Spring 2012 - Vol. 11, No. 1
‘Remembrance Days’ on tap in May By Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
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ranson will once again pause this May to celebrate those who are currently serving in the U.S. military. In 2011, Branson hosted a two-day inaugural Armed Forces Day Celebration. The event included a golf tournament, special salute to the Armed Forces show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, a free pancake breakfast, meet-and-greets and a show. “Because last year’s two-day event was such a success, this year we are expanding it,” said June Tillis, of the Branson Veterans Task Force. The four-day event, called Armed Forces Remembrance Days, will be held May 17-20. “The key is to again honor our
military,” Tillis said. “There are some people who can’t make it in November. If we can offer events this time of year, they can get a taste of what we offer in the fall. But, this is a little bit different event.” She said while the four-day event celebrates those who are currently serving, it is chance to honor everyone who has served our country. Tillis said events are for “anybody who served in the military, past or present or loves someone who served or want to show their support.” An opening show is set for 4 p.m. aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. The dinner cruise, which begins boarding at 3:15, will once again include a special salute to the Armed
Forces. For tickets, call 800-4177770 and ask for a special Armed Forces rate. On May 18, a golf tournament will be held at Thousand Hills Golf Resort in Branson. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the tournament getting under way at 8. For more information, call 417-337-8387. A new event this year will be held on Saturday. At 10 a.m. a parade will march down Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. The tag line for the event, Tillis said, is “A century of remembering the Armed Forces.” “I’m really excited about adding a parade to our event this year,” Tillis said. REMEMBRANCE — cont. on 21
BRANSON ...THE SHOW WILL GO ON! We’ve all been touched by the many calls and emails since a tornado struck Branson in the early hours of Feb. 29. The Branson recovery and rebuilding efforts have progressed rapidly, with many of the affected businesses now open or scheduled to reopen in the coming days. The strip and other area roads are entirely open to traffic, and visitors are traveling to and from attractions, shows and restaurants with very little to no periods of restricted access due to clean up and repairs. Branson is open for business and the great majority of retailers and restaurants in Branson are ready and eager to welcome customers. As our community recovers from this storm, we appreciate more than ever those men and women who have served our country and who plan to come to stay and play in the Live Music Show Capital of the World!
Veterans Homecoming November 5-11 explorebranson.com/veterans
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1897 Branson, MO 65615
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Homecoming events return to Red Roof Ernie Bradley, Branson Veterans Task Force chairman
Memories of 2011 activities are fading as we make plans for an even better 2012. Locally, we work throughout the year on veteran activities and at the same time are finalizing plans for upcoming events for Veterans Homecoming 2012. The good news regarding Veterans Homecoming 2012 is that we have secured a home for all of our Branson Veterans Task Force events at the Factory Merchants Branson, commonly known as the Red Roof Mall. You may have heard that the mall is closing — the Factory Merchants Branson property, as well as the surrounding property, is owned by the city of Branson, which has recently reclaimed the property; a definite use for the property is yet to be announced. Meanwhile, most of the merchants previously housed at the mall have closed or relocated.
Hand in Hand — Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients April 26-28 Registration runs from 8 a.m.-noon April 26 at Factory Merchants Branson mall at 1000 Pat Nash Dr. This is a chance to pick up an armband, visit with old friends, make new friends and enjoy coffee and cookies. Registration is free. An opening ceremony will be held that same day from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theater at 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. The event is a special presentation by the National Military Order of the Purple Heart service officers on benefits and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as when and how to fill out forms. Attendees will have a chance during the three-day celebration to receive assistance. A drawing for a fishing tournament will also be held. On April 27, a free entertainment show at the Hamner Barber Theater will run from 910:30 a.m. At noon, anglers will have a chance to take part in a free fishing tournament, meeting at Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina. A special culinary experience is planned for those who are not fishing. At 6 p.m., a fish fry is planned. The dinner is free to Purple Heart recipients. The cost is $10 for spouses, friends and the general public. On Saturday, Purple Heart recipients will have the opportunity to visit Titanic Museum Attraction free of charge at 9 a.m. A $25 admission charge for spouses and signifi-
The Branson Veterans Task Force has been assured by the city of Branson that the task force will have access to two buildings at the Factory Merchants Branson mall that will accommodate all of our Ernie Veterans Homecoming 2012 activities, including the day Bradley room, Veterans Village, Walls of Heroes and veterans lunch. The space for the Veterans Village will be twice as large as last year’s space. At this time, the veterans lunch program does not have a sponsor to provide free lunches to veterans, so there may be a fee for these lunches. The Starlite Theatre and the Branson Veterans Task Force are proud to announce there will be a “Vets For Vets Opening Show” at 5 p.m. Nov. 5. The
Starlite Theatre is located at 3115 W. Hwy. 76. This show is unique in that the entertainers and the show producer are veterans providing entertainment for veterans. The 5 p.m. show time was chosen to allow our visitors to schedule their activities easier.
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS cant others will apply. A motorcycle run is also planned. A closing ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Hamner Barber Theater. For more information, visit veterans.branson .com or call 866-279-3415.
BBQ and Casino Night May 19 Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913 will host its annual BBQ and Casino Night. The event will be held at the Lion’s Club building on Missouri 76. A $20 admission fee covers dinner and play money. For more information, call 417-294-0728. Veterans Assistance Benefit Show May 21 Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913 will hold its annual “Veterans Assistance Benefit Show” at the Hamner Barber Theater. The evening includes a silent auction and much more with proceeds going to benefit veterans in need. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10 and the show begins at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 417-334-4363. Armed Forces Remembrance Days May 17-20 Activities include a Showboat Branson Belle cruise, golf tournament, parade, Plumb Nellie Days salute and star-studded USOstyle show. For more information, call 417337-8387. See cover story for details.
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Remembering Our Fallen June 2-11 The Remembering Our Fallen display, created to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, will be at the College of the Ozarks. For more information, call 417-230-2278.
The Branson Veterans Task Force works throughout the year providing services for veterans. We have successfully incorporated an advisory program for veterans and family members to assist them in securing answers and assistance regarding veterans benefits. We work with a Veterans Affairs representative in this program. Call if you have questions or to schedule an appointment. As you know, the task force is made up of volunteers donating their time with no reimbursement for time, expenses or mileage. Active volunteer members are limited in number. If you are local to the Branson area and would like to help with any of our projects and programs, call 417-337-8387. The activities we can provide are limited, to an extent, by the number of volunteers we have to share the responsibilities.
A march is planned for 10 a.m. Call 417337-8387 for more information.
National Day of Atomic Remembrance July 16 The 66th anniversary of the first atomic explosion and all veterans who were exposed to radiation in the line of military duty will be recognized during the National Atomic Veterans Day of Remembrance at 11:30 a.m. A light lunch will be served. For reservations, call 417-337-8387.
