Vettes to Vets - Recently Updated Pages

Veterans Choice Awards

danielleszabo — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:32:14 CST

Each year the veterans who are able, come out onto the hospital grounds and vote for their favorite car. Then the winning car and driver receive a trophy usually presented by one of the veterans.

2011 - Joe Kinney - 1957 burgandy roadster

2010 - Scott Toothaker

2009 - John Svandrlik


	He was part of the "Inshore Undersea Warfare Groupe 1" in the U.S. Navy, and is a member of the Adirondack Corvette Club.

	John just got his hood back from a local airbrush artist. She did an awesome job on the inside of his hood as a tribute to the fallen. This a likeness of the Adirondack Vietnam Memorial. It contains the names of the 55 men from this area that paid the ultimate price. Remember to give thanks for those who have sacrificed for all we have both past and present.

2008 - Bill Balcom

2007 - Dan Murphy


	Dan purchased his first corvette upon his return from the Korean War.

2006 - Bill Balcom

2005 - Dennis Connolly

2004 - Steve Cataldo


	Steve's father was a First Sargent in the Yankee Division.

Vettes to Vets

danielleszabo — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:56:18 CST

Welcome! Vettes to Vets began in 2004 when Ron Morneau, a proud corvette owner and member of the Second Corps Cadets Veterans Group, asked the Corvette community to help support sick and injured troops who have given up so much. The first event was a success with twenty-five cars and “Vettes to Vets” has been cruising to the hospital each year with much-needed personal supplies and increasing in numbers ever since.

Update

December 30, 2011
Like us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vettestovets

September 25, 2011

Well my fellow Patriots and Corvette enthusiasts, we have gone international. We had about a dozen Corvettes from three New Brunswick clubs, Moncton, St. John and Fredericton join our tribute to and support of our hospitalized veterans. We flew their flag and sang their anthem as a tribute to the respect and cooperation between our countries.

From virtually everyone’s point of view, the event was awesome. A few car owners and veterans told me that you have to experience “Vettes to Vets” to truly understand and appreciate it. Karen, Jim and I are extremely thankful for the generosity and support from so many people who have made this into a resounding success.

As Corvettes from Canada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York appeared at our home on Friday, the rain was coming down in sheets. The gods were with us. Despite marginal forecasts, we had a great weekend for the event and the energy levels were high.

We had about 100 Corvettes with us at the hotel on Saturday night. Sunday morning they just kept coming --378 in all. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Motorcycle officers and the Mass. State Police Corvette led us to the hospital. We passed bystanders waving flags and were greeted at the hospital by the very colorful Pawtuxet Rangers from Rhode Island.

Your generosity was again tremendous. We collected $16,000 in cash and an estimated $35,000 of personal care items. All was donated to give those who have protected our freedoms a more comfortable life while they are hospitalized.

It took ALL OF YOU to make this into the Premier Event it has become.

Thank you so very much.

Ron Morneau

News link:
Link to a great article on this years' Vettes to Vets event from HollistonReporter.com: http://www.hollistonreporter.com/

Video Link:
www.youtube.com/carabing

Letter from Larry Conway:
Dear Sir:

Once again, the entire Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association wishes to congratulate you, your Vettes to Vets committee members and especially the entire Corvette Community on a wonderful 8th Annual Vettes to Vets Day today! The Corvette Community displayed enthusiasm and exceptional generosity in providing assistance to the patients of the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital is unparalleled. With almost 400 vehicles present, the Day continues to grow and has demonstrated what a devoted group can achieve. Everyone is to be commended for their organizational skills and participation in the event.

The Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association also wishes to congratulate you on being awarded the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service! It is truly well-deserved. Having it presented in front of the hospital veterans, the Corvette Community, your ‘Crew’, and family was outstanding.

Please convey to the Corvette Community and the other organizations that participated our gratitude for their continuing commitment to honor our veterans. As always, the comments of the veterans as they viewed the cars were incredible. The smiles on their faces as they see the Corvettes and receive the well wishes of the owners and others in attendance were an inspiration to us all. Their comments as the noted that all the gifts in the truck were for them were ones of amazement and gratitude. The Corvette Community truly makes this the best day of the year for them.

Thanks to you for organizing this event and thanks to the Corvette Community for their dedication and participation. We are proud to take part alongside such wonderful people and we enjoy seeing all the vehicles ourselves.
The Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association is proud to have you as our comrade and appreciate the way the Corvette Community has adopted supporting our hospital veterans.

Regards,
Larry

Laurence J. Conway
LTC (Ret) US Army
Commander
Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association

News

danielleszabo — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:06 CDT

September 25, 2011

Well my fellow Patriots and Corvette enthusiasts, we have gone international. We had about a dozen Corvettes from three New Brunswick clubs, Moncton, St. John and Fredericton join our tribute to and support of our hospitalized veterans. We flew their flag and sang their anthem as a tribute to the respect and cooperation between our countries.

