In 1989 when Baltimore VVA Chapter 451, was formed, I was a founding member. We met first at the Rowing Club and then in a basement on Liberty Street; then the old Fort Holabird Officers Club became available on a long term lease from the City Government. I served as Chapter 451's first Secretary and then, for several years, as Chapter Chaplain. One of the high points was participating in Memorial Day and Veterans Day services at the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Monument, and especially participating in the re-dedication at which the adjacent Hanover Street Bridge was re-named the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Approaching the Bridge
Across the Bridge
On the Bridge
The Sign Makes it Official
Flags at the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Chapter 451 Color Guard
Releasing a Dove
Flags at Half Staff
In 1995 I became Chaplain
for the Maryland State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America.When I was asked one June to conduct a worship service for the State Council Convention, I discovered that the Bible's King David, like many combat veterans, was an early sufferer of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]: "An Evil Spirit of the Lord" The chance to lead services at State Conventions every other year has been a rewarding opportunity to delve further into the things Scripture says that only veterans would really understand.
Ocassionally I am asked to do weddings, such as the one for Mary Sanders and Robert Mahnke
Vietnam Today | Photo Album | Poetry | Sign Guestbook | View Guestbook
Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America | State Council Chaplain | "An Evil Spirit of the Lord" Sermon | Mary Sanders and Robert Mahnke |
Dedication of Memorial to Vietnam Chaplains, Monroe, Michigan, 2006
Updated June 4, 2006