22nd Annual Branson Motorcycle Toy Run Nov. 4 The run, which is sponsored by VFW Post 5168 of Forsyth, will begin at 1 p.m. Organizers are asking that no stuffed animals be donated. Toys and coats are needed. Donations will benefit Taney County families. Riders will meet at Presley’s Country Jubilee and travel from Branson to the VFW Post. Dinner and music will be provided by the VFW. For more information, visit explorebranson .com/veterans.
Korean War Armistice Day July 27 The day is to honor those who served during the Korean War, often called The Forgotten War. The time and location has yet to be determined. Visit bransonveteransevents.com or call 417-230-2278.
Veterans Homecoming Nov. 5-11 America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, which includes special shows, reunions, a parade and many other activities runs Nov. 5-11 in Branson. For more information, visit explorebranson.com/veterans.
9/11 ‘Branson Remembers’ Sept. 11 A 6 p.m. ceremony will be held at Branson Landing in observance of the tragedy. Call 417-337-8387.
Patriotic Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week Nov. 5 From 2-4:30 p.m. Branson Veterans Events & Reunions will host an opening ceremony at the Yakov theater. No reservations are required and admission is free. CALENDAR — cont. on 12
POW/MIA Day Silent March Sept. 15
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Opening ceremony, tribute to spouses on tap By Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director
Wow what a year it has been.
We have two years behind us and as we start our third year, we’re excited about our new event, Branson Salutes Vietnam Veterans. Visit bransonveteransevents.com to see the schedule for this event. We had an exciting Veterans Homecoming week with the opening ceremony added to our schedule just eight weeks prior to the event. A Walmart tribute to veterans was a huge success, along with the other events we had throughout the week. The General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show was at the Hollister School District after being at the Branson Mall and the children loved it. You can see some of the thank you notes written to General Franks by some of the children in this issue of the Bugle. We’re trying to bring it back again this year. We will host the Remembering Our Fallen display June 2-11. This display was created to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. If
you are in Branson during this time, please put this display on your “to see list.” We have added a new event to our November schedule as we will honor the spouses of our veterans and we will be doing an opening ceremony this year. If you missed the opening ceremony last year, you won’t want to miss this years. Arlen Watch our website event calendar for our Lipper Veterans Homecoming week schedule. Keep our service men and women still serving this great nation here at home and around the world in your thoughts and prayers and remember the families of those serving as they are making the sacrifice of taking care of the homefront. It’s not easy on the family not knowing where their loved one is serving. Let’s take some time each day to remember in our prayers the fallen heroes, those serving in harm’s way and their families. We’re working on other events, so please watch our event calendar at bransonveteransevents.com.
Plans for Annual Military Gala & Banquet under way Mary Schantag, P.O.W. Network
Plans are under way for the 16th Annual Military Gala & Banquet — Branson’s longest-running military salute. The semi-formal event, held in the grand ballroom at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 9, with a social hour, cocktails, dancing before dinner and portraits available for those in attendance. Once the dinner call is sounded, the evening, patterned after a military dining out, will start with the colors being posted, a moving candlelight POW/MIA service, military toasts, participation by local entertainers and introductions of those being saluted in 2012 — Purple Heart recipients and wounded warriors from all conflicts. Dinner is served with guests enjoying the camaraderie of fellow veterans mingled with family and friends. Action Impact Ministries will entertain the 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 always a special, moving tribute for the veterans and active duty service members in attendance. They have performed at Fort Leonard Wood for active duty troops at the invitation of the base commanding officer after seeing the group perform in Branson During intermission, guests may enjoy an outdoor display of American-made fireworks, produced and provided by a local vendor, A.M. Pyrotechnics. The second half of the gala recognizes the event sponsors. A special recognition, the True American Hero Award, is presented by Military Officers Association of America Mozark chapter and then the Patriotism Award is presented by the evening’s host, the P.O.W. Network. The evening closes with more dancing to the strains of the Moonlighters, whose talented musicians are comprised of numerous veterans from the Springfield area. Reservations are available by calling 417-336-4232. Tickets are $55 per person, and include dinner, entertainment, dancing and wine or a non-alcoholic juice for toasts. Reunion groups are asked to make group reservations early, as seating is limited and no tickets are available at the door. Attire for the evening is cocktail wear, formal wear, military uniforms, mess dress or business attire. Sponsors are being sought for the event.
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Remembering Chuck Schantag By Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News “He will be a huge loss to the vethuck Schantag was the chairerans community,” Bradley said. man of the P.O.W. Network, a disSchantag and his wife, Mary, for abled Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient and an integral part years have overseen the Annual of Branson’s Veterans Military Gala & Banquet — one of Branson’s longest running military Homecoming. On Feb. 23 this year Schantag salutes. The banquet is always an imporpassed away and Branson Veterans Task Force Chairman Ernie tant part of Veterans Homecoming. Schantag, 64, was a member of Bradley said the veterans commuthe Military Order of the Purple nity lost a true friend and hero that Heart, Disabled American Veterans, day. “What Chuck meant to the veter- Red River Valley Fighter Pilots ans was honesty,” Bradley said. Association, an honorary member “His passion was uncovering these of the MOZARK chapter of the Military Officers Association of make-believe heroes.” Bradley said Schantag worked America, NAM POW’s organizaU.S. Army Rangers hard to see that those who truly tion, were American heroes were hon- Association and Special Forces ored and that the name “veteran” Association. He will be laid to rest at wasn’t tarnished by those who Arlington National Cemetery. weren’t.
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CHUCK SCHANTAG, right, prepares to present the Patriotism Award during the 2011 Annual Military Gala & Banquet.
PLUMB NELLIE DAYS SALUTES TODAY’S MILITARY The 52nd Centennial Plumb Nellie Days Arts & Crafts Festival is set for May 17-19. The downtown festival celebrates the home-spun and artistic side of historic downtown Branson, as well as commemorates May 19, Armed Forces Day. Plumb Nellie will salute today’s military and its warriors with a ceremony at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony will include entertainment by the Fair Family and other performers. Active duty military members and their families will be recognized. A special booth where performers can meet and greet their fans will be set up downtown. For more information, visit downtownbranson.org or call 417-334-1548.
