Home Page Introduction Our Mission & Purpose The Events Memorial Honor Guard Freedom
Walk of Honor Veterans History Project POW-MIA Military Links Lex Events Veterans List Origin of LVA

MARCH 2012 VETERANS LUNCHEON

VETERANS LUNCHEON - The final Veterans luncheon of the season was attended by 50 veterans and wives. The speaker was Bob Hebner of Cape Coral, Navy Veteran of the Korean War .  Bob spoke about his tour as a Sonar man on the USS McNair DD 679 which in Navy parlance is a Destroyer or to the sailors a "Tin Can".   Operating in Korean waters during the fall-winter campaign of 1952 and the winter-spring campaign of 1953 Bob described the life of a Sonar man whose job it was to track Russian submarines and look for underwater mines.
 

Currently he is in his second 2 year term as President of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) SW Florida Chapter. That group meets the first Sunday of every month at 2 pm at the American Legion Post #90 in Cape Coral.  He invited any interested Lexington Korean War Veteran to attend.


 Another feature of the luncheon was the presentation to WWII Navy Veteran Phil Serpe of a beautiful remembrance for his patriotic dedication to the Lexington Veterans Association.  Phil was a member of the original flag committee in late 2000 and has vigorously supported the veterans in various causes over the years.

   

left photo is of Phil Serpe and his wife Janet -

right photo is of Phil receiving the award from Rich Hill, founder and Past Commander and Bernie Gdula, current Commander of the LVA

JANUARY 2012 VETERANS LUNCHEON

VETERANS LUNCHEON - Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:30 am - We said hang on to your chairs because you will hear one of the most riveting stories ever told.  Sixty Five plus people were doing just that when Air Force Lt, Jim DeVoss, F105 striker pilot told about being shot down flying his 70th combat mission behind enemy lines in Vietnam. He survived but was severely injured and his rescue just happened to be videotaped by the rescue team. The story was shown on Dateline: Southeast Asia/Vietnam entitled:

A MIRACULOUS RESCUE AND RECOVERY.

and shown again Monday.  But it was DeVoss's flight uniform, his fast, dramatic voice, fascinating story and heartfelt feeling for his rescuers that grabbed people. Many people are commenting such as, "Wow! that was absolutely amazing...how did he survive".  Or "what a sincere, outstanding person. He had me on the edge of my seat." "Great American."  "The way he laid the groundwork for the final chapter was riveting." And many others. If you weren't there, you missed one of the truly best Veteran events of the past several  years.

   Air Force Lt, Jim DeVoss, F105 striker pilot with Commander Bernie Gdula and Past Commander Rich Hill.

 

OCTOBER 2011 VETERANS LUNCHEON

VETERANS LUNCHEON - Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:30 am - Main speaker was Dominic Jamella, 91 years young             Army Air Corps Veteran who was a WWII Ball Turret Gunner on the B-24 "Miss Carol Anne"  and flew 48 missions over  Europe while stationed in Italy and was shot down, but eluded capture.  Dominic told of difficult times he and his bomber crew faced in their 48 missions but from time to time he had the audience laughing with his great sense of humor in an attempt to make light of some of his experiences.

     

 

JANUARY 2011 VETERANS LUNCHEON

VETERANS LUNCHEON (All Residents Invited)* - Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:30 am - vista Room.  Around 55 people attended the luncheon.  Featured speaker was David Casterioto, Veteran Benefits Consultant representing the Veterans Support Center in SW Florida.  David gave a slide presentation that detailed the  benefits of the Aid and Attendance Pension Program for war time veterans and surviving spouses.  More information is available at www.vetsupportcenter.com or by calling David at 239-344 -9852.  Brochures are also available at the front desk of the main clubhouse.  This is a little known benefit for veterans and their spouses who qualify.

OCTOBER 2010  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

VETERANS LUNCHEON (All Residents Invited)* - Monday, October 18, 2010 at 11:30am - Vista Room.  Around 60 people attended the luncheon. Featured speaker was Captain John Lazzaro, Navy Reserves, who was called to active duty in 2008 and served one year in Afghanistan where he was Garrison Commander at the Forward Operating Base at Apache Qalat.  In an outstanding informational talk with slides Captain Lazzarro  talked about his experiences in Afghanistan and how he worked with an Afghan Army Colonel in a concerted effort to assist their Army to become a driving force against the Taliban.  In addition, he talked passionately  about how his American Force Unit tried to work with the Afghan people toward new hopeful life.  Captain Lazzaro is a Board Member of Operation Home Front and described what that organization does for the troops and their families in moments of need.  The LVA gave him a check issued to OHF for $250.  Captain Lazzaro is a recipient of the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps commendation Medal (2 Stars), The Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 stars) and various unit awards.

