Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 Ooltewah, Tennessee
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697               Ooltewah, Tennessee                                                                 

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BELOW: Highlights from the 12 DEC 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 14 NOV 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 held every month on the second Thursday   at 6:30 PM in Fuller Memorial Community Center of Collegedale (Tennessee) City Hall, 4910 Swinyar Drive, ZIP 37315-1880.

BELOW: Highlights from the 10 OCT 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

COMMANDER William C. Merritt, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 (on left) with COMMANDER Dennis Smith, American Legion Desmond T. Doss Post 257 at the joint American Legion - VFW picnic at Imagination Station in Collegedale, Tennessee, on 10 OCT 2013.

BELOW: Highlights from the 12 SEP 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 8 AUG 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.  Photographs courtesy of QUARTERMASTER Paul Bobenhausen.

BELOW: Highlights from the 11 JUL 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 13 JUN 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Glimpses of the 02 MAY 2013 Veterans Memorial Park yearly State Flag replacement project.

Jack Blanco, Charles Whidden, James Durichek, Owen Cook, Jack Rollins, Phil Garver, Johnny Arp (from left to right) at the yearly state flags relacement in Veterans Memorial Park of Collegedale Tennessee on 02 MAY 2013.

BELOW: Highlights from the 11 APR 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

Link to Veterans Service Records and our Home Page for more information.

BELOW: Highlights from the 14 MAR 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

14 MAR 2013:  CROOKED CREEK Band Selection 1

CROOKED CREEK Band Selection 1

14 MAR 2013:  CROOKED CREEK Band Selection 2

CROOKED CREEK Band Selection 2

14 MAR 2013:  CROOKED CREEK Band Selection 3

CROOKED CREEK Band Selection 3

BELOW: Highlights from the 14 FEB 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 10 JAN 2013 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

10 JAN 2013:  Don Gettys-Ken Oliver, the MINI-STEAM ENGINE HOBBYISTS Display 1

Don Gettys-Ken Oliver MINI STEAM ENGINE Hobbyists Display 1

10 JAN 2013:  Don Gettys-Ken Oliver, the MINI-STEAM ENGINE HOBBYISTS Display 2

Don Gettys-Ken Oliver MINI STEAM ENGINE Hobbyists Display 2

BELOW: Highlights from the 13 DEC 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 08 NOV 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697. Our meetings are monthly on the Second Thursday at 6:30 PM in Fuller Memorial Community Center of Collegedale City Hall.

BELOW: Highlights from the 11 OCT 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 13 SEP 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

http://www.hamiltontn.gov/trustee/ is the official Web site of the Hamilton County (Tennessee) Trustee.

BELOW: Highlights from the 09 AUG 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Highlights from the 12 JUL 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697.

BELOW: Scenes from the 2012 Independence Day celebration observed on 03 JUL 2012 in Veterans Memorial Park, Collegedale, Tennessee. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the American colonies' separation from Great Britain (see Today in History: July 4).

BELOW: Highlights from the 14 JUN 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 in the East Room of Collegedale City Hall's FULLER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTER.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/03/marines-helping-afghans-do-things-afghan-way/ links to the Chattanooga Times Free Press article written by Marcus L. Sheffield, Ph.D.

At the 63rd Anniversary Chattanooga Area Veterans Council Armed Forces Luncheon in the Chattanooga Convention Center on Friday, 04 MAY 2012:

 