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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 March 2012. 108th Infantry Regiment June 6-10 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel
Vietnam Veterans Reunion, all branches run concurrently with Branson Salute Vietnam Veterans March 29-April 1 Curtis Willard 417-527-0808 Curtis@DeeTours.us vietnamvetsreunion.com Stone Castle Hotel
Class 56B USA FOCS June 13-18 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House
D 1/5 1st Air Cav Vietnam April 9-13 Lou Perosi 888-282-2802 smllstock@verizon.net Clarion Hotel 41 Tank Battalion April 12-15 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House USS Ault April 22-26 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Carpenter DD825 April 22-26 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Golden Nugget, Las Vegas Little Bear Association April 25-29 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel 31st Infantry Dixie Division April 29-May 2 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Potter April 29-May 3 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel US Marine Corps 3rd & 4th, defense Battalion May 2-4 Daniel & Sharon Heideman 512-738-2075 or 512-738-2073 sharon_heideman@yahoo.com heideman@clws.com Grand Plaza Hotel
61st Field Artillery May 7-10 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center KOH-TANG Mayguez Veterans May 16-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Camden Hotel & Conference Center 503rd Eng Co Light Equip. May 20-23 Sherman Mills 703-590-3725 7409@aol.com location unknown Schweinfurt Group Reunion May 23-26 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House Bluefish SSN675 & SS222 May 24-27 John Wittenstrom 910-235-0191 jwittenstrom@nc.rr.com Welk Resort Wellington VFW May 25-29 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center 1st MIBARS June 7-9 Don Skinner 503-307-8004 donsk@frontier.com Grand Plaza Hotel
351st Bomb Group June 14-18 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Holiday Inn Cincinnati, Ohio Wolfhounds 27 Infantry June 16-19 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel Charlie Company June 19-24 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House Osage LSV 3, Saugus LSV 4, Monitor LSV5 & Montauk LSV 6 June 19-24 Joan Golz 479-855-2711 ojobe34@gmail.com location unknown
Hill 411 June 28-July 1 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel 3/3 RVN Association July 29-Aug. 8 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 10 Engineers Aug. 5-8 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel USS Brunswick ATS-3 Aug. 16-19 Doug Sublett sublettd@kearney.k12.mo.us 816-401-816-401-3978 Welk Resort China Marine Association Aug. 16-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel
78 Air Police Squadron Sept. 17-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Barrington Hotel
246 Field Artillery Sept. 9-13 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel USS Guam 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 USS Lewis Sept. 10-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel 3973 CD Air Force Sept. 12-16 Bessie Baker bessbaker@cfl.rr.com Radisson Hotel Branson
USS CA BB44 Ship Reunion June 20-24 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center
Hall of Montezuma Aug. 30-Sept. 3 Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 yellowroseinnsuites@gmail.com Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
14th Field Artillery Regt June 21-24 Jerry Goos 580-765-0348 davidlaukat@cox.net Grand Plaza
3rd Armor Division Sept. 2-8 Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 yellowroseinnsuites@gmail.com Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
USS Finch Reunion Sept. 12-16 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House
USS Forrest B Royal DD 872 June 21-24 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
1st 8 Inch Howitzer Battery USMC Sept. 5-9 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel
Americal Division Veterans Assn. and 2nd Bn 1st Infantry Regt. Chapter Sept. 13-15 americal.org b-2-1-196lib.com Atlanta
Air Force Security Sept. 7-9 Nancy Bennett 417-334-1717 yellowroseinnsuites@gmail.com Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
USS Whetstone Sept. 16-20 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel
USS Merrick Sept. 8-13 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House
El Paso Army Buddies Sept. 17-21 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House
USS Howard W. Gilmore May 3-7 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel
Army 4th Division Engineer June 6-10 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House
LRRP Ranger Assn. June 22-24 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
Navy Postal Clerks May 6-10 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center
USS Kemper County June 6-9 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel
1st Searchlight Battery June 23-27 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
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USS George Washington Carver SSB June 28-July 1 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
USS Tidewater AD 31 Sept. 12-16 Dean Agee 417-759-2860 rdmlagee@dishmail.net Clarion Hotel
Air Resupply Sept. 18-22 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Lexington Sept. 18-23 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel 630th Engineer Co (LE)Vietnam Sept. 20-23 Jim Fitzgerald 870-637-3236 870-637-3238 Four Seasons Inn USS Bexar USS Pickaway Sept. 20-23 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 84 and 62 Engineer Const Sept. 24-28 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Menard APA 201 Bell Reunion Sept. 24-29 Rudy Rutherford 559-251-8939 lrutherfor@aol.com Ramada Inn USS James C. Owens DD776 Sept. 26-30 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Camden Hotel & Conference Center Tom Green County Sept. 26-30 pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel USS Sperry AS12 Sept. 26-30 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel USS Markab AK31, AD21, AR23 Sept. 26-30 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel
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Veterans Homecoming day room continues to grow Chip and Sandy Milner, Veterans Homecoming day room hosts
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2006, when Marlyce Stockinger and Steve Weyher asked us to host a Veterans Day room, never in a million years did we ever expect it to become what it was this past year. Golden Corral started us off each day with about 60 cups of coffee and two trays of cookies. I couldn’t even begin to figure how many cookies, cakes, pastries, doughnuts, crackers and cereal mix we went through; gallons and gallons of coffee, water, Gatorade, tea and even hot chocolate. In the beginning, we were able to handle things, just the two of us. But as the day room grew, so did our need for volunteers. God blessed and surrounded us with angels like Joe and Bernice Carter and Aleta and Roger Scott, and countless other volunteers,
who took turns, putting out cookies, bagels, doughnuts, making coffee, setting up chairs and cleaning up at the end of the day. They all do it because the veterans are blessed by the day room. They do it because they feel blessed to be a part of it. We have experienced some challenges in recent months, in order to present the day room in 2012, but we are very pleased to announce that we will be in the same location during Veterans Homecoming week again this year. National news has made you well aware of the devastation that hit our community in February. Branson survives. The spirit thrives and we will be ready and waiting for you, with the coffee pot on.
Korean War veterans honored By Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director
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War veterans were honored with a mini-reunion on Nov. 8 last year at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center. Between 250-300 Korean War veterans and family members were in attendance. They enjoyed refreshments provided by Golden Corral, entertainment by the Hughes Brothers, speaker Col. Jim Wilhite and drawing for door prizes. Members of the Harry S. Truman Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association received medals and certificates from the Republic of Korea and the
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Korean Veterans Association. The medals were handed out by Dongwook Jong president of the KoreanAmerican Association of Springfield and the Rev. Young K. Yoon, pastor of the Korean Presbyterian Church of Springfield. Branson Veterans Events & Reunions will host this year’s reunion. We will continue this event as in the past. Mark your calendar for 2 p.m. Nov 9. For more information about this event, please go to our event calendar at bransonveteransevents.com or call 417-230-2278.
