Welcome
Established in 2016, we have a patriotic mission to support our veteran members as well as local veteran organizations
John A. Sabatini
GlenLakes Resident
Vietnam Veteran
Sep 1945 - Jul 2025
Rhode Island State Archives (Extract)
John, a fellow resident of GlenLakes, sadly passed away on July 5th. He proudly served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran. His memorial brick can be found in the GlenLakes Veteran Memorial "Garden of Honor". There will be a day of honor for John at the memorial on Jul 16th where the flag will be flown at half staff.
Many of our residents and GLVFA members may not know that John was a Rhode Island State Senator serving Pawtucket and Central Falls, Rhode Island for 12 years. He built a superb record of public service as an elected official, serving the people of the 39th Senate District and the entire state of Rhode Island as Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee; Chairman of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council; and as National Commissioner of Uniform State Laws. As an accomplished veteran of workers' compensation reforms, John demonstrated exceptional leadership in recommending the historic 1992 Workers' Compensation Reform Act. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, guidance and public service, RI Governor Bruce Sundlun proclaimed December 15, 1992 "John Sabatini Recognition Day".
You can visit John's official obituary here: Obituary for John A. Sabatini | Downing Funeral Home and Cremation Services
You can visit John's official obituary here: Obituary for John A. Sabatini | Downing Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Henry Ellis Bailey
WWII Naval Veteran
GLVFA Special "Friend"
Henry "Ellis" Bailey, a beloved local veteran and friend of the GLVFA, received support from our organization following the devastating impact of Hurricane Idalia in August 2023, which severely damaged his home and personal belongings. In the aftermath, the GLVFA provided Ellis with a refurbished golf cart to replace the one he lost in the storm—restoring a vital sense of mobility and independence. With it, he was once again able to navigate his property and visit with neighbors.
Ellis was visibly overjoyed when Curt Reilly, George Friel, and Wayne Millington delivered the cart—complete with his name, “Ellis,” proudly displayed on the hood.
On July 1, 2025, we were saddened to learn of Ellis’s passing at the age of 99. A proud WWII Navy veteran, Ellis lived with a vibrant spirit and a treasure trove of wartime stories, which he shared with warmth and humor. Since the hurricane, he had been graciously looked after by GLVFA President Curt Reilly’s daughter Robyn and son-in-law Steve, who live near his home in Ozello, Florida.
Below is a write-up that Curt's son-in-law Steve Koenig wrote on behalf of Ellis's passing:
Ellis was visibly overjoyed when Curt Reilly, George Friel, and Wayne Millington delivered the cart—complete with his name, “Ellis,” proudly displayed on the hood.
On July 1, 2025, we were saddened to learn of Ellis’s passing at the age of 99. A proud WWII Navy veteran, Ellis lived with a vibrant spirit and a treasure trove of wartime stories, which he shared with warmth and humor. Since the hurricane, he had been graciously looked after by GLVFA President Curt Reilly’s daughter Robyn and son-in-law Steve, who live near his home in Ozello, Florida.
Below is a write-up that Curt's son-in-law Steve Koenig wrote on behalf of Ellis's passing:
Local Veteran Recalls Remarkable Journey
"from Ice Cream to the USS Missouri"
"from Ice Cream to the USS Missouri"
At just 17 years old, Ellis was determined to serve his country—so much so that when the U.S. Navy initially turned him away for being underweight, he didn’t give up. Instead, he returned home, spent a week eating ice cream to gain the required pounds, and returned to enlist. This time, he was accepted.
Ellis was assigned to a naval minesweeper and deployed to the South Pacific during World War II. Among the most poignant memories from his service was assisting in the transport of Marines preparing for the historic amphibious landing at Iwo Jima. He often recalled how many of those young men—new friends he had made on the journey—thanked him and said solemnly, “We won’t be back,” fully aware of the deadly battle ahead.
Ellis was stationed near Okinawa when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a moment that marked a turning point in the war. Most notably, he was aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, when Japan officially surrendered, bringing World War II to an end.
His story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during that time—starting with a young man and a determination strong enough to be fueled by nothing more than a few extra scoops of ice cream.
Ellis was assigned to a naval minesweeper and deployed to the South Pacific during World War II. Among the most poignant memories from his service was assisting in the transport of Marines preparing for the historic amphibious landing at Iwo Jima. He often recalled how many of those young men—new friends he had made on the journey—thanked him and said solemnly, “We won’t be back,” fully aware of the deadly battle ahead.
Ellis was stationed near Okinawa when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a moment that marked a turning point in the war. Most notably, he was aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, when Japan officially surrendered, bringing World War II to an end.
His story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during that time—starting with a young man and a determination strong enough to be fueled by nothing more than a few extra scoops of ice cream.
