They came from across the nation with pride, spirit and humility, as 200+ UAW Veterans embarked on the UAW Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center to take part in what UAW Veterans call "the highlight of the year".
The week of Aug. 30 thru Sept. 4, 2009, the wooded resort with its natural beauty played host to the UAW Veterans National Conference. The Veterans gathered and stood down for a week of education, relaxation and camaraderie. Delegates were eager to get started with the week's agenda that included historic guest speakers and more learning and sharing experiences plus the solidarity for which Black Lake is known.
Highlight's of the opening ceremonies included the posting of the colors by the National Veterans Advisory Committee (NVAC) and a special appearance from UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. The President spoke about the many challenges and tasks we as union members are up against. Speaking about national health care, fair trade, the free choice act and buying American, the President shook each Veteran's hand and thanked them for their service and sacrifices and took notice about this year's conference theme "Continuing to Serve" as the Veterans Affairs Dept. celebrates its 15th Anniversary.
Twenty Region 8 Delegates attended the conference and played a vital role in the class rooms, decisions, lectures and assemblies. Of the many educational highlights, the class rooms offered important opportunities to involve the delegates in veterans legislation by the UAW's CAP Dept. Veterans Benefits, both in education and medical aspects were also taught. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) classes were taught by highly informed and experienced instructors. The Veterans Committee classes gave delegates a chance in a classroom setting to showcase the many projects and methods used in establishing their veterans committees. All of the delegates had the opportunity to share information on how they've gained respect from the company for which they work, communities they live in and the membership they serve with dedication, integrity and a willingness to go beyond the call of duty to serve veterans.
The guest speaking and lecture segment of the conference were of historic proportion that received numerous standing ovations during the week. Highlights included the past VFW National Commander-in-Chief and Program Director Molly Studinger from the VFW National Home for Children. The two gave an up-date on the programs at the National Home and on the UAW Stephen P. Yokich’s house for which UAW members built and raised money.
Other highlights included the Tuskegee Airmen who raised the roof with their historic experiences and patriotic views. The delegation sat in awe as a chance of a life time took place meeting and listening to the testaments of one of the last Navajo Code Talkers, Mr. Keith Little and his charming wife Nellie.
A stirring presentation was given by Executive Director, Victor Biggs from the Disabled Veterans LIFE Memorial Foundation (DVLMF). The DVLM will be the newest of our nation's war memorials and will serve as a testament of the sacrifices of our nation's disabled veterans. The Memorial's proximity to the National Mall and Capitol will serve as a constant reminder to America's citizens of the true cost of war and conflict. During the presentation, Mr. Biggs stated "Through the juxtaposition of marble and glass, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will convey an interplay of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. At this sacred spot, all of us—sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, wives, husbands and friends—will learn the important lessons of courage, sacrifice, tenacity, loyalty and honor by bearing witness to the experiences of our heroes who are disabled".
The delegation was touched and realized the need of such a memorial as many veterans in the audience were disabled themselves through their service to our nation. The hat was passed and many dedicated themselves to help raise the public funds for such a noble memorial.
Others speakers included, Home for our Heroes, Montford Point Marines, Vietnam Veterans of America, Development of Vietnam Endeavors Foundation (DOVE) and the UAW National CAP Dept.
On a more personal note, NVAC did a marvelous job putting together the conference, each of us had a particular task or tasks and each put their best efforts forward. It really showed as we put on a first-class conference. Our Veterans International Reps, Doug Taylor and Doug Tiderington did an amazing job and also put their heart and hands into their work, and again it really showed as everything ran smoothly. Administrative Assistant to the Director and V.P., Gary Bernath, also did a standup job and helped everyone with any questions or needs and made sure we had all the tools needed during the week.
Vice President and Director of the Veterans Affairs Dept., Cal Raspon, was very humble as his many years working to serve the UAW and its membership was recognized. Cal was presented with several mementoes and tokens of appreciation during the week. He modestly accepted them and acknowledged the many who had helped him along the way. Like a true General, he gave credit to the whole UAW team and especially gave credit and a heartfelt thank you to the UAW Veterans for serving the greatest country on earth and for continuing to serve our great union and our nations veterans.
I was particularly proud on behalf of Region 8 to give a presentation on the UAW/Rosie the Riveter plaque at the National D Day Memorial and presented Cal with a replica of the plaque and a certificate of appreciation for his dedication and leadership through many years of service to the UAW.
In closing, Black Lake and the Veterans National Conference is the highlight of the year. During the veterans conference, there's pride and respect for everyone who served the Armed Services. Delegates and staff alike are interesting and have years of experience in veterans affairs. The UAW Veterans are dedicated and sincere in their efforts to better the lives of our membership and veterans out in our communities. I am appreciative of all the handshakes, high fives and thank you's. It's always hard to leave the brothers and sisters at week's end and the hugs good bye are genuine and heartfelt. Until next year when we met again, God Bless the United States of America, her veterans and current military members and the UAW, and each are in our prayers as we "Continue to Serve".
An array of pictures can be viewed at the listing below.
http://2009nationalveteransconference.shutterfly.com/
Mark Peterson Region 8/NVAC UAW local 2069
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