 

MARCH 2010  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Business Luncheon - Monday March 15, 2010 at 11:30 am.  Featured speaker was Air Force Veteran Anatole Kurdsjuk, who is also a member of the steering committee of the Pride & Patriotism Event.  Mr. Kurdsjuk  presented and discussed "A TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY" as detailed in his recently published book "The Long Walk Home".  He told the fascinating story of 9 year old Anatole and his family as they face Siberian exile, imprisonment, starvation and forced Death Marches to Nazi Slave Labor Camps.  Ultimately, overcoming countless stumbling blocks, they reached America.  Experience their joy and sadness, their love and loss, and their determination.  It was an interesting presentation in which we saw the various members of his family and maps showing their difficult journeys through the former Soviet Union and finally their escape to freedom.  Tony also had a nice display and book signing for "The Long Walk Home".  Go to his website www.thelongwalkhome.com  In addition, Marine Veteran Ben Polk made a special presentation to two officers of the Lee County Sheriff's office for their major assistance in the Marine Corps weapons training for Marine Poolies (young folks preparing to enter boot camp) and we had 4 active duty Marines with us for lunch.

                                

JANUARY 2010  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Business Luncheon - Monday January 18, 2010 at 11:30 am in the Vista Room.  A series of interesting events surrounded our Main Speaker(s). First Jonathan Scalone, Manager of Supportive Services for Hope Hospice in Fort Myers,  who is also a Lt. Colonel in the Active Reserves of the U.S. Air Force was called to active service a week and a half before the 18th.  He is now in Iraq. His replacement was also a reservist and was immediately called for the Haiti response.  The next replacement was John Strickling  who is the Community Relations Director with Hope Hospice, also known as Hope HealthCare Services.  John gave us a outstanding overview of the expanded Hope services mixed with several touching stories.   Besides filling us in on the new services within Hope he talked in depth about the new Hope Valor Program that honors veterans who need care.  A greatly expanded program for veterans is summed up by the following statement - "Honoring veterans for their service to our country and helping them to attain the highest quality of life possible, especially as they approach the end of life, is about dignity and respect at Hope HealthCare Services."  In addition to counseling, there is a ceremony to honor each veteran and his/her family during their stay at Hope and an opportunity to facilitate submissions to the Veterans History Project for the Library of Congress.

         

John Strickling (Hope HealthCare Services)      Phil Loparo, John & Commander Ron Ruff  (photos by Howard Miller)

OCTOBER 2009  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Business Luncheon - Monday 10/19/2009 at 11:30 am in the Vista Room.   Main Speaker was Jeremy Gentile, Armed Forces Coordinator for the American Red Cross.  Jeremy told quite a story about his 8 years in the US Marine Corps and 4 years in the US Army.  He deployed to Iraq 3 times in 2003, 2005 and 2007 & to South America in 2002 and to Haiti in 1999.  He is currently in the ARMY Reserves. He also spoke about his experience as Armed Forces Coordinator for the American Red Cross and showed a video about all the effort the RC is doing for returning veterans.

MARCH 2009  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Monday, March 16, 2009 at 11:30am - Veterans Business Luncheon in the Vista Room was a follow up on the affects of TBI and featured a panel of medical rehabilitation specialists moderated by Lexington Resident Dr. David Geiser, Neuro Psychologist, the purpose of which was to further educate those attending on the specific treatments needed by TBI and PTSD victims.  The following specialists were on the panel:

Stacy Gorsky, DPY                                         Physical Therapist

        Astrid Gonzalez-Parrilla, DTR/L                  Occupational Therapist 

                   Paula Gallivan, SLP                                  Speech & Language Pathologist

                                                            Cherie Glenn, CTRS                                    Recreational Therapist                                                           

                                                                                                                                   Nicole Giglio, LPN                                         Nurse                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

This group gave an interesting rundown of how their various disciplines work together as a team helping victims get through the trauma of such an injury.  They detailed the 3 week care cycle of a young woman with brain trauma and other injuries and at the conclusion we all felt if it had happened to any of us it would be a blessing to be in the care of these dedicated medical professionals.  And while this was a real case civilian example Dr. Geiser indicated that in a war zone a soldier victim may well have a more difficult rehab simply because of the horrendous multi-injuries likely suffered as well as the accompanying PTSD.  The fact that 360,000 of our Armed Forces personnel are suffering TBI is the reason we are dedicating much of our funding to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes new TBI and PTSD facility in Bethesda, Maryland.                                  

