Scheels Sporting Good Store in Springfield, Illinois were the gracious and wonderful hosts of the second Sangamon County Guns Save Life meeting on Monday evening, November 2nd.
Over 125 people turned out (one count had us at 132), flooding a room set for 70 and leaving it standing room only.
For those in Central Illinois, be advised that next month, we’re already making plans to seat for 150 people comfortably.
Two seasoned combat veterans joined us in recognition of the upcoming Veteran’s Day.
Vince Speranza was a young infantryman – and one of America’s earliest paratroopers – who found himself in France following the D-Day invasion, and then Belgium. That December was cold and his 101st Airborne was badly outnumbered by the Germans who really wanted to take the small Belgian town of Bastogne. Lacking proper uniforms, weapons, ammunition, medical gear, food or anything else, the Americans gallantly held off wave after wave of German attacks until they were finally relieved by General George Patton’s men.
Speranza told his light-hearted story of bringing beer to some of the wounded. For more of the story – and how his actions have made him a bit of a legend in those parts, visit this story in Stripes: Former paratrooper recalls WWII incident that led to beer fame.
Carl Greenwood was our other featured speaker. He spoke briefly of his time in Korea during the First Marine Breakout, recognizing the fallen and the difficulties faced by the Marines there. He said war is terrible – but there’s one thing worse than war, and that’s to lose one’s freedom.
He spent the majority of his time discussing some of his work with the Korean War Memorial Association, and his role there as President. He says his board members have been passing away and they are still preparing for the future. He told a couple of great stories, leaving the audience chuckling. In addition to work maintaining the Illinois Korean War Memorial, the group is sending books to libraries and schools about the “Forgotten War”.
He also touched on politics and how the communist sympathizers – once labelled Reds by society – have broken out the paint and colored themselves “Blue” today, renaming themselves socialists and progressives.
Jay Ater brought a very nice Smith Corona Springfield rifle of 1944 vintage to share as our tech time presentation, with an assist from our Interim Coordinator Anthony Bellin.
The wife and I enjoyed it immensely.
Both vets were treasures.
Great meeting! Looking forward to more.
Sam
Even though we didn’t win the gun.
Amazing speakers. Where else and who else has meetings like these?
That’s what got me into Guns Save Life. I’m just kicking myself I didn’t find out about these people ten years ago!
Very first meeting for me and a friend I brought with me. We both enjoyed it immensely and both signed up to become new members! The speakers were great and everyone with the Guns For Life organization were very helpful and welcoming!! Looking forward to my next meeting and its definitely enjoyeable spending time with like-minded individuals.
The Sheels people were pretty nice too!