GLVFA wishes Ellis "Fair Winds and Following Seas" as he goes aloft into the hands of his maker.
We salute you.
We salute you.
Baldomero Lopez BBQ Lunch
June 24th, 2025
Members of GLVFA’s “Yellow Shirt” team recently visited the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in picturesque Land O’ Lakes. Earlier this year, GLVFA awarded the home a grant to fund new exercise equipment, supporting the physical therapy needs of its veteran residents.
As part of that ongoing commitment, GLVFA volunteers personally served a delicious BBQ lunch to residents and staff alike. More than just a meal, the visit became a meaningful exchange of stories and camaraderie, as members sat with each Denny Blum talking " 'Nam " with Vietnam Vet veteran, sharing memories and swapping “war stories.” While the veterans and staff were thrilled with the lunch and the company, it was our members who left feeling honored and uplifted by the experience. The facility’s uplifting environment and beautiful location make it a perfect home for elderly veterans in need of assisted living resources. GLVFA is a proud sponsor of this state veteran home and looks forward to next year's lunch with these veteran heroes!
As part of that ongoing commitment, GLVFA volunteers personally served a delicious BBQ lunch to residents and staff alike. More than just a meal, the visit became a meaningful exchange of stories and camaraderie, as members sat with each Denny Blum talking " 'Nam " with Vietnam Vet veteran, sharing memories and swapping “war stories.” While the veterans and staff were thrilled with the lunch and the company, it was our members who left feeling honored and uplifted by the experience. The facility’s uplifting environment and beautiful location make it a perfect home for elderly veterans in need of assisted living resources. GLVFA is a proud sponsor of this state veteran home and looks forward to next year's lunch with these veteran heroes!
How Bunker Busting Bombs Work
There are different Bunker Buster bombs of different caliber but what set's it apart from the rest is the G B U 57 which is typically delivered by the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. Due to the bomb's large size and weight, the aircraft can carry only two of these weapons in its bomb bay compartments. While it lacks thrusters, the weapon is equipped with four active lattice fins and a precision guidance system that enables it to glide accurately to its target using military-grade GPS. Constructed from a specially designed high-performance steel alloy, using it's weight when falling under gravity to penetrate or dig itself up to 200 feet of underground soil or concrete. This is equivalent to a 20-story building before detonating, triggered by two advanced re engineered fuses causing a Mini Earthquake inside these bunkers.
B2 Stealth Bomber
Learn about the Air Force's B2 Spirit stealth bomber by viewing the YouTube video below.
Battle of Bunker Hill
250th Anniversary
June 17th, 1775
On June 17, 1775, New England soldiers faced the British army for the first time in a pitched battle. Popularly known as "The Battle of Bunker Hill," bloody fighting took place throughout a hilly landscape of fenced pastures that were situated across the Charles River from Boston. Though the British forces claimed the field, the casualties inflicted by the Provincial solders from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire were staggering. Of the some 2,400 British soldiers and Marines engaged, some 1,000 were wounded or killed.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about this famous battle that, in addition to the battle of Lexington and Concord, marked the true beginnings of the American Revolution.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about this famous battle that, in addition to the battle of Lexington and Concord, marked the true beginnings of the American Revolution.
A‑10 Warthog in Action
Deployment to Al Dhafra Air Base in 2025
Get an inside look at how the legendary A-10 Warthog is taking on new challenges in the Middle East (including the recent Houthi rebel uprisings). After a major new deployment to Al Dhafra Air Base in 2025 (to deal with the Houthi rebels, amongst other needs in the region), this iconic aircraft used advanced targeting systems and exceptional endurance to track and neutralize mobile threats. Learn how teams coordinated with specialized surveillance (US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, collects and disseminates signals intelligence worldwide) and electronic aircraft (US Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft, performs enemy defense suppression missions with advanced electronic warfare technology), combined technology and pilot skill to adapt to evolving tactics in the region. The A-10’s unique capabilities and versatility made it a valuable asset in supporting international operations and maritime safety.
Click on the YouTube video below for a immersive learning experience on the capabilities of this unique attack aircraft and how it demobilized the Houthi rebels in short order). It is a very insightful video of airpower projection for our members to watch.
Click on the YouTube video below for a immersive learning experience on the capabilities of this unique attack aircraft and how it demobilized the Houthi rebels in short order). It is a very insightful video of airpower projection for our members to watch.
D-Day 81st Anniversary
June 6th
The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during the Second World War. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it is the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began the liberation of France, and the rest of Western Europe, and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.
Please visit our dedicated webpage for D-Day, and learn more about the invasion.
Please visit our dedicated webpage for D-Day, and learn more about the invasion.
