To all our members and site visitors;
It’s January, 2009, and we’re already deep in preparation for the year’s coming activities. This year’s schedule of entertainment events that we do for the two VA hospitals we serve, Castle Point and Montrose, has been set, and our members are already focusing their efforts on the first ones: the ‘Superbowl Parties’ for both hospitals, on February 1st. These are just 2 of the 11 events scheduled by Chapter 3 NY to be put on for hospitalized vets this year. Along with that, there are other members diligently working on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ activities that’ll ensure a smooth and successful 10th-annual “Salute To Veterans Ride” this June 7th, which will come at the end of the “American Veterans Traveling Tribute” display that we’ve invited to our area, and scheduled to be open from June 4th through the 7th. This display of memorials includes an 80%-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC, along with others from all previous U.S. conflicts, and the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. Numerous remembrance ceremonies, performed by local veterans and police/fire organizations, are anticipated to give the Tribute significant depth and meaning to many local soldiers and veterans, and everyone in the Hudson Valley is encouraged to stop by and reflect on the sacrifices and value of our ‘countrymen in arms’.
In my 6+ years with this Chapter, it’s been my privilege and, many times, my honor, to be associated with an organization so dedicated to the many aspects, the many facets, that make up ‘veterans support’. Whether it’s dressing up in an amusing costume for our Castle Point ‘Halloween Party’, or donning our leathers to ride in an event helping to give money to Wounded Warriors, or stepping out in green and shamrocks to represent our Chapter and it’s mission in a local St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the list of different ways in which we show our appreciation for those who’ve served our country, and too often paid the ultimate price, is almost endless. I’m helped immeasurably in our volunteering efforts by a group of members whose commitment and perseverance in doing what we do often exceeds my time with them by years. Their devotion is evident in event after event; when it comes to any activity or detail that needs doing, rest assured that, whatever it is, it’ll get done. I’m proud to be part of, and, for a time, to lead, such a great organization . . . I hope you’ll be able to spend some time at one of our events, and see for yourself why I feel the way I do. Semper Fi, and support our troops!
Dave Hansen
