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solo1
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« on: November 13, 2011, 07:06:12 AM » |
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First of all, I do not intend to blow my own horn here. It's something that I want to share with the VRCC.
Last year I donated my M1 Garand to the Korean War Veterans Association for a fund raiser. My eyes and my body couldn't really adapt to shooting competition and it was setting in my safe.
I am a member of the 'Quiet Warriors' chapter of the KWVA. The founding member and Commander of our chapter, Marcos Botas, a Marine, died 4 years ago. When I donated the M1 my only stipulation was that his name would be mentioned in memoriam on the raffle tickets in connection with the M1.
The KWVA did as I asked. Marcos's name was mentioned, along with mine on the raffle tickets. All went smoothly and a clear $50,000 was raised, most because of the M1, according to the KWVA.
The winning ticket was chosen the last of October at the Annual meeting. The winner was a Korean veteran who served in the 21th Infantry in 1951 and earned the combat rifleman badge.
Unfortunately, he died in July. The rifle was presented to his widow at 7PM on this Veterans Day. I have a picture of her holding both the M1 AND a picture of her husband taken when he was in the Army. I noticed that the butt stock of the rifle has a engraved plaque that mentions Marcos Botas in memoriam and my name also. I did not expect this.
The widow's intention is that the M1 will hang on the wall, in a position of honor, along with his picture.
I have his name, her name, and the picture but I won't post them for privacy reasons
I've thought about this (a Lot). This donation's action has snowballed. Marcos will be remembered, the Korean War vet's memory will be treasured and reminded by the M1's bigger than life presence on that wall, and I will be left with a satisfaction that my modest donation did so much. I am humbled.
It is fitting that a a Korean weapon of war has been retired as a reminder of a loved one who served in The Forgotten War.
My eyes are watering. It must be because of the cataract surgery that I had last Thursday.
Wayne, Solo1
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« Last Edit: November 13, 2011, 07:51:13 AM by solo1 »
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2011, 07:09:37 AM » |
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Good on you, Korean Conflict Brother.
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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The Anvil
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« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2011, 07:20:04 AM » |
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It still bugs me that Korea and it's vets get so little attention as compared to WWII and Vietnam.
Good work. I'd love to pick up an M1 some day.
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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czuch
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« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2011, 08:09:22 AM » |
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Solo, I didnt have cataract surgery, I'm having trouble seeing too though.
Thank you.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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Karen
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« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2011, 09:39:38 AM » |
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Thanks, Wayne, what you did and how it turned out is a fine example of the unintended consequences of doing something (that you believe in) to help others and watching it pick up steam. You started this when you first served, not just when you donated the M1. Amazing the impact one foot print can make. Keep stepping, Sir, I really like who you are.
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old2soon
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« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2011, 12:11:25 PM » |
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Wayne-heck of a job. VERY WELL DONE.  Very glad that a weapon of defense was able to do so much.  What Karen said about the footprint- RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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KW
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« Reply #6 on: November 13, 2011, 12:23:47 PM » |
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Thank you for your service to our Country Sir and God Bless you for your giving heart! Thank also you for sharing this wonderful story!
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HayHauler
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« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2011, 01:41:04 PM » |
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Wayne, you just keep on doing what you do. Makes me proud to know you. Thanks for your service to our country and thanks for being you. Hay  Jimmyt |
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Fudd
Member
Posts: 1733
MSF RiderCoach
Denham Springs, La.
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« Reply #8 on: November 13, 2011, 02:25:11 PM » |
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Thank you for your service to our Country Sir and God Bless you for your giving heart! Thank also you for sharing this wonderful story!
Awesome, when a donated rifle can spur $50k in donations! What a good return on a contribution. Think of how many people can be helped with that. |
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 Save a horse, ride a Valkyrie |
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #9 on: November 14, 2011, 06:36:31 AM » |
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A great example of "Pay it Forward"... I'm proud to know you and thank for your service AND for what you did to raise that much money for a worthy cause.
Thank you.
Loth
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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