Blogs > At Ease with Larece Galer

Larece Galer brings you the latest military news. To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

National Council member resides in Painesville

Jan Merrick of Painesville was installed as a National Council member at the 99th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, held July 21-25 in Reno, Nev. At the Department of Ohio convention in June, she was elected to represent the state of Ohio as a National Council member for a two-year term.
Merrick has been active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, holding offices of president of Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7754 in Fairport Harbor; Lake Geauga County Council president; District 7 president; Department of Ohio president; Big Ten Americanism chairman and Big Ten membership chairman.
As a council member, she will represent the 44,000-plus auxiliary members from the state of Ohio, which is the largest VFW department in the nation.
 
Breakfast is back
Gunny’s Hall will once again open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon for a breakfast buffet. Beginning this Sunday, the all-you-can-eat breakfast will be served buffet style for a donation of $7.50 per person. Eggs and omelets can be made to order for an additional charge. For details, call 440-974-9380.
 
Juniors earn money for N.Y. trip
The VFW Post 2595 Junior Girls Unit will host a spaghetti dinner and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at the post home, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville. Donation is $6 per person.
The girls, ages 5 to 16, are the daughters, sisters and granddaughters of men and women eligible to join the VFW. Funds raised will be used for the group’s trip to the Statue of Liberty birthday celebration.
 
Cabbage rolls in Willoughby Hills
VFW Post 4358 Ladies Auxiliary will host a cabbage roll dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 at the post home, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills. Donation will be $8 per dinner and reservations are requested by Wednesday. Call 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903 for reservations.
 
VFW 2595 hosts remembrance ceremony
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a 9/11 Remembrance and POW/MIA Recognition Program at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at the post home. Everyone is welcome to participate and refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Cards for the troops will be available for signing. For details, call George or Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.
 
Sept. 11 anniversary marked with ceremony
The 11th anniversary observance of the tragic results of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Boulevard of Flags in Eastlake.
An estimated 1,000 motorcycles are expected to arrive at the ceremony from all over Northeast Ohio.
The ceremony, to be held rain or shine, will last about 45 minutes. Both Willowick American Legion Post 678 and Eastlake VFW Post 3863 will stand as honor guard. The public is encouraged to attend. For details, call John “Kiks” Kikol at 440-263-8121 or by email to kiksharley@aol.com.
 
AMVETS remember casualties of 9/11
AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a 9/11 ceremony in front of the post at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 11. There will be guest speakers and an honor guard. For details, call the post at 440-257-9217.
 
Ladies host clam bake
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host its Second Annual Clambake from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the post home. Dinner choices are clams and steak, $21; clams and chicken, $19; and extra clams for $7. All bakes include steak or chicken, a dozen clams, baked potato, corn, salad and clam chowder.
Only 150 tickets will be sold and tickets must be purchased at the post by Wednesday. Proceeds will benefit the auxiliary’s veterans programs.
 
Greater Cleveland Fisher House fundraiser Sept. 22
A reverse raffle and Chinese auction to benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House will be 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor. The grand prize will be $1,000. Tickets for the event will be $25 per person. For tickets or more information, call 440-352-1123.
 
Clambake to benefit post repairs
Willoughby Hills VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a clambake from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the post home. Steak and clams will be $25; chicken and clams will be $20 and extra clams will be $8. The price will increase by $2 after Sept. 22.
The canteen will be open for beverage purchases and the event will include raffles, door prizes and instants. For tickets, stop by the post or call 440-944-1642.
Proceeds will pay to repair damage done during a recent break-in at the post.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Historic World War II B-17 in Tribute Flights


“Yankee Lady,” the Yankee Air Museum’s (YAM) meticulously restored World War II B-17 has a special mission Friday, August 31, 2012.  World War II Veterans of the Army Air Force 95th Bombardment Group (95th BG) will again assume their positions on two commemorative flights out of Lost Nation Airport, Willoughby, Ohio.  The Willow Run, Ypsilanti, Michigan based, four-engine heavy bomber will also be available for tours and Flight Experience (FLEX) rides later Friday afternoon.

“These 95th Bomb Group airmen are heroes and we are both honored and humbled to have them fly with us,” said Ray Hunter, Chairman of the YAM Board of Directors.  “This is what Yankee Air Museum is all about, and flights like these make all of our volunteer work and donations worthwhile.”

Hunter explained that the 95th BG began flying combat missions over occupied France and into Germany in May 1943.  Based in England and flying some of the most dangerous and strategically important missions of the war, the 95th BG distinguished itself by effectively targeting its bombs through intense anti-aircraft artillery and concentrated fighter attacks.

