THE TOWER Volume 35 | NO 11 | NOVEMBER 2019
941-349-0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.DELTURA-HOA.com
INSIDE
3
President’s Korner
5
A Conversation: Veterans Sharing over a Beer
Reflections
Thanksgiving Dinner
7
11
At The Hydrant
15
Save Our Strays
17
Creative Writers Group
One Tank Trips
23
20
Sports & Exercise
34
Birthdays & Anniversaries
36
Calendars
Pictured from left to right are: Russ Thomas (USN), Terry Kendall (USAF) Terry Smith, (USMC), John Brassem (USAF)
CELEBRATING VETERANS AT DEL TURA By John Brassem
Four of us, all combat veterans, met at the Pub a few days ago. We had a few beers, had a salad or a cheeseburger and split the tab. We told a few whoppers about our age, our weight and our faithful pets, namely our dogs, as we each have one. We were having a great time – being with friends, enjoying a Bud and appreciating the nice cool weather. We all play golf, some good and some not so good, (that’s me!). We’ve agreed that we should play a round soon – as soon as my broken ankle heals and Terry repairs his
cart. We’ll play a round at Terry’s favorite course – the North! We started to discuss our military experience. War stories as some people call it. Not a pleasant topic, especially for those who are really in the thick of things. Believe it or not, some of the guys at the table, all Vietnam Veterans are still suffering from various combat wounds and diseases, received more than 50 years ago. In my opinion, the US government, through the Veteran’s Administration (VA), is taking relatively good care of these former soldiers. Unpleasant as it may seem, some have received wounds or diseases (cancer from Agent Orange exposure for example),
that will cause health problems for the rest of their lives. I, too, have a slew of Vietnam-oriented issues, other than Glaucoma, from a hand-to-hand struggle with an enemy soldier, but that’s not the reason I’ve asked myself to write this article. The four of us are impressed by the Memorial and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies that Del Tura and the Choralaires present every year. The huge attendance and contributors are wonderful, indeed. It seemed to me that the weather has also cooperated. We haven’t forgotten about the Vietnam Memorial Flag that flies at Del Tura’s front gate, every day. Or the green front-door-light that
each veteran is supposed to turn on each night – demonstrating their military service. That leaves a closing inquiry. “I hope this is the finale” I hear you say! One of the guys at the table said he estimates that forty-five to sixty five percent of Del Tura’s male population is a veteran. One of the guys suggested, we should have our own army! My point is this: I’m not sure that we veterans are using our influence in the best way. I’m not even sure what our influence is. Whatever it is, I’d like to find it and see how we might apply it. To that end, if you have ideas, please reach out to me to discuss. You can email me at Eclipse1jb@aol.com.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION AT THE DEL TURA MEMORIAL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019, 11:00 A.M.
TOWER DEADLINE: The 9th of the month, for the following month’s issue. All articles and flyers must be submitted in a Microsoft Word document format, or you may drop off at the HOA office in a TYPED or HAND PRINTED format only. Questions - please contact us via e-mail: Toweredit@yahoo.com or drop them at the office. Thank You