Veterans' Day - November 11, 2009 - In honor of all those who came before us...
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" President Woodrow Wilson, November 1919



AMERICA - Land Of The FREE, Because Of The BRAVE

The 82nd AIRBORNE
Division Association

South Florida Chapter
Jose Perez-Ortiz, Chapter Chairman
Miami FL 33136-1025 phone: 1-305-205-1948







2009 WebSite featuring: Membership, Contacts, Activities & Events...

82nd Airborne Division
[Image]
"America's Guard Of Honor"


All American ...
Chartered By

The US Congress


... All The Way


NEWSLETTER of the South Florida Chapter

Recent Chapter Newsletters are linked here in .pdf format -
Sorry but we no longer get them provided in plain text as has been done over the prior ten years.

( For the most recent example see the March / April 2009 Newsletter below on this page )
If you can't read them in the .pdf version, contact Bob Buffington or Jose Perez Ortiz for the information...


Click here for the Sep / Oct 2009 NEWSLETTER of the South Florida Chapter

Click here for the July / August 2009 NEWSLETTER of the South Florida Chapter

Click here for the May / June 2009 NEWSLETTER of the South Florida Chapter




INSTALLATION BANQUET for 2010 Officers and Directors

November 14th beginning with cocktails at 1800 hours; Dinner begins at ? with the ceremony at ?

Cost is $40 per person for: Buffet; Pork Tender Loin and Crab stuffed Tilapia with yellow rice

steamed vegetables and mixed house salad plus dessert and coffee/tea.


The Historic MAXWELL ROOM at The DownTowner Saloon
10 South New River Drive East, Fort Lauderdale FL under the Andrews Avenue Bridge
Information and Directions


Our guest speaker will be CSM Carlos Vazquez USA (Ret) who served with the 82nd Abn; 173rd Abn Bde;
7th Infantry; Special Forces; and was a CSM with Special Operation Command at retirement.

Any questions please contact Bob Buffington @ 954-435-9174


Report on The Installation Banquet:
Guest Speaker was CSM (ret) Carlos Vazquez. CSM Vazquez served with the 173rd in Viet Nam, the 82nd Abn Div among other units. His last assignment was with Special Operations Command. Jose presented him with a crystal statue with airborne wings, and the 173rd patch cut into the crystal.

Jose also presented Tony Altobell with a crystal statue with airborne wings cut into the crystal in recognition of the work Tony had put into arranging the dinner.

Dwight Stephenson, Hall of Fame center from the Miami Dolphins gave a few words.

Jose also recognized Lydia for her exhibit.

Trooper of the Year was Ronald Stirlacci

Fred Butler award was presented to Bob Buffington.

Forty four people attended the dinner.

Dance music was provided by  Golda Levitan



Ron Stirlacci, Trooper of the Year 2009


Don't forget our
Next Regular Meeting will be at
8:00PM on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, at the:

American Legion Post 92
211 North 21st Avenue
Hollywood FL 33020-4506
Phone: 954-923-2760




We had one (1) W.W. at Indy ,Cpt Brian Murtagh From the Aviatin Sustainment Bn.I will add photos.1.Member Andy Mcgowan,Cpt.Murtagh and myself 2.Cpt .Murtagh,Myself and Andy There is a good articule in the Paraglide of this week pg.16,you can fill in the blanks from there .We all had a great time ,Jimmy/wife French /wife Andy and myself. JPO


Lydia Stirlacci,
Wife of member / Director Ron Stirlacci, is having a collection of her photography exhibited at the 9Muses Art Center November 13th through December 4th 2009.

Lydia began taking pictures in 1965 and has continued her love affair with the camera ever since. Come and show her your support and enjoy her great pictures.

The 9Muses Art Center is located at 7139 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, Florida About one mile east of University Drive, easy to reach from the Sawgrass Expressway, I-95  and I-595.




Gang !

we need to sopprt this event.

