CHAPTER CHATTER
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
HARRY TRUMAN'S ADVENTURE
HIS GREAT AMERICAN ROADTRIP
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more, important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 33 presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence, Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their intire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been at $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an "allowance" and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
Bess and Harry Truman Driving Home
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, ant that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it''s not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As President he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their office. Political offices are now for sale.
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician, and to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!"
(Editor's note: If only we had more politicians like him today. I say, let's dig him up and clone him!)
Is Exercise Harmful To Your Health?
I didn't make it to the gym today.
That makes five years in a row.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and rename it the Jim.
I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would've put them on my knees.
Do you know that awesome feeling when you get into bed, fall right asleep, stay asleep all night and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day? Yeah, me neither!
The Mystery Man of the Month found on page 3 is
ED REEL