“The 95th BG was an integral part of some of the most vital campaigns of the war, including the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge,” he said. “The 95th BG is the only 8th Air Force group to receive three Distinguished Unit Citations.”

Hunter added that the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) is only given to units for extraordinary heroism.   The DUC recognizes such gallantry, determination and spirited action in the face of the most dangerous conditions to rise above all other units in the same campaign.  The decoration is now known as the Presidential Unit Citation.

“These are very special men,” said Bob Hynes, Chairman of the YAM’s Public Relations Committee. “When they see Yankee Lady, their memories will be instantly rekindled and their emotions will be recharged the moment the first engine fires.”
Hynes described the purpose of the YAM saying it is fulfilled through occasions when aviation history and its participants are honored through a living, flying museum.

“Yankee Lady is a pristine B-17 and we appreciate the opportunity to share her,” said Norm Ellickson, YAM’s B-17 Crew Chief.  “She has enormous presence and will inspire anyone’s imagination to new heights of patriotism and gratitude.”

With gleaming aluminum skin, and teeming with machine guns and markings, this Flying Fortress is an awesome sight.   Ellickson said rides for the general public are available on the B-17 following the Veterans’ flights. He says flying in the heavy bomber according to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a lower altitude, cruising speed and range gives passengers a multi-sensory experience unlike any other aircraft.

“Anyone who wants to feel real lift, fly close to the wind and see the panorama of the countryside unfolding before them will want to fly in the Lady,” said Ellickson concluding that a Flight Experience (FLEX) ride in the Yankee Lady should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The B-17 Flying Fortress, Yankee Lady will arrive at Lost Nation Airport on Friday August 31st at about 12 noon.  The 95th BG flights will takeoff at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. FLEX rides will be available following these (see sidebar article).

Established in 1981, the Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.  For more information about YAM call 734-483-4030 or visit the www.yankeeairmuseum.org website.

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Help build Fisher House

Greater Cleveland Fisher House will offer free housing for the families of veterans who are in treatment for the physical and psychological wounds of war.
The goal is to break ground for the Greater Cleveland Fisher House by 2013.
There is a very special fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 22 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor.
The event will be a reverse raffle and Chinese auction to benefit construction of the Greater Cleveland Fisher House.
While in treatment, a veteran’s family must find living quarters that are affordable and in proximity to the hospital. With an extended stay, these costs could soar into the thousands of dollars.
The government makes no provision for the family to stay nearby their loved one.
Fisher House offers a place to stay close to the treatment center and gives the veteran a supportive family while healing.
The reverse raffle and Chinese auction, which will be open to the public, is $25 per person with food, an open bar and side boards.
The public is welcome to attend and contribute to this worthy cause.
Doors will open at 5 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 and the drawing begins at 8:30.
To make a monetary donation or to donate products for the auction, please call 440-352-1123.
Checks should be made payable to Greater Cleveland Fisher House. A tax-deductible receipt will be given for any type of contribution.

Red Mill Charity
Miniature Golf Outing

A golf outing at Red Mill Golf Practice Center to benefit the Wags 4 Warriors is set for 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
The outing, which includes 18 holes of miniature golf, is $5 per golfer. Red Mill Golf Practice Center is located at 4243 Red Mill Valley Road in Perry.
All proceeds from the event will go to Wags 4 Warriors, a program that provides service dogs to veterans affected by their combat experience.
The dogs are found at local rescue shelters, trained and matched to veterans at no cost to them.
For details, call 440-259-4211 or email redmillgolf@gmail.com.

Buckeye boys, girls
share experience

American Legion Post 697 of Perry, Perry AMVETS Post 1971, Perry Historical Society, Perry High School and Madison American Legion Post 112 sponsored five Perry High School students for Buckeye Boys and Buckeye Girls State.
The five Perry High School students who attended were Katelin Lauria, Christine Jung, Evan Nichols, Caleb Ziamba and Zach Pike.
In an Aug. 13 gathering at Perry United Methodist Church, the students presented a report of their experiences to sponsoring members.
The students shared their experiences and talked about the benefits they received from the weeklong program.

Barbecue ribs at Chardon Post
If you are planning a busy Labor Day and don’t have time to cook, call Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519 and order ribs to go.
A full slab of ribs is $16 and a half slab is $13. The dinner includes baked beans, potato wedges, coleslaw and dollar beverage.
Deadline to order is Monday by calling 440-285-9804, 440-968-3635 or 440-285-3699. Pickup will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 1.
Tickets are also on sale at the post home, 752 Water St. in Chardon.