What:
WOUNDED WARRIOR
SHOOT-OFF

 When:NOV.14 2009

Time:0900 AM-1400 Hrs

Where:9601 NW 58 St.
Doral,FL 33178
Miami-Dade
Public safety Training Institte

Price :20.00

POC:
Off.Victor Gatell 954-663-0405
 
I know we have our Installation activity that day ,but the times do not conflict,I am thinking on going ,How about you .Bring your wpns/equipment and ammo ,it will be fun.
 
Buff ,please pass on to all our members .
 
JPO



To All South Florida Chapter Members:

For over ten years now I've done my best to post a WebSite for you which is informative as well as historic in regard to our membership and activities. I hope you have enjoyed the fruits of what has been (for me) a labor of love and dedication. Based on circumstances beyond my control, I will not be able to continue updating the site or posting any further. I have always said I would be glad to post anything you send me, but unfortunately nothing is provided which allows me to keep the site current or useful. For those who still have an interest in the Chapter and what's been going on since we began the site in 2000, the Archives are still linked at the bottom of the page. Other than that...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all... Airborne, All The Way !!! - Bob Wirt, WebMaster



Click photo for full size view
Joseph G "Ranger Joe" Lanzillo

September 07, 1922 - April 29, 2009

Joseph G Lanzillo, 86, a Hollywood Florida resident,
originally of Mount Claire, New Jersey, died April 29, 2009.

Joe was a veteran of the US Navy during WWII; the US Army serving with the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment "Falcons", 82nd Airborne Division and the 11th Special Forces Group (reserve); and was a Veteran of the 305th Air Sea Rescue of the 8th Air Force, who later worked as a telephone technician for BellSouth Telephone Company.

He is survived by his loving wife Vera M Lanzillo; sons Dr. Joseph H (Gemma) Lanzillo and Edward J (Jennifer) Lanzillo and six grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 15, 2009 10:30 AM at Nativity Catholic Church, 5220 Johnson Street, Hollywood FL. Internment with Military Honors will follow at 1:00 PM at South Florida VA National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the South Florida Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association (Disabled Veterans Fund), 2765 Garden Drive, Cooper City, FL 33026. Arrangements by Panciera Memorial Home, Hollywood, FL phone: 954-989-9900. Click link to visit his Guest Book Online.

Joe was a member of the South Florida Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association since 1960, and he will be missed by all.

Mass: Nativity Catholic Church, 5220 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL
Service starts at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 15th 2009 - Phone contact: 954-987-3300
Internment: South Florida VA National Cemetery, 6501 State Road 7, Lake Worth FL
With military honors, Begins at 1PM, Friday, May 15th 2009 - Phone contact: 561-649-6489
Memorial: Service to remember Joe’s life at the German American Society (German Club Map)
6401 Washington Street, Hollywood, FL Friday, May 15th 2009 - Phone Contact: 954-322-6227
Refreshments will be served starting at 3PM with services starting at 4PM.
There will be a full dinner after the services.

Friday, May 15th, 2009

We will gather in mourning, but also in gratitude.
We will mourn his death, but we are grateful for his life.
We will celebrate his greatness.
We will remember what made him unique.
We loved him with affection and respect.
He inspired all of us.
He gave us strength, a way of loving our world and laughing at ourselves.
He loved life. He lived it.
He was loyal, trusting and joyful
He was worthy in deed and noble in character.
Joseph G Lanzillo trusted in God and God's will.
He was driven by compulsion to do what is right and to do it right or not at all.
He was a product of America's soul, the fundamental force that makes America great.
He came from that special generation.
A member of our greatest generation.
The one that had thrust upon it the greatest responsibility of any generation.
Their courageous acts improved all of our lives and changed history.
He was his family's source of trust in the world.
Joseph G Lanzillo was one they knew they could count on, no matter what.
He is survived by his wife, Vera M Lanzillo. He thought she was magnificent. He called her his "Shatzie".
Also by his sons Dr Joseph H (Gemma) Lanzillo and Edward J (Jennifer) Lanzillo and six grandchildren.
He was heard to say he loved his family and he loved his country.
(Written by JHL)



