-Lakes News
Ann Lee, left, presents Chip and Sandy Milner the True American Hero Award for the work they do every year during Veterans Homecoming. The couple has operated the day room during Veterans Homecoming since 2006 and are gearing up for the 2012 day room now.
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24116 24117 20630
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ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 15
GATHERINGS PLUS will do all the work so you can have all the FUN!
20504
You tell us what will make your reunion the BEST EVER. We’ll make it happen for you.
20631
#1 Military Reunion Planning Service in Branson
417-338-4048 www.reunionpro.com
20505
20500
Page 16 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans
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22527
24112
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ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 17
Appearing Daily From 6-7 pm In The Golden Corral Showroom At The
Barbara Fairchild
20650
Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, Nov. 4th 10am Sunday Mornings At The Music City Centre NO ADMISSION CHARGE
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET
417-334-6400 417-336-6297 www.Barbara Fairchild.com 22534
1835 West State Hwy. 76, Across From Applebee’s
3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway Branson, Missouri
20570
Page 18 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans
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Korean War soldiers celebrated Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions Director
B
ranson Veterans Events & Reunions honored Korea War veterans with a ceremony on July 27 in Branson. “(It was) a war that began on June 25, 1950 and continued to July 27, 1953,” said Arlen Lipper, director of Branson Veterans Events and Reunions. “Although the Korean War Armistice Agreement stopped in 1953, it has yet to be replaced by a permanent settlement. Our soldiers still stand guard on the demilitarized zone, with the constant threat of North Korea trying to invade the South.” After the POW/MIA ceremony to honor all the POW/MIAs still missing from the Korea War, a volley was fired and taps played in honor of the fallen and POW/MIAs. A Korean War veteran from Mt. Vernon, Ill., commented that is was refreshing to celebrate life and appreciated the organization honoring the Korean War veterans for their service during that time.
Stephen Herzog | Branson Tri-Lakes News
Members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913 march to present the colors at an event honoring Korean War veterans in July at The Grand Village Shops. He said he had been attending to many funerals in the past few
months and he really appreciated the ceremony.
A SALUTE TO VETERANS SPOUSES LUNCHEON Many times the spouses of our veterans are overlooked for the sacrifices they make while their spouse is deployed to far away places or on maneuvers, gone to sea for months at a time. They are the ones left behind to take care of the daily chores, pay the bills, get the children to band practice, dance recitals, ball games, you name it, the list goes on and on. Oftentimes on top of all that, the spouse is holding down a full-time job. This year Branson Veterans Events & Reunions will honor the spouses of veterans at a special luncheon called A Salute to Veterans Spouses Luncheon. The goal is to thank the spouses for their sacrifices and service. The luncheon is free for the spouse and their veteran. Make plans to attend the event Nov. 7, at 12:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel. Please RSVP to 417-230-2278. — Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions
7-year POW to speak at ceremony in November Mary Schantag, P.O.W. Network
Retired
Capt. William “Bill” Robinson, who is the longest-held enlisted prisoner of war in American history, was released from the infamous Hanoi Hilton on Feb. 12, 1973. Robinson was a member of the U.S. Air Force, flying as a crewman aboard a Kaman HH43B “Huskie” helicopter on rescue missions in Vietnam when he and his fellow crew members were shot out of the sky by the enemy in 1965. A photograph was taken shortly after his capture, preserving the image of Robinson being escorted at gunpoint with fixed bayonet by a diminutive North Vietnamese woman in uniform. The photograph became very popular in Vietnam, and it figured prominently in the country’s propaganda campaign. It was used on official North Vietnam postal stamps issued in 1967. Robinson, a graduate from Roanoke Rapids High School, in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., was only 22 years old when he was captured. He was paraded around in several villages where he was hit, spat upon and taunted. Torture was part of everyday
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life; for the next seven and a half years he endured not only torture, but starvation, beatings, boredom and humiliation, and was kept in a cell so small he could barely fit into it. He and other Prisoners of War, POWs, were generally given two meals and about 15 minutes outside each day. After 2,737 days of confinement, on Valentine’s Day in 1973, the plane carrying Robinson touched down in Washington D.C. Robinson described himself as feeling lucky that he only spent six months in solitary confinement. On April 9, 1973, Robinson received a battlefield commission as a 2nd Lieutenant for his valorous and honorable behavior during captivity that was frequently brutal and inhumane. Robinson harbors no resentment or hostility for his captivity. In 1995, the Vietnamese government offered to provide for Robinson and his wife to visit their country again to visit the site of his former prison in Hanoi. Robinson graciously accepted and even visited with the former soldier who appears with him in the famous photograph of his capture.
