ASA KOREA MEMBERS EMAIL NEWS...........Cont.
January 23, 2007
TO ALL ASA KOREA MEMBERS:
It is difficult for we members of ASA Korea to realize that we lost both Founding Fathers within 13 months of each other. Dalton Harper died December 31,
2005, and , now Andy Kavalecs died January 21, 2007.
We have been blessed for over ten years enjoying the reunions and meetings and good-fellowship as a result of their fore-thought in organizing what now is
ASA Korea. They have brought together Korea service ASA men from nearly every state in the union.
In 2007 we will meet at our 12th annual reunion in a suburb of Chicago, hosted by our Secretary, Ed Collins and his lovely wife, Dorothy. Plans are already
under way by other members to perhaps our 2008 reunion in either Washington state or North Carolina. So long as we have volunteer members to plan and
organize a reunion, we will be secured for additional years.
As your Chaplain and treasurer, I hope more volunteers will step forward in future years. Just how long ASA Korea will remain a vibrant Korea veterans
association depends on our membership. And as a reminder to members who pay dues on an annaul basis, may I remind you that your 2007 dues were due on
November 1, 2006. Those of you who have not paid 2007 dues, please send to me asap. Your dues are the main source of our working capital. You can
always switch over to life membership by sending me $60.
Always remember, without the vision of the late Andy Kavalecs and Dalton Harper, we would not exist as ASA Korea. Please help your officers and board of
directors keep ASA Korea alive and well. Pay your annual dues on time and volunteer to your ideas and stories to our website http://www.asakorea.org and
contacting our Communicator editor, George Kinsley. We need your participation. Help us to maintain ASA Korea as Andy and Dalton envisioned the future
of ASA Korea. Thank you and God bless you all.
Rev. Charles "Preacher" Knappenberger, Chaplain & Treasurer, ASA Korea
January 22, 2007
TO ALL ASA KOREA MEMBERS:
It is with extreme sorrow that I inform you of tne death on Sunday, January 21, 2007 of our former President and Founding Father, Andrew "Andy" Kavalecs.
It was he, along with the late Dalton Harper, who began our organization, now known as ASA Korea in 1996. Andy served as President from 1996 until
January, 2006.
Andy has fought the 'good fight', dealing with a serious illness for well over a year. He died at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, PA Codolences may be sent
to his widow, Dolores Kavalecs, 47 Truman Street, Palmyra, PA 17078.
Please remember Andy and Dolores and their sons in prayers. We will miss Andy as we thank Almighty God for his service in the ASA and his loyalty to all
ASA Korea members. We will remember Andy at our annual memorial service during our 2007 reunion in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire in October.
Let us pray, Almighty God, grant unto our brother and comrade, Andy Kavalecs, a peaceful and merciful rest, with a victors crown of glory. We pray You will
console the hearts of his family and his fellow comrades in ASA Korea as we commend his soul to the everlasting living Lord of all, Jesus the Christ of God,
ever trusting in the resurrection to eternal life, through the same Jesus, the Lord's Christ. As we mourn, yet we rejoice knowing of the strong faith Andy and
Dolores shared in the Word of God. Jesus said, "Where I am, there you will be also". I believe Andy now is in the eternal Presence of his Lord.
God rest you, dear friend, and fellow traveler along the Way. Jesus has taught us that life is eternal and that love cannot die. The love that Andy had for ASA
Korea is a happy memory we all can share. In the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, Amen and Amen.
Rev. Charles "Preacher" Knappenberger, Chaplain, ASA Korea
October 31, 2006
TO ALL ASA KOREA MEMBERS:
11th ASA Korea Reunion a Big Success:
One week after the reunion I find myself looking back over the 9-10 months that Preach and I spent in its planning and preparation. This week was spent getting
out the photos to all the participants. It was very satisfying to see “our gang� being together. Of course, in the hospitality suite, we had the chance to share
much with each other. At our “Welcome Buffet,� we were very happy to have Jeff and Phyllis Harper with us.
Getting on the bus at 8:15 on Friday morning was a bit of a struggle for some, but once in Philly, we were graced with a dynamic presentation at the National
Constitution Center. With everyone on their own until 1:30, we (some casually; others hurriedly) toured the Center, the Independence Visitor’s Center, the
Liberty Bell, and the buildings in the Independence Hall complex. Lunch was obtained by most at the Center. With the sun finally breaking through, we held our
annual memorial service for our 22 members who passed away this past year. After touring and taking pictures of the impressive Korean War Memorial, we
were bussed back to our hotel, viewing sights of the city on the way. While most prepared for an evening of their choice, the Board held a business meeting. The
hospitality suite was “bursting� that evening, with folks even in the hallway.
On Saturday, many toured the 3400 acre Valley Forge National Park prior to our annual business meeting from 2 to 4 pm. (Minutes will be published.)
Following the two group pictures taken in the lobby, our annual formal banquet was held from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. For some it seemed too long of a time, especially
for the many words given by myself and Preacher. Dan Self had me very interested in his “adventures� as a Mississippi lawyer. From some reports I
received, people felt we needed to apologize for its length, but, we all need to remember that those in charge deal with many issues so as not to slight anyone
AND making sure there is something worthwhile to “hold us� until next year. For our two guests, who left without the meal, our apologies were personally
expressed by us and by the hotel management which created the problems we encountered. The general feedback that I received and what Preach and I
experienced before and during the reunion was that the Radisson management was “tops� in dealing with us.
Special Note: As an organization we are trying encourage all our members to contribute to this newsletter. It is suggested that each unit (329th, 501st, 277th,
etc.) have at least one article in each newsletter. I’m attempting to get a volunteer from each unit to coordinate this endeavor. If interested let me know. (I
know you were taught not to volunteer for anything.)
Al Koehler, President, ASA Korea
It's Chicago, Illinois in 2007 for our ASA Korea Reunion at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort - Lincolnshire, Illinois ---- October 4 - 7, 2007 ASA Korea
Member, Ed Collins, is planning a great program for the 12th Annual ASA Korea Reunion at a Triple A Four Diamond Resort just an easy 30 minute drive north
of O'Hare Airport (shuttle service is available). He invites you to join your ASA Korea buddies and enjoy golf, tennis, swim, or play sand volleyball. Enjoy
Marriott Theater's performance of comedian Mel Brooks "The Producers", tour Chicago's famed Loop and view its great skyline from Lake Michigan. Chicago
has it all! Plan to relax and enjoy.
Hotel and program registration information coming soon in the Communicator and on our website. For further information when available, send an email to our
Point of Contact for 2007, Ed Collins EdwardC773@aol.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many pictures taken during the activities of the 11th Reunion in King of Prussia, PA are now on our website as well as new items such as the Fron The Board
page.