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Gurulé Plaque Honors Vet, BVA

Rochelle Gurulé, a devoted volunteer for the New Mexico VA Health Care System since 1985 and recipient of the BVA David L. Schnair Volunteer Service Award in 2002, recently donated a plaque in memory of her late husband, Frank. The plaque recognizes Frank’s loyalty to the Blinded Veterans Association and the New Mexico Regional Group.

The plaque, mounted in an amphitheater wall at The New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, is an 8” by 8” glazed tile with a reddish-brown inscription. The name of the regional group is inscribed around the top of the circular BVA national emblem. Below the emblem, on two separate lines, is the inscription, “In Memoriam, Frank N. Gurulé, Purple Heart WWII.”

The New Mexico Veterans Memorial, located near Kirtland Air Force Base on the outskirts of Albuquerque and set in the shadow of the majestic Sandia Mountains, is dedicated to the men and women who gave their youth, their hopes and dreams, and their lives in the name of freedom. In addition to the amphitheater and its accompanying wall and garden, facilities include a visitors center, museum, meeting hall, and parade ground.

BVA Basks in Holiday Cheer

Gift giving, prime rib dinners, boat cruises, food preparation contests, expressions of appreciation through awards and recognition, and visits from Santa Claus all contributed to a cheery holiday season for many BVA members and friends throughout the United States.

The Greater Houston Regional Group’s party, already referenced in the President’s Page and held on December 13, honored 15 of the group’s volunteers with personalized plaques and certificates.

“The dedicated service rendered by these volunteers during 2005 was the theme around which our party was held this year,” said Regional Group President Roy Young.

The event also consisted of a drawing for a variety of prizes donated by local merchants, a dessert contest with a $50 cash prize, and a gourmet meal directed by master chef and Regional Group Vice President Arnett Wilson. The dinner consisted of 130 pounds of ham, chicken, brisket, and turkey, accompanied by more than a dozen side dishes.

According to Roy, still another highlight of the party was blinded veteran Robert Gallant’s generous donation of several unique pen and pencil sets that had been hand lathed in Bethlehem, Israel.

A similar festive atmosphere was found at AMVETS Post 24 in Dayton, Ohio, where the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Group held its annual gathering of some 50 blinded veterans and other family members.
“We had an especially enjoyable time this year,” said Secretary James Vallo. “So many volunteers helped make it a great occasion, and, for the first time ever, Santa Claus even made time for us.”

The OKI party was highlighted by a prime rib dinner and special baskets distributed to each attendee. The baskets, put together by hand by the regional group leadership, consisted of cookies, fruit, and a pen.

Not to be outdone when they are given an opportunity to party, BVA National Headquarters staff members and guests took time out of their midday schedules for a lunch cruise on the Potomac River. The December 15 event included live entertainment, dancing, and views of the National Capital Area skyline from the water.

“It was something that I had wanted us to do together as a staff for a long time,” said Brigitte Jones. “I think everyone enjoyed the chance to unwind in a more lively atmosphere as we moved into the holiday season.”