When asked about that meeting and his feelings toward his former enemy, Robinson stated that “she was very gracious and kind” and that “she was just a soldier doing what was asked of her.” Robinson retired from active duty in 1984 for medical reasons, but left with an impressive record of military service that included 23years in service, with seven of those being in captivity. He was one of the first enlisted members to receive the Air Force Cross in addition to being awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, POW Medal and two Purple Hearts. As a surviving POW and veteran, Robinson spends ever more frequent amounts of time visiting with military groups and school children to share his story and teach them the value of honor, dignity and duty. Robinson will speak at the POW/MIA Service of Remembrance on Tuesday morning, Nov 6. The service is scheduled for 8 a.m., at the Welk Resort in Branson and is held outdoors, weather permitting. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 417-3364232 or info@pownetwork.org.
courtesy of the P.O.W. Network
ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 19
‘Vets for Vets’ production to be ‘best one yet’ Staff Reports
Former
military personnel traveling to Branson for Veterans Homecoming will get a special dose of patriotic entertainment by U.S. service veterans. Entertainers from Branson shows and the surrounding areas will perform in a free USO canteen-style Veterans Homecoming kick-off show at 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Starlite Theatre, on 76 Country Boulevard. The show will feature Jeanna Kilbane from No. 1 Hits of the 60s, Neil Diamond tribute artist Keith Allynn, Army veteran Eddie Stovall and the Platters, award-winning pianist Dino, former USO entertainer and Army veteran Brenda Meadows, The Jerry Ford Big Band Orchestra from Cape Girardeau and others. “It’s our way of greeting our veteran brothers and sisters,” said Meadows. “We understand what it means to you to be among fam-
ily. Veterans that entertain sometimes feel they need to artistically say thank you and embrace those who wore the same uniforms.” The show, sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force, will be in an open seating format, first-come, first-served. Task Force Chairman Ernie Bradley said this year, while the task force wanted to hold an opening event, they want it to be different than what they’ve offered in the past or what is already being planned. He said they are doing a show called “Vets for Vets.” “It is not a ceremony, it is a show,” Meadows said. She said the show will include tap dancers, singers, musicians, comedians and even a 12-piece orchestra. She said it won’t be a long, drawn-out ceremony, but rather an upbeat show.
“For the finale, we’ll be doing ‘Dancing in the Streets,’ and that really described how Branson feels about veterans,” Meadows said. “This show is going to be the best one yet,” Bradley said. “Veterans entertaining veterans. It is something we haven’t seen for a while.” Meadows, who is producing the show, questioned if a show like “Vets for Vets” had ever been organized in Branson. She said her goal is to make show fun and really show veterans how the Branson community feels about them. “This is all about making you feel good, glad you are alive and it is all about relationships,” she said. There will be a donation box at the show and sponsorships for the event are available. For more information call 417231-7601.
courtesy of Brenda Meadows
U.S. Army veteran Brenda Meadows, far left, will entertain in the Branson “Vets for Vets” show on Nov. 5. Meadows was part of The Sho-lettes that toured Vietnam in 1968 and appeared on the TV series “China Beach.” After Meadows returned from Vietnam, she joined the U.S. Army.
C of O to honor World War II vets Staff Reports
C
ollege of the Ozarks will again be hosting a World War II mini-reunion Nov. 10, from 3-5 p.m. at the Keeter Center Lodge at College of the Ozarks. The event will include a World War II presentation about the college’s Patriotic Education Travel Program as well as a reception for guests. A dedication ceremony is set for 2 pm at Veterans Grove on the Alumni Center Lawn on campus, where 14 new trees will be dedicated to World War II veterans who have traveled to Europe and the Pacific with C of O students in the past year. “The mini-reunions tie to our patriotic travel program very nicely,” said Amy Unruh, of the college. “Right now our primary focus is on working with our World War II veterans because this is the time when we can and all too soon, we won’t be able to. We just want to focus on them as long as we Mindy Honey | Branson Tri-Lakes News possibly can.” She said so far, the college has taken 67 World War II veterans “to their battlefields College of the Ozarks President Jerry Davis, from left, carries a over the years. Each one of them had their wreath with World War II veterans Bryan Sperry and Herbert Anderson own personal stories and history and they are during a wreath laying ceremony at C of O Veterans Day 2011. The college will once again host the WWII mini-reunion this year. passing that on to our students.”
Page 20 • ExploreBranson.com/veterans
GOLF TOURNAMENT Branson Veterans Events & Reunions will host a disabled veterans golf tournament June 6-9, 2013, in Branson. For more information, contact Arlen Lipper with Branson Veterans Events and Reunions at 417-230-2278 or visit bransonveteransevents.com.
POW/MIA FREEDOM CAR Branson Veterans Events & Reunions will host the POW/MIA Freedom car in Branson during Veterans Homecoming week this year. The car will be at various locations throughout the week. Visit bransonveteransevents.com or call 417-230-2278 for the car’s location.
THANK YOU For more than a decade, Branson Veterans Task Force board member Steve Weyher has sponsored free lunches during Veterans Homecoming. Weyher provides food for an estimated 2,500-3,000 meals each year, overseeing everything from the preparation to clean up. The meals will once again be served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 6-10 at Factory Merchants Branson.