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Women veterans honored at Rose Petal event Branson Veterans Task Force Women Veterans Committee
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veterans from all services, guard 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 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 military 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 master’s degree from Troy State University in Alabama; and attended Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. During her 23-year military career, Col. Lovelace served tours in Taiwan, Vietnam and the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs of Merline Staff. She commanded Eglin Air Force Base, the biggest and best base in the Air Lovelace Force, and is a distinguished graduate of Squadron 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 Amy Lovelace, visit merlinelovelace.com. Amy Bennett, women veterans coordi- Bennett nator 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 of the Branson Veterans Task Force at 417-337-8387. For more information, visit bransonveterans.com.
Opening ceremony for vets week Nov. 5 By Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director ranson Veterans Yeager and Events & Reunions held an many more. After a opening ceremony for short interVeterans Homecoming m i s s i o n , 2011 after the Branson guest speaker Veterans Task Force Dr. Todd announced it would not be Baker, who coordinating the 2011 served Arlen in event. Lipper Iraq, spoke Veterans were honored of his experiduring the ceremony. ence treating soldiers com- theater. For more information Branson Mayor Raeanne ing off the battlefield, and about this event, visit branPresley welcomed the vet- how the combat medical erans to Branson, they were field has changed over the sonveteransevents.com or entertained by Branson’s years, from World War II, call 417-230-2278. We look forward to seeentertainers SIX, Doug Korea and Vietnam to Iraq. This year’s opening cere- ing you for this year’s Gabriel, Barbara Fairchild Homecoming and Roy Morris, John mony is scheduled for 2 Veterans Tweed, Keith Allen, Jason p.m. Nov. 5 at the Yakov week in Nov. 5-11.
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Reunion honors servicewomen By Arlen Lipper, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions director This year Pogge received a dozen red mong the women veterans and their roses from Branson Veterans Events & guests in attendance at the 2011 women Reunions Director Arlen Lipper. veterans mini-reunion was 99-year-old During the reunion, each woman veterEmma Pogge. Pogge is a World War II veteran from an was honored with a carnation. For more information about the 2012 Lawrence, Kan. She has been coming to Branson with event, visit bransonveteransevents.com her family during Veterans Homecoming or call 417-230-2278. We look forward to seeing you in for the past nine years. She enlisted in 2012. the military in 1943.
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Blue Star Mothers sends support to troops Fran Davis, Ozark Mountain Blue Star Mothers president zark Mountain Blue Star Star and Blue Star Mothers meal. This Mothers are mothers of living veter- is our way of honoring the Gold Star ans and currently military, including Mothers — mothers who have given stepmothers, adopted mothers, foster their child in battle for our freedom. mothers and grandmothers or anyone This past year our brunch was held at Steve’s Treehouse in Stonebridge who has filled in as “Mom.” We have worked with many of the Village with Dave Hamner as our veteran organizations in the area guest speaker and The Cat’s Pajamas including Vietnam Veterans of as our entertainment. Associate memAmerica Chapter 913, Branson ber Brandi Eli also offered a song for Veterans Events & Reunions and our pleasure. We are already making Branson Veterans Task Force to name plans for this year. We do a Christmas mailing to our a few. Ozark Mountain Blue Star troops with the help of individuals Mothers is an active member of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of and business in the community. Commerce. We also appreciate sup- Because our Christmas mailing to the port from non-veteran organizations troops was so successful, we are currently accepting donations for an such as the Lions Club. In November, we joined in the Easter mailing to our troops. We need Veterans Vendor Village and Veterans items to send and monetary donations parade. We also sponsored a Gold to help with the postage. We are a
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501c3 service organization, so all donations are tax deductible. These boxes are going to representatives of the 325th medical unit that will distribute the items to the wounded in their care. Many soldiers benefit and enjoy the items in the boxes. We accept new members any time throughout the year. We also have associate members and Blue Star dads that want to help us honor our troops and veterans. Come join us at Golden Corral on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson. We meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month. Some come early to purchase submitted photo the buffet and join in conversation OZARK MOUNTAIN BLUE STAR MOTHERS PRESIDENT with members. We have members FRAN DAVIS, center, poses for a photo with members of The throughout the state of Missouri. You are welcome to sit in on any Cat’s Pajamas, Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers Brunch event meeting. chair Brenda Hoffstatter, and guest speaker Dave Hamner, right.
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Sacrifices of Korean Conflict veterans not forgotten By Nancy Smith
How much about the Korean War do Americans really know? At the time, it was dubbed The Korean Conflict because a formal declaration of war was never officially called. World War II was over and we really didn’t think that another one was coming. Guys that enlisted after WWII figured they were safe from battle. That was all fine and good until June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded well into South Korea without warning. The North Korean People’s Army had amassed a fighting force of 135,000, with seven assault divisions and 150 T34 tanks, definitely a force to be reckoned with. The UN Security Council immediately demanded that North Korean People’s Army stop its attack and return to its borders, but the demand was ignored. The day after Republic of Korean Capitol, Seoul, fell on June 29, President Harry Truman committed U.S. troops to help enforce the UN demand. At first, U.S. and South Korean forces were ill-equipped and under-trained to fight the large, well-equipped North Koreans, and thus were beaten down badly, with many captured, killed or wounded. Something had to be done. By August of 1950, more and more U.S. troops and heavy equipment were brought in to even the fight; one that would last until July of 1953. The successful amphibian Inchon Landings by the Marines surprised the North Korean troops, and put a shot-in-the-arm into the rest of the Allied forces, eventually moving the North Korean People’s Army well back into North Korea, and up toward Manchuria. Everyone thought we were close to winning the war, but little did we know that Communist Chinese would be joining the North Koreans to push the Allied forces way back into South Korea again. The fighting went on by both sides. To really understand the reason that fighting in Korea was so difficult, you must understand the terrain, filled with large rugged hills. A hill would be captured by one side; the other side would recapture it. Each time the hill was captured or recaptured, there were many killed and wounded on both sides.