U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th (1775)
The U.S. Army's birthday is celebrated on June 14, marking its founding in 1775. In 2025, the Army will commemorate its 250th birthday with special celebrations. This date is also recognized as Flag Day, celebrating the adoption of the U.S. flag (see our Flag Day section below).
GLVFA has many members who were in the Army, including several of our organization's leaders.
GLVFA has many members who were in the Army, including several of our organization's leaders.
GLVFA Founding Member
GLVFA Founding Member
Current GLVFA Chairman
GLVFA honors ALL its members who served in the U.S. Army!
Please visit our dedicated webpage on the U.S. Army's birthday!
Click on the button below:
Please visit our dedicated webpage on the U.S. Army's birthday!
Click on the button below:
Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall
The Army is celebrating its 250th Birthday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival is open to the public with opportunities to interact with Soldiers, watch military demonstrations, explore equipment static displays and listen to live music throughout the day. The Army Birthday Celebration will represent a wide variety of Army units, capabilities and possibilities. Events will take place on the National Mall near the Washington Monument, conveniently located by the Smithsonian Metro entrance.
Registration for the Festival & Parade is available through America250's event registration portal. Admission is free and open to the public but registration will allow you to get through security quicker.
Click here for additional Festival & Parade information.
The Army is celebrating its 250th Birthday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival is open to the public with opportunities to interact with Soldiers, watch military demonstrations, explore equipment static displays and listen to live music throughout the day. The Army Birthday Celebration will represent a wide variety of Army units, capabilities and possibilities. Events will take place on the National Mall near the Washington Monument, conveniently located by the Smithsonian Metro entrance.
Registration for the Festival & Parade is available through America250's event registration portal. Admission is free and open to the public but registration will allow you to get through security quicker.
Click here for additional Festival & Parade information.
Click on the button below to see the U.S. Army fact sheet:
Flag Day
June 14th
Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14th in the United States, honors the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress. It's a day to display the flag, participate in patriotic activities, and show respect for the Stars and Stripes
Historical Significance:
The Continental Congress resolution on June 14, 1777, established the design of the American flag, with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies.
Presidential Proclamation:
President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916.
Official National Observance:
In 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress officially designating June 14 National Flag Day.
President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916.
The Continental Congress resolution on June 14, 1777, established the design of the American flag, with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies.
Presidential Proclamation:
President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916.
Official National Observance:
In 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress officially designating June 14 National Flag Day.
President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916.
Click on the button below to visit our dedicated page and learn much more about Flag Day!
Operation Red Wings
U.S. Navy Seals - Afghanistan
20th Anniversary
June 28, 2005
Operation Red Wings was a joint military operation conducted by the United States in the Pech District of Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on June 28, 2005. It is known for the heavy losses suffered by U.S. Navy SEALs, with only one member, Marcus Luttrell, surviving the operation. The operation aimed to capture or kill a Taliban leader and involved a team inserted deep behind enemy lines, facing fierce resistance. The events of Operation Red Wings have been memorialized in various media, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the personnel involved.
Basic Details: A four-person recon element comprised of LT Michael P Murphy, HM1 Marcus A Luttrell, STG2 Mathew G Axelson, and GM2 Danny P Dietz was Inserted (MGRS: 42S XD 78186 58123) via Fast-Rope at approximately 27170ZJUN05 to conduct a sensitive recon (SR) mission. Only HM1 Luttrell survived. Read about him here (click on name): Marcus Luttrell
Click on the YouTube video below to learn more about the operation and see the heroic men of the Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces that were involved.
Basic Details: A four-person recon element comprised of LT Michael P Murphy, HM1 Marcus A Luttrell, STG2 Mathew G Axelson, and GM2 Danny P Dietz was Inserted (MGRS: 42S XD 78186 58123) via Fast-Rope at approximately 27170ZJUN05 to conduct a sensitive recon (SR) mission. Only HM1 Luttrell survived. Read about him here (click on name): Marcus Luttrell
Click on the YouTube video below to learn more about the operation and see the heroic men of the Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces that were involved.
To learn more about the operation and its details, along with photos of the men involved, please click on the button below:
Veteran News Network
The Veterans News Network (VNN) is a dedicated resource hub offering the latest news, facts, and invaluable support for active military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones. It spans online, print, news media, events, radio, television, and philanthropy. VNN is a channel for Veterans, largely by Veterans, that offers a fun and informative mix of specialized programming that honors, entertains, and informs Veterans of the benefits and services that they have earned. The channel offers a mix of entertaining, informative, and inspiring Veteran-centric content 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a powerful public health tool while simultaneously offering Veterans a sense of community through shared experience.
