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VVA CHAPTER #717 welcomes all our brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam between February 28, 1961 & May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 & May 7, 1975.
Joining VVA allows you to connect with other veterans, stay up with the latest on special events. VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 717 We are located in Northeast Ohio, in Summit County. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm at the American Legion Post #281 1601 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. Oh 44221 Phone: 330-920-9379 Service Officer Locator - for help with your VA disability claim
PICNICOn September 19 (Sunday) chapter 717 will hold its annual picnic at: Ohio Veterans Memorial Park
8005 Cleveland-Massillon Road Clinton, OH. 44216. Time 12:30 pm - 4 pm. Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by the chapter. Members should bring a cover dish or dessert to share. Also bring your own drinks. Please reply to this email or text me at 330-844-3584 if you plan to attend and the number of individuals coming with you by Sep. 15. If you have never been to the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park this is a good time to see one of the best Veterans parks in the U. S. Bring your favorite game to play. Jim Oakes *Meeting September 7th - SPECIAL Ceremony*At the September 7th chapter meeting (American Legion - 1601 Front street, Cuyahoga Falls) the chapter honored ten spouses of deceased Vietnam brothers in a commemorative program ceremony. Chapter 717 presented a deceased veteran's surviving spouse lapel pin and commemoration certificate to: Carol Hamrick, Brenda Esposito, Maria Uscilowski, Stephanie Dowler, Donna Huhn, Edie Lowden, Diane Kiggans, Janet Cline Dorety, Ruth Lavery at their September 7th meeting.
Message from our Chapter 717 President - Jim OakesSeptember 17 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Every third Friday in September, we remember the hardships endured by Americans captured during war, the loss of those still missing and unaccounted for, and the continuing grief borne by more than 81 thousand families awaiting news of their loved ones. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) reports that 1,584 of that number (1,556 military, 28 civilian) are from the Vietnam War.
The last Sunday in the month is set aside to honor America’s Gold Star Mothers. Ever since, it has been observed annually by presidential proclamation. In 2012, this day was expanded and renamed as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, which this year will be observed on September 26. In addition, earlier this year Congress instituted another Gold Star recognition day, August 1, 2021 as Gold Star Children’s Day, which honored the sacrifices and hardships of the children of fallen service members. 
Silent Watch is coming to Belden Village Mall
LUNCH For those who can join us next Wednesday September 22nd at 11am for lunch, we will be meeting at Pick’s At PLX 530 Portage Lakes drive, Akron, Ohio 44319.
NEWSphoto by Ben Cully
James A. Rich August 14, 1943 ~ July 31, 2021 (age 77)
ObituaryAkron - James A. Rich, 77, passed away on July 31, 2021. He was born to the late Victor and Ruth Rich on Aug 14, 1943. James served in the Army from 1965 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Army, he began working at Omnova Solutions where upon his retirement, James had 41 years of service. James was a member of St. Martha and later St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio. He also was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America #717, Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club, Zeppelin Gun Club, Canton McKinley Rifle and Pistol Club, HOG Riders Group and the Knights of Columbus #2362. James enjoyed people, cheating at golf, riding his motorcycle, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and loved to tell stories. James was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia; and his older brother, Russell. James will be missed by his children, James (Amy) Rich, Phillip (Courtney) Rich, Amanda (Derek) Gordon, and Eric Rich (Jaime Myers); grandchildren; Gerald, Marguerite, Nathan, Samuel, Jacob, Kaylee, Abbie, Nathaniel Gordon; brothers, David (Mary Ann) Rich, Edward (Lynn) Rich; sister, Marian (Kirk) Lutey; sister-in-law, Marie Rich; and many other family and friends. In lieu of other remembrances memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 70 W. Streetsboro St, Suite 201, Hudson, OH 44236, in memorial of James and Cynthia Rich. Visitation will be held on Thursday August 5, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm at the Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday August 6,2021 at 1:30pm, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Ave. Akron, OH. Following the Mass, interment will take place at Northlawn Memorial Gardens, 4724 State Rd, Peninsula, OH. Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147. Services VISITATION Thursday August 5, 2021 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home 1930 Front Street Cuyahoga Falls, Oh 44221 MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Friday August 6, 2021 1:30 PM St. Bernard Catholic Church 44 University Ave. Akron, OH 44308 
Proposed Challenge Coin and Lapel Pin for our Chapter 717
Chapter 717 Facebook link below |
