*** Wishes for a New Year ***
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying "Good Riddance" to 2021 - one tough year. As we look ahead to 2022, let's hope the new year brings these wishes:
* An end to COVID illnesses, restrictions, and deaths.
* Peace in Ukraine and Taiwan
* No more need for needles, masks, hand sanitiser, and social distancing
* Reduced inflation, lower gas prices, and more workers on the job
* Less political bickering and in-fighting - A return to the time when we could respect differences of opinion while understanding that we're all Americans.
* No more "22 a Day" - better suicide prevention services for our fellow veterans struggling with mental health issues
* Return to in-person events when we can gather together, shake hands, and enjoy our time with old friends and buddies.
In short...let's all hope for a better 2022!
(Thank you to MSG (ret) John Bellissimo for the great photo below from the 114th MED BN Mess section at Annual Training in the early 1980's. Didn't we look sharp in those old OG-107's!)
*** Thank You for Your Continuing Service ***
It has been truly wonderful to see so many of our fellow veterans continuing to serve at Toys for Tots, Wreaths Across America, Project New Hope, and other holiday events. Your presence in the community is a continuing reminder to our fellow citizens and an example to the next generation of the enduring importance of honor, patriotism, and selfless service.
Two of our fellow veterans have gone above and beyond to support veterans. Thank you to SSG (ret) Peter Hill who has raised more than $3000 for the vets at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury. And Thank You to CSM (ret) Carlos Ramos for his efforts to raise $2205 for Project New Hope's many important initiatives to support military families.
Other National Guard veterans who deserve a shout out for their community leadership this holiday season:
COL (ret) Cheryl Poppe
BG (MA) Tom Stewart
CSM (ret) Will Valliere
CSM (ret) Joe Young
MSG (ret) Eileen Iverson-Doyle
MSG (ret) Sheila Pelletier
SSG (ret) Don Jarvis
*** CONGRATULATIONS! ***
Congratulations to MG Rich Johnson on the completion of his tour of command of the First Army, Division West. Good luck on your next assignment!
*** REACH OUT, GIVE BACK, & CONTINUE TO SERVE ***
Project New Hope Launches Veterans Coffee Social on Tuesdays -
Project New Hope welcomes all veterans to stop by on Tuesdays from 0930 to 1100 hours for coffee and fellowship with our brothers and sisters. The center is located at 70 James St. #129A, Worcester, MA
Veterans' Coffee Hour on Mondays Starting 6 December -
American Legion Post 373 in Baldwinville will host a Coffee Hour every Monday beginning on 6 December from 0800 to 1000 hours. All veterans are welcome. The post is located at 3 Central St. Baldwinville, MA. (Thank you to CSM (ret) Joe Young.)
Battlegrounds Coffee Company Weekly Veterans Social - Every Tuesday
Drop into Battlegrounds Coffee Company any Tuesday between 0700 and 0900 hrs. for a good cup of coffee and good conversation with fellow veterans. Battlegrounds Coffee is located at 33 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA.
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