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VETERANS HOMECOMING EVENTS
NOV. 9, 2012 cont. from 12
FREE FOR VETS
LUNCH Where: Factory Merchants Branson Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Free for veterans; $5 per guest. AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
VICTORIAN TEA AND COOKIES When: Nov. 5-11 Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian Phone: 417-336-2935, ext. 104 MINI-REUNION
KOREAN WAR When: Nov. 9 Time: 2-5 p.m. Where: Stone Castle Inn, 3050 Green Mountain Dr. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 This event is for those who served during the Korean War and includes entertainment, drawing for door prizes and refreshments. SAVANNAH HOUSE
HOSPITALITY ROOM When: Nov. 9 Time: 2-7 p.m. Where: Savannah House, 165 Expressway Email: rrdufek2244@comcast.net Phone: 920-684-0147 The 4th ID will host a special hospitality room at the Savannah House for all 4th ID veterans and active duty personnel. All are welcome to come by and enjoy fellowship and camaraderie. 16TH ANNUAL
MILITARY GALA When: Nov. 9 Time: 5-11 p.m. Where: Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa Web: pownetwork.org Phone: 417-336-4232 All branches all wars welcome, as well as the public. The event salutes wounded warriors/Purple Heart recipients. The cost is $55 per person and reservations are required.
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SKAGGS
REGISTRATION AND
VETERAN’S WALL
BUTTON SALES
Where: Skaggs Cafe at Skaggs Regional Medical Center Web: skaggs.net Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10 Skaggs Regional Medical Center will have a wall exhibit near its cafeteria, displaying photos and biographies on its employees and their families who are active duty or veterans of the U.S. military.
Where: Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 2900 Green Mountain Dr. When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4p.m. Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 Register with Branson Veterans Events & Reunions for the week and pick up the second Veterans Homecoming Week Button.
TRAVELING EXHIBIT
WALMART
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS
When: Nov. 5-12 Where: Welk Resort Branson Web: WelkResort.com Phone: 800-505-9355 Welk Resort Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration. DAILY
When: Nov. 10 Time: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Walmart Supercenter on Branson Hills Parkway Web: bransonveteransevents.com Phone: 417-230-2278 The free event includes a speaker, entertainment, refreshments and barbecue provided for veterans and their family. All veterans in attendance will receive a lapel pin.
RETREAT Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time: 5 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387
NOV. 10, 2012 DAILY
REVEILLE Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time:7 a.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE
VENDOR VILLAGE When: Nov. 5-10 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Where: Factory Merchants Branson Phone: 417-337-8387 Find out about many area veteran organizations. DAILY
DAY ROOM Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 6-10 Time:8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Enjoy coffee and cookies.
AWARD PRESENTATION
BRETTS
FOR
VETS
When: Nov. 10 Time: 10 a.m. Where: Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Web: brettfamily.com Phone: 417-336-4222 An award will be presented to preselected individual during the show. The cost is $31.50 for adults, $13 for children 4-16. Special discounts are available for veterans and their spouses. FREE FOR VETS
LUNCH Where: Factory Merchants Branson Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387 Free for veterans; $5 per guest. AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
VICTORIAN TEA AND COOKIES When: Nov. 5-11 Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian Phone: 417-336-2935, ext. 104 All veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy Victorian tea and cookies compliments of Hotel Grand Victorian.
BRANSON WEST
FLAG
LIGHTING PARADE
&
When: Nov. 10 Time: Parade begins at 5 p.m. Phone: 417-272-3327 Where: Branson West Parade proceeds along Business 13 from Silver Hills Lane near Walmart north to the Sears store where a flag lighting ceremony will be held. The flag will remains lit throughout the holiday season. SKAGGS
VETERAN’S WALL Where: Skaggs Cafe at Skaggs Regional Medical Center Web: skaggs.net Phone: 417-335-7357 When: Nov. 4-10 Skaggs Regional Medical Center will have a wall exhibit near its cafeteria, displaying photos and biographies on its employees and their families who are active duty or veterans of the U.S. military. TRAVELING EXHIBIT
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL When: Nov. 5-12 Where: Welk Resort Branson Web: WelkResort.com Phone: 800-505-9355 Welk Resort Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration. This moving tribute to fallen and missing Vietnam veterans will be open to the public. COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
WORLD WAR II MINI-REUNION When: Nov. 10 Time: 3-5 p.m. Where: College of the Ozarks College of the Ozarks will again be hosting a World War II mini reunion from 3-5 p.m. at College of the Ozarks Keeter Center. The event will include a World War II presentation about the college’s Patriotic Education Travel Program as well as a reception for guests. A dedication ceremony is set for 2 pm at Veterans Grove on the Alumni Center Lawn on campus, where 14 new trees will be dedicated to World War II veterans. EVENTS — cont. on 22
ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 21
Local vets ‘thunder’ into Washington D.C. Debi Lipper, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce up of local veterans and veteran supporters, rolled out of Branson and the surrounding areas early May 23 on their motorcycles. These veterans, who have proudly served their country, met up and were joined by other veterans who were traveling from all over the country. “Ride For Freedom” pays homage to the nation’s veterans, particularly those still Prisoners of War/Missing in Action from all wars. “This is a special year. It is the 25th anniversary of Rolling Thunder and the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam Wall,” said John Williams, president of Rolling Thunder Missouri No. 3. “Being there is the highlight of my year. I look forward to the camaraderie. It is an emotional time to bond with brothers and sisters that have served and fought for the freedom of our country.” I was reminded of the beautiful ritual that geese do by instinct each year as I watched veterans come together from all over the country. This is a select group that is bonded together by times and experiences, only those who have walked in combat boots can understand.