 

 

JANUARY 2009  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Monday, January 19, 2009 - 11:30am - Veterans Business Luncheon was attended by about 90 people. Speaker was  Lexington resident, Dr. David Geiser,  Neuro Pyschologist and a specialist in both Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dr. Geiser, a diplomate in clinical neuropsychology in private practice in fort Myers, Florida,  has evaluated and worked with traumatic brain injury patients and their families for over 16 years after completing his internship at the J. A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida.  Dr. Geiser  discussed the major types of brain injury sustained among American servicemen, the range and types of cognitive and behavioral changes associated with those injuries, and the long term effects on the veterans, their families, and society.
 

 

OCTOBER 2008  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Monday, October 27 11:30 am - Veterans Luncheon was attended by about 70 people. Speaker was Dr. Kate Wagner, OD with the Elmquist Eye Group here in Fort Myers.  Two years ago Dr. Wagner  was Captain Wagner of the U.S. Army having recently returned from Iraq where she was an Eye Doctor with the  Area Support Medical Battalion in Balad, Iraq.  She shared many experiences in the war zone and showed slides of and described the many eye injuries she treated in Iraq.  She talked about the wonderful support the troops are receiving from the American public and how grateful she was for that support.          1st photo - Dr. Kate Wagner - 2nd photo - Phil Loparo, Dr. Wagner, Ken Taylor & Jack Wagner, Past National Commander, Combat Infantry Badge Association

 

APRIL 2008  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Monday, April 4, 2008 - Veterans Business Luncheon was attended by close to 70 people to hear Vietnam Veteran Craig Tonjes describe some of his harrowing experiences aboard a Cobra Helicopter from 1970 to 1972.  In recent years he has spearheaded the efforts to create and build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for SW Florida and is a major advocate of veterans rights.

JANUARY 2008  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Monday, January 14, 2008 - Veterans Business Luncheon was attended by nearly 80 people to hear Lexington residents - Milan Zimer (Air Force) & Rich Hill (Navy) showing each of their filmed segments on the History Channel Military series and talking about their experience in Vietnam and Korea.  It was well received.  Both veterans and their wives have lived in Lexington since 1997 and are active in the Lexington Veterans Association.

OCTOBER 2007  VETERANS LUNCHEON 

Monday, October 22 11:30 am  Veterans Luncheon was attended by about 70 people including several veterans from Cypress Cove. Speaker was Navy Lt. jg Edward Sieber,  one of the first pilots to dive bomb and hit the Japanese Battleship Yamato near the end of  World War II.  The Yamato was the largest battleship ever built and considered to be unsinkable until that fateful day in 1945.  Sieber was awarded the Navy Cross.  Sieber's recall of that eventful day made for an extremely interesting program.  He is a resident of Sanibel Island.

APRIL 2007  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Monday, April 2, 2007 11:30am Veterans Association Business Luncheon was very well attended by some 80 plus people. The guest speaker, Jim DeVoss was fascinating. He spoke of his training for flying the F105  strike plane, the fastest plane in the air.  When he was shot down flying his 71st combat mission behind enemy lines in Vietnam, he was severely injured.  His rescue was video taped by the rescue team and watching this video had the entire room on the edge of their seats.  We heard first hand from Jim about his amazing recovery, accomplished by determination and what he calls "the philosophy".  The entire Lexington audience were on their feet applauding this Vietnam hero.  Of course, his theory is that the rescue team were the true "heroes".  The story was shown on Dateline: Southeast Asia/Vietnam entitled: 

A Miraculous Rescue and Recovery on Dateline: Southeast Asia/Vietnam

During his military service, Jim earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, a Presidential Unit Citation plus other awards and decorations. 

In addition to Jim we were treated to a book purchase and signing by another America Hero, Monica Conter Benning, the famous Army Nurse who, today, is the lone Nurse survivor of Pearl Harbor Day.  Her new book is entitled "A Real Nurse's Dream - An Army Nurse's Experiences During WWII".  You can see her book in the Veterans Display case in the lobby of the main clubhouse.  