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General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show and Classroom Nov. 5-6 The General Tommy Franks Traveling Road Show and Classroom will be located at Branson Mall from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors are invited to tour the 60-foot traveling exhibit. Registration and Souvenir Commemorative Button Sales Nov. 5-10 The second Veterans Homecoming week button will be available at the Branson Veterans Events & Reunions office located in the Branson Mall. A portion of the proceeds from the button sales will go to a nonprofit veterans organization to help dis-
A group of Korean War veterans recall their stories and enjoy camaraderie each year when they get together in Branson. Most of these men were a part of the Army, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 15th Regiment, Fox Company; the same infantry regiment and division as Audie Murphy was during WWII. They entered the war in 1951. Their platoon sergeant in war, Denzil Batson, and his wife, Eva, have organized this reunion for 22 years with their original group of 15 dwindling down to six. Though many have died, others have joined the ranks. The stories of many of these soldiers can be found in Batson’s book, “Korea — We Called It War,” which can be found on Amazon.com. The men may have forgotten many other things in the past, but their memories and nightmares of Korea are still vivid in their minds. Loren Renz, one of the original reunion members, explained “when I joined the 3rd Division in Korea, it was still a war of movement. In other words, we were pushing the Chinese north and taking new ground as we moved them back toward the 38th Parallel. It was in the first week of October 1951 when my unit was in the middle of a bloody fight on the central front near a bunch of hills called 477 – 487. It was several days before the Chinese were dislodged. I never saw so many dead Chinese. The bad thing was a lot of dead GIs were lying around as well. It was awful.” Many of the men in the group, including Bob Hunter, spoke of their largest battle called Little Gibraltar, which took place on Hill 355 on Thanksgiving Day 1951. “We discovered that the Chinese had overrun the 7th Infantry units on Hill 355 and were to go up and retake the hill,” Hunter said. “The day after Thanksgiving Day, we spent about 10 or 11 hours up on Hill 355 beating down the Chinese and securing the position. We were relieved by Company E, 15th Infantry, and moved back down to another smaller hill (Little Bunker Hill.) When we had moved out in the attack, our company was almost at full strength, about 175 to 190 officers and men. When we got to Little Bunker Hill, we had 78 men left in the company, and very little ammunition.” Later, they were given orders to move back up the hill to defend a 1,500-yard gap in the line. Relief ammo had not
abled and wounded veterans. The location is subject to change. Veterans Sporting Clay Shoot Nov. 6 The Veterans Sporting Clay Shoot will once again be held at Ozark Shooters Complex on U.S. 65. All entries are eligible for door prizes and lunch is provided. Email bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com. Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion Nov. 7 The Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion will be held at Golden Corral from 8:30-11:30 a.m. The event is to honor those who served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. Salute to Veterans Spouses Reception Nov. 7 This new event is to honor the spouses of
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KOREAN WAR VETERANS, front row from left, Robert Lawson, Ron Stewart, Bill Rice. Back row from left, Loren Renz, Bob Hunter, Bill Moore and Denzil Batson. arrived, so what they had left, had to be divided between the men. “The Chinese began pounding us with 120 mortars before they even got started. Fortunately, at the top of the hill, the Chinese did not pursue that fight, even though frozen feet did take some casualties,” Hunter said. Other accounts were expressed by the reunion veterans about battles at Outpost Kelly and Outpost Harry, smaller hills which were taken back and forth; as well as Crete and Jackson Heights. They spoke of having to “play dead” to fool North Korean and Chinese warriors, and sometimes it actually worked. Some of the men in the group had been shot or hit with shrapnel and returned to fighting if they were able. They saved each other’s lives and cried for those they lost. Batson summed it up best by saying that the losses caused “a scar on my soul.” These young, brave and loyal soldiers were providing freedom for South Korea and in turn for the rest of us. About 40,000 men died in the Korean Conflict, a war that is almost overlooked in many history books. As in the case with WWII veterans, these soldiers are dying at an alarming rate. We must make them realize that their efforts during this forgotten war are not ignored and that they are honored.
veterans who stayed behind and took care of the family. The event runs from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel. Email bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com. Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion Nov. 7 The reunion will be held at the Camden Hotel and Conference Center from noon-5 p.m. Free lunch, prizes and entertainment. Contact Pam Brown at pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com. Women Veterans Mini Reunion Nov. 8 The Women Veterans Mini Reunion will be held from 4-7 p.m. at Golden Corral. For more information, email bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com. Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion Nov. 9
The Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion will be held from 2-5 p.m. at Stone Castle Inn. Email bransonveteransevents @yahoo.com. Walmart Tribute to Veterans Nov. 10 Branson Hills Walmart, along with Branson Veterans Events & Reunions, will host a tribute to veterans from 9 a.m-2 p.m. The event includes entertainment, a guest speaker and lunch for veterans and their families. All veterans in attendance will receive a lapel pin. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 7 A special ceremony to commemorate “the day that will live in infamy” will begin at noon in front of the Branson Landing fountains. For more information, call 417-3378387.
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Vietnam veterans reunion planned Pam Brown, Gatherings Plus
We are looking forward to a busy 2012 season with many military groups holding their reunion in Branson. We are excited about many new shows and venues this year and know our veterans will be amazed at what Branson has to offer. Our website, bransonmilitaryreunions.com, has a list of 2012 reunions under “reunion index” along with “comments” from attendees from past gatherings. Gatherings Plus is sponsoring, for the fourth year, the Vietnam Mini-Reunion on Nov. 7 from noon-5 p.m. at the Camden Hotel and Conference Center. The
PERSIAN GULF VETS REUNITED The Persian Gulf War veterans were honored at a mini-reunion Nov. 7 during Veterans Homecoming in Branson last year. The event honored those veterans who served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. The veterans and their guest were provided breakfast by Golden Corral and entertained by Allan Edwards. The event was coordinated by Branson Veterans Events & Reunions, and hosted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913. This year’s event is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 8:30 a.m. at Golden Corral. For more information, visit bransonveteransevents.com or call 417-230-2278. We look forward to seeing you in November.
date was changed this year so as not to conflict with the Walmart event and the Marine Corps Pam Ball on Nov. Brown 10. Please plan to join us on Nov. 7 for lunch, drawings for show tickets and meals, great entertainment by some of Branson’s finest talents and visiting with fellow Vietnam veterans. Last year there were more than 600 that attended this grand event and we hope to top that number this year.
GATHERINGS PLUS will do all the work so you can have all the FUN!
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417-338-4048 www.bransonmilitaryreunions.com The Branson Bugle
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Military wedding package up for grabs Branson prize valued at more than $20,000 Staff Reports
Twenty-four local businesses are honoring our troops and celebrating the city’s centennial by giving one lucky military couple the chance to get married in Branson on Veterans Day this year. The winning couple will receive a free wedding package from some of the top wedding vendors in the Branson area, valued at more than $20,000. The wedding package will begin on Nov. 9 with a rehearsal dinner cruise. Nov. 10 includes a day out on the town in Branson with admission for 20 guests to the Clay Cooper Theatre. Veterans Day will start early for the winning couple, with hair and makeup, a ride in the Veterans Day parade, lunch, pictures, and a limousine ride to the ceremony at Branson
Landing and the reception. Everything from music, photography, videographers, the wedding cake, floral arrangements, the wedding dress, tuxedo rental and the minister are all being provided by local businesses, free of charge to the couple. “Showing our appreciation to the military in this way is one small token compared to what they have done for us over the past and the future still to come,” said Joey Simpson, owner of Just One More Song DJ Entertainment. “The responses from the local businesses have been overwhelming and very much appreciated.” To enter the contest, couples must compose a 500-word essay explaining why they deserve to be selected as the
winning military couple. To enter, email Contest @BransonWeddingAffiliation. com, fill out a registration form online at BransonWedding Affiliation.com or mail to Just One More Song, 513 E. Miller Rd., Republic, MO 65738. Applications will be accepted through May 26 and the winner will be announced June 4. The winning couple will be determined by a select group of Branson school teachers, who will read each essay and award the wedding to the most deserving entry. Entries may be submitted by a friend, family member or the prospective bride or groom. To qualify, either the bride or groom must be active in the military and available to have a wedding Nov. 11, 2012.
