Veterans Affairs Chairman
September 2024
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Brother Knights,
This past month has had our Veteran Affairs Working Group (VAWG) very busy presenting Mass Kits to our Indiana- Diocesan military chaplains. On May 1st a presentation was made to Father David Meinzen - LT COL USAF – military chaplain to the 122nd Tac Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, and the Northern Indiana VA Hospital in Fort Wayne. Father Meinzen was very impressed with the content and quality of the Mass kit which was presented by Brother Knight Steve Lutz and a 4th Degree Honor Guard after a Mass at the Fort Wayne VA Hospital Chapel.
On Saturday, August 24th, your Indiana K of C VAWG presented a Mass Kit to Father Jacob Meyer – US NAVY chaplain, at St. Joseph’s Church in Mishawaka Indiana. Father Jacob is currently serving as chaplain on the Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan that is homeported in Japan. This celebration was a temporary homecoming for Father Jacob to enjoy his parents 45th Wedding Anniversary. Needless to say, the church was packed and Father Jacob delivered a resounding homily describing his many challenges serving over 5000 sailors on board the carrier and with other ships of the Fleet. Many thanks to St. Joseph’s Pastor Father Chris Lapp and our State Master Patrick Glavin in assembling an honor guard for Father Meyer and family, (see photo). Mass kit presentation conducted by Past State Veterans Affairs Chairman Steve Lutz – US Army (R)/PGK/FDD (see photo).
Speaking of Mass Kits, (insert comma) we would like to offer a BIG THANK You to Brother Knight Gerry Kessen (Navy Veteran; Council 451/ FT Wayne) for making a personal donation to purchase 4 Mass Kits to greatly assist our State program of support for Catholic military chaplains from our 5 Indiana Dioceses. It in this spirit that our group looks forward to each opportunity to personally present Presenting these Mass Kits provides chaplains with much needed items for the service and comfort they bring when dispatched to the field. We will be scheduling more Mass Kits presentations in the near future and are in the process of developing a database of our Indiana Chaplains.
Also, as you may be aware of our recent fundraising effort with the Dog Tag Project, we are soon to distribute personal letters to our Indiana Councils and Assemblies to participate in a bulk purchase program. Purchases can be made in quantities of 50, 100, 500, 1000 with proceeds supporting our many programs including the growing popularity of Mass Kits. Once purchased, councils and assemblies can distribute dog tags during Membership Drives or at Parish events; or sell at local meetings, church events, community events to recover some of the cost. Please check your mail in the coming months for the ordering form.
In closing, thank you for your continued support of our Veterans and if you have any questions please contact us at the email address below.
“LET’S ROLL!”
Gerald "Jerry" Bromley
Indiana State Council - Knights of Columbus
Indiana Veterans Affair Chairman
veteransaffairs@indianakofc.org
Vivat Jesus