Fish fry meals return to Fairport post
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will again be serving perch dinners on the second and fourth Fridays of the month beginning today.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner 4 to
7 p.m. Shrimp dinners will be available.
For details, call 440-352-1123. The public is welcome.

Junior unit dinner helps
with trip expenses

Junior Girls Unit of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a spaghetti dinner and bake sale, 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8, at the post home.
Dinner donation is $6. Funds raised will be used for the junior auxiliary trip to the Statue of Liberty birthday celebration. For details, call Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Sept. 11 remembrance
ceremony in Eastlake

The 11th anniversary observance of the tragic results of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at Eastlake Boulevard of 500 Flags.
The ceremony will be about 45 minutes and will include speakers, and honor guard units from both American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
For details, call John “Kiks” Kikol at 440-263-8121 or email kiksharley@aol.com.

Painesville VFW hosts remembrance ceremony
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a 9/11 Remembrance and POW/MIA Recognition Program at 6 p.m. Sept. 9.
Everyone is welcome to participate and refreshments will be available after the ceremony.
For details call George or Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Eastlake Auxiliary hosts clambake
VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host its Second Annual Clam Bake from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the post home.
Only 150 tickets will be sold and tickets must be purchased by Sept. 5.
Tickets are $21 for clams and steak; $19 for clams and chicken; and $7 for extra clams. For details and to purchase tickets, call 440-942-3980.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Fall means more fun at the local post

It is the middle of August already and the summer season is quickly coming to an end. Post activities will begin to ramp up in anticipation of the cooler temperatures. Post events like dinners, Chinese auctions and an evening of dancing are sure to be part of the fun.
Most of the events are open to prospective members and are a wonderful way to check out a post in the area. Dinners are a good buy and homemade in many posts. The ladies auxiliary can almost always be counted on for tasty desserts or a bake sale.
Do not be fooled by the word “homemade.” I have had fish dinners that rival the best fish houses in Cleveland; burgers that are out of this world and stuffed pork chops with all the trimmings that were fork tender.
Try out a Friday night fish fry or a Saturday night steak dinner, you will be pleasantly surprised. Money raised from the dinners benefit veteran service projects.

Night at the races
American Legion Post 352 of Mentor, in partnership with Lake County Speedway, will host American Legion Night at the Races on Saturday. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and racing begins at 6.
Information for veterans about benefits and the American Legion will be available. For details, call Rob Moore at 440-357-1188 or e-mail MentorPost352@yahoo.com.
Admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors and children ages 6 through 12.

40 and 8 accepting members
The Forty and Eight of Lake County is accepting new members. For details about membership, call Amos Bartrug at 440-812-3396; Joseph R. Milmont at 440-275-1249 or Bill Smith at 440-585-9682.

Geauga Honor guard available
American Legion Post 459 of Burton offers the services of a full military funeral to honor any serviceman or servicewoman at their passing. The Honor Guard is led by Newell Beaumier, sergeant at arms, and is available with a few days notice. Most local funeral directors are aware of the service and further information and details are available by calling 440-834-8764.

Veterans retraining available
There are thousands of veterans signing up for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. This is the Veterans Affairs program intended to get unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 retrained and re-employed. Deadline to apply is Sept. 30.
For information, visit benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm

Storybooks for soldiers
Storybook for Soldiers is a program sponsored by Kirlin’s Hallmark in partnership with Operation Support Our Troops. Donations are accepted at each Kirlin’s Hallmark location to help send “The Night Before Christmas” and “Charlie Brown Christmas” recordable storybooks to deployed soldiers. The books enable the serviceman or servicewoman to record their voice reading the classic and send them back to their families in time for the holidays
For details, visit any Kirlin’s Hallmark or the website at www.kirlinshallmark.com. This program runs through Aug. 31.

Burton Legion offering steak dinner
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will serve a steak dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18. Tickets are available from any post member or by calling 440-834-8764 for details.

Red Mill Charity Miniature Golf Outing
The outing, to benefit the Wags 4 Warriors program, is $5 per golfer. It includes 18 holes of miniature golf between 3 and 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Red Mill Miniature Golf, 4243 Red Mill Valley Road in Perry.
One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit Wags 4 Warriors. The program provides service dogs to veterans affected by their combat experience. The dogs are found at local rescue shelters, trained and matched to veterans at no cost to them.
For details, call 440-259-4211 or email redmillgolf@gmail.com.