COOLIDGE, CHARLES H.
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company M, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. Place and date: East of Belmont sur Buttant, France, 24 - 27 October 1944. Entered service at: Signal Mountain, Tenn. Birth: Signal Mountain, Tenn. G.O. No.: 53, July 1945.
Citation:
Leading a section of heavy machineguns supported by 1 platoon of Company K, he took a position near Hill 623, east of Belmont sur Buttant, France, on 24 October 1944, with the mission of covering the right flank of the 3d Battalion and supporting its action. T/Sgt. Coolidge went forward with a sergeant of Company K to reconnoiter positions for coordinating the fires of the light and heavy machineguns. They ran into an enemy force in the woods estimated to be an infantry company. T/Sgt. Coolidge, attempting to bluff the Germans by a show of assurance and boldness called upon them to surrender, whereupon the enemy opened fire. With his carbine, T/Sgt. Coolidge wounded 2 of them. There being no officer present with the force, T/Sgt. Coolidge at once assumed command. Many of the men were replacements recently arrived; this was their first experience under fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge, unmindful of the enemy fire delivered at close range, walked along the position, calming and encouraging his men and directing their fire. The attack was thrown back. Through 25 and 26 October the enemy launched repeated attacks against the position of this combat group but each was repulsed due to T/Sgt. Coolidge's able leadership. On 27 October, German infantry, supported by 2 tanks, made a determined attack on the position. The area was swept by enemy small arms, machinegun, and tank fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge armed himself with a bazooka and advanced to within 25 yards of the tanks. His bazooka failed to function and he threw it aside. Securing all the hand grenades he could carry, he crawled forward and inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. Finally it became apparent that the enemy, in greatly superior force, supported by tanks, would overrun the position. T/Sgt. Coolidge, displaying great coolness and courage, directed and conducted an orderly withdrawal, being himself the last to leave the position. As a result of T/Sgt. Coolidge's heroic and superior leadership, the mission of this combat group was accomplished throughout 4 days of continuous fighting against numerically superior enemy troops in rain and cold and amid dense woods.

Charles H. Coolidge's MEDAL OF HONOR Citation was linked from http://homeofheroes.com/moh/citations_living/ii_a_coolidge.html

Installation of VFW Post 1697 officers for 2012-2013 at the regular meeting on 12 APR 2012. For the full roster please go to ABOUT US | Executive Council.

From left: POST COMMANDER Dave Turner,

CHAPLAIN Jack Blanco,

QUARTERMASTER William C. Merritt,

SERVICE OFFICER Lewis L. Szerecz,

ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN James Durichek,

SURGEON Jack Rollins,

ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER Sam James,

JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER Don Hunt.

BELOW: Fire Chief Duane Pitts of the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department was the special guest at the 02 FEB 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 in the FULLER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTER of Collegedale City Hall.

The regular meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 on 12 JAN 2012 featured the gospel singing of Jody Massey, presenting favorites such as Peace in the Valley and How Great Thou Art.  He also sang Have I Told You Lately.  Thank You notes from Southern Adventist University Students Lorraine A. Rollins and Matthew A. Ancel were read expressing their appreciation for receiving $500.00 Worthy Student checks at the 08 DEC 2011 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697. 

BELOW: Highlights from the 12 JAN 2012 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 in the East Room of Collegedale City Hall's FULLER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTER.

BELOW: Highlights from the 08 DEC 2011 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 Christmas Party held in the East Room of Collegedale City Hall's FULLER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTER.

BELOW:  Scenes from the 03 DEC 2011 Flag Retirement Ceremony conducted by Boy Scouts of America Troop 147 (Sponsor: Ooltewah, Tennessee, United Methodist Church).

This special event to properly and respectfully dispose of 18 unserviceable American flags was initiated by Desmond T. Doss American Legion Post 257, Collegedale, Tennessee.  The metal drum was donated by W. R. Grace & Co. of Chattanooga, Tennessee and custom modified by the Collegedale Public Works Department.

BELOW: Highlights from the 10 NOV 2011 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 in Collegedale City Hall.

BELOW: Highlights from the 23 OCT 2011 Flea Market at Southern Adventist University.

BELOW: Highlights from the 13 OCT 2011 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 in Collegedale City Hall.

BELOW: Highlights from the 08 SEP 2011 meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 in Collegedale City Hall.

Andi and James Erwin recounting their service to God--as Seventh-day Adventist pastor for 32 years--and service to Country--as Combat Medic with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam.
SENIOR VICE COMMANDER Dave Turner presenting a $250 check from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697 to Andi Erwin and COMRADE James Erwin for the Alzheimers Association Southeast Tennessee Chapter.

Can you pinch-hit for the Webmaster by administering this Website as his associate.

Let me know at info@vfw1697.org -
appreciate it!

 

Website last updated 

24 FEB 2024.

 

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Visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars - Department of Tennessee at https://vfwtn.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp

 

 IN MEMORIAM:

 

Dave Turner

 

 

 

 

 

MORE THAN MEMORIES

is a Poem dedicated to All Surviving Spouses of our Post . . . please scroll to the bottom of the page link.

