John's Open Letters Vol. 1 #29

June 14, 2002

Recently I've seen more and more news articles where people in private business and religious orders have come forward and exposed wrong doing by their peers and people in authority and responsible positions. These honorable people are labeled "whistle blowers". For some time I have had the feeling I am now in that category. This was not my original plan. It just sort of developed.

From the many instances I have noticed a lot of these do-gooders have been sacked (expelled, fired, disgraced, etc.) from their jobs. On some occasions right and reason have come forward and what the whistle blower had to say was appreciated. With the contributions of many this is what has, and is happening in my Open letters, for the good of the K.W.V.A. A high percentage of our officers didn't agree with this.

A long time Member sent me an e-mail and basically said that the only solution to this problem is to vote and get rid of the present administration as they are known to be. Our US President Bush recently wanted to put a gag order on a Colonel but instead fired him from the Military Service and his Commission. Now President Bush has that power and authority to do so, but our Veterans Organization is not the US Government and our K.W.V.A. President is not our Supreme Commander.

Just the thought of someone expelling a Member for an undefined "just cause" is asinine and to even think an officer of the K.W.V.A. can put a gag order on a respectable Member is putrid. There is nothing more I have to say on this matter, except that we need a change of command and I hope you all have voted so we can see this happen July 27. I would love to be at the Meeting when the official vote tally is read but I am in no physical condition to be able to make that long of a trip. Now it is up to you as concerned Members to be present at the Meeting to observe what is going on in the K.W.V.A. and to bring it back to your Members. With what has happened in the past I feel there is little faith in the present administration. You should remember appointed officers have "no vote" on Motions made for action. One Member said he would like to see the fireworks at that meeting.

A fine gentleman from Florida said he did not vote because he didn't know any of the candidates. I asked him if he would like me to send him my "Get Out The Vote" letter with a selection of candidates. His reply was, "I'm sure you know more about these people than I do and would appreciate the help." He said he heard there were problems in the K.W.V.A. and was not sure who he wanted to vote for. This Member is a retired military enlisted man having served thirty years with tours of duty in the invasion and liberation of Europe, the Korean War and Viet Nam. Then he said he would be going to his Korean outfit's gathering at a reunion with copies of my letters so they will know how to vote if they haven't already done so. I hope he can make it to the Meeting in July with some of his buddies for then he will be able to meet some of the people he voted for. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and help.

I have an opinion that the K.W.V.A. should get rid of the clique (block voting) who are in the majority on the Executive Board. As our good friend Stan has said, there is no room in the K.W.V.A. for a "good old boys club". We are all "equal" Members in the K.W.V.A. with proper respect for those in a position of authority and responsibility, but I must add, only if they are worthy of respect. The best way I know to get respect is to earn it and from my point of view this has been lacking.

Important issues that apply to all of us should not be decided prior to the Official meetings. All Members' views should be respected and made known to all in our Graybeards.

While we wait for the final results of this Election I can't help but feel the K.W.V.A. is on the right track with all the interest shown recently. Make your reservations early for a strong K.W.V.A. will only be known if we have a large representation of Members present.

A letter went out for a camera operator at the Meeting and I was wondering if a non Member would be permitted to do this unofficial job. I wonder what the Agenda will be this time. Should be an interesting Meeting.

Your personal opinion is greatly appreciated. Freedom is not free and it never was.

Respectfully, John Kronenberger