I am preparing this update from Reno, Nevada, as we prepare for the meeting of the Executive Council.
We have many “heavy” things to consider.
As many of you know, the thing weighing heaviest on my conduct as the President of the KWVA is to be
looking to the future of our group. I was, after all, elected as President—not as undertaker! The
majority of the membership wants to see this once distinguished organization revived and strengthened to
serve America—and the heritage of over a half century winning and defending Korea—preserved.
There are millions of younger veterans who share the same desire, and are busy doing something about
it. I have asked Jeff Brodeur, our Liaison Officer to the younger veterans to conclude this update.
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American fighting men in Korea, 1988. Jeff Brodeur is the soldier seated on the right.
“As they are, we were—and as we are, they one day shall be.”
(Click picture for a larger view) |
New to the KWVA I do not want to rock the boat by making drastic changes but to help make veterans
feel included in the process. For years I and many post 1953 Korea veterans were not welcome to join
a KWVA chapter. To some the war in Korea ended in 1953 and only those who served during 1950 to 1953
were eligible for membership. But the truth is that the war has never ended, as evident by the issuance
of the new campaign medal, The Korea Defense Service Medal.
No emblems or flags carry the inscription "1950-(Open date)". Before October 2004 the national magazine
carried nothing about veterans who served since 1955. Yet there was no problem when it came to collecting
dues. Just give us your money and get lost. I was once told I wasn't even a veteran! Even my own
father, who spent four straight years in the Pacific, felt that the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam did
not warrant even a mention in the history books as wars.
If the KWVA had wanted to be so exclusive they should not have opened the membership to all who have
served in Korea. Someone did not do their math homework. A twenty year old soldier, in 1950, is seventy
five years old today. But many of the men who served were veterans of World War Two which makes them
even older. If there are no younger members the organization will die within the next ten years.
[Bill Weber says five years. ltd]
The recently elected slate of officers is determined to halt this trend and is reaching out to the
younger generations, your sons, daughters, and grandchildren. Do you enjoy having them treated as second
class members or are you willing to let new blood begin to take some of the responsibilities you have
shouldered the past years? The time is now to think about the future... and while we honor the past,
it is expedient that the KWVA move forward.
The newer members of KWVA have joined because there is a new attitude, one of welcome from all generations.
Already great things have been accomplished and I believe many more can be done if we unite for the
good of the organization, not only KWVA, but for every veteran who served in defense of the Korean peninsula.
Let us move forward, not backward.
Jeff Brodeur, LR35528
Commander, KWVA Chapter 299
KWVA Liaison to KVA
