February 26, 2011

A new year has begun and I look forward to accomplishing a few things that will make our recruitment of Korean Service veterans a better possibility. We will, of course, continue to recruit our war veterans as more and more learn about our existence.

I attended my chapter meeting, which two new prospects attended. They were so happy to find other Korean War veterans with whom they could talk that they wanted to sign up immediately as members of National and our Chapter.

At our Christmas time chapter meeting we found a veteran who was in need of some help. We named him our Christmas Angel for the day, fed him, and gave him some funds to help a little. Korean veterans do this kind of work in their communities and even more by helping other veterans in need.

I get many newsletters from chapters, and I read each of them. That is one way I can keep myself pumped up for most any task. Those newsletters make me proud to be associated with other Korean War veterans, especially when I see all that they do in the name of their chapters.

As we grow older and a little more mature, we sometimes must slow down. But, every little thing that we do for others usually gives us a very warm feeling. It even produces a little pride in an accomplishment others will never understand until they have taken the time to do for others without any motive except to serve.

We did it when we were young, not because we had to do it, but because we knew it should be done. That feeling usually becomes engraved in our memories, but not necessarily when we do it. More often, it’s afterwards that we realize it was something we could be proud of.

Your Board of Directors worked through December 2010 to finalize where the 2012 Annual Membership Meeting will be so it can be presented to the membership for approval. Three areas were under consideration: Detroit, MI, Fargo, South Dakota, and St Louis, MO. We decided on St. Louis. The dates will be October 10th - 13th, 2012.

Meanwhile, the Korea Veterans of America, Chapter 299, in Massachusetts has been at work on the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting to be held in the Boston area. They found a hotel in Quincy, MA. The dates for the meeting are October 28-31, 2011, at the Marriott Hotel – Quincy. The 2013 Annual Meeting will also be presented to the membership at the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting. Most probably the venue will be Washington, DC in July, since that will be the culmination of the 60th Anniversary of the Armistice signing.

Finally, I have been contacted by the Department of Defense 60th Commemorative Committee, which has set up an office in Crystal City, VA. The Committee has invited me to give them some suggestions as to how they might help Korean veterans during the 60th Anniversaries.

I have asked Larry Kinard, my Tell America Program Chairman, to give them discs of the various posters and maps and the video tape used during the 50th Commemorative so they can update a few of the posters and the video about the war for 60th Commemorative use. This will allow KWVA chapters that have Tell America groups the opportunity to update their materials and become eligible to receive new material mailed to them free.

I have also asked the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in Korea to send us additional books to distribute to our chapters.

So, this year we will again celebrate a 60th Year Anniversary for many of our members who served in the Korean War during this year. I hope all will take part in any activity within your area. I also ask that each of you remember those who did not have the opportunity to witness the generosity of the Korean people, especially those Korean Americans who you might meet in your area or travel to some function put on by them.

We are the spokesmen for those who were Killed in Action or are still Missing in Action from their countries. So, speak to every American as to how important the Korean War was for maintaining South Korea’s freedom and how it also stopped the spread of communism. We did achieve a victory, no matter what the world may think.

William F. Mac Swain
National President, KWVA/US