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16 OCT 21 Memorial Ceremony WW II POW, SSgt. John Leavitt

Saturday afternoon, 16OCT21, members of VVA 989, friends and family of former WW II POW, SSgt. John Leavitt conducted a unique Memorial ceremony for him at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC) in Fernley. This wasn’t a “traditional” service for the former Combat Engineer, like those conducted by the Northern Nevada “Veterans Coalition” or others, and he wasn’t buried or placed in the “wall” on Saturday.

John’s family chose to remember their “Dad” in a unique way. Son Jay, Daughter-in-law Mary Lou, and his sister Joneanne (Venable) visiting from Florida bought a “Freedom Tree” for $300 and John’s name and service will proudly be displayed on a plaque there under the tree at the NNVMC.

The service was conducted next to John’s newly dedicated tree. Our VVA 989 Chaplain Rev. David Crabtree supplied prayers, our 989 singer, Kimberly Ahrens sang “Amazing Grace”, and President J. R. Stafford supplied the basics of the service. Napa, CA resident, John Young, (John’s friend from the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks), and son Jay supplied the narrative of John’s life.) Brigitte Stafford, VVA 989 Event Coordinator, said this service gave his children some “closure” and a place to visit just as if he was inurned in the wall. SSgt. John Leavitt’s tree is found under the POW/MIA flag which proudly flies over the cemetery and next to the long wall of inurned comrades found just south of “his” tree.

Members of VVA 989: Mark Bohanon, Ray Scow (and Buddy), John & Linda Dickinson, Reverend Dave Crabtree, J. R. Stafford, and AVVA Area Representative and VVA 989 Event Planner, Brigitte Stafford all aided in this very well received event.

13 OCT 21 989 Visits CG Station Lake Tahoe

Members of VVA 989 spent a beautiful autumn day at Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe. Upon arrival, 989 was welcomed by Executive Petty Officer Bowles who gave a summary of the duties and responsibility of the station crew. He pointed out Station Lake Tahoe during the boating season is one of the most active in the Coast Guard. Search and Rescue (SAR), Law Enforcement (LE) keeps their crews busy from before sunrise to after sunset. During the winter season the Coast Guard SAR boats are the only resource available to Boaters on the lake. The small crew is responsible for cooking station meals, snow removal and occasionally chasing away the Bears. Following a question-and-answer session we were given a Station tour followed by sharing lunch with the crew. After lunch a presentation was made by two 989 Members who are both CG Veterans. Retired Command Master Chief J. R. Stafford and CG Vet Rick Kaufmann presented the crew with a Commemorative Hat rack as a thank you. That hat rack displays a representation of a life ring for Motor Lifeboat 36500. MLB 36500 is a historic, 36-foot wooden motor lifeboat, which is famous for saving 36 lives in the 1952 SS Pendleton rescue, one of the most daring such events recorded in the history of the United States Coast Guard. The 36500 crew characterized the unofficial motto of SAR “So others may live- You have to go out- you don’t have to come back”. The crew immediately placed the hat rack in the station foyer. The challenges for the crew at this unique duty station are never the same from day to day.  The crew at Station Lake Tahoe takes pride in being able to get the job done. Bravo Zulu

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10 OCT 21 Rest in Peace Brett G. Palmer

Services for Brett G. Palmer were held at the Lyon County Fire Protection District and at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley today.  Hundreds of uniformed Police, Fire, Sheriffs,  Sea Cadets, Coalition, Bag Pipers, Bret’s son John in his US Army Blues, and various veterans and the Patriot Guard and many other mourners paid their respects to Brett in Fernley. After official ceremonies were concluded at the Fire House, a large procession proceeded to the cemetery where Brett’s “cover” atop a horse and his “urn” were taken for one last “stroll” around the cemetery followed by mourners.  We then gathered for the unveiling of a painting of Brett which will reside somewhere at the cemetery. The present “pavilion” (where services are held today) will be torn down in the future and a new one erected in it’s place.  It’s hoped that the new pavilion will be named the Brett G. Palmer Memorial Pavilion. Pictured are Sharon Serenko, Veterans Coalition Chaplain holding Brett’s portrait.  Also, VVA 989er and Marine Corps. League Officer Susan Malone and VVA 989 President, J. R. Stafford with the wreath Chapter 989 provided for the service today. The family has asked that donations be made to “Wreaths Across America” which Brett was a big support of.  …Guessing we’ll see many of you on 18DEC21 when it’s time to put wreaths on the graves of 8,000 plus who rest in Fernley’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

2OCT21 IH Sierra Fall Rallye Grass Valley, CA Winner

17 SEP 21 VVA 989 Day at the Reno Air Races

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The Reno Championship Air Races and Air Show was a fantastic event for the VVA / AVVA 989 Members who were able to attend. Friday’s session was Military Appreciation Day, Veterans received a complimentary ball cap from the Reno Air Races. The Flag Trailer and Outreach Booth were surrounded by a variety of military airplanes and recruiters. The Flag Trailer did a Drive-by in front of the grandstands loaded with 989 members during the Opening Ceremonies that included a Tribute to Veterans. What a great moment for 989. Buddy was a hit with the youngsters who were choosing a duck to take home. Once again, Ray and crew had set up the Flag Trailer and Booth by the time gates opened. Members were available to talk to all interested folks who stop by. Members could spend time at the Outreach Booth and had time to roam the Pits and Vendor Areas. It was a Great Day to be a part of 989, a Veteran and an American.

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Rest in Peace – SSgt. John S. Leavitt

05SEP21 VVA 989 and the Reno Aces

Military Appreciation Night

This evening was a GREAT Day to be a part of VVA/AVVA 989.  The POW/MIA Chair was rededicated with our special Guest of Honor former POW 102 year old, SSgt. John Levitte, US Army during the game. (For Full pictures and story please tap on the Red link)

Video by Mike Wells

A Message from the President of VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989

As President of the Vietnam Veterans of America – VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989, Reno, I am honored to represent more than 240 Members and Associates living in the area and some scattered throughout the country. There are wildly different political views and opinions within the membership and personal politics have no place in this message. To that end, I’m sure we are all deeply saddened by recent events in Afghanistan and pray for all those left behind.  

To our brothers and sisters in arms, and who grieve the loss of friends, comrades, innocence and youth…Know that we grieve with you. Know that your sacrifice was not in vain and your service was honorable. “Politics almost always gets in the way of the military mission as many of us found out 50 years ago. Know too, that you come home with honor and your service was not in vain.”

J.R.

Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8265, press 1

VVA 989-AVVA Participation/ Volunteer Opportunities

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are Listed on the “MEMBERS ONLY” page

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