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Greetings Veterans and Patriots,
First off, I want to say what a privilege it is to be associated with such a great bunch of patriotic individuals. I wish I could have been with you this weekend to bring U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum home to his loved ones,
flag up for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 in honor of all those that were lost and the families that had their lives changed forever,
and then the Fall Color Ride, which is taking donations for Wreaths Across America.
What a busy, worthwhile weekend! I wasn’t there in person, but I was definitely with you at heart. Ashlee Fitzen’s pictures were very humbling. Thank you for sharing. I cannot wait to see Sandi Long pictures. These ladies do such a wonderful job capturing the moment. Thank you both!
I would like to welcome Oakley Lynn Johansen into the world. Best wishes to CoCo, JoJo, and Jordan during this exciting time!
Interviews for new board positions were held on September 1st. I would like to thank Dawn Williams and Jeff Butler for stepping up to join us once again. Dawn will be the new Special Liaison and Jeff will take over Runs and Events. I’d also like to thank Joe Fitzen for stepping up to take Entertainment for another year. It is going to be a great year!
2021-2022 POW*MIA Awareness Association Board:
Admin – Scott Giles
Entertainment – Joe Fitzen
Facilities – (Open 2-year commitment)
Marketing –Cami Chopski
Runs & Events – Jeff Butler
Sales – Traci Cowden
Special Liaison – Dawn Williams
Treasurer – Nicki Chopski
Appointed positions are:
XO – Rudy Moore
Sargent At Arms – Brad Hemmert
Recorder – Shannon Cowden
As you can see the only lane that is open at this time is Facilities. Interviews will be conducted on October 6th at 6pm at Liberty Hall, 325 W Benton, Pocatello for anyone who is interested. There are no particular requirements to apply, but leaders are asked to commit to 2 years. We encourage anyone interested in a position to apply by submitting a statement stating your interest for a position to Shannon at 208-221-1294 or recorder@powmiarodeo.org
If you thought about applying for a board position, but decided that you just didn’t have the time or just didn’t want that kind of responsibility talk to a Lane Leader. Some will be looking for a second and they all have many other jobs to fill. Please talk to any of them and together we will surely be able to find a spot you feel comfortable in filling.
Brandon Bennett, Director
POW*MIA Awareness Rally Association – Pocatello
co@powmiarodeo.org
208-360-6968
Upcoming Events:
National League of POW/MIA Families Annual Meeting in DC
On September 6, 2021, the League and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) reached agreement on holding two days of virtual/live-streaming/in-person sessions. This was accomplished with significant effort and much compromise by all involved, and determined by the League Board of Directors and DPAA leadership to be the best possible solution in our current pandemic-restricted environment.
The Opening Session will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon, on Wednesday, September 15th. It will be League-chaired and include guest speakers and reports of specific interest. Presentation of League Distinguished Service Awards will conclude the League’s portion of the September 15th program. DPAA will host the second half of Opening Session from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., starting with welcoming remarks from DPAA Director Kelly McKeague. Several specialists will address diverse projects and scientific aspects of the mission that impact achieving Vietnam War accounting results, closing with a moderated Q&A session.
DPAA will also host the General Session on Thursday, September 16th, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. DPAA Director McKeague will lead off the session, followed by DIA Director Lieutenant General Scott Barrier, USA, then DPAA Deputy Director for Operations (DDO) Rear Admiral Darius Banaji, USN. DPAA Indo-Pacific Regional Director Col Matt Brannen, USMC, and DIA Stony Beach Program Director Brad Taylor will lead into country-specific presentations from six DPAA and Stony Beach speciali5ts working in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. This session will also conclude with a DPAA-moderated Q&A Session.
The closing League General Session will be 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., during which the newly elected 2021-2023 League Board of Directors will be introduced. The virtual audience of family members, veterans and other interested Americans will then have an opportunity to raise questions and issues for later consideration by the 2021-23 Board. On Friday September 17th , at 10:00 a.m., the National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony will be held at the Pentagon, COVID restrictions permitting
National League of POW/MIA Families 2021 Online Auction
Open for Bidding NOW
Please visit the National League of POW/MIA Families website to see items available for bidding.
You are able to bid on auction items, make a cash donation, or simply share this auction on your social media using the hashtags: #charityauction #powmia.
Ends Sep 18th.
Wall That Heals, Blackfoot
Arrives at Jensen’s Grove in Blackfoot on September 15
The exhibition will be open around the clock to the public from Sept 16-19.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Every third Friday of September is declared National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Across the country, local POW/MIA ceremonies are encouraged to focus on sustaining commitment to account for our missing.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day posters are available if you would like one.
Call Shannon at 208-221-1294.
POW*MIA Awareness Association Recognition Day Ceremony & September General Meeting
Friday, September 17 at 7pm
Southeast Idaho Veterans Memorial
For those who would like to ride in the flag up to the ceremony, meet at the Ross Park Pool parking lot at 6:30pm. KSU 6:50pm.
15th Annual Sweet Ola Ride has been renamed to the Sweet “Home” Ride
Boise Valley POW*MIA Awareness Association
Sunday, September 19
Starting Point: Crusin Biker Wear 418 Cleveland Blvd Caldwell, ID
Staging 9:15am Ride Briefing 10:15am KSU 10:30am
$15 1st Rider, $10 2nd Rider Meal Tickets Included
October General Meeting
Friday, October 15 at 7pm
Liberty Hall, 325 W Benton, Pocatello
This meeting will include the new Board members. Come and support them!
Halloween Party and possible Trunk or Treat
Will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots
Details will be forthcoming.