 

 

Special Notice

regarding Hospice services for Veterans: please go to 09 JAN 2020 in 

news-events-from-2020-on/

 

 

A new excerpt, Pages 86-87, was added to Raymond C. Brown's SERVICE STORY from his book Hey, Got Time for a War Story? 

 

Please scroll down to the bottom of page

           vfw1697.org/service-stories/ 

 

Announcing our

new Webmaster, Aidan Melton! 

 

After eight years it's time a new generation takes over.  In fact, sixty years separate him and me, but age--whether old or young--is no barrier to creativity and patriotism.  Aidan, you have lots of boosters, some you know and more you don't, yet.  Congratulations on your new assignment to oversee

 

www. vfw1697.org/

 

--Lewis L. Szerecz

 

 

NEXT UP: 12 DEC 2019 for more from Wesley Crider.

 

Wesley Crider, the world-renowned guitar virtuoso, played Christmas favorites on December 14, 2017, for us.

View them

here and now!

 

Our new Facebook admin is Bryan K. Hardy - welcome aboard!

 

Announcing our Facebook page  

 

facebook.com/vfw1697/

 

formerly administered by Assistant Webmaster Marc Baker in friendly rivalry with this Webpage and its Webmaster in parallel but compatible tracks!  Thanks, Marc, for your outstanding effort.  We all applaud and appreciate you.

Marc, you did a fine job for us; we're sorry you moved away and wish you well, Comrade. We can't thank you enough!

 

 

 

 

For more on REBOOT COMBAT RECOVERY and FIRSTLINE RESPONDERS Trauma Recovery see 14 FEB 2019 in News and Events from 2017 on

 

 

J. VERNON HEROD, the first commander of our VFW Post 1697, shares his Service Story about World War II here.

 

Our thanks to the Scenic City Chorus who sang in their signature barbershop quartet style for a concert on 08 MAR 2018.  Hear and see them here in proudly featured five videos!

 

Amazing how the music keeps coming!  AMBERHOPE VELBIS is a performer extraordinaire who sings her original songs and arrangements while accompanying herself on the keyboard.  She graced our Post on 11 JAN 2018 sharing her inspiring skill.

 

 

See Alan Blankenship's photographs from Vietnam with the US Army's 5th Infantry Division 1/77 Armor Scouts during 1969 and 1970.

View the VIDEO from the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War!

See the Purple Heart Mural dedicated

on 31 MAY 2016

in Collegedale, Tennessee!

 

 

Read a young Patriot’s Tribute to Our Military here.

 

124th VFW NATIONAL CONVENTION IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA 22 - 27 JUL, 2023       

ARCHIVED

 

 

 

Announcing a new page on our Web site, VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, featuring news and views of this unique Collegedale, Tennessee, landmark.

Link here to our national organization!

Special link to our fellow Veterans in the local American Legion: http://collegedale-americanlegion.org/

See OUR PROJECTS for highlights from the 2013 and 2016 Armed Forces Day Parades and 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Armed Forces Day Luncheons.

View the updates on our Site under NEWS & EVENTS FROM 2020 ON.  Previous entries under NEWS & EVENTS 2017 TO 2020, NEWS & EVENTS 2014 TO 2016 and NEWS & EVENTS 2011 TO 2013 are tabbed at the top of each page.

 

Don’t miss MARTY MILLER’S MISSION! Also look under NEWS & EVENTS FROM 2014 ON for 09 JUL 2015.

 

City employees and Veterans teamed up to replace worn State flags in Collegedale (Tennessee) Veterans Memorial Park on Friday, 21 FEB 2014, Wednesday, 01 APR 2015, Friday, 07 APR 2017, and Friday, 14 JUN 2019.

Check out SERVICE STORIES from Veterans of our Post!  COMRADES Raymond C. Brown, Bill Nutt, Noble B. Vining and J. Vernon Herod start us out, followed by as many as will consent to share their SERVICE STORIES to encourage new generations to serve and defend our Beloved Land.

Look back
to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1697

PHOTO ALBUM

SPECIAL EVENT: Flag Retirement Ceremony was conducted by Ooltewah, Tennessee Boy Scouts of America Troop 147 at Collegedale VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK on Saturday, 03 DEC 2011.

Website last updated 

24 FEB 2024.

 

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