There are no strangers among veterans only fellow soldiers. This year had the highest attendance with 750,000 veteran bikers and hundreds of thousands spectators. This event, sometimes known as The Ride to the Wall or Run to the Wall, is really a First Amendment demonstration to bring attention to our POW and MIA. The figures are startling and shocking for a great nation like the United States of America. World War I left 3,344 unaccounted POW/MIA, World War II left 78,537 unaccounted POW/MIA, the Cold War left 120,000 unaccounted POW/MIA, Korea left 8,099 unaccounted POW/MIA, Vietnam left 1,702 accounted POW/MIA, and much to America’s disgrace, Afghanistan has one POW, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured July 18, 2009, by the Taliban and is still being held as a POW today. A staff member of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce also traveled with Rolling Thunder Missouri No. 3. The 2012 vacation guides and brochures promoting Branson and saluting Veterans Week in November were taken and distributed. Veterans were invited to come to
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SERVICE AND BREAKFAST
TONY ORLANDO’S
BRANSON LANDING
CELEBRATE VETS
YELLOW RIBBON SALUTE
MILITARY WEDDING
Rolling Thunder Missouri No. 3, made
courtesy of Debi Lipper
VETERANS, front row from left, Sam Einfeldt and John Williams, and back row from left, Mike Weathermon. Bob Womack, Arlen Lipper and Rick Hord, of Rolling Thunder Missouri No. 3, rode motorcycles to Washington, D.C. May 23. Branson where we honor veterans every day. Attending this event in Washington D.C., were veterans John Williams, Arlen Lipper, Mike Weathermon, Rick Hord, Bob
Womack, Sam Einfeldt, Gordon Kinman, Steve DiAno and John Heltzen, as well as veteran supporters Sarah Hord, Linda Einfeldt, Tammy Kinman, Chris Garcia and Debi Lipper.
VETERANS HOMECOMING EVENTS RETREAT
Where: Factory Merchants Branson When: Nov. 10 Time: 5 p.m. Phone: 417-337-8387
NOV. 11, 2012 79TH ANNUAL
VETERAN’S DAY
Where: First Baptist Church Branson When: Nov. 11 Time: 8:15 and 9:30 a.m. Web: fbcbranson.com Phone: 417-334-7437 Special guest retired Col. Gil Stricklin who served in the military for 37 years beginning in the U.S. Air Force and completing his career as a Colonel in the Army Chaplin Corps will speak. A complimentary breakfast will be served following worship.
When: Nov. 11 Time: 2 p.m. Where: Welk Resort Theatre Phone: 800-505-9355 For the 19th year, Tony Orlando brings a star-studded cast to Branson for a free show to honor all of our veterans. The cost is free to veterans. AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
PARADE
VICTORIAN TEA AND COOKIES
When: Nov. 11 Time: 11 a.m. Where: Downtown Branson Phone: 417-334-2296 Thousands of people gather in downtown Branson annually to celebrate Veteran’s Day.
When: Nov. 5-11 Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Hotel Grand Victorian Phone: 417-336-2935, ext. 104 All veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy Victorian tea and cookies compliments of Hotel Grand Victorian.
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When: Nov. 11 Time: 2:30 p.m. Where: Branson Landing fountains Winners of a free military wedding package, John and Caren, will be getting married in front of the Landing fountains. The event is hosted by Branson Wedding Affiliation. TRAVELING EXHIBIT
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL When: Nov. 5-12 Where: Welk Resort Branson Web: WelkResort.com Phone: 800-505-9355 Welk Resort Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial during the 2012 Veterans Homecoming celebration.