JANUARY 2007  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Monday, Jan 15, 2007 - 11:30am Business Luncheon.  We were privileged  to have retired Air Force General Chester Butcher as our speaker.   A decorated P-51 fighter pilot in WWII, he was shot down over Germany in Feb 1944 and spent the rest of the war as a POW in Stalag Luft #3.  He is a West Point graduate and got his wings in 1942.  Tested new jets in the late 1940's and flew the F-86 jet in Korea.  Had three tours in the Pentagon in Long Range Weapons Planning and was a White House Military Aide to Presidents Truman and Eisenhower.  In Vietnam he Commanded Task Force Alpha and had 85 missions in a variety of aircraft including the F-4.  Among his decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses,  fourteen Air Medals, the POW Medal and two Purple Hearts.  He described his experience as a POW and also commented on the current situation in Iraq.  A large veteran group of about 75 attended the luncheon.

OCTOBER 2006  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Monday, Oct 9, 2006 - 11:30am Business Luncheon with main speaker Retired Army General James Dozier.  General Dozier is a graduate of The U.S. Military Academy, West Point and the University of Arizona, with a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. During his 35-year career with the U.S. Army he served in the United States, Europe and Asia. He was awarded the Silver Star for heroism and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1985.  He spoke on the current state of affairs in the Iraq War and strongly suggested the U.S. needs to stay the course in Iraq.  He described the strategies and tactics of the war and suggested that as a former Army General there were a number of tactics he would like to have seen changed.  However, he felt the strategies were on track and while the mission is extraordinarily difficult, it is his belief we will prevail although it will be a long process over several years.  Several engaging questions were presented to him from the veteran audience.

APRIL 2006  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Tuesday, April 4, 2006 Business/Luncheon - We were privileged to have as our guest speaker Fort Myers most famous Pearl Harbor Survivor, Monica Benning.  As an Army Lt. Nurse stationed at Hickam Field Hospital on Dec 7, 1941 she had a fascinating story to tell and did so in such a dramatic fashion that the audience felt they were at Hawaii 64 years ago.  In fact,  her story has been told in dozens of war documentaries from movies, to museum displays, to books.  In her story - "Remember Pearl Harbor - Keep America Alert"  - she recalls the similarity between Pearl Harbor and when the twin towers came down on 9/11.  We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear this lovely lady and WWII veteran who appeared on TV just recently.  In addition, we had the opportunity to hear an articulate young 11 year old girl, Annie Hassie, tell her story about receiving the Purple Heart from Scott Montgomery, an American soldier in Iraq to whom she wrote letters to on a regular basis.  He was so touched by her letters that he gave his medal to her.  She is the daughter of Jim and Elizabeth Hassie and the granddaughter of Lexington residents, Norm and Beth Smith.  Annie would like to see other children and other people write to military personnel who are serving – especially those outside the U.S.  All in all, this was one of the best luncheons in our short history. 

JANUARY 2006  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 Business/Luncheon 11:30 am in the Vista Room.   Over 100 people attended this affair.  Our speaker unfortunately fell ill and could not attend but plans to be present at the next luncheon on April 4.  Instead we conducted an Open Forum and several veterans gave some interesting stories of specific times in the military.

In addition we demonstrated the new ceremonial bugle donated by Peter Prichard, Southmont Cove resident and a Korean War veteran with the British 60th Rifles. Mr. Prichard was also  honored by the Lexington Veterans Association for his many contributions to our organization.  Members of the Lexington Veterans Color/Honor Guard were recognized by being awarded the new Honor Guard medal for at least two years of service in the guard.
 

APRIL 2005  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Spring Veterans Luncheon - Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 11:30 am.  Main Speaker Ed Smith of the Lee County Veterans Administration Services Office informing us of Veterans Death and Burial Benefits.  It is amazing how many veterans and their families have no clue what is available to them when they pass on.  It was an extremely informative session and the people at the Lee County Veterans Service Office are willing to help veterans and their families in any way possible.  Just call them at 938-1100 or go online at www.lee-county.com/veterans.asp.  The turnout was great for a late spring luncheon with over 70 veterans and wives attending.  Another highlight was Ben Polk and Ernie Smith describing 15 veterans from Lexington being interviewed about their service experiences by some 30 high school students from a Sarasota High School.  It is called "The Living History Project" and is the brainchild of two history teachers at the school.  A very worthwhile endeavor.

