I so enjoy the diversity of cultures here in Hampton Roads. The other day, I attended the Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration at the VA Medical Center in Hampton. I had the opportunity to speak about my cultural experiences. So thank you for letting me do that. Some great food, colorful, traditional clothing, and great people joined me in the fun. Here’s some video I took with a flipcam on what was out there to enjoy.
Gotta admit. Hampton University basketball surprised me a bit on Thursday. The Pirates hosted and beat George Mason. Now, the Patriots have lost a few people from last year’s team that won the CAA title. But, still. HU was a disappointment last year. They were expected to be world-beaters, and then didn’t even win the MEAC. So, this year, I didn’t know what to expect. And, really, we still don’t know what to expect, but this was a good step for them.
Hampton controlled the whole game. Just like the time last year when they beat VCU, the Pirates almost never trailed. If they played Mason 10 times, I think Hampton would win 7. They just looked like the better team. Great game for HU.
But, here’s the rub. Can they keep it going? I like coach Kevin Nickelberry. He’s a motivator and a great speaker. But, last year, his team did not respond as the season went on. For them to do well down the stretch, he’s going to need to push the right buttons this year.
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
June 1st, 2009 at 5:40 am by Cheryl Tan under Personalities, Traffic
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