Barbecue ribs at Chardon Post
If you are planning a busy Labor Day and do not have time to cook, call Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519 and order ribs to go.
A full slab of ribs is $16 and a half slab is $13. The dinner includes baked beans, potato wedges, coleslaw and dollar beverage. Deadline to order is Aug. 27 by calling 440-285-9804, 440-968-3635 or 440-285-3699. Pickup will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 1.
Tickets are also on sale at the post home, 752 Water St. in Chardon.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Advertising courage creates suspicion

Alvarez v. United States received very little notice when the United States Supreme Court made its ruling June 28. The political haze of the health care debate pushed other decisions off the front pages.
I make no apologies for taking a month to read the entire opinion. I wanted to be sure I understood what the Supreme Court was saying. The case centered on Xavier Alvarez — “lying was his habit,” according to the Supreme Court ruling — who introduced himself as a retired Marine of 25 years. Alvarez claimed he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and made a point of telling people he had been wounded many times while in the Marine Corps.
He was indicted under the Stolen Valor Act for lying about the Congressional Medal of Honor. He made no financial gains by the lie, he was charged only with lying.
The Supreme Court stated “The Act by its plain terms applies to a false statement made at any time, in any place, to any person.” So would John Wayne have been indicted for lying while playing a military man? According to the act as it stood, the answer would be yes.
The court found the original act too broad. In this society, free speech is at the very heart of our personal rights. I was not in favor of the Klan marching on Skokie in 1977 or the Westboro Baptist Church protesters at military funerals. As an American, I understand that even the most hateful speech is protected and it is one of the freedoms being defended by our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.
The Supreme Court suggested a national database of those who are the legitimate holders of the medals and make it available to the public on the Internet. A database exists at valor.defense.gov for actions since Sept. 11, 2001.
Several others exist that are sponsored by private entities. A single government-sponsored master list would be a wonderful tool for anyone faced with a braggart.
I have nothing but pity for those who feel they are so inferior that they need to claim courage through a lie. We have plenty of quiet heroes in this country who have the medals, but do not advertise them.

Retraining assistance
There are thousands of veterans signing up for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. This Veteran Affairs program is intended to get unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 retrained and re-employed. Deadline to apply is Sept. 30.
For information, visit benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm

Soldiers storybook program
Storybook for Soldiers is a program sponsored by Kirlin’s Hallmark in partnership with Operation Support Our Troops. Donations are accepted at each Kirlin’s Hallmark location to help send “The Night before Christmas” and “Charlie Brown Christmas” recordable storybooks to deployed soldiers. The books enable the service person to record their voice reading the classic and send them back to their families in time for the holidays
For details visit any Kirlin’s Hallmark or the website at www.kirlinshallmark.com. This program runs through Aug. 31.

GIs gather in Burton
A GI Gathering with coffee and doughnuts will be hosted from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. For details, call 440-897-2396.

Gunny’s Hall offers dinner selection
Col. J.M. Chambers Foundation “Gunny’s Hall,” at 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a steak or chicken dinner Saturday  at the hall. Steak dinners will be $15 and chicken dinners $12. Call 440-974-9380 for reservations.

Golf outing to benefit Wounded Warrior
A local event in The World’s Largest Golf Outing is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Briardale Greens Golf Course in Euclid. Proceeds of the outing will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and is happening at more than 100 courses nationwide.
Cost is $25 per person, with registration and warm-up at 4 p.m., shotgun start at 5:30 p.m. and awards at 8 p.m. For details or to register, visit worldslargestgolfouting.com.

Motor coach trip to 1944
Geauga County Department on Aging will host a motor-coach trip back in time to 1944 on Aug. 18, with a visit to the re-enactment of the beach landing at Normandy performed on the shores of Conneaut.
Cost for the trip is $10 for veterans and/or spouses, nonveterans $35, with space permitting. The bus pickups are scheduled for Chagrin Falls and Chardon senior centers.
For information or for a registration form, call Amber Weinhart at 440-247-8510.

Burton Legion offers steak dinner
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will serve a steak dinner 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18. Tickets are available from any of the post’s members or by calling 440-834-8764 for details.

Red Mill Charity Miniature Golf Outing
The Wags for Warriors program provides service dogs to veterans affected by their combat experience. The dogs are found at local rescue shelters, trained, and matched to veterans at no cost to them. The outing will be $5 per golfer and includes 18 holes of miniature golf between 3 and 7 p.m. Aug. 25. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit Wags 4 Warriors. For details, call 440-259-4211 or email redmillgolf@gmail.com.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

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Friday, August 3, 2012

The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom fly into Lost Nation Airport Wednesday, August 8


If you missed the Gathering of Eagles Air show in July, here is another chance to see World War II aircraft up close.



The Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator and North American P-51 Mustang Announce Unique Display in Willoughby at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport from August 8 to August 10

In honor of our WWII Veterans ~ The Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour Brings Extremely Rare Bomber and Fighter Aircraft for Local Living History Display as Part of 110-city Nationwide Tour
WHAT:  Participating in the Collings Foundation’s WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” WWII Heavy Bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter, will fly into Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport in Willoughby, OH for a visit from August 8 to August 10. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 10 in flying condition in the United States, the B-24J and Full Dual Control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the World. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans can tour through the aircraft at no cost. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $425 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.

WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport in Willoughby, located at Classic Jet Center, 1969 Lost Nation Rd.

WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport at 2:00 PM on August 8 and will be on display at Classic Jet Center at Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport until the aircraft departs August 10 at 12:00 PM. Hours of ground tours and display are: 3:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 8; 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 9; 9:00 AM through 12:00 PM on Friday, August 10. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is in its 23rd year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.

WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers “Little Friend” – saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & P-51 - and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at www.collingsfoundation.org.

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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Storybooks bring soldiers voice home for holidays

It is not too early to begin thinking about Christmas, especially if you have a loved one who is deployed.
Donations for the “The Night Before Christmas” and “Charlie Brown Christmas” recordable storybooks are now being accepted at Kirlin’s Hallmark at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. 
In today’s world, the recordable storybook brings families separated by military service together for the holidays. Kirlin’s, working in partnership with Operation Support Our Troops, will send the books to deployed military personnel to record their voice reading the classic and send them back to their families in time for the holidays.
The program has sent 13,000 books to Afghanistan, Iraq and various military hospitals since 2010.
For details, visit any Kirlin’s Hallmark or www.kirlinshallmark.com. The program runs through Aug. 31.
Pennies for Veterans
The collection jugs from Pennies for Veterans, co-sponsored by WKKY-FM 104.7 in Geneva, will be delivered to the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman on Aug. 4. The donation will help with the burial of indigent veterans. Money collected also will help with the upkeep of the cemetery.
The tradition of leaving a coin on the headstone of a veteran began as far back as the Roman Empire. Each coin left indicates a different military relationship. Leave a penny to show you visited; a nickel shows you trained with the deceased; a dime means that you served with the veteran in some capacity. The quarter left on the headstone shows you were with the deceased when they were killed.
The collection fills four large jugs. For more information, visit WKKY.com
University Circle salutes veterans
University Circle Salutes Veterans takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The annual event includes Mount Zion Congregational Church, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Western Reserve Historical Society History Center at East 108th Street and Magnolia Drive in University Circle.
The free event is a special tribute to veterans, with live music, classic cars, community service booths and games for the kids.
GI Gathering Aug. 11
A GI Gathering with coffee and doughnuts will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 11 at the Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. For details, call 440-897-2396.
Steak or chicken dinner served
Col. J.M. Chambers Foundation “Gunny’s Hall,” 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will hold a steak or chicken dinner Aug. 11 at the hall. Steak dinners will be $15 and chicken dinners $12. Call 440-974-9380 for reservations.
Golf outing for Wounded Warriors
The World’s Largest Golf Outing is being planned for 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at Briardale Greens Golf Course in Euclid. Proceeds from the outing at more than 100 courses nationwide will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Cost is $25 per person, with registration and warm-up at 4 p.m., shotgun start at 5:30 and awards at 8. For details or to register, visit worldslargestgolfouting.com.
Conneaut bus trip to 1944
Geauga County Department on Aging will host a motor-coach trip back in time to 1944 on Aug. 18, with a visit to the re-enactment of the beach landing at Normandy performed on the shores of Conneaut.
Cost for the trip is $10 for veterans and/or spouses and $35 for nonveterans, space permitting. The bus pickups are scheduled for Chagrin Falls and Chardon senior centers.
For information or a registration form, call Amber Weinhart at 440-247-8510.
Legion serves steak dinner
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will serve a steak dinner 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18. Tickets are available from any legion member or by calling 440-834-8764 for details.
Red Mill Charity Miniature Golf Outing
The Wags for Warriors program provides service dogs to veterans affected by their combat experience. The dogs are found at local rescue shelters, trained and matched to veterans at no cost. The outing is $5 per golfer and includes 18 holes of miniature golf between 3 and 7 p.m. Aug. 25. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit Wags 4 Warriors. For details, call 440-259-4211 or email redmillgolf@gmail.com.
To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

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