In November, the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum traveling show made a stop at Hollister School District, where hundreds of students had a chance get a taste of Franks’ extensive collection. These letters are from a small portion of the students who toured the traveling exhibit.
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Walmart appreciation day draws hundreds By Dee Elledge, Branson Veterans Events & Reunions board member
The Walmart on Branson Hills Parkway in association with Branson Veterans Events & Reunions, held a large veterans appreciation day Nov. 10, 2011. Local entertainers from Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, including Jason Yeager, John Sager, Karen Richardson, Bernie Parquette, Matt Kester and Casey Dodds were joined by John and Sarah Tweed, from the Tweed show, David Cook and Al Clark, from Wounded Warrior Project, Robert Penny, a Walmart truck driver, and Anthony Thorsen, a young man from YouTube.
cont. from 8 41 Tank Battalion Sept. 27-Oct. 1 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House USS Enterprise Fire Reunion Sept. 28-Oct. 1 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
The two-and-a-half hour show was emceed by Yeager, who was a top 10 finalist of “American Idol” season seven. More than 800 veterans came for the entertainment and were celebrated for their service by retired USAF Col. James Wilhite, from Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. A special letter written to honor the veterans and their spouses was read by Dee Elledge. This was the second annual veterans appreciation event hosted by Walmart in Branson. We do this because we feel it is important to celebrate what our
veterans did for us to be able to do what we do today. Both years, we have heard about veterans who were able to meet with a fellow friend and military buddy that they hadn’t seen for years, and it was so heartwarming to see this.
After the show, Walmart provided a meal for 1,200 veterans and their spouses. Walmart truck drivers from the distribution center in Bartlesville, Okla., did all the grilling and associates from three area Walmart stores served the
meal. It was an awesome feeling to serve the veterans as a way of saying “thanks” for their service to us. Check bransonveteransevents .com for information on the 2012 event.
VETERAN MILITARY REUNIONS
USS Bumper Oct. 3–7 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Barrington Hotel USS Grand Canyon Oct. 3–7 pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel
781 Bomb Squadron Sept. 30–Oct. 4 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel
236th Medical Det. HA (Danang Dustoff) Oct. 4-7 Calvin Guthrie 254-931-0135 Calguthrie57@aol.com Grand Plaza Hotel
29th Fighter Squadron Oct. 3–6 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Camden Hotel & Conference Center
LEX-ELECT Oct. 7-11 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel
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Helicopter Pilots Assn. Oct. 8-12 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Westgate Branson Woods
Marine Corps Engineer Association Oct. 10-13 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel 46 Air Refueling Squadron Oct. 10-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel Minnesota Korean Vets Oct. 10-14 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Camden Hotel & Conference Center 34th Bomb Group Oct. 10-13 Sarah Hord 417-690-4096 sarah.hord@radisson.com Radisson Hotel
OV-1 Mohawk Association Oct. 11-14 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Clarion Hotel Marine Corps Advisors Oct. 15-18 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Hilton Convention Center 240 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
USS Oglethrop Oct. 25 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House 4th Infantry Div. Nov. 8-12 Cherie Chitwood cherie@lodgingbranson.com Savannah House 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines Nov. 8-12 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Camden Hotel & Conference Center
Co.A, 227th Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Cavalry Div, including Co. D, 227th Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Cavalry Div. Vietnam Era and Friends 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 USS St. Clair County Nov. 9-12 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Barrington Hotel USS Sea Poacher and Friends Nov. 9-13 Pam Brown pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions .com Grand Plaza Hotel
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Vets museum open following Leap Day storm By Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
Veterans
Memorial Museum, which has been called one of the “greatest tributes ever completed to honor our country’s veterans,” survived the Feb. 29 storm with minimal damage. “We did lose our P-51 (Mustang fighter plane) replica and we had just a short down time until power was restored,” said director June Tillis. While it is sad to see the iconic plane damaged, as well as a statue outside, Tillis is grateful it wasn’t worse. “I breathed a great sigh of relief when I saw our building was OK and untouched. The precious war artifacts were unscathed,” she said. “Some of those pictures and artifacts are irreplaceable. We have over 2,000 items in the museum.” The museum features exhibits from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and all other recent conflicts.
The hallmark of the museum, according to Tillis, is the world’s largest bronze memorial statue — 50 soldiers storming the beach. Fred Hoppe Jr., who is an internationally known sculptor, created the bronze June memorial piece while buildTillis ing the museum. The sculpture is more than 70-feet long and weighs 15 tons. It features 50 life-sized soldiers storming a beach, modeled after a veteran from each state. The museum opened in October 2000. In the years since the museum opened, millions of people have walked through the doors. Tillis said she hopes those who visit feel the gratitude. “I feel this is a ministry to the veter-
ans,” she said. “I hope they feel honored.” For the families of soldiers who did not return from war, Tillis said she hopes the
museum provides a sense of peace. “We hope it gives some healing to the family members of the men whose names are on the wall,” she said.
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Korean War not forgotten at college College of the Ozarks exhibit ‘Korea Remembered’ featured at The Keeter Center Matt Farmer, College of the Ozarks
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he Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks recently began featuring an exhibit dedicated to the Korean War. The exhibit serves as an addition to the existing Lest We Forget World War II display, which documents the college’s Patriotic Education Travel Program wherein students accompany veterans to battle sites to learn about history and sacrifice from the men who lived it. “The college has taken nine trips around the world to WWII battle sites with WWII veterans,” said C of O Executive Vice President Fred Mullinax during a 2011 interview. “Our plan is to take a trip with Korean War veterans, too. The Korean War is often called ‘The Forgotten War.’ “With this exhibit, we want to show our appreciation to the veterans and show that we have not forgotten their sacrifice.” The new exhibit, titled Korea Remembered, contains artifacts, documents and photos from the conflict. It also contains a topographical diorama of Korea created by a military history class at College of the Ozarks. Visitors may also see original newspaper clippings of the article “General Vows to Retake Old Baldy,” a U.S. military fatigue hat from the Korean War and a pennant for the 32nd Infantry Regiment. Many of the items in the display are on
loan from Joe Bryant, a Korean War veteran. “The map is one of the most interesting parts of the exhibit,” Mullinax said.