THE SOUTH FLORIDA TROOPER
South Florida Chapter Newsletter 
MARCH / APRIL, 2009

CHAIRMAN COMMENTS:
Well, we had another picnic that once again proved that we can get things going, if we all cooperate. I have to say we have some outstanding members who when the need to say present, presented itself, they said it. We all had a great time with members from Port St Lucie and Tampa attending. I had the honor to present William Rivera with a certificate for his cooperation and donations to the chapter. He donated shirts, caps, and car flags which raised over a hundred dollars during the meeting. Bill Lynch our member from the VA Nursing Home in Miami was present thanks to the Recreation Staff of the VA, they arranged it so Bill had his own “Limo” for the trip. But the best news about the picnic is that we ended up in the “black”, the funds raised by the raffle and booster fund more than covered the cost of the picnic.. We cannot forget the ladies of the Chapter who assisted us and helped make the picnic the success it was, my thanks go out to them, without them could not make it happen.

Heads up: we have some changes coming. First our May meeting will be a brunch on a Saturday morning at the Piccadilly Restaurant on Flagler Street in Miami. We have made this change for the benefit of our members who live Miami-Dade so they can take part in our meetings and meet all the other members, who knows maybe they will meet up with an old friend or make a new friend and just sit eat brunch and tell war stories. J  If we have good results with this meeting we can do it again. We will be landing at the State Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines on June 6th for our June picnic. We want to share this day with the veterans there and give them an afternoon of good eats and good times. Also in May the ASIS will be sponsoring The Wounded Warrior/Law Enforcement Day. Last year the Chapter went and made a good showing, ths year I need 8 volunteers to join with me at this activity, tables are $1000.00 or $100.00 per person. Who will join me? If you are interested let me know (305-205-1948) The proceeds go to the Wounded Warriors Fund, where it is spent very well.

The Vietnam Veterans of America will celebrate another week of activities and “Camp Out” at Wickham Park in Melbourne starting on April 27th and lasting all week ending on Sunday, May 3rd. For more information check out FLVIETVETS/reunion. If God permits I will be there, you are welcome to join us. This is one activity you will not regret going to.

The Chapter is growing again but we still need more members to reach 200, what can you do? Bring an airborne friend, show you are Airborne and you will see how many more Airborne Troops are out there. Try it, it worked for me.

We have caps, car flags and T-shirts still available, give Buff a call if you’re interested.

Well I guess I better let you rest and mark your calendar for our future activities, Ah, yes! We will have a meeting in April, that has not changed, same place, same time and hopefully some additional members.
Your Chairman
Jose L. Perez Ortiz (JPO)

 
During our picnic meeting Jimmy Campillo informed all present that our Executive Director and his wife have undergone surgeries for different conditions, our wishes for a speedy recovery goes to them and we will keep everyone informed of any changes.

EDITORS NOTE: Manny and Maggie are doing find. It has been reported to us that Manny is back to work half-day for a while but is still the same ole Manny.
 
2009 MEETINGS: April 21st; May 16th; June 16th Picnic at State Veterans Nursing Home, Pembroke Pines; July  21st; August 18th; September (Picnic) TBD; October 20th; Installation Banquet November TBD
Note: The May meeting will be on a Saturday. See below for reason.
 