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Free Delicious Hot Breakfast In Our Famous Bon Appétit Bistro King And Queen Beds With Premium Mattresses Handicapped Rooms With Walk In Or Roll In Showers Large 40 Inch HDTV’s On Cable With HBO In All Rooms Refrigerators And Microwaves In Every Room Free WI-FI High Speed Internet And Local Calls Coffee And Tea Makers And Hair Dryers In Every Room Protective Security System Large Outdoor Pool And Sun Deck No Pet Policy, 100% Non Smoking Guest Laundry Elevator
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The Branson Bugle
‘Capitol Hill Cooks’ author to visit Branson Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
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uthor of “Capitol Hill Cooks, Recipes from the White House, Congress and All of the Past Presidents,” Linda Bauer will be in Branson Nov. 8-11, signing copies of her recently released book. “Capitol Hill Cooks” contains recipes from members of Congress, as well as every president from George Washington and his cranberry pudding to Abraham Lincoln’s vanilla almond cake and Barack Obama’s linguini. Many contributors to the book even included notes about their ethnic backgrounds, favorite indigenous foods, and fond memories of meals shared with others. Half of the proceeds from “Capitol Hill Cooks” book sales will go to Helping a Hero, an organization dedicated to assisting severely injured servicemen and women build or adapt their homes for handicapped accessibility, according to a release. The finished home is then given to the veteran. Bauer is the author of numerous other books including “Recipes from Historic
America,” “Recipes from Historic Colorado,” as well as “The American Sampler Cookbook” series. She has appeared on “The Today Show,” “Fox News,” “Martha Stewart,” and many others.
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Ozark Regal Hotel...
is a place where you come as a friend and leave as our family! We are centrally located within a few minutes of Branson’s most popular attractions as well as some of the finest dining you will enjoy anywhere!
3010 Green Mountain Drive, Branson, MO 65616 VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED
www.ozarkregalhotel.com
After Dinner, Don’t Forget To Visit Kringle’s, Missouri’s Grandest Christmas Store, Where Veteran’s Get Discounts Every Day!
Our spacious rooms are filled with relaxing and peaceful comfort, while our huge pool area makes soaking up some of the rays from our Ozark sun a breeze while your stress and worries drift away! When it comes time to explore all that the Branson area has to offer, our friendly and courteous staff of the Ozark Regal Hotel are skilled in assisting you in making your visit the best ever! Whether you’re looking for theme parks, music shows, water excursions, water sports, shopping, golf, fishing, museums, hiking our nature trails, or family amusement areas, there all at your fingertips at the Ozark Regal Hotel. Combine all of this with your favorite amenities such as free wifi, free hot continental breakfast, cable tv, and much more!
417.336.2200 • 800.243.1903 The Branson Bugle
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VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS Branson hosts hundreds of military reunions annually. The list below represents all those known at the time of publication in August 2012.
2012 3rd Armor Division Sept. 2-8 Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 yellowroseinnsuites@gmail.com Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites 46th Eng Bn Sept. 3-11 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn & Conference Center Sqdns & Shipmates of the Midway-Franklin D. Roosevelt Sept. 4-9 Al Wedemeyer 404-497-0943 squadronsmates@aol.com Radisson Hotel 78th AAA Gun Bn Sept. 5-9 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn & Conference Center 1st 8 Inch Howitzer Battery USMC Sept. 5-9 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel 20th Air Force (Guam) Sept. 6-8 Rose Penrod 217-932-4286 Location unknown, Branson 14th Cbt Eng Bn Sept. 6-9 Jess Huckaby 763-323-8163 14thcebassocmc@comcast.net Radisson Hotel USS Current ARS-22 Sept. 6-9 Jerry Spickler 317-908-6886 brickletter@yahoo.com Welk Resort C Company Sept. 6-9 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center 3rd Battalion, 37th Infantry Sept. 6-9 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
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USS Canopus Assn. AS 34/AS 9 Sept. 6-9 Taunya Lay 800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Clarion Hotel
USS Tidewater AD 31 Sept. 12-16 Dean Agee 417-759-2860 rdmiagee@dishmail.net Clarion Hotel
USS Saginaw Bay Sept. 14–17 Taunya Lay 1-800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Grand Plaza Hotel
USS Laws DD - 558 Sept. 20–23 Gene Farmer 913-294-4244 digefarmer@cebridge.net Location unknown, Branson
Air Force Security Sept. 7-9 Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 yellowroseinnsuites@gmail.com Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
USS Finch Reunion Sept. 12-16 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House
USS Whetstone LSD-27 Sept. 16-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel
Shepherd’s Grove 50’s Reunion Sept. 20–24 Taunya Lay 1-800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Lodge of the Ozarks
590th Trans Co (Flak Kaserne, Germany) Sept. 8-12 John Stamps 405-760-8069 mrpest5@yahoo.com Clarion Hotel
Gamewardens Assoc. TF116 River Patrol Boats Sept. 12-16 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 Owen Zeigler 818-868-8139 Radisson Hotel
USS Merrick Sept. 8-13 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House USS Preston DD-795 Sept. 9-12 Monty Benz 816-373-4392 benzelectric@aol.com Honeysuckle Inn 246th Field Artillery Sept. 9-13 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel USS Guam LPH-9 Sept. 9-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Hyman DD 732 Association Sept. 9-16 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
Navy GCA ATC Assn Sept. 12-16 Kent Fairchild 559-924-4531 2chiefkent6186@att.net Grand Plaza Hotel 3973rd CDS Air Force Sept. 12-16 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 589th Eng Bn Assn Sept. 12-17 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn & Conf. Center B Co 2/5 1st Cav. Vietnam Sept. 13-16 Frank 417-231-4556 eaglesway@suddenlink.net b251stcavvietnam.com Ramada Resort & Conference Center
