Six friends met for a small get-together at the Wickliffe home of Joe Buerger on Saturday. “The Chosin Few” are all survivors of the Korean War and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
Meeting often, the friends, comrades and in my estimation, heroes, have stayed in contact with one another since the battle brought them together in 1950.
The battle kept Marines of the 1st Division in place until an airfield could be constructed during one of the coldest winters in Korean history up to that time. This battle is one of the most famous of the Korean War.
I asked Buerger if all the stories of Tootsie Rolls saving men’s lives were true. He related his own story of getting a Tootsie roll that was frozen stiff.
“I had to break it up on the butt of my rifle,” Buerger said. The Tootsie roll broke into shards and Buerger ate all but a small piece, which he saved for later in the evening.
“It tasted so good, I hadn’t eaten for three days,” Buerger said.
The get-together gives the six men and their wives and friends a time to remember, catch up and keep up with each other.
The six men attending were Joe Prizzi, Joe Sulyok, Stan Kot, Ray Jorz, Art Dickard and Joe Buerger. Joe Sulyok, a Korean Veteran in attendance is the only one of the six who was not in the Chosin Battle.

The "Chosin Few" L to R are Joe Prizzi, Stan Kot, Ray Jorz, Art Dickard and seated Joe Buerger. 

Operation Sub Zero golf outing
Operation Sub Zero will host a golf outing at Madison Golf and Country Club beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sept.19.
Tickets are $100 per golfer and include 18 holes, cart, goodie bag, lunch, steak dinner, keg beer, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at noon.
Hole sponsors and donation of items for the auction would be gratefully accepted. Hole sponsors are $100. For details, contact Del Bethel at del@subzeromission.org.

Sixth annual post clambake
The sixth annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 Ladies Auxiliary clambake will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at the post home, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake (behind the Save a  Lot store).
Chicken dinner is $21; steak dinner is $23 and an extra dozen clams will be $8.
All tickets must be purchased by Sept. 18, at the post home. For information or further questions, call the post at 440-942-3980.

Patriot Day program in Burton
Atwood-Mauck Post 459 of Burton-Middlefield will host a Patriot Day program in Burton Village Park at 11 a.m. Sept. 11.
The ceremony is open to the public. For details, call 440-834-8765.

Veterans Appreciation Day Event
Veterans Appreciation Day will be 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. This is a celebration for veterans, with food, prizes, benefit information and more.
For more information, contact the Painesville Veterans Affairs Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Fast Draw Championship
at Gunny’s Hall
The 2015 Northcoast National Gunslinger Championships will be Aug. 29 and 30 at the Marine Corps League, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor. Contests begin at 9:30 a.m. both days.
This is a sanctioned event of the Ohio Fast Draw Association-International and is hosted by Gunny’s Hall Marine Corps League and the Buckeye Rangers Fast Draw Club. No live ammunition is used. For details, call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380.

Buckeye Boys Golf Outing
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host the Third Annual Boys State Golf Outing beginning at noon Aug. 28 at Lost Nation Golf Course in Willoughby. Tickets are $50 per person and include golf, cart and a steak raffle.
Please sign up at the post home by Aug. 26 or sponsor a hole for $20 each. For more information or to sign up, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762.

Learn to ride at dealership
Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, is offering Operation Personal Freedom Ride Free through Sept. 13.
All current and former U.S. military personnel can learn to ride for free through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy.
Learn more about this program by stopping at the store or by logging onto H-D.com/militarylearntoride.

Toys for Tots golf outing
The Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, has rescheduled its annual Toys for Tots golf outing.
The event will be Sept. 12 at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 for players and $20 for the dinner only. Hole sponsorships and tickets for the golf outing are available. Call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380 or Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810.

Newbury Legion farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts the Community Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 12. Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day.
For information, email bob810@windstream.net, or call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 to reserve a space.

Auxiliary Swiss steak dinner pre-sale only
The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4358, 29421 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Swiss steak dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at the post home.
Dinners are $10 each, with tickets sold in advance only. Tickets may be purchased through Sept. 4. Call Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903 for tickets and information.

Homecoming scheduled for Legion district commander
American Legion 9th District will host a homecoming for Commander Kevin Carroll at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
The evening will be “Margaritaville Style” with barbecue, drinks and music. Tickets are $20 per person and will be sold in advance. Call Commander Carroll at 440-567-1847 or Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751 for tickets.