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“Taken in tandem with everything else, many visitors learn something about The Forgotten War.” The Keeter Center’s history displays
are free and open to the public Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call 417-239-1900.
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Orlando honored for outstanding patriotic support Staff Reports in support of National Guard and Reserve members. The Seven Seals Award is the highest award given to civilians, and was created to publicly recognize Americans who provide out-
standing patriotic support and cooperation to those that have been called to serve in the Armed Forces. The Seven Seals Award represents the seven military reserve components: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard reserves, along with the Army and Air National Guard. Orlando frequently visits and entertains troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and performs countless shows for military personnel and their families in the United States. For the past 18 years, he has hosted “Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute to the Veterans” in Branson on Veterans Day. “Tony
2012 BRANSON VETERANS HOMECOMING BUTTON The second Branson Veterans Homecoming souvenir collector button will be available at the Branson Veterans Events & Reunions Office, as well as in several other locations, inside Branson Mall. There is a limited supply of these buttons, so you will want to get yours early. Branson Veterans Events & Reunions still has some of the 2011 collector buttons available, as well. For more information on how to get your button, call Branson Veterans Events & Reunions at 417-230-2278 or email branson veteransevents@yahoo.com.
Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans” is a free show to all veterans who attend the Branson Veterans Homecoming, America’s largest Veterans Day celebration. New Jersey Air National Guard Chief of Joint Staff, Brig. Gen. James J. Grant, and Department of Defense State Vice Chair Don Tretola presented Orlando with the award at The Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J. Tony Orlando will return to the stage in Branson on Nov. 1, to star in “Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas” at Welk Resorts theater.
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he Department of Defense issued the Seven Seals Award to Branson resident and legendary entertainer Tony Orlando for the work he does in the United States, as well as overseas,
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Vets find comfort during annual homecoming Staff Reports
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ietnam veteran Les Stroud doesn’t like to talk about the war, but finds comfort in knowing he’s not alone. “Part of me is still over there. But this makes you feel better,” he said, motioning to a crowd of fellow veterans, during Veterans Homecoming 2011. “It’s good to see people who went through what you went
through.” Although the veterans day room at Factory Merchants Branson was filled that day, Stroud noticed only a handful of elder veterans. “It’s nice to see the World War II vets,” he said. “There aren’t many left.” One such veteran, George Wilson, 89, of Duncan, Okla.,
was a soldier in the 101st Airborne from 1943-45, riding artillery-laden gliders to the battlefield. He also keeps an eye out for the fading WWII generation. “I watch for them, but I don’t see many,” Wilson said. The few Wilson does see are treated well in Branson, he said. “They go all out. At the shows, they recognize the veterans,” Wilson said. “I’ve never been in a location where they treat you this well.” George Hitzman, 75, of Chicago, has been attending Veterans Homecoming four years running. The first year, he “had the pleasure of meeting Tony Orlando.” “A lot of these guys put their necks on the line,” he said during a Persian Gulf War reunion at Golden Corral. “Some came back missing parts. Hey, they should be honored.” Hitzman, a veteran of both the Korean and Persian Gulf wars, said he’s proud of the fact he comes from a long line of sol-
diers. “We’ve had a family member in every major conflict in this country. We’ve been wounded, but we’ve never been killed. We run too fast,” he said with a laugh. For Stroud, who calls the TriLakes Area home, there’s no place like Branson.
“There’s always someone who’ll thank you here,” he said. “When you start getting away from here, I don’t have anyone come up and say anything to me.” The annual, week-long tribute always includes reunions, special activities and a Veterans Day parade.
Missing Man Table ceremony offered at Dixie Stampede By John Richardson, Dixie Stampede director of sales and marketing ixie Stampede in Branson vided by special arrangement, pays tribute with a special dedi- free of charge, before the cation to honor all branches of Carriage Room pre-show for our nation’s veterans, prisoners military reunion groups of 15 or of war, those missing in action more attending that evening’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. and active duty military. To schedule a Missing Man The ceremony was designed to Table & Honors Ceremony for acknowledge those missing and their absence at celebrations, your military reunion, please banquets and special events. contact Kamber Sperle at kamNow the Missing Man Table & bers@dixiestampede.com. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Honors Ceremony is presented by Dixie Stampede for reunion Stampede is a unique dinner and show experience set in a giant groups. “We always honor our veter- 35,000-square-foot arena featurans, so we dedicated the Missing ing 32 magnificent horses, a Man Table & Honors Ceremony stampede of buffalo, Rumble In as a special private service The Treetops lumberjack relay, before the big arena spectacular. thrilling horsemanship, romance, We hope it will enrich each music, comedy and audience reunion group’s experience at participation, all showcased in a Dixie Stampede,” said Kamber friendly rivalry between North Sperle, group sales manager. and South and complemented by The private ceremony is pro- a fabulous four-course feast.
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Veterans Grove Plaza at C of O dedicated By Mindy Honey of the Branson Tri-Lakes News
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ext to a grove of maple trees and just outside the Gates of Opportunity at College of the Ozarks, students, college staff and veterans came together last fall for the dedication of Veterans Grove Plaza. Veterans Grove Plaza, where flags from each branch of the military, along with the American flag, are prominently displayed, is the newest addition to the college’s Veterans Grove and is a place C of O executive vice-president Fred Mullinax hopes will be a place of reflection. “Never visit this place without remembering the price that was paid for our freedom,” Mullinax said at the dedication ceremony. Veterans Grove is filled with sugar maple trees,
each honoring a veteran who has traveled with the college’s students during patriotic tours. Three more trees, bringing the total to 54, were added this week. The three additions represent World War II veterans Andy
Anderson, John Primerano and Louis Rabesa. “We are deeply gratified to have a program that honors veterans and enables students to experience history first-hand through their eyes,” Mullinax said.
He said since the college’s patriotic travel program began, 54 veterans have accompanied 135 students abroad. By the time 100 trees fill the grove, approximately 300 students will have participated.
