Chapter XV’s next meeting
will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 7:30PM at Hearthside Pizza, 1641 Rice St., St. Paul (Rice St. & Larpenteur Ave.). The Chapter regularly
meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Hearthside Pizza
Restaurant. Come early and bring a friend.
CALL TO ORDER
Trudell Guerue opened the meeting at 1930 hours sharp.
Howard Tellin lead with the Pledge of Allegiance. Jack followed with the prayer.
M/M to accept minutes from last meeting as written in newsletter. M/P
No further information from Senator Coleman’s office regarding the Order of William Award to the seven (known) WW2 soldiers that are eligible to receive it.
ROLL CALL
Trudell Guerue, Jack Running, Jerry Carlson, Howard Tellin , Bud Ollom,
Dave Nordan, Ed Haider ,Bill Anderson, Jumpin John Anderson, Steve Anderson, Dan Smeja, Ken Johnson, Rollin Goldsberry
GUESTS:
Howard Lynch, Ray Negrete, Marion Johnson
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Guerue opened the meeting noting that a memorial service will be held for Jeff Smith at St Marks Catholic Church on Sept 21. Jeff served with the 6th SF Group.
Trudell mentioned that he met a very frail former 173rd guy at the hospital and reminded the members that there are a lot of guys in need of company at various hospitals and if you can give some time to visit---do it.
Trudell hosted two events at his home this month. One was sponsored by the Screaming Eagles Chapter and the other was sponsored by Trudell to celebrate the %$ birthday of his long suffering wife, Ellen.
(Once Ellen got home from work she too was able to enjoy the parties…….)
Chapter 20 SF also held their annual picnic hosted by Dan Thorsen. Several wars were won several tall tales were even taller and all enjoyed the camaraderie that only former (and a couple present) soldiers appreciate.
All events were well attended.
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TELLEPHONE REPORT
Several calls were made this month to provide flag details for 3 funerals
MG Patrick Hessian, Sgt Andrew Nelson and Jeff Smith.
Jack was also busy rounding up members to march in two parades.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
On detail.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Nothing to report.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Dues are due please make your check payable to Chapter XV 173 A/B Brigade.
Mail to:
Chapter XV 173rd AB Brigade
PO Box 583131
Minneapolis, MN. 55440
Single year membership is $24.00
Life Membership $173.00
MIDWEST ALL-AIRBORNE ALLIANCE MWAAA
No Report Meetings generally held the third Thusday of each month at Richfield American Legion Post. All Airborne members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
PARADES AND POW WOWS
Mankato POW WOW had chapter members Brad Nichols and Harry Persinger present.
Christmas Pow Wow at Prairie Island is still “undetermined”.
VETERANS DAY
Pretty well set; Steve Anderson to arrange for chairs.
POW/MIA
HR 111 now has 128 Co-Sponsors. The Bill would reopen hearings on POWS/MIA’s. All MN Reps are Co-sponsors none at all from Wisconsin. Is being opposed in the Senate by Kerry and McCain
Former Congressman Herndon book is not getting receiving major media coverage nor has he received guest speaker spots on talk shows.
No new information on any of the 8 missing servicemen during this war.
FYI
Jerry Carlson presented guest Howard Lynch past commander of the North St Paul VFW with an award of appreciation for organizing the candle light parade in No St Paul for POW/MIA’s. Mr. Lynch has been the organizer for several of the 14 years of the parade.
Guys, my dear friends and comrades
This comes as personal loss we have lost a great Airborne Infantry trooper who just happened to be a Chaplain.
I knew, served, cared for Fr Pat at LZ English Bong Son Vietnam.
Was his server boo-coo times.
Often he was with me shoulder to shoulder going through the body bags trying to ID the kids. Each and everyone individually got his prayers and Last Rites. We wouldn't say much as we left for being so choked up.
Have excellent pix of him bringing Our Savior to the troops in the field.
He was unstoppable in his work...suffered daily with pain. Refused to be sent home, "...my place is here with the men" (boys actually)
Remember him daily for the example he set. He was the paratrooper’s friend. His Faith was incredible.
Ft Pat is with the boys now and awaiting the rest of us with a joyful welcome (for me and a lot of us it'll a surprised expression and a, "...well miracles never cease" comment)
Doc
2/503 and Co B (med) 173 Abn Bge 503d Abn Infantry
Other Airborne Organizations
CHAPTER 20 SF Has changed their meeting location back to the Glockenspiel located on west 7th st. in St Paul—same time .
Screaming Eagles Minnesota contact is Collin Day he can be reached by email crd50bmg@hotmail.com or the more conventional telephone method –call 952-448-4933.
Midwest All Airborne Alliance (MWAAA) usually
holds their meetings at the Richfield American Legion Post (66th and
Portland Ave So) the 3rd Thursday of each Month. ALL members are
welcome—1800 hrs.
Training Announcement!
Force Options is offering several MN Concealed Carry Permit classes.
Monday Evenings and Saturday Classes are available.
If you are interested, please register by contacting
Clyde "Mac" McRae at 651-755-9318 or at clyde@force-options.com.
Minnesota Weapons Collectors Assn.
2007 Schedule
October 27-28 Rochester Mayo Center
Dec. 8-9 St Paul River Center
Sample plaque
On September 8, 2007 Monsignor Patrick J Hessian passed away. Monsignor Hessian served the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam as the Brigade Chaplain administering to the wounded and counseling those in need.
Chaplain Hessian was raised in Belle Plaine, Minnesota and ordained a Catholic Priest on May 30, 1953. He entered the Army reserve in 1958 and in 1963 started his active duty career, retiring in 1986 as Chief of Chaplains at the rank of Major General. He then returned to Minnesota and served with the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis. He served Chapter XV of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association officiating Veterans Day Services at the State Capitol.
Chapter XV President Trudell Guerue commented that General Hessian was an outstanding person who will long be remembered for his devotion to the people he served and as a member of the HERD. Michael Hession, speaking of his brother following the graveside services mentioned that just last week Monsignor was wearing a 173rd vest that he cherished. It was sent to him by somebody in the association after learning, that due to health problems, he would be unable to attend the Brigade’s National Convention held earlier this year in Rochester. Michael went on to say that his brother was very proud of his service with the 173rd and often wore the insignia.
Members of Chapter XV were present at the wake and at Cemetery where they posted the American, The Brigade and other airborne unit flags. Monsignor Hessian chose to post the American Flag, General Officer Flag and his Personal 173rd Airborne Brigade Flag for the graveside ceremony.
General Hessian liked to play golf so he spent his winters in St. Augustine, FL. It was there where he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He returned home to Eden Prairie , MN. In June of 07 then in July entered an assisted living facility until Labor Day. His final days were spent at a small residential hospice in Edina, MN. He was 79 years old.
The Honor Guard, Pallbearers and a Firing Squad were provided by soldiers from the Red Bulls of the 34th Infantry Division who have recently returned from Iraq.
After a Mass of the Resurrection at his home town parish of Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church Monsignor MG Patrick J. Hessian was interned at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN.
May He Rest In Peace