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OLD SOLDIERS FAR FROM FADING AWAY --
Pennsylvania chapter of Korean War
Veterans is extending their services.
Story here...
http://www.poconorecord.com/
apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070
125/NEWS01/701250310
Story below:
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Old soldiers far from fading away
Local chapter of Korean War vets extending
services
EMILY POLLACK
For the Pocono Record
With President Bush's plan to send more troops into Iraq, the welfare of
our soldiers weighs heavily on the American conscience. Along with our
concern and support for enlisted men and women, it seems a fitting time
to also recognize those who have fought for our country in the past.
The Korean War Veterans Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter
109 is trying to do just that.
Founded in 1985, KWVA is the oldest and largest association of Korean
Veterans in the U.S. The local chapter, 109, includes more than 45
veterans who either served in the U.S. military during the Korean war or
have served in Korean territory since.
"We are the living proof. We are the vets you read about, in the flesh
and blood, getting older," said treasurer and former commander Pat
Coppola.
The association's primary function is helping and caring for other
veterans. "We want them to know that they're not forgotten," said
Coppola.
One of the association's annual activities consists of spending time
with war veterans at local nursing homes during the holidays. "Certainly
our vets are pleased to see the guys," said Jane Kuntz, activities
director of Pleasant Valley Manor. "One guy who doesn't speak that much
even got teary-eyed and talked a lot," she said.
Linda LaSalvia, activities director of Getz Personal Care Home in
Kunkletown, said KWVA members do a wonderful job of raising the vets'
spirits. "Their faces just light up when they come. They talk about war
stories and enlisting and their experiences. It's camaraderie, it really
is," she said.
Coppola said that he and his fellow members find the experience equally
gratifying. "We're elated when we leave there. We really enjoy the faces
on those guys," he said.
Although talking about the war remains a sore subject for many of the
vets, Coppola said their visits usually consist of exchanging comical
anecdotes or stories about winning medals. KWVA also supplied the vets
with gift cards to Wal-Mart as a special holiday treat.
Commander Paul Warman said they're always looking to visit more vets in
the area. He urges anyone who knows of veterans living in private
nursing homes or assisted-living facilities within Monroe County to
notify KWVA Chapter 109.
Members of the association meet 7:15 p.m. the second Tuesday of every
month at the American Legion Post in Gilbert to discuss new ways to
assist vets, raise money and spread awareness. Coppola said they
discussed plans at the last meeting to visit the vets more often, as
frequent as once a month.
Other activities the association participates in include marching in the
Memorial Day parade, putting flags on graves for Memorial Day and
Veterans Day, and providing transportation for veterans to the
Northampton County Outpatient Clinic in Bangor.
"As an organization, we try to maintain the memory of personnel who
served in Korea. We want to spread the word that we are here, we exist
and basically to promote the public good," Warman said.
If you know of any war veterans living in Monroe County, if you'd like
to make a donation, or if you are interested in joining KWVA, contact
Commander Paul A. Warman at 570 595-2885. For information on the Korean
War Veterans Association, visit
www.kwva.org.
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Larry Scott
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