JANUARY 2005  VETERANS LUNCHEON

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 11:30 am Vista Room - Keynote speaker Lexington's own Rollie Junck, made an excellent slide presentation about his and wife, Carol's visit to the Normandy D-Day Invasion site on its 50th Anniversary.   It was very informative.  We paid a special honor to the memory of two of our original members.   First was to the memory of Wes Hart, one of the key founders of the Lexington Veterans Association.   Second was to the memory of Frank Hammond, our first Honor Guard Captain.  Two other WWII vets who recently passed away were also mentioned...Woody Fryer and Harry Goodwin, both of the U.S. Navy and both residents of Sutton Walk.

 

OCTOBER  2004 VETERANS LUNCHEON

 Tuesday, Oct 19, 2004 - First fall Veterans Luncheon - Speaker  WWII Canadian Army veteran Vern Eriksson, D Day Honoree and recent recipient of France's highest award - The Legion of Honor, delivered a compelling story of the invasion at Juno Beach in France.  Mr. Eriksson commanded four troop platoons and 21 tanks from D Day into Germany 1944-45.  His devoted wife, Meryl accompanied him to Lexington and we all heard one of the most beautiful stories of how they met after the war and fell in love. Lou Calvanese was awarded the Honor Guard Medal for his fine past service as Flag Bearer in the Lexington Veterans Honor Guard.  

After lunch, we honored one of our own, Henry Zemel, who recently passed away.  In reality, it was Henry who honored us with his story on video tape about his Army days during WWII in North Africa, Sicily and Italy.  It was vintage Henry as the audience of veterans and their wives laughed away the lunch listening to Henry's great sense of humor about those days in the Army.  We could all relate.  His wife, Selma and daughter, Fran, were there to share the laughs and a few tears as well.

 

MAY 2004 VETERANS LUNCHEON

Tuesday, May 4, 2004. The final spring luncheon  featured speaker  David Lockhart, a counselor with the Lee County Veterans Service Office.  He explained  the benefits his office provides to all veterans and answered a number of questions.  The aim of the Lee County Veterans Service Office is to inform and assist veterans, their dependents, widows, and surviving children in securing all benefits to which they are or may become entitled.  Additionally, they serve as a liaison between service organizations and Lee County Government on veterans' issues.  Their services consist of:  Individual readjustment counseling...Referral for benefits assistance...Group readjustment counseling...Liaison with community agencies...Marital and family counseling...Substance abuse information and referral...Group substance abuse counseling...Community education and Job counseling and placement.

Other features of the meeting included a showing of the video from WINK TV which captured our Honor Guard performing at the start of the Edison Festival of Lights Grand Parade as well as footage of the Honor Guard as they entered and performed at the high school stadium at the conclusion of the parade route.  Discussion about the "Walk of Honor" bricks and plans for the Memorial Day ceremony.  

 

FEBRUARY 2004 VETERANS LUNCHEON

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 -  We were entertained by the very patriotic & energetic "ALL OHIO CLOGGERS", who have performed throughout the country.  These ladies were here for the Edison Festival of Lights Parade held on Saturday evening, Feb 17 in downtown Ft. Myers.  Our featured speaker was retired Air Force Colonel Dick Hellwege, an F86 Fighter Pilot during the Korean War.  A former member of the famous Air Force "Thunderbirds", he presented a very interesting slide show filmed mostly during the Korean War and also gave us an update on the war in the Middle East.

 

 

DECEMBER 2003 VETERANS LUNCHEON

DECEMBER 17, 2003 - VETERANS LUNCHEON MEETING. Another important meeting featuring main speaker  - Susan Young - Chief Administrator for the Veterans Administration representing the SW Florida VA Medical Clinic.  sHE GAVE US AN EXCELLENT OVERVIEW OF WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE LOCAL VA CLINIC. In addition, we PRESENTED some excerpts from some of the Veterans History Project tapes.  Many thanks to Milan Zimer for producing outstanding intros and endings for our veteran interviews and stories.  

 

OCTOBER 2003 VETERANS LUNCHEON
October Luncheon on Thursday, Oct 23, 2003 at 11:30 a.m.  Featured speaker was  WWII P-47 pilot - Robert Brulle, a highly decorated fighter pilot in Europe.  Bob has written a book entitled "Angels Zero - P-47 Close Air Support in Europe".  A very spry 80+ year old held the audience with his sense of humor and vivid descriptions of firefights. This was an important meeting also because of the change in command from Rich Hill to Ernie Smith. A large crowd was on hand for the meeting.