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“Branson is turning 100 years old this year and so our inaugural parade will kick off our next 100 years of honoring the Armed Forces,” Tillis said. “The parade is a celebration of Branson’s rich history of honoring its Armed Forces.” The parade will line up in the former Celebration City parking lot and then head east on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. “We want the parade to show that Branson supports the Armed Forces,” she said. While she hopes Branson celebrities will join in the fun, she wants to see the parade really honoring active duty personnel and veterans. After the parade, people will have time to
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head over to downtown Branson where the 52nd annual Plumb Nellie Days arts and crafts festival will be under way. A special salute to the Armed Forces will be held on the main stage at 12:30 p.m. “For me, Branson is all about the sacrifices people made and are making now,” said Brenda Meadows, Downtown Branson Main Street Association events and public relations manager. She said it seems that Armed Forces Day is almost overlooked anymore. “I think this is very important,” she said. “This is a way to salute those who have put their lives on the line.” On Sunday, the Armed Forces Day Celebration will cap with what Tillis called the “Armed Forces Big Show.” The star-studded USO-style show runs from 2-4 p.m. at the Icon Theater on 76 Country Boulevard. Admission to the show is free of charge. “It is sure to be a really good show,” she said.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS PRESIDENT JERRY DAVIS, from left, carries a wreath with World War II veterans Bryan Sperry and Herbert Anderson during a wreath-laying ceremony Veterans Day at C of O.
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Homecoming 2011 a time of healing Week once again gives Branson a chance to show appreciation to U.S. warriors Staff Reports
A common thread throughout the upbeat, but sometimes emotional week for the thousands of veterans in town for Veterans Homecoming 2011 was simply put by many: They appreciate being appreciated. “Even though we weren’t respected, we were proud of what we did,” said Vietnam veteran Bill Wallace, who, like many, returned home to indifference, even scorn, following the war. “It was our job. We were patriotic and dedicated. It’s 40 years too late, but now they say ‘Welcome home.’ We really appreciate this.” Wallace, 71, of Independence, was part of a mobile communications group in 1964-65, helping set up bases, he said. “Here, you’re with guys who were actually a part of it,” Wallace said during a Vietnam veterans reunion. “We can talk about things other people wouldn’t understand. We share our sorrow and we share our good times.” Ted Hansen, of Montgomery, Minn., in Vietnam from 1961-66, enjoyed his Veterans Homecoming experience so
much two years ago that, like Wallace, he returned for more. “When you came back from Vietnam, nobody was interested,” he said. “They looked down on you. The war was not an issue. Today, you get such a warm feeling in Branson.” From a “military family,” Kimberling City resident and retired Navy veteran Jim Taber, 55, so looked forward to Veterans Homecoming that he asked off from work a year ago to attend. “I actually took off to be more active in it,” Taber said. “This is the only place I’ve been where they do so much for the veterans. “It feels nice to be appreciated.” A USO entertainer in 1968, Brenda Meadows enlisted in the Army two years after performing in Vietnam. Now, she’s helping organize events. “One of the reasons I moved to Branson was because they love veterans so much,” she said. HEALING — cont. on 23
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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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A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW Like Meadows, Army veteran Janice Martin’s life has seen a mix of military and entertainment. Now performing as a headliner on the Showboat Branson Belle, Martin — her company’s “fastest runner in basic training” — was a soloist in the Army band. “It was fascinating,” Martin said of her Army experience. “I didn’t have any friends who did that. My friends were musicians. It was so different from being an artist. It just opened my eyes.” Both Martin and Meadows were among several dozen women veterans honored at events throughout the week. Taber’s mother, Harriet, also part of the “military family” now residing in Kimberling City, served during the Korean War. A Navy photographer, she met her future husband as a patient with pneumonia. “My dad was a hospital corpsman and she was a patient,” the younger Taber
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said. “That’s how they met. Now, my son is a hospital corpsman. It’s in the family.” Harriet Taber looks back fondly on her service. “We were treated nice,” she said, adding that she made lifelong friends, even from boot camp. “I think it made us more appreciative of our fellow man.” A humble, but oft honored veteran, retired Maj. Vicki Jones, was in town this week to support fellow female soldiers. Jones, the first Native American female helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, was recognized last year as the Oklahoma woman veteran of the year. “I hate bragging and talking about myself — that’s the Native American in me,” Jones said. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” She spent a dozen of her 28 years in service flying helicopters. Her last flight was in 1994. “It was the most thrilling 12 years because I was trained by the best — the Vietnam veteran pilots,” she said. “I miss it. My heart beats faster every time I
hear the flapping of the blades.” Fifteen years ago, her portrait was painted by an Oklahoma senator. “It may be my face on there, but it represents all women warriors who served in the U.S., past, present and future,” she said. THE SEARCH CONTINUES Absent from the week’s Homecoming Veterans were prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. But they have not been forgotten. “As long as we keep having POWs, we have no choice, but to remember,” said Mary Schantag, a founding board member of the P.O.W. Network. A service was held during the week in honor of the 92,000 men and women whose remains have yet to be found or are still considered missing in action. The bulk of those empty graves are adorned with the names of World War II soldiers. But it’s not all about the past, Schantag said. There are two American soldiers considered prisoners of war, according to the
Department of Defense as of November 2011. The most recent at that time was 25-year-old Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured in Afghanistan by the Taliban in July 2009. “This young man we have missing right now could be your little brother,” Schantag said in November. “You wonder what’s wrong with the country; we can see a dime on the sidewalk with satellite, but we can’t find a soldier we sent to war. If we can’t find them from two years ago, how can we find them from decades ago?” Bergdahl has been seen on video several times since his capture. “They are ignored in the media,” Schantag said. “It’s not at the forefront unless it’s your family. I can’t imagine what it feels like to see their son in captivity on videotape over and over.” Vietnam veteran Benny Mulkey, of Jenkins, Okla., said for the families of POWs and MIAs, even from decades ago, it’s all about closure. “I come out to recognize our MIAs and POWs who haven’t returned,” Mulkey said. “Until they’re all
brought home, I’ll continue.” PRESERVING MEMORIES Tucked away in the red roof mall off Branson’s strip is a new museum of sorts dubbed the Veteran’s Wall of Heroes. Founder Tom Goldsworthy, who spent a year in Vietnam during his 21 years of military service, unveiled his “dream for years” to an invitation-only crowd during the unveiling, but kept the doors open during Veterans Homecoming. “I’ve had this stuff stored in my workshop,” he said, adding that many of the pieces came from the Mike Radford Hall of Heroes, formerly at the Radisson Hotel. “I’ve also had people call and give me footlockers
and things over the years. This is stuff I’ve wanted to find a place for out there. It’s here for education, so people can bring their kids in.” Branson West Mayor John Rhodes, whose city held its second annual veterans parade in 2011, was among several dignitaries at the opening who spent time perusing the hundreds of photographs and artifacts. “This is wonderful,” he said as he spotted a photograph of a carrier he once boarded during his service in the Navy. For more information about the Veterans Wall of Heroes or to schedule a tour, contact Goldsworthy through the Branson Veterans Task Force at 417337-8387.
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