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

Mary Wessell became involved with the Ashtabula County Young Marines when it began five years ago. The involvement led the Geneva High School senior to a scholarship and a trip to Guam and Iwo Jima.
The trip and a $1,000 scholarship came after she was chosen as the outstanding female in the Young Marines program. Only 10 Young Marines nationwide are selected.
The trip allowed the high school senior to learn about the battles that took place on those two islands from World War II veterans of both sides at the 69th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
“During my trip, I was truly walking with history,” Wessell said. “I learned more about World War II than I would from any history book.”
Wessell took advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by listening to the veterans’ stories.
“I noticed that each and every veteran was extremely humble, they did not believe they were heroes,” Wessell said. “They agreed that the true heroes were the ones who never returned home.”
Wessell learned firsthand what it was like on the island 69 years ago from those veterans. One U.S. Army veteran told stories as they walked together along the beaches. After the conversation, the veteran’s son told Wessell that it was the first time his father had ever spoken about the time he spent on the island.
Wessell intends to continue her education with a double major in political science and international relations while pursuing a career through the Navy or Air Force ROTC program.  She is the daughter of Kenny and Judy Wessell of Geneva and serves as the Ashtabula County Young Marines Unit sergeant major.

Fairport post serves breakfast
Lenten breakfast “Great Slam” at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 will be served 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through April 13, at the post home, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor. Adult breakfasts will be $6 and breakfast for children ages 10 years and younger will be $4. Takeout will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-352-1123.

Willowick Korean War veterans wanted
Korean War veterans living in Willowick are asked to contact the mayor’s office. The veterans will be invited to speak with eighth-graders at Willowick Middle School and share their experiences with the students. Call 440-585-3700 if you are interested in this project.

Men’s Auxiliary hosts dinner
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a roast pork dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. March 29 at the post home. Dinners will be $10 each. For details, call the post at 440-354-9090.

Radio show to feature Vietnam veterans
The “LEGACIES” radio show at 9:30 a.m. Sundays on WELW-AM 1330 will present stories from veterans of the Vietnam War through the end of April. Stories have been forwarded to the Library of Congress for inclusion in the Veterans History Project. To participate in the project, call 440-255-7410.

Tri-C to offer financial guidance to vets
The Cuyahoga Community College Veterans Initiative will offer financial guidance to veteran and military families April 4 during an afternoon event at the Western Campus, 11000 Pleasant Valley Road in Parma. The free program “Balancing the Budget on the Home Front” will be 1 to 5 p.m. in Room A227 of the Health Careers Building. For more information, call the College’s Veterans Initiative at 216-987-3193.

Breakfast benefits Greater Cleveland Fisher House
Members of Kappa Sigma Chapter at Lake Erie College will volunteer their time to host a pancake breakfast as part of the organization’s Spring Semester International Day of Service. The breakfast will be served 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at the First Church of Christ, 422 Mentor Ave. in Painesville. Proceeds of the breakfast will benefit Greater Cleveland Fisher House.

Catholic War Veterans membership drive begins
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 will host a membership/poppy drive at Masses April 5 and 6, at St. Mary’s Chardon, 401 North St. in Chardon. Members must be practicing Catholics and have a direct relative who served honorably in the United States military. For details, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander at 440-257-2156 or email cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Burton post hosts breakfast
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 6. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8765.

Annual Oink and Squeal Party April 12
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host the annual Oink and Squeal Party beginning at 5 p.m. April 12 at the post home. Raffle tickets are $2 each. Food will be available through the legion kitchen. Admission is a nonperishable food item or cash donation to benefit the local food bank. For tickets or details, call 440-834-8621.

Blessing of the Bikes at Willowick post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a Blessing of the Bikes in the parking lot on April 13. The parking lot will open at 10:30 a.m. with the blessing at noon. The event will include vendors, food and music. All proceeds will help local veterans.

Auxiliary hosts annual Chinese auction
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a Chinese auction at 1 p.m. April 13 at the post home. Tickets are $5 per person. Admission includes 10 auction tickets, dessert and coffee. Donations are being accepted. For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

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.

It is hard to believe that Christmas 2013 has arrived already and will be celebrated in less than a week. I feel very blessed this year.
I think about those who will be without for the holidays and all that I have and I am blessed.
I see family members home safe and think of those serving overseas in dangerous areas and I am blessed.
I think of those who have no home as I am warm inside and I am blessed.
I think of those who may be going hungry and my table is laden with good food and I am blessed.
To the families of the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who are protecting us and to those on active duty and veterans of this country, thank you. We are blessed.

Korean War veterans given thank you

Korean War veteran Gene Gaster of Madison attended the Korean-American Association invitational luncheon on Dec. 6 at the association headquarters in Cleveland. The luncheon was given to express gratitude to all Korean War veterans.

“The South Korean people are so humble and appreciative of all that America has done for them,” Gaster said. “As a rule and not the exception, they are extremely polite, well-mannered and friendly.”
Gaster said it is heartwarming to know that as a country, we can be sincerely thanked for our sacrifices, and a simple thank you goes a long way.