MAY 2003 VETERANS LUNCHEON

May Luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 11:30 a.m.  Featured speaker was James Dozier - retired U.S. Army General who is an expert on terrorism.  A decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Dozier was a NATO commander in Italy when taken hostage by the terrorist organization known as the "Red Brigade" during the mid 1980's.  He gave a fascinating presentation of his experience and how it relates to today's concern about terrorism.  General Dozier is highly regarded for his work at the state level in education and veterans affairs.  About 90 people attended the session.

FEBRUARY 2003 VETERANS LUNCHEON

 

February Luncheon on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 11:30 a.m.  Featured speaker was Milan Zimer - retired Air Force Colonel and highly decorated jet fighter during the Vietnam War.  A record number of 110 listened attentively as Milan presented a slide show about the air war over Afghanistan showing the latest Air Force and Navy weaponry.  Milan also updated us on the Iraq and North Korea situations detailing their weaponry and atrocities. Veterans and spouses went away impressed with Milan's analysis of possible upcoming events and why it is important to back our government. 

DECEMBER 2002 VETERANS LUNCHEON

December Luncheon on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at 11:30 a.m.  Featured speaker was Hal Bootz - WWII B-17 "Flying Fortress" Bomber pilot.  Hal gave a very interesting story about his many bombing missions over Italy and Germany. About 40 veterans and spouses attended.

OCTOBER 2002 VETERANS LUNCHEON

First Fall Luncheon on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. Featured Speaker was Rich Hill – Battleship sailor in the Korean War. "The Navy’s Critical Role in the Korean War" described a few of the critical engagements by the U.S. Navy north of the 38th Parallel. Complete with photo slides some 90 veterans and spouses attended this event.

MAY 2002 VETERANS LUNCHEON

MAY 21, 2002 - VETERANS LUNCHEON MEETING - OVER 85 PEOPLE ATTENDED ESTABLISHING A RECORD CROWD FOR OUR FINAL MEETING UNTIL FALL - RETIRED AIR FORCE COLONEL, PILOT AND VIETNAM VET MILAN ZIMER DISCUSSED THE AIR WAR IN AFGHANISTAN - MILAN WAS AN F-15 & F-4 FIGHTER PILOT IN VIETNAM AND COMMANDER OF THE FIRST STEALTH BOMBER GROUP - IT WAS A FIRST CLASS PRESENTATION COMPLETE WITH PHOTO SLIDES FROM A HIGHLY DECORATED VETERAN      

JANUARY 2002 VETERANS LUNCHEON

JANUARY 15, 2002 - VETERANS LUNCHEON MEETING. OUR SPEAKER WAS DON STEELE, AN ARMY AIR CORPS PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR.  MR. STEELE GAVE AN INTERESTING TALK ABOUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT SUNDAY MORNING, DEC 7, 1941 WITH JAPAN'S SNEAK ATTACK ON HAWAII THAT STARTED U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN WWII.  ABOUT 40 VETERANS AND SPOUSES ATTENDED.

OCTOBER 2001 VETERANS LUNCHEON

OCTOBER 16, 2001 - VETERANS LUNCHEON MEETING.  VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICER VICTOR FREDLUND GAVE US CONSIDERABLE INSIGHT INTO AVAILABLE MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS.  HE DESCRIBED THE CONTINUING EFFORTS BEING EMPLOYED AT THE FT. MYERS VETERANS MEDICAL CLINIC.  ABOUT 45 VETERANS AND SPOUSES ATTENDED. 

 

MAY 2001 VETERANS LUNCHEON

MAY 15, 2001 - VETERANS LUNCHEON MEETING.  THE VERY FIRST LEXINGTON VETERANS LUNCHEON MEETING WAS HELD. WES HART, WWII ARMY VETERAN SPOKE OF HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE SUPPLY CORP. WE ALSO BEGAN THE FIRST ORGANIZATIONAL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION.  WES HART AGREED TO HEAD UP AN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE TO GET THE VETERANS GROUP ROLLING. FOURTEEN VETERANS AND SPOUSES ATTENDED.

Music: US Army Band -  "Caissons Go Rolling Along"