Veteran related, non Valk

I am looking forward to my trip to DC on the Honor Flight April 27. Although I served in Korea during the "Forgotten War", I was in a support group, a Medical company.

I am reminded of those who served in combat during that difficult time, Vets like RJ, and also one of our own KWVA chapter group, "Quiet Warriors"

Three years ago, I wrote about a small incident that I had the pleasure to be involved in. I found that little story and, again, I have a good feeling that that I contributed. So, for all the vets out there, and others, here it is again. Let's remember those vets from all wars who are gone.

No, I'm not working for 'brownie points'

Korea Vets and the M1

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, especially in the prone position, and it was setting in my safe.

I am a member of the 'Quiet Warriors' chapter of the KWVA. The 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, mostly 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 M!'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.

.

Wayne, Solo1