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AVVA

On To Springfield

BY MARY MILLER, PRESIDENT

The new version of The Updates has been sent to all those who have requested it. It is also on our website, www.avva.org. We are grateful to Elaine Simmons, our Vice President, and her husband, Dave, who have spent many hours on this project. One of the articles, written by Fran Davis, a past AVVA vice president, is on everything available in Springfield. She mentions different restaurants and places to go. I hope you can take advantage of seeing some of the sights in Springfield.

Several states—Ohio, Tennessee, and Alabama—have received packets for state start-up kits. AVVA is waiting for all the final paperwork for them to be incorporated.
Project Friendship in Springfield will be The Chapel of Four Chaplains and the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, which helps children from infants to 6 years in crisis. Needed are many types of supplies for children. Every little bit helps. The Chapel of Four Chaplains needs funding for maintenance and upkeep.

Elaine Simmons and I were privileged to help VVA’s Montgomery County, Maryland, Chapter 641 on Easter Saturday wash The Wall and other monuments. While we were there, the PBS station WETA shot footage for a documentary on the chapter washing The Wall. They certainly deserve recognition for what they do every month. A Civil Air Patrol group and AVVA Maryland State President Pat Davis and her friend Mary also pitched in. Everything was covered in snow; snow was glistening on all the trees that were in bloom. When the statues were hosed down with water, ice formed and sparkled until all were washed and rinsed. The In Memory Plaque is readable now since it has been re-grouted. We will continue to advocate for better lighting, signage, and possibly a pedestal.

By now, AVVA Affiliated Chapter elections should be finished with their election results sent to each State Rep or President. It is important that this be done, because it influences each state election. State Elections may be held until June. If a state is incorporated, a slate of four officers must be elected; if unincorporated, a State Representative must be elected.

Our website, www.avva.org, has a shoppers club available. Take advantage of getting what you need, and AVVA will also reap a donation. Through Veterans Collectibles, AVVA has new jackets available. You have a choice of three colors. Check them out; they are really nice.
Together Always.