POPLAR BLUFF -- The local chapter 1056 of Vietnam Veterans recently finalized plans for the annual Welcome Home Ceremony, at 11 a.m. Friday, March 28, at the Memorial Wall in front of the Black River Coliseum. The chapter is working with John J. Pershing VA Medical Center to prepare for the event. Plan to attend the anniversary ceremony, to mark the removal of combat troops from the Vietnam conflict. The actual anniversary date is May 29, 1973.
Officers elected for the upcoming term include incumbent Larry Kimbrow, president; John Cox, secretary; and incumbent Bardis Dismuke, treasurer. The Board of Directors remained in place, with no changes. Delbert Withrow was elected to the office of first vice president, and Bob Lawson to the office of second vice president.
The annual bus tour destination has been decided; the chapter will be going to Cape Cod, Mass. in early to mid-September. Though the trip is being sponsored by Chapter 1056, it is NOT limited to Vietnam Veterans or their family members. The members are opening it to the general public. If you are interested, pencil the time frame on your calendar. More details will be forthcoming. It is sure to be a great, tour-guided trip.
The Valentine's Day Concert for Veterans was a huge success. Darryl Worley put on an excellent performance, and the Black River Coliseum was packed. Servicemen and women were recognized and honored. The American Red Cross directed traffic, and Robert Wake of Wappapello funded a large portion of the event. It is awesome to have one of our own community friends support the veterans.
April 18 - 19 the chapter will be at the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Business 60 (Pine Street) for "Boots off the Ground." Members and volunteers will be collecting "in their boot" for the local Memorial Wall debt still owed. If you see them out there on those days, with their boot, please help support this cause. You may also place a name of a soldier on the wall for $60, or purchase an engraved brick for $25. To make these purchases, please contact the coliseum.
The next meeting of the local chapter will be April 10, at noon, at 502 Vine Street.