Vettes to Vets - Recently Updated Pages

Vettes to Vets

danielleszabo — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:22:39 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
March 10, 2010
Honor our Veterans by joining us in the 7th Annual Vettes to Vets Day
Sunday, September 26, 2010 • Gold Star Mother’s Day

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Meet at 11:30 - Caravan to hospital departs at 11:45)
Meet at: Marriott Hotel - 270 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA • 978-670-7500 (Same location as last year)

The hotel is offering a fantastic rate for those who wish to stay Saturday night - $59/night! Call the Marriott
at 978-670-7500 and mention Vettes to Vets when reserving your room. (Please reserve your room by
September 10th to guarantee this special rate) In addition, the hotel is offering a special rate on their
Saturday evening buffet for $15/pp and Sunday Breakfast for $10/pp (which is half price for Vettes to Vets
attendees) both meal rates include tax and gratuity. Please be at your car at 11:30 for a drivers meeting.
We will depart for the Veterans Hospital at 11:45.

Over 200 cars came out last year (in the rain) to show their respect and support for our Veterans!
• Veteran’s Choice Trophy presented to one lucky car.
• One Commemorative Pin given to every car.
• Honor Guard – Live Music – Chow Line
• Featured on Fox News in 2008 and CBS in 2009

There is no admission fee, but we ask each car to prepare a ‘goodie bag’ of items that will make the veterans comfortable on a daily basis. If possible, please bring an American flag to wave on the caravan to the hospital.

For more information on the items our veterans need or directions to the hotel please go to those pages on this website.

October 3, 2009
WOW --- Thank you! Thank you! Thank you !
Once again, the Corvette community has shown its true colors. You folks are the most generous and patriotic I’ve ever met. Mother Nature tried to make us miserable again. It did not work. The Corvettes came “pouring” in from all over the northeast, from uppermost New York state and Vermont, south to Pennsylvania, to the tip of Cape Cod. You had smiles on your faces and emptied your trunks and pockets to support the patients. They really enjoyed themselves and appreciate all you do for them. Joe Dooley and I estimate that the value of your contributions this year will come close to $30,000. I had to run the numbers several times to believe them. This is considerably more than last year with about the same number of cars (about 200 Corvette owners).

Corvettes and their owner’s generosity are the visual focal point of the event, but so many others make huge contributions. The Marriott in Billerica is so supportive and helpful as well as the Middlesex Sheriff’s motorcycle group. The Paul Revere Chapter of the Air Force Association was prepared to feed 1200 people. (Thanks again to Corvette folks for really helping defray the food cost). Thank you to Channel 5 for reporting on our success and to the hospital staff for all their support, including the amazing music performed by Mass Exodus. The Mass Honor Guard, Col. Poppe and Col. Orr deserve thanks for their participation and support. And, of course, my CREW for their enthusiastic help. The thank you list could go on and on to so many businesses who contributed

The patients at the hospital gave up a lot for our freedoms. You should all feel proud of what you’ve given back to say Thank You!
Once again – Thank you all for what you continue to do in Honor of our Veterans.

Ron and the CREW

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

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

Donation Suggestions

danielleszabo — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:18:11 CST

• Full sized afghans

• Fleece blankets

• Bibs

• Wheelchair bags

• 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: 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 March 10, 2010

• 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 –TV’s, stereos, Walkman radios

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

News

danielleszabo — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:13:51 CST

March 10, 2010
Honor our Veterans by joining us in the 7th Annual Vettes to Vets Day
Sunday, September 26, 2010 • Gold Star Mother’s Day

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Meet at 11:30 - Caravan to hospital departs at 11:45)
Meet at: Marriott Hotel - 270 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA • 978-670-7500 (Same location as last year)

The hotel is offering a fantastic rate for those who wish to stay Saturday night - $59/night! Call the Marriott
at 978-670-7500 and mention Vettes to Vets when reserving your room. (Please reserve your room by
September 10th to guarantee this special rate) In addition, the hotel is offering a special rate on their
Saturday evening buffet for $15/pp and Sunday Breakfast for $10/pp (which is half price for Vettes to Vets
attendees) both meal rates include tax and gratuity. Please be at your car at 11:30 for a drivers meeting.
We will depart for the Veterans Hospital at 11:45.

Over 200 cars came out last year (in the rain) to show their respect and support for our Veterans!
• Veteran’s Choice Trophy presented to one lucky car.
• One Commemorative Pin given to every car.
• Honor Guard – Live Music – Chow Line
• Featured on Fox News in 2008 and CBS in 2009

There is no admission fee, but we ask each car to prepare a ‘goodie bag’ of items that will make the veterans comfortable on a daily basis. If possible, please bring an American flag to wave on the caravan to the hospital.