From virtually everyone’s point of view, the event was awesome. A few car owners and veterans told me that you have to experience “Vettes to Vets” to truly understand and appreciate it. Karen, Jim and I are extremely thankful for the generosity and support from so many people who have made this into a resounding success.

As Corvettes from Canada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York appeared at our home on Friday, the rain was coming down in sheets. The gods were with us. Despite marginal forecasts, we had a great weekend for the event and the energy levels were high.

We had about 100 Corvettes with us at the hotel on Saturday night. Sunday morning they just kept coming --378 in all. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Motorcycle officers and the Mass. State Police Corvette led us to the hospital. We passed bystanders waving flags and were greeted at the hospital by the very colorful Pawtuxet Rangers from Rhode Island.

Your generosity was again tremendous. We collected $16,000 in cash and an estimated $35,000 of personal care items. All was donated to give those who have protected our freedoms a more comfortable life while they are hospitalized.

It took ALL OF YOU to make this into the Premier Event it has become.

Thank you so very much.

Ron Morneau

News link:
Link to a great article on this years' Vettes to Vets event from HollistonReporter.com: http://www.hollistonreporter.com/

Video Link:
www.youtube.com/carabing

Letter from Larry Conway:
Dear Sir:

Once again, the entire Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association wishes to congratulate you, your Vettes to Vets committee members and especially the entire Corvette Community on a wonderful 8th Annual Vettes to Vets Day today! The Corvette Community displayed enthusiasm and exceptional generosity in providing assistance to the patients of the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital is unparalleled. With almost 400 vehicles present, the Day continues to grow and has demonstrated what a devoted group can achieve. Everyone is to be commended for their organizational skills and participation in the event.

The Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association also wishes to congratulate you on being awarded the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service! It is truly well-deserved. Having it presented in front of the hospital veterans, the Corvette Community, your ‘Crew’, and family was outstanding.

Please convey to the Corvette Community and the other organizations that participated our gratitude for their continuing commitment to honor our veterans. As always, the comments of the veterans as they viewed the cars were incredible. The smiles on their faces as they see the Corvettes and receive the well wishes of the owners and others in attendance were an inspiration to us all. Their comments as the noted that all the gifts in the truck were for them were ones of amazement and gratitude. The Corvette Community truly makes this the best day of the year for them.

Thanks to you for organizing this event and thanks to the Corvette Community for their dedication and participation. We are proud to take part alongside such wonderful people and we enjoy seeing all the vehicles ourselves.
The Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association is proud to have you as our comrade and appreciate the way the Corvette Community has adopted supporting our hospital veterans.

Regards,
Larry

Laurence J. Conway
LTC (Ret) US Army
Commander
Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association

September 30, 2010
What an incredible display of Patriotism and Generosity!

Karen, Jim and I have such a sense of pride in being associated with a Corvette community who are such caring, patriotic and giving people. Never in our wildest dreams, on a sunny day, had we hoped to attract over 300 Corvettes to the Bedford Veterans Hospital on Gold Star Mothers’ day. The Vettes just kept coming. It was an amazing sight. At 11:45AM, the Middlesex Sheriff’s motorcycle detachment led 327 flag-waving Corvettes through neighborhoods with more flag-waving patriots on their curbs greeting us.

The hospital scene was really something to behold. The Massachusetts Honor Guard greeted us, we filled a truck with donations and our hospitalized heroes couldn’t believe what we were doing for them (see theletter from LTC Conway below). We had veterans join us from the Chelsea and Lowell soldier’s homes as well. We continually hear how they look forward to our visit.

We thank you so much for your enthusiastic participation and generosity. You should feel a great sense of pride from your contributions to this event. You helped raise $12,000 in cash and $25,000 in personal care items for the patients. Many of these patients are somewhat abandoned and we make a world of difference to them.

Congratulations to Scott Toothaker and his 1961 red roadster – Veterans’ Choice Winner.

We hope to see you next year on the last Sunday in September.
Ron Morneau

Letter from Larry Conway:
Dear Sir:

Congratulations to you, your Vettes to Vets committee members and especially the entire Corvette Community on a wonderful 7th Annual Vettes to Vets Day today! The enthusiasm of the entire Corvette Community and especially their generosity in providing assistance to the patients of the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital is at a level rarely, if ever, seen. With over 300 vehicles present, the Day continues to grow and has achieved an unparalled level of success. Everyone is to be commended for their organizational skills and participation in the event.

Please convey to the Corvette Community and the other organizations that participated our gratitude for their continuing commitment to honor our veterans. Once again, the comments of the veterans as they viewed the cars were incredible. Their awe at the quantity of donations provided was wonderful to see. More than one remarked it is the best day of the year for them.

