V.G.C.A. NEWS June and July, 2001

General. As everyone knows by now, there was no meeting in either June or July.  The picnic took the place of a meeting in June, as it has every year except last year.

Sadness. This is a tough Newsletter to write, and it will be short.  The sadness is caused by the death of Fred Fees.  Fred was a decorated combat veteran and highly respected Life and Charter Member of the VGCA.  He will be remembered by all as the guy with the booming voice who handled the microphone at our gun shows and who, at meetings, would walk to the front of the meeting room and give us an update on youth shooting programs and ranges for young people.  He was the driving force behind our support for a firing range for the 4-H Club Program that was so near and dear to his heart.  Fred will be missed by more than his family.  He will be missed by this organization, but in lasting tribute he will be missed in the future by people who do not yet know it.  As they get older, the hundreds of young people he helped will think back to the days of their youth and remember the man they knew as the disciplined and idealistic person who went out of his way to see that the youth of America was served properly, lawfully, and with the courtesy and respect due to them.  In turn, their respect for him will undoubtedly grow as they get older and realize what a wonderful man they once knew.  I'm certain a tear or two will be shed years from now.

Next Meeting. Please do not forget that the next meeting is on Thursday, 23 August at the NRA Conference Room.  Again, please note that the 23rd is the fourth Thursday of the month, which is almost always the meeting day.  it has never been the last Thursday of the month.

The program will be presented by Carlos Davila.  He will talk about Mauser rifles and Nagant rifles.  Carlos is writing a book about the venerable old Nagant.  If you have a Mauser or Nagant about which you would like to get his expert opinion, take it to the meeting.  This is a real respected expert so please plan to attend.

Secretary's Subtleties. Another reason to attend the next meeting is because it is the last meeting before the next VGCA-sponsored gun show.  Please do not leave after the presentation.  There is still work to be done to finalize committee lists.  It takes more than a few to make it all work.

President's Corner. I knew Fred Fees for more years than I care to admit.  Please reread Mike's tribute again before you put this newsletter down.  I will forever remember his face at the entrance desk at Hugo's and taking care of whatever needed to be done.  Moreso, I will never forget his contributions to the 4-H Program, all young people, and his drive in associating the VGCA with these magnificent programs.

Please plan to attend the next meeting.  We have some work to do to see that the next show runs smoothly. -- Addison