El Paso Army Buddies Sept. 17-21 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House 78th Air Police Squadron Sept. 17-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Barrington Hotel 1st Aviation Bn, Co B Pony Platoon Sept. 18-21 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn & Conf. Center Air Resupply Sept. 18-22 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Lexington CV/CVA/AVT - 16 Sept.18-23 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel 2nd Armd Cav 2nd Recon Sqdn (1958-65) Sept. 20–23 Gene Gapinski 320-387-2844 falcon63gene@yahoo.com Ozark Regal Hotel
F Trp QM OCS (1967) Sept. 23-26 Carey Cole 678-574-3800 colcole@bellsouth.net Clarion Hotel USS Cavalier APA – 37 Sept. 23-27 Becky Jewsbury 630-879-5909 Grand Plaza Hotel 25th Field Artillery, 10th Infantry Sept. 24-27 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 84th and 62nd Engineer Const Bn Sept. 24-28 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Menard APA-201 Sept. 24-28 Leslie Rutherford 559-251-8939 lrutherfor@aol.com Ramada Branson 7th Avn Field Depot Sqdn Sept. 25–27 Ted Blaylock 573-864-2120 jackblylck@aol.com Grand Plaza Hotel
USS Lewis Sept. 10-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel
526 Ftr Sqdn (Ramstien, Germany) Sept. 13-16 Bobby Gunter 479-474-1756 bwgunter@cox.net Best Western Center Pointe Inn
630th Engineer Co (LE) Vietnam Sept. 20-23 Jim Fitzgerald 870-637-3236 870-637-3238 Four Seasons Inn
92nd PMS Squadron Sept. 25-28 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn & Conf. Center
Fort Snelling LSD-30 Sept. 11-16 Fred Dyson 409-504-6431 fredseagale@sbcglobal.net Grand Plaza Hotel
Lima 3/7 1st Marine Division Sept. 13-16 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Hotel & Conference
7th Engineers Sept. 20-23 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
US Navy Seabees 36th NCB Sept. 26-30 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn & Conf. Center
3973rd CDS Air Force Sept. 12-16 Bessie Baker 386-478-8337 bessbaker@cfl.rr.co. Radisson Hotel
2nd Battalion, 11th Artillery Sept. 14-16 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
USS Bexar USS Pickaway Sept. 20-23 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
US LST Association Sept. 26-30 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Inn. & Conf. Center
USS James C. Owens DD776 Sept. 26-30 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center Tom Green County Sept. 26-30 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel USS Sperry AS12 September 26 – 30, 2012 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Markab AK31, AD21, AR23 Sept. 26-30 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel 41st Tank Battalion Sept. 27-Oct. 1 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House USS Enterprise Fire Reunion Sept. 28-Oct. 1 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 781st Bomb Squadron Assn, (Army Air Corp, WWII) Sept. 30–Oct. 4 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel USMC Postal Group Sept. 30-Oct. 5 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
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ExploreBranson.com/veterans • Page 27
VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS Branson hosts hundreds of military reunions annually. The list below represents all those known at the time of publication in August 2012.
cont. from 27
2012 29th Fighter Squadron Oct. 3-6 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center USS Al Hena AK – 26/AK – 9 Reunion Oct. 3-6 Taunya Lay 1-800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
Minnesota Korean Vets Oct. 10-14 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center 34th Bomb Group Oct. 10-13 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
USS Bumper Oct. 3-7 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Barrington Hotel
89th Cavalry Recon Squadron Oct. 11–14 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center Branson
USS Grand Canyon AD/AR - 2 Oct. 3-7 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel
OV-1 Mohawk Association Oct. 11-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel
236th Medical Det. HA (Danang Dustoff) Oct. 4-7 Calvin Guthrie 254-931-0135 Calguthrie57@aol.com Grand Plaza Hotel
Marine Corps Advisors Oct. 15-18 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Hilton Convention Center
7th Motors Flying A Oct. 4-7 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel USS Cowell DD - 547 Oct. 6–8 Larry Salley 864-268-3365 lsalley3@charter.net Location unknown 15th Radio Sqdn Mobile Oct. 7-10 Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone castle Inn & Conf. Center LEX-ELECT Oct. 7-11 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel
Red Scarf Club Oct.16-19 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 3rd Battalion & 71st Air Defense Oct. 16-20 Taunya Lay 1-800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Lodge of the Ozarks 240th Assault Helicopter Co. Oct. 17-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center Pilot Class 60F Oct. 17-21 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel
Helicopter Pilots Assn. Oct. 8–12 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Westgate Branson Woods
3454th Tng Sqdn (Warren AFB 1947-1956) Oct. 18-20 John Kemper 303-775-2874 jonshirkemper@aol.com Location unknown, Branson
46th Air Refueling Squadron Oct. 10-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel
1503rd Air Transport Squadron Oct. 18-21-Rachael James 417-231-4721 Rachael@bransonstonecastle.com Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
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502nd TCG 605th, 606th, 607th, 608th, AC&W Sqdn (Korea War) Oct. 20-23 Bill Aylward 703-715-0880 waylward1@verizon.net Grand Plaza Hotel USS Oglethrop AKA - 100 Oct. 25-28 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House Seebees Reunion Oct. 26-27 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 8th TAB 25th Arty 2nd Field Forces Oct. 27-Nov. 1 Robert Herschbach 573-547-4833 hershy1947@yahoo.com Location unknown, Branson USAF Grovers Nov. 7-11 Taunya Lay 1-800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Lodge of the Ozarks 2nd Indian Head Nov. 8-11 Taunya Lay 1-800-432-4202 Taunya@bransonticket.com Lodge of the Ozarks 4th Infantry Div. Nov. 8-12 Renee Contreras 417-335-2555 renee@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines Nov. 8-12 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center Company A, 227th Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Cavalry Div, including Company D, 227th Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Cavalry Div. Vietnam Era Nov. 8-13 Howard Burbank chickenman@a227ahb.org reunion.a227ahb.org Grand Plaza Hotel Peden Barracks, Wertheim Germany Fourth Annual Reunion Nov. 9-12 James Wiebe 417-886-1101 jamesjuliawiebe@mchsi.com Ozark Regal Hotel 3010 Green Mountain Dr.
