Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 5-18-18

Features
50 Years After Service In Viet Nam, Veterans Will Gather To Celebrate
Women’s Council To Host Scholarship Banquet
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
It was 50 years ago that David Harris, like so many others, had recently com- pleted his high school educa- tion. “We had made our plans for the future, until that day we got the letter from the fed- eral government. Six months later, we were either in Viet Nam or on our way,” he said.
At that time, he says, draftees spent 1 year in Viet Nam, while those in the Marines were there for 13 months.
Veterans whose 50th an- niversary in Viet Nam occurs in the years of 2017, 2018 and 2019, are extended an invita- tion to join other veterans on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 2 p. m. The veterans will gather at VFW Post 10140, 8414 N. 40th St., to hear speakers, lis- ten to music, enjoy free food, and to hear from some very special guests. The theme of the event is “A Hero’s Wel- come – Welcome Home Cele-
DAVID HARRIS
bration.”
The 50th Anniversary in
Viet Nam celebrations are to continue through 2025.
Although the invitation is extended to those whose 50th anniversary is celebrated this year, anyone who served in Viet Nam is invited, Harris said.
A Service Officer for the VFW, Harris spent 2 years in the U. S. Army. Bruce Sisket is Commander of the VFW Post.
Harris, a retired electri- cian, says his concern now is healthcare for veterans. He has spent more than 25 years with various programs seek- ing healthcare services for veterans.
“There were 59,000 deaths in Viet Nam, but about half that amount is service-related deaths back in the United States. Serving in Viet Nam came with many health concerns, such as Agent Orange. So many vet- erans don’t know that you need the right people to help you to get the service you need. And, their families don’t know where to find the information.”
That’s where, he ex- plained, the VFW comes in. “We try to help veterans with as much information as pos- sible. Then, they have to let their Congressman know that, ‘I’m still alive and I vote’. We had opposition in Viet Nam, now we’re having opposition with the VA sys- tem.”
AIDZA ANTONIO- THOMAS ...Co-Chair
On Saturday, May 26th, the Women’s Council of Bay Area Association of Realtists will host their 5th Annual Scholar- ship Banquet to be held at Tampa Park Community Cen- ter. The Networking Recep- tionissettostartat6p.m. and Banquet begins at 7 p. m.
The Keynote Speaker for this event is Joan C. Cham- bers, a member of the Board of Governors of Women’s Council National Association of Real Estate Brokers. She was the first African Ameri- can woman to be appointed to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. She is also a member of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
One of the Women’s Council initiatives is to pro- vide education to first time
DIANNE HART ...Co-Chair
home buyers, teen and adult financial literacy, along with providing scholarships for high school seniors.
“The Women’s Council leads the way by empowering members to build and expand on everything the real estate industry has to offer. We also provide support to youth through grants, scholarships and mentoring,” states Ida Campbell, President of the Women’s Council of Bay Area Association of Realtists.
The co-chairs for this event are Aidza Antonio- Thomas and Dianne Hart.
For more information re- garding the event, please con- tact Mrs. Campbell via email idacampbell53@yahoo.com, or visit the website at www.womenscouncilba- yarea.com.
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