Around the Division:
If you desire to send “goodies” to the Panthers (505 PIR) in Iraq send them to the brigade Chaplain at:
Maj Paul Jaedcke, HHC, 3d BCT - 82d Abn, APO AE 09313-9998 email Paul.Jaedcke@us.army.mil  
 

DUES
Renewals: Roger LaBonte, Julius Salletter Ed Kolby
All American Members: Angel Vazquez, also new to our Chapter
New members: Raymond Padron, served with the 17th Cav and 50th signal Battalion;
Osmond Austin Jr. served with the Force Recon Marines;
Anthony Passaro, served with the 504th PIR

We now have in place a installment plan for the purchase of All American Membership if interested contact the Treasurer and he will set up a plan tailored to your desires. If your address label has highlighter on it you are in arrears in dues. If you receive the newsletter via email you will be receiving another email about your dues if you are in arrears. Also when making out application please fill in every blank as best you can to include date of birth and especially phone numbers.

BOOSTERS

NEWSLETTER BOOSTERS
Mark McCollem, Harold Kravitz, Bev Niskanen, Irv Weinsoff, Chris Watson, Tony Altobell, Moses Johnson,
Martin Gonzales, Gilberto Marin, ron Stirlacci, Lettie Bien, Al Gilliam, Jose Perez Ortiz, Bob Wirt.
 
MARCH 2009
William Rivera, Stu Franke, Myles Gill, Irv Weinsoff, Ron Stirlacci, Bob Wirt, Gus Vass, Bob Buffington, James Bono, Roger Labonte, Jimmy Campillo, William Lynch, Joe Lanzillo, Don Moffett
 
Around the Chapter:
You guys that know me realize that I’m a very big worry-wert. And boy was I worried about the picnic. First Tony called to tell me he couldn’t make it or even purchase the food as he was going into the hospital for a hernia operation. Can you imagine a big paratrooper letting a little hernia operation stop’im. (I kid Tony)

But I need not worry, Al Gilliam stepped up and said he would take care of the picnic. Then I received a call from Al, he had fell and broke his foot and could not get around well enough to make all the purchases nor could he stand long enough to do the cooking. So I worried some more. But Ron Stirlacci stepped up to the plate and said he would get with Al and make sure everything was ready. Thank you Ron. So then the only thing I had to worry about was the rain but I knew deep down in my heart that it does not rain on Paratroopers. So it was proved that I had worried about nothing. Roger Cupo agreed to do the cooking and did an outstanding job. Thank you Roger.

Willie Rivera from the Tampa Chapter donated some caps, and car flags which we sold with the profits going to our chapter. Our chairman presented Willie with a certificate for his support. Along with the T-shirts we still had on hand the sale of the items netted us one-hundred and fifty five dollars. Three of our ladies, Helga, Juli Labonte, and Carolyn Gill sold raffle tickets for the basket of cheer and an Airborne Book. They took in another hundred and twenty-five dollars, Thank you ladies. Stu Franke won the basket and Gus Vass won the book. Question: Do 101st guys know how to read?

I kid Gus, so don’t take offense, if you served with the 101st. The Booster fund collected another $265 so between the booster fund and the raffle the picnic paid for itself.

During the business meeting we discussed a lot of subjects and came to decisions on several items. It was decided that the May meeting would be held in Miami-Dade so the guys living down there would have a chance to come to a meeting and meet the guys and see first hand how we operate. Now I have been attending meetings here in Broward for the past six + years and have seen Don Moffett and Bob Niskanen drive from the upper Keys to attend meetings and then heard other guys living in Miami state that it was too far to drive to come to Hollywood. I know other members here in Broward have wondered about these Dade County members, well now it is our turn to drive to a meeting so I know I will see all the Broward County members sitting in the meeting right next to the Miami-Dade County members on May 16th at the Piccadilly Restaurant in the Flagler Park Plaza at 8301 West Flagler Street in Miami at 10:AM. The members present at the picnic felt that it was only fair to hold a meeting in Dade County as that was where we started back in 1958. Let’s have a good turnout for the Brunch meeting which by the way will be “Dutch treat”. Now I worry that the Piccadilly may be too small… J

It was also decided that our June picnic be held at the Alexander "Sandy" Nininger State Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines. We are planning on having another great turn-out of our members from both Broward and Dade to give, the 60 or so veterans living in the nursing home, a great afternoon, with good food and fun for all. Let’s take their minds off their problems for an afternoon. It will be held on June 6th which is appropriate as some of them were there on “D” Day. This will be expensive so if you desire you can donate towards the cost of the picnic. Our normal picnics cost us around $200.00 to feed about 50 people, this “D” Day picnic we will be feeding about 100 to 125 people and the cost will go up. More information will be forthcoming.