USS St. Clair County Nov. 9-12 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Barrington Hotel
USAFSS June 19-23 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel
USS Sea Poacher and Friends Nov. 9-13 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel
Wolfhounds 27th Infantry June 21-24 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
2013
202nd MP Company July 11-14 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
8605th Field Station Hawaii April 18-21 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 35th Combat Engineers April 25-28 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel USS Moale DD693 April 28-May 2 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel Mariner Marlin Association May 1-5 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 34th Signal Battalion May 14-17 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel USS Dyess DD880 May 15-18 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com The Grand Plaza Hotel A Co., 1st of the 501st June 5-8 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com The Grand Plaza Hotel
591st Engineer Co. July 14-19 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel VRC-50 Sept. 4-8 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Northampton Sept. 9-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Westgate Branson Woods USS Wallace L Lind DD 703 Sept. 9-13 Ed Siemietkoski 856-829-6470 edwardpro23@verizon.net Location unknown, Branson 114th Aviation Co. Sept. 11-15 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com Clarion Hotel USS Vesole DD/DDR878 Sept. 25-28 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Ray Gorenflo 845-896-2074chiefny@earthlink.net Radisson Hotel
70th Engr Bn C (Vietnam) June 7-9 Roger Rock 775-623-1029 70engrs@gmail.com Radisson Hotel Berlin US Military Veterans Association June 10-15 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
The Branson Bugle
Task Force relocates to space at Red Roof Mall Mindy Honey, Branson Tri-Lakes News
Branson Veterans Task Force officials won’t have to go far from their office for many Veterans Homecoming events this year. Task Force leaders relocated their office from a space at God & Country Welcome Center on 76 Country Boulevard to a location at Factory Merchants Branson in early July. In January, the city of Branson accepted control of the mall, often called the Red Roof Mall. Since then, redevelopment ideas have been discussed at a number of city meetings, including talk about a sports complex and other community uses, however no decision has been made at this time. Task Force Chairman Ernie Bradley said city leaders have committed to allowing Veterans Homecoming events to be held at the mall, as well as agreeing to allow the task force to move its office there. The Task Force is only required to cover the utility costs incurred at the office. Bradley said aside from the fact the new office is quiMindy Honey | Branson Tri-Lakes News eter and provides more room, he said it is perfect for BRANSON VETERANS TASK FORCE has relocated its Veterans Homecoming week Nov. 5-11. “This means we don’t have to run back and forth,” he office to Factory Merchants Branson.
said. “If questions crop up, we are right here. The office will be open whereas, in the past, we’ve had to close the office.” He said while task force leaders did enjoy the space on 76, which they shared with Grandma Ruth’s bakery and coffee shop, the new spot in building 6 at the Red Roof is convenient. “We can go ahead and get started on veterans week, physically, because we are here,” he said. Factory Merchants Branson will provide space for the task force’s vendor fair, Veterans Village, a lunch room, a day room for veterans to gather and an area to display Walls of Heroes. Bradley said use of buildings 5 and 6 at the mall have been donated. “It is going to be excellent,” he said. While Bradley is excited for 2012, he is unsure of where everything will move the following year as the city moves closer to deciding on the use of the former mall. “We don’t know what is going to happen in 2013,” he said. “Believe me, I’d love to stay here forever.” He said he does understand, however, that the situation is only temporary and that the city will have to move forward with plans for the complex eventually.
