At a BVL breakfast that took place on the morning of this year's ABC Convention in Billings, Montana, NCABA Past President Chief Wapensky made the following comments to those being honored for their work on behalf of BVL:
"I know as well as anyone, the value of your efforts. BVL has always been special to me. My love affair with BVL started some 35 years ago when I was president of the Nation's Capital Area Bowling Association [known then as "Washington City Tenpin Bowling Association" —ED]. One of my top priorities was to have our association lead the nation in BVL contributions. With the dedication and all-out efforts all the directors of our association and those of our sister association, we accomplished that goal. I am pleased to note that over the years, that great association has again reached that goal, many, many times."
"No one deserves more praise than you who work in the BVL trenches in the field. You get little in return, except for the personal satisfaction of what you do for the veterans. You can never be fully repaid or recognized for all you have given and done to make life a little bit better for those whom most others have forgotten. You gave it quietly, without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. Those are the qualities that make you special. No one will ever be able to thank you enough. You truly exemplify the meaning of BVL's promise of the veterans, WE SHALL NOT FORGET YOU."