It was also decided that we will purchase a new 82nd Airborne Flag for the color guard, as the present one is getting worn. This will cost us another $250 to $300 dollars, so help if you can.

During the February meeting it was decided that we would start a phone tree in an attempt to contact those local members who do not have an email address on record with the chapter. We have about 45 members living local without an email address so their names were divided between: Jose Perez Ortiz, Tony Altobell, Al Gilliam, Ron Stirlacci, French Shannon, and Roger Labonte. Make a note of these names if you live here locally and do not have an e-mail address. One of them will be calling you, if they leave a message on your machine give them a call back so they know you received it. They also will not use your number to harass you or to call with non-important information. And speaking of communications, I have changed my email address to AbnBuff@Yahoo.com so please make a note of it and set your computer to receive messages from me.

Our next meeting will be on April 21st at American Legion Post 92 in Hollywood. I twill start at 8 pm.
Hope to see some ‘new’ faces at the meeting.
 
Airborne.
Bob Buffington - the wordy Secretary

THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON DC

Fellow Veterans,

My name is Ric Shinseki, and I am a Veteran. For me, serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a noble calling. It provides me the opportunity to give back to those who served with and for me during my 38 years in uniform and those on whose shoulders we all stood as we grew up in the profession of arms.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a solemn responsibility to all of you, today and in the future, as more Veterans join our ranks and enroll to secure the benefits and services they have earned. I am fully committed to fulfilling President Obama’s vision for transforming our department so that it will be well-positioned to perform this duty even better during the 21st Century. We welcome the assistance and advice of our Veterans Service Organizations, other government departments and agencies, Congress, and all VA stakeholders as we move forward, ethically and transparently, so that Veterans and citizens can understand our efforts.

Creating that vision for transforming the VA into a 21st Century organization requires a comprehensive review of our department. We approach that review understanding that Veterans are central to everything VA does. We know that results count, that the department will be mea sured by what we do, not what we promise, and that our best days as an organization support ing Veterans are ahead of us. We will fulfill President Lincoln’s charge to care for “. . . him, who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by redesigning and reengineering ourselves for the future.

Transforming any institution is supremely challenging; I know this from my own experi ence in leading large, proud, complex, and high-performing organizations through change. But the best organizations must be prepared to meet the challenging times, evolving technology and, most importantly, evolving needs of clients. Historically, organizations that are unwilling or unable to change soon find themselves irrelevant. You and your needs are not irrelevant.

Veterans are our clients, and delivering the highest quality care and services in a timely, consistent and fair manner is a VA responsibility. I take that responsibility seriously and have charged all of the department’s employees for their best efforts and support every day to meet our obligations to you. Our path forward is challenging, but the President and Congress support us. They have asked us to do this well—for you. Veterans are our sole reason for existence and our number one priority—bar none. I look forward to working together with all VA employees to transform our department into an organization that reflects the change and commitment our country expects and our Veterans deserve.

Thank you and God bless our military, our Veterans, and our Nation.