New Disabled American Veterans group starting Stephen Herzog, Branson Tri-Lakes News
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group in Branson is working to establish a local chapter of Disabled American Veterans, but they’re not waiting to start serving the community. Darryl Ostrom, DAV transportation coordinator, has started a service to take veterans to and from the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Branson. “There’s definitely a need,” Ostrom said. “We’ve got veterans who can’t drive because they’re disabled, or they can’t afford to pay for a taxi to take them.” He said there’s especially a need here because many veterans retire to Branson and don’t have family nearby to help them with transportation. The volunteer service started in June, and right now features just one van with six volunteer drivers that work occasionally. Ostrom hopes to eventually have three vans and enough volunteers that drivers only have to work once every couple of months. And while they’re staying busy, driving to places like Forsyth, Cassville, Mount Vernon and Fayetteville, Ark., the need is greater than what they can help right now. “We drive 2,000 miles a month,” Ostrom said. “And we have to turn away three times as many people as we can
The Branson Bugle
help.” Still, the program has benefitted the local Veterans Administration Clinic, which has offered office space to the DAV transportation group. “We’re considered rural medicine here,” said Mark Mead, supervisory patient services assistant at the clinic. “We have a lot of patients that schedule an appointment, but don’t know how they’re going to get here,” Mead said. He said the new transportation program should help ease that burden, especially as facilities set to open in Springfield and close in Mount Vernon. “It’s really lifted our spirits,” Mead said. “I think it’s going to be a good network.” Ostrom said the DAV chapter buys the vans, then gives them to the clinic. The clinic, in turn, provides government credit cards to pay for fuel or oil changes. But the program is still in the early stages, he said, with hopes to grow as the new DAV group, Veteran City Chapter 68 Branson, becomes established. He said they’d like to be able to help veterans in other ways besides just getting them to the clinic. “If, for example, there’s a veteran in
town for an event and his engine blows and he doesn’t have the money to fix it, we’d like to be able to give him $500 for a one-time thing and help out,” Ostrom said. “We’re not there yet, but we’d like to get there.” Mary Cummings, office manager for the transportation program, said they’ve already helped a few homeless veterans in Branson, as well. And those that just need some help now and then getting to the clinic are also grateful, she said. “They love it,” Cummings said. “They think it’s fantastic they don’t have to call Springfield.” She said one veteran who needed a ride home was especially grateful he didn’t have to work out an alternative plan. “We dropped him off, and when he walked by, he tapped on my window, blew a kiss, and said ‘thank you,’” she said. “It’s great to see that.” Ostrom said there are many veterans in the area living on “pensions and food stamps,” who can’t afford some of the simple things many take for granted. He said the unofficial chapter has 16 members right now, with 50 needed to start a new official chapter.
Stephen Herzog | Branson Tri-Lakes News
He said those that join will soon have the chance to be charter members of the Veteran City chapter. The group is also accepting DAV Auxiliary members — anyone with a veteran family member is welcomed to join. For information on the transportation service or the Branson chapter of DAV, call 417-243-2326. Information can also be requested by mail at P.O. Box 25, Branson, MO 65615.
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Flags flying again Mindy Honey, Branson Tri-Lakes News
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total of 90 American flags once again grace a two-mile stretch of Gretna Road known as the Avenue of Freedom. Tom Goldsworthy, of the Branson Veterans Task Force, said the flags, which are taken down each winter, are typically up by April for the year. This year, due to lack of funds, he got the flags up just in time for the Fourth of July. “Just like they say, ‘Freedom isn’t free’ and neither are the flags,” Goldsworthy said. He said it costs approximately $10,000 each year to maintain the Avenue of Freedom, which includes replacing flags that are worn, torn, faded or missing, as well as maintaining the flagpoles. He said while they have not raised the total amount needed for this year, it was important to have the flags up for the Fourth. “I felt I had to have them up and flying by the Fourth,” he said. As chairman of the Avenue of Freedom committee, Goldsworthy said he has started turning to organizations and individuals to help fund the patriotic roadway. “Someone can sponsor a flag for $250 for one year,” Goldsworthy said. He said a plaque will be placed
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below the flag, recognizing the sponsor and that plaque will remain up for the year. He said for $500, a person or business can sponsor two flags, which would have the sponsor recognized on both sides of the street. Goldsworthy said people can still have a flag flown in memory of someone. He said the cost is $50 and the flag will be flown in the person’s memory for 90 days then shipped to the flag’s sponsor. It is one thing to cover the cost of the flags, but Goldsworthy said it also takes a lot of work, something he has been doing for more than a decade. “Somebody has to keep going through there, making sure the flags are flying correctly and then replace them when they need it,” he said. He said while the task force oversees the Avenue of Freedom, it isn’t only veterans it honors. “It is there to honor our veterans, but also our law enforcement officers, it is there for our firemen and for our first responders,” he said. He said the avenue originally paid tribute to only veterans, but after 9/11, the decision was made to allow honoring first responders. Call 417-337-8387 or 417-5980323 or email bvtf1@suddenlinkmail.com for more information.
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