Thanks to you for organizing this event and thanks to the Corvette Community for their dedication and participation. We are proud to take part alongside such wonderful people and we enjoy the show ourselves. I wish you could hear all of the veterans’ comments as you see the smiles you bring to their faces.

The Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association is proud to have you as our comrade and appreciate the way the Corvette Community has adopted our cause.

Regards,
Larry

September 23, 2010
It looks like it's going to be a beautiful weekend for our 7th Annual Vettes to Vets Event! We hope to see you and your cars this Sunday supporting our veterans!

September 27, 2009
Vettes to Vets made Channel 5 news! Click the link below to see the news coverage!
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/21132961/?taf=bos

We also made The Salem Evening News. Click the link to see the article.
http://salemnews.com/punews/local_story_278000906.html

Donation Suggestions

danielleszabo — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:38:51 CDT

• Fleece blankets

• Bibs

• Board games

• Chess / Checker sets / Cribbage boards

• Men’s clothing: New sweatpants / sweatshirts,
white socks, white undershirts (LG, XL & XXL),
underwear, sweaters, washable slippers,
sneakers with Velcro laces, hats, gloves,
Winter or Spring jackets, scarves

• Women’s clothing: New socks, washable slippers,
sweaters, jogging or warm-up suits, colored T-shirts,
walking shorts, hats, gloves, scarves, belts,
Winter or Spring jackets

• Overnight bags/suitcases

List Updated May 20, 2011

• Deodorant (spray or stick - Male & Female)

Please no hotel sizes on the items below.
• Shampoo / Conditioner

• Toothpaste / Toothbrushes

• Non-alcoholic mouth wash

• Denture cleaner / Poligrip

• Powder

• Body wash liquid soap

• Baby shampoo

• Disposable razors / Shaving cream

• Electric razors (rechargeable, new only)

• Electric pre-shave lotion - alcohol free

• Aftershave lotion

• Cosmetics

• Hand and body lotion

• Hair dryers

• Hair brushes / combs

• Electronics –Portable stereos, Walkman radio, ipods

Check donations accepted as well.
Please make checks payable to Vettes to Vets and note 'GPF 9001' in the memo section of the check.

Awards

danielleszabo — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:39:43 CST

The Spirit of Freedom Award Spirit of Freedom award is a national award presented to "Vettes to Vets" for our outstanding contributions to the well being of the patients at the Bedford V.A. hospital.
The Golden Eagle Award Presented to: The Vettes to Vets Corvette Community of the Northeast The 14th day of April, 2008 In recognition of dedicated and devoted service to Bedford's Veterans "Helping to keep the promise to American Veterans"

The Spirit of Freedom Award

Spirit of Freedom award is a national award presented to "Vettes to Vets" for our outstanding contributions to the well being of the patients at the Bedford V.A. hospital.

The Golden Eagle Award

Presented to:
The Vettes to Vets Corvette Community of the Northeast
The 14th day of April, 2008
In recognition of dedicated and devoted service to Bedford's Veterans
"Helping to keep the promise to American Veterans"

The Soldier's Creed

danielleszabo — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:19:49 CST

I am an American Soldier

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values

I will always place the mission first

I will never accept defeat

I will never quit

I will never leave a fallen comrade

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself

I am an expert and I am a professional

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life

I am an American Soldier

Fun Plates

danielleszabo — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:40:12 CDT

Local Attractions

danielleszabo — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:35:30 CST

There are lots of great things to see and do while in the area for the Vettes to Vets event. Here are links to some of the local attractions:

Boston

Salem

Lowell National Historic Site

Minuteman National Historic Site

Gloucester

Rockport

Directions

danielleszabo — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:31:01 CDT

To the Marriott Hotel in Billerica

From the South:
Take 128/95 to Rte. 3 North to Concord Rd, exit 27
Left at end of ramp, left at 2nd light toward Marriott Hotel/Gentronics/Millipore
Follow road to back side of Marriott Hotel

From the North:
Take Rte 3 South to Concord Rd, exit 27
Left at end of ramp, left at 2nd light toward Marriott Hotel/Gentronics/Millipore
Follow road to back side of Marriott Hotel

From the Marriott Hotel to the Veterans Hospital

• Turn right out of parking lot
• Follow road through industrial park to end (6/10 mile)
• Turn left and follow to end (1/10 mile)
• Turn right onto Orchard Road towards Middlesex Community College
• Follow to end (2/10 mile)
• Turn left onto Springs Road
• Follow 1.7 miles to Veterans Hospital complex
• Turn right at red "Ambulance" sign into display area

From the Veterans Hospital to Route 3

• Turn left out of display area at Veterans Hospital onto Spring Road
• Follow Spring Road to end (2 miles)
• Turn right onto Concord Road
• Follow Concord Road to Route 3 - North or South (7/10 mile)