The Kuya Fund was established after a series of conversations at the first full blown
6922nd Security Wing Reunion in Las Vegas in April 2002. Many of the Kuyas had joined with their brothers after over 30+ years to relive our youth and celebrate our reacquaintance with brothers we had lived with, enjoyed good times together, and sacrificed together.
We are all proud of our brother's accomplishments and decided to establish a fund that could be used for financial assistance and charitable activities involving our Kuyas, American Veteran needs, and other charities related to our experiences in The Philippines and the United States military. Also, the Kuya Fund may be used to provide expressions of sympathy in case of the deaths, incapacitation, or tragic situations involving our Kuyas and their immediate families.
A major topic at the "Commander's Call" meeting during Kuya Reunion 2004 was the Kuya Fund. At least "Commander's Call" wasn't after a mid shift, but with all of the partying it felt like it. Mike "Lulu" Gilson explained the noble intentions of the Fund and the background which had its' foundations at the Kuya Reunion 2002 in Las Vegas. Numerous contributions were made and the Kuya Fund jelled at Kuya Reunion 2003 in St. Louis. A donation of a stereo unit with 10 speakers was made to The State of Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs, Quincy Veteran's Home in honor of our Kuya, Jim Chance, who had suffered a tragic accident. The stereo systems services the entire floor where Jim resides.
The Kuya Fund has also been used to send flowers and fruit baskets (No, not Billy Boy baskets) to comfort Kuyas and their families during difficult surgeries, hospitalizations and illnesses.
The latest moves have been to develop a more formalized structure and process. Each Flight will have a representative. The Board for the Kuya Fund now is comprised of Mike Gilson (Able Flight - email address is MGilson435@aol.com ) , Ralph Rotunno (Baker Flight - email address is Raffey@earthlink.net) or Randy Roberts (A/B/C/D Flts RNbja@aol.com), TBD (Charlie Flight), and Don Orbin (Dawg Flight - email address is ctsinc@igateway.net or don@completetransport.com). They will connect with respective Kuyas and decide on, prioritize and apportion funding of Kuya Fund activities. These Kuyas would like your help to know what the needs are and any ideas on how to make the Kuya Fund responsive to the entire group. Please let them know your thoughts. Volunteerism is highly encouraged.
If anyone hears about the death of a Kuya, one of the Kuya's immediate family, hospitalization or any unfortunate event, make sure Mike "Lulu" Gilson is informed at the above email address or call him (his phone numbers are on the Secure Animal Roster located on the Green Badge Page). He will respond in 24 hours or less. To get the word out, please also include your respective flight representative. Or, contact the Animal House webmaster Mouse via email (Daga1968@charter.net.)
The Animal House will keep abreast of developments and the Kuya Fund Board can use the web site to provide information to you.
If you would like to contribute to the Kuya Fund, please make it out to Mike Gilson and notate on the bottom of the check: Kuya Fund. Send your contribution to Mike Gilson, 1200 Woodborough Road, Lafayette, California 94549. If you need further information Mike "Lulu" Gilson can be reached 24/7 on his cell phone 925-766-6114. If you would like to designate your contribution to a specific memorial, organization, cause or in remembrance of an individual, let Lulu know. One of the Kuya Fund's primary purposes is to honor the memories of our Brothers whose friendship, companionship and caring were integral parts of our lives.
Together Then, Together Now, Together Always
$280.20