Hosting the event were Ann S. Jhin, president of the National Unification Advisory Council; Kil Young Kim, president of the Federation of Midwest Korean-American Association; Sang-Il Kim, consul general of the Republic of Korea in Chicago; and Song-Pil Gak, chairman of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Council from Kyeongsangbuk-do province of South Korea; and the lovely Korean ladies who prepared and served the meal.

Photos courtesy of Gene Gaster

“I want to thank each and every one personally for the beautiful medal awarded and the certificate of acknowledgement that every Korean War veteran in attendance received,” Gaster said.


Veterans Upward Bound offers educational transition program
The Veterans Upward Bound Program at Cuyahoga County College will begin the next session of the Academic Enrichment Program on Jan. 7.
The program at the Metro Campus will be 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and will offer refresher/preparatory programs in a classroom setting with other veterans. The program will help with math, English, science and basic computer skills to prepare veterans for the college or vocational placement test and help them to achieve higher scores.
VUB provides veterans the opportunity to enter post secondary education prepared for a more successful program of study.
Veterans interested in enrolling in the program call 216-987-4938.

Greater Lake County Young Marines accepting registrations
Greater Lake County Young Marines is now accepting registrations for the next recruit class orientation at 2 p.m. Jan. 18. The next recruit class will begin Feb. 15.
The Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school. The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the official youth program of the U.S. Marine Corps and the focal point of the Marine Corps Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.
The Greater Lake County unit meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. one Saturday each month. Drill is at the Eastlake Police Activities League (PAL) Center, Kennedy School, 34050 Glen Drive in Eastlake.
For details visit www.glcyoungmarines.org or call 440-413-6707.

Gunny’s Hall breakfast AWOL for holidays
There will be no breakfast served at Gunny’s Hall on Sunday and Dec. 29 because of the holidays. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will return again in January.

Burton post plans January breakfast
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the post home. Tickets are $8 adults; $5 ages 12 and younger. For more details, call 440-834-8765.

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.

Meeting times at various posts around the Northeast Ohio area:

American Legion Post 7
29919 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
440-585-4191
7:30 p.m. first and third Wednesday

American Legion Post 214
4304 Center Street, Willoughby, OH 44094
440-942-7762
7 p.m. first Thursday /Auxiliary 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday

American Legion Post 336
60 Chester Street, Painesville
www.alpost336.com
440-357-7711
7:30 p.m. first Monday/ Auxiliary 7 p.m. second Wednesday

American Legion Post 459
14052 Goodwin Street, Burton
440-834-8621
7:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays
Call Charles Boehnlein at 440-834-1191 or Ron Laurent at 440-343-1478

VFW Post 1500
38295 Pelton Road, Willoughby
440-951-9233
7:30 p.m. second Wednesday 7 p.m. second Thursday

VFW Post 2926
at American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
John Kirk 216-432-1199
the second Monday of each month

VFW Post 2595
570 Liberty Street, Painesville
440-354-9090
7 p.m. fourth Monday/ Auxiliary, 7 p.m. fourth Thursday

VFW Post 3863
33641 Vine Street, Eastlake
440-942-3980
7 p.m. first Monday/Auxiliary, 7 p.m. first Thursday

VFW Post 9295
8682 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
440-255-3473
7 p.m. Third Tuesday/Auxiliary, 7 p.m. Third Tuesday

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
8720 Twinbrook Road, Mentor 44060
11 a.m. second Saturday of the month

AMVETS Post 40
9141 Jordan Drive, Mentor
440-257-5825
noon first Sunday of each month

AMVETS Post 109
7847 Lake Shore Boulevard, Mentor-on-the-Lake
440-257-9217
7 p.m. first Wednesday/Auxiliary 7 p.m. second Wednesday

AMVETS Post 1971
4128 Main Street, Perry Village
440-259-5131

AMVETS District 20
meets at various posts in the district 7:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month

Civil Air Patrol Painesville Composite Frank H. Kettlewood Squadron GLR OH 252
Painesville Church of the Nazarene 6235 Chestnut Street, Painesville, Oh 44077
Tom Snell 440-415-5528

Catholic War Veterans St. Vitus Post 1655
6101 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland
Mike Blau 440-954-1426 7:30 p.m. meets third Tuesday of the month

Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959
St. Mary Magdalene Church, Willowick
Ken Kirchner 440-257-2156
7 p.m. first Wednesday of each month

Korean War Veterans Assoc.
Lake Erie Chapter 112, meets at VFW Post 1058, East 200th Street, Euclid
Bob Brice 440-942-3296
7 p.m. last Monday of each month