Here’s some information a dear family friend sent me about a group she thinks everyone in Hampton Roads should know about- just in time for Veterans Day.

The 369th Veterans Association (South East District) is comprised of men and women who have served honorably in all branches of the military- including Merchant Marines- since World War II.  This includes the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm wars.  The requirement for joining the organization:  you must have been honorably separated and discharged from an enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces- having served not less than 180 days.  This also applies to active duty personnel.

The group was founded  in 199 to develop and preserve the spirit of fellowship among its memebers and memorialize the patriotic service of those memebers.   They support the ACTSO (Afro Academic Cultural-Technological and Scientific Olympics), the Tom Joyner scholarship fund, collection of clothing and sundries for members of the Armed Forces and an annual picnic for disabled and hospitalized patients at the Hampton Veterans Administration Hospital.  These are pictures from one of their picnics.

The man on the gurney, next to organizer Randy Laurel, must remain in that position- ALWAYS.  He is wheeled to the picnic every year.

They invite the community to participate in their quest to enhance the lives of those who have given so much to our country.   Contact Randy Laurel at (757) 482-9233 or by mail:

369th Veterans Association, Inc., Southeastern District

P.O. Box 15391

Chesapeake, VA 23328-5391

email:  369th-Veterans-SE@cox.net

http://www.va.gov/