Memorial Day Flag Raising
May 26, 2025
There was a large community turn-out for the annual GlenLakes Veterans Memorial Flag Raising ceremony. With residents and guests in place at 1145 am, the ceremony began with the posting of the color guard (FW Springstead High School, Spring Hill) then once the flag was raised to full staff, Veterans Memorial founders General George Friel and Vietnam Veteran Denny Blum led the ceremony with a prayer, pledge of allegiance, cadet citation of "Flanders Field" and finally the playing of the national anthem.
GLVFA wishes to thank all who attended! And special thanks to the FW Springstead Jr. ROTC cadets for their patriotic efforts today! Additionally, also special thanks to Judy Blum, Joan Roland and Susan Starrett who passed out "poppies" to all who attended today's ceremony. Lastly, thank you to Dick Roland for managing todays audio with lots of patriotic music for all to enjoy during today's event.
Special Comment: GLVFA would like to recognize and offer a heartfelt thank you to Mr. G, GlenLakes Country Club manager, Marine Corp veteran, and fellow member of our organization. Mr. G always enthusiastically supports GLVFA throughout the year, today's event being no exception. We are fortunate for his support!
GLVFA wishes to thank all who attended! And special thanks to the FW Springstead Jr. ROTC cadets for their patriotic efforts today! Additionally, also special thanks to Judy Blum, Joan Roland and Susan Starrett who passed out "poppies" to all who attended today's ceremony. Lastly, thank you to Dick Roland for managing todays audio with lots of patriotic music for all to enjoy during today's event.
Special Comment: GLVFA would like to recognize and offer a heartfelt thank you to Mr. G, GlenLakes Country Club manager, Marine Corp veteran, and fellow member of our organization. Mr. G always enthusiastically supports GLVFA throughout the year, today's event being no exception. We are fortunate for his support!
Operation Baby Lift
Saigon, Vietnam
Apr 1975
Operation Babylift was the name given to the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other Western countries including Australia, France, West Germany, and Canada at the end of the Vietnam War on 3–26 April 1975. By the final American flight out of South Vietnam, over 3,300 infants and children had been airlifted. Flights continued until artillery attacks by the People's Army of Vietnam on Tan Son Nhut Airport rendered airplane flights impossible.
A C-5A Galaxy, serial number 68-0218, flew the initial mission of Operation Babylift departing from Tan Son Nhut Airport shortly after 4 p.m. on 4 April 1975. Twelve minutes after takeoff, there was what seemed to be an explosion as the lower rear fuselage was torn apart. The locks of the rear loading ramp had failed, causing the door to open and separate, cutting critical aircraft flight control cables, and also causing rapid decompression. The pilot attempted to return back to Tan Son Nhut airport but could not make it back to the runway due to rapid decent. The C-5 touched down briefly in a rice paddy, skidding for a quarter of a mile. 175 people survived and 138 people were killed in the crash, including 78 children and 35 Defense Attaché Office personnel.
Below is a YouTube video called "Operation Babylift: The 50 Year Journey". This is an inspiring recall of the story that focuses on the surviving babies who made new lives with adopting parents across multiple countries. The video highlights some of the surviving babies 50 years later.
Aerial Pictures
GlenLakes Veterans Memorial
May 2025
Below is a link that brings you to a set of drone aerial pictures I took recently.
GLVFA Training Assistance
Login.Gov and ID.me
Account Creation
Members will soon be faced with the need of creating new login user accounts for many government and commercial websites. Notibly, many government website members use for their typical needs such as the VA website, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, and more, all will require the use of either id.me or login.gov.
Below are two hot buttons that will enable members to download/view basic account creation instructions to assist them in getting their login.gov and id.me accounts created.
Below are two hot buttons that will enable members to download/view basic account creation instructions to assist them in getting their login.gov and id.me accounts created.
GLVFA Vietnam Vets
Commemorative Web Page
Please visit out dedicated Vietnam War 50th Anniversary of the war's official end.
Mar 2025 Message from
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Doug Collins
Click on the YouTube video below to hear more about what Secretary Collins most recent message to veterans on what is going on with the cuts within the VA system (administration and health care agencies within the VA). Secretary Collins says its all about being more efficient and providing better and more services to the veteran. Click on the YouTube video below to hear his message:
History of the American Soldier
Veteran Disability Services
Please visit our dedicated veteran's disability and general services webpage. The page has a lot of information for our members and veteran online visitors including information about the PACT ACT, VA Hotline, VSO information for our local area, and much more. If you are a veteran who is in need of assistance with disability claims, wanting to know where local veteran groups are/contact info, or perhaps in need of professional litigation services, the page is for you.
GLVFA Charities
Chairman Dick Rowland, President Curt Riley, and FW Springstead HS Jr ROTC Senior Instructor Renee Teague, Maj (ret) with cadets
Partner With Us
Be an integral part of these efforts to honor and aid veterans by making a gift on our DONATE page.
Be an integral part of these efforts to honor and aid veterans by making a gift on our DONATE page.