For more information on the items our veterans need or directions to the hotel please go to those pages on this website.

October 3, 2009
WOW --- Thank you! Thank you! Thank you !
Once again, the Corvette community has shown its true colors. You folks are the most generous and patriotic I’ve ever met. Mother Nature tried to make us miserable again. It did not work. The Corvettes came “pouring” in from all over the northeast, from uppermost New York state and Vermont, south to Pennsylvania, to the tip of Cape Cod. You had smiles on your faces and emptied your trunks and pockets to support the patients. They really enjoyed themselves and appreciate all you do for them. Joe Dooley and I estimate that the value of your contributions this year will come close to $30,000. I had to run the numbers several times to believe them. This is considerably more than last year with about the same number of cars (about 200 Corvette owners).

Corvettes and their owner’s generosity are the visual focal point of the event, but so many others make huge contributions. The Marriott in Billerica is so supportive and helpful as well as the Middlesex Sheriff’s motorcycle group. The Paul Revere Chapter of the Air Force Association was prepared to feed 1200 people. (Thanks again to Corvette folks for really helping defray the food cost). Thank you to Channel 5 for reporting on our success and to the hospital staff for all their support, including the amazing music performed by Mass Exodus. The Mass Honor Guard, Col. Poppe and Col. Orr deserve thanks for their participation and support. And, of course, my CREW for their enthusiastic help. The thank you list could go on and on to so many businesses who contributed

The patients at the hospital gave up a lot for our freedoms. You should all feel proud of what you’ve given back to say Thank You!
Once again – Thank you all for what you continue to do in Honor of our Veterans.

Ron and the CREW

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

July 27, 2009
This years Vettes to Vets event will feature the band "Mass Exodus." They are a nationally recognized veterans hospital patient band. For more information on our event continue reading below.

May 11, 2009
Friday night "meet and greet" at the Royal Garden Restaurant, Sept. 25th at 6 PM, Route 1 southbound in Peabody. This is a chance for the locals to meet and enjoy our out-of-town friends. Our friends from afar will have a good time and learn a lot about what is going on for the weekend.

On Sunday, our featured speaker will be Col. Cheryl Poppe. She is currently Director of Veterans Programs and Services for Massachusetts. Also, the 54th Regiment - Massachusetts State Honor Guard, will once again present the colors.

December 14, 2008
Mark your calendar for our Vettes to Vets Event 2009!
Sunday, September 27, 2009. Gold Star Mother Day! Honor our veterans by joining in the 6th Annual Vettes to Vets Day!

Time change - 9 AM - 3 PM (Caravan to the hospital departs at 11:45. An hour earlier than in past years)

We will continue to meet at the Marriott Hotel in Billerica MA, 270 Concord Road, 978-670-7500. The hotel gave participants a great room and meal rate last year and has committed to do the same next year. The room rate for 2009 will be $59 per night. Dinner will be served in the Ballroom Saturday evening and breakfast will also be served in the Ballroom on Sunday morning for all Vettes to Vets guests. Breakfast will be the special rate of $7.95 and the dinner rate will be $15 inclusive of tax and gratuity. To make reservations: Courtyard Boston Billerica/Bedford >> If you would like to stay Friday night as well then you will need to adjust the arrival date once in the reservations page.

We will head to the Edith Nourse Veterans Hospital at 11:45 with our usual police escort.

If the weather co-operates this year we anticipate 300 Corvettes. All Corvettes will receive a commemorative pin and there is no fee; we just ask that you be as generous to the patients as you can.

Some of the things you have to look forward to again this year: The Paul Revere Chapter will host a GREAT chow line, the veteran’s choice award will be given out and we will have an honor guard, entertainment, and other activities, which will be posted to this site as they develop.

We would love to see every Corvette flying an American flag this year. If you don't have one, we will try to have them available. The flags looked great on FOX news last year.

We will also be getting together for a party on Friday night and expect that the hotel will, once again, be putting on a buffet for us on Saturday night.

For those who want to take advantage of the great hotel rates, the hotel is within about 30 minutes of Salem, Boston, the Lowell and Minuteman National Historic sites, Gloucester and Rockport. There is a lot to do and see in the area, so please come early and spend a few days with us.

September 28, 2008
We are proud to announce that "Vettes to Vets", on a very wet and dreary day, still had over 140 corvettes and over 25 metal cars show up to support our veterans. We collected $6000 and close to $20,000 in donated items. We are also happy to announce that the Paul Revere Chapter, Air Force Assoc. donated $1782 from the proceeds of the BBQ. All in all it was a successful day and our hope is that next years event is bigger and better.

Veterans Choice Awards

danielleszabo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:27:20 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.

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.

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

Awards

danielleszabo — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:02:43 CDT

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"

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)