Eric K. Shinseki

22nd Florida All Airborne Days Reunion
Hosted by the
North Central Florida Chapter
October 15-17, 2009

Where:
The Waterfront Inn 1105 Lake Shore Drive, Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162-1698
Phone: 352-753-7535 FAX: 352-753-1350 Email: WaterfrontInn.gm@JHMHotels.com

Room Rates:
Standard $83.00 + 9% tax; Lake View  $93.00 + 9% tax; Lake View/Balcony $103.00 + 9% tax
Mention All Airborne Days Reunion for Special Room Rates

Convention Registration Fee: $75.00 per person
 
Schedule of events:
Thursday & Friday Registration Main Lobby 1300 - 1600
Thursday - Friday - Saturday  Hospitality room opens at 1200 Located in Room 115
Friday PM - Bus tour of The Villages
Saturday - Ladies Breakfast & Men’s Annual Chapter’s meeting 0930
Saturday evening - Memorial Banquet Dinner 7 pm

---- Print, Clip & Mail ---- Print, Clip & Mail ---- Print, Clip & Mail ---- Print, Clip & Mail ----

Name ____________________________________________ 

Spouse/Guest ______________________________________ 

Chapter ___________________________________________
 
Abn Units __________________________________________
 
City _________________________State___Zip____________
 
Phone  ( _________ ) ________________________
 
Attend Ladies' Breakfast: Yes ____ No_____ 

Make Checks payable to: North Central Florida Chapter
Mail to: Donald M Van Alstyne, 10270 SE 175th Place, Summerfield, FL  34491 phone: 352-307-6718




Don't forget our
Next Regular Meeting will be at
8:00PM on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, at the:

American Legion Post 92
211 North 21st Avenue
Hollywood FL 33020-4506
Phone: 954-923-2760



Fall Picnic, SUNDAY, September 13th, 2009 - TOPEEKEEGEE YUGNEE PARK ( TY Park )
Activities will include election of South Florida Chapter officers for 2010

Take I-95 to Hollywood Florida Exit At Sheridan Street or Stirling Road - Go West about a mile to Park Road - Turn North from Sheridan or South from Stirling another mile or so to the main park entrance - Follow the signs to the 82nd Airborne! Pavilion (#4) - Turn to your (military) right, just inside the Park's Main Entrance (Look for the Chapter Banner) at 3300 North Park Road, Hollywood FL 33021 phone 954-985-1960.

Picnic starts at 11:00AM ... Before lunch there're coffee and donuts for the early-birds. Most everyone is busy chowing down by noon or so and the eating and socializing take up the better part of the day with consumption of the complementary burgers, hotdogs, chicken and cold drinks which abound. If you plan on eating more than your share, bring a covered dish of your choice so the rest of us won't starve. We supply coffee and sodas - if you want beer or wine just bring your own. Groceries contributed by individuals are welcomed, as always, as they definitely supplement the meeting's food budget.

WHO? All paratroopers past and present - members or not. Bring your families and friends, especially that co-worker who also served in the airborne. Wives, kids and grandkids of all ages are welcome at what is a really enjoyable family affair. Anyone you know who was airborne and is not a member should be invited to attend. The Chapter is a great place for airborne types to socialize with their own and to renew old friendships or develop new ones with other like-minded troopers.

All members and their families are welcome to attend. Troopers who are not yet members but who want to come to the picnic and check out the South Florida 82nd Airborne Chapter are welcome to do so, and may sign up on the spot to become members themselves. A new membership in The South Florida Chapter of The 82nd Airborne Division Association may just be the best $15.00 you'll spend this year.

A business meeting for the election of officers will be held beginning at 1300 hours, for which nominees must be present to be elected. Those who have not already put their names forward for office are encouraged to do so at any meeting or contact Jose Luis Perez-Ortiz at 305-205-1948 or by email at SkySoldier1305@AOL.com

We always need the services of those willing to contribute their time to the Chapter's ongoing operations and effectiveness. The Chapter's 50th anniversary was achieved in 2008, and our longevity is due solely to the dedication of a lot of volunteers (just like yourself) who have given of their time and effort to ensure its success. Let's keep it going...

See you there!

Click map for
full size image
Hit Back-Button to return

<<<< TY Park Picnic <<<<

>>>>> Meeting at >>>>>
American Legion Post 92