COMMAND CENTER 2002

The West Wing was a veterans welcome center all week.

The A TEAM from Ft. Campbell, KY
 brought millions of dollars of displays 
and equipment for all to see. 
Much more was inside!

Nov 11 at 11 a.m. THE PARADE

"Tiny" at work as a blacksmith.... his knives and yard 
ornaments were on exhibit all week.

"Tiny" better known as Steve Robinson, Navy SEAL, introduces
 his new book, NO GUTS, NO GLORY, an expose on phony SEALS.... TWO phony SEALS were exposed during the
 week! (and they weren't all!)

Vietnam Helicopter pilots Al Smith and Mic Mikulin pose with
 the bald eagle from the Wildlife Museum in Springfield.

With Branson saluting Military Chaplains, Army Chaplain Ray Howton officiated at services Sunday morning.

Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen stopped by to visit. Charles McGee and Harvey Bayless posed with Mary and 
Chuck Schantag.

Vietnam POW escapee, Jasper Page speaks with local ROTC commanders. ROTC students from 4 schools participated in activities all week.

Golden Corral partner and General Manager Steve Weyher holds the POW/MIA plaque presented by the P.O.W. NETWORK for his generous donations of free lunches for veterans at the Command Center in 2001 AND 2002. That evening, Steve was again recognized by MOZARK TROA at the GALA as the 2002 "True American Hero" for his unending generosity and support of Veterans. Steve is a Vietnam vet and served in Artillery units.

P.O.W. NETWORK  researcher and archivist, Mary Schantag speaks on the POW issue, and the Network's new book, 
More than a Band of Metal.

Vendors, artists, veterans organizations and memorial builders gave all plenty to look at!

Pins, patches, shirts and more for any and all!

The Director of the WONDERS OF WILDLIFE Museum in Springfield, MO, Major General Fred Marty USA (Ret), 
stopped to greet visitors to the Museum's exhibit. 

Mary Schantag was interviewed by Springfield KLOR news 
on the Command Center, phony veterans and the POW issue.

The ROTC cadets arrived daily for opening ceremonies from flag raisings to flag folding! Approx 50 cadets participated in the GALA on Friday evening.

Author and Medal of Honor recipient, Roger Donlon was on 
hand to tell his story and greet veterans.

Lunch lines! Some waited, many shopped.

Ilene and Sid Slaughter - co-author of Chicken Soup for the Veterans Soul  - came back for their 2nd Homecoming.

A surprise visit by American Ex-POWs National Historian Helen Smith. She stopped by while her tour group was at lunch!

Special Forces retired, author Col. Jim Coy and Mary Schantag. The quilt was a OCSFA fundraising project.

Command Center 2002
would never have been the success it was without the volunteers.
Our deepest and most sincere thanks to

Ms. Stormy Snow

Ms. Avis Gutz (Rest in Peace, December 28, 2002)

and