Posted December 10, 2011 - New Jersey magician and escape artist Thomas Solomon has lofty goals to bring magic and other entertainment to active, injured, and retired U.S. military personnel all over the world. He has performed dozens of shows during the past few years for hundreds of Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel in the Northeast U.S., including Walter Reed Army Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Unit at Fort Dix, Lakehurst Naval Base, McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Detrick, Fort Meade, Fort Aberdeen, Fort Bragg, the US Marine Corps base at Quantico, the Cape May Coast Guard Station, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and various Fisher House venues. Thomas has created a group called "Patriotic Performers, USA" to encourage magicians and allied artists to join him in performances for the military. This picture was taken in August of last year at the request of the patients at the Wounded Warrior Unit at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Posted November 8, 2011 - Almost 200 active and retired military personnel and their families enjoyed the magic provided by San Antonio S.A.M. Assembly 52 on October 27, 2011. The Warrior and Family Support Center at the VA Hospital in Fort Sam Houston sponsored a day of fun and appreciation. Michael Tallon performed as well as coordinating the performances of Assembly 52 President Joe Libby, Assembly 52 Vice President Dr. John Dahlinger, and members Paul Amerson and Mark Travis. Their appearance at the VA hospital was a significant part of many other Magic Week activities in which Assembly 52 members participated. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted November 8, 2011 - Among other activities, members of S.A.M. Assembly 4 celebrated Magic Week with a magic show for about 25 patients at the Philadelphia VA Hospital. In addition to event organizer Michael Bonacci, magicians Eric Lampert, Past National President Dick Gustafson, Eric Johnson, Sue McElvenney, and Bill McElvenney shared their magic and time on October 26, 2011.

Posted November 8, 2011 - Five members of Assembly 120 brightened the day for twenty or so patients at the VA Hospital in Danville, Illinois, on October 29, 2011. Magicians Christopher Bontjes, Andy Anderson, Rob Higgins, JR Thomas, and Dave Wernick celebrated Magic Week by sharing their time and talents with the veterans. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted November 1, 2011 - Veterans at the Manchester (NH) VA Medical Center had a great time interacting with the magicians of Assembly 118. About 30 audience members enjoyed the antics and magic of Joseph Caulfield, Kathy Caulfield, Tom Andreoli, Don Sanborn, and Ken Wilson on September 25, 2011.

Posted November 1, 2011 - Assembly 161 members have entertained at the veterans’ hospital in Lyons, New Jersey, three times this year. On October 17, 2011, Norm Rosen once again headed a talented group of magicians to bring cheer and laughter to 35 hospitalized veterans. Thanks and appreciation go out to Norm, Gene Soucek, Will Fern, Greg Ferdinand, Chris Smith, Bob Dinsmore, and Guru Subramanian. We salute you!

Posted November 1, 2011 - More than 20 veterans at the New York Harbor VA hospital enjoyed Magic Week entertainment on October 27, 2011. George Schindler, Dean of American Magicians, had the veterans laughing and clapping with his comedy magic and ventriloquism. Pay Colby mesmerized the audience with his superb mentalism presentation.

Posted October 26, 2011 - Isaac Rodriguez (PA #1) performs for veterans at St. Albans hospital in Queens NY. Photo by Eric Decamps who also performed. The following day Pat Colby and George Schindler did two shows at the NY Harbor Va hospital in Brooklyn NY. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted October 6, 2011 - And 22 of them did just that at the third annual Jokers Gone Wild convention in Fairborn, Ohio, September 22-24, 2011. Retired Air Force officer Scott Miller spearheaded the effort to include an evening of magic for military personnel and families from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on the first night of the convention. Performers came from Arizona, Florida, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.Click the images below to view larger copies.

Posted September 22, 2011 - Rick Burcher, Hal Hudgins, Geoff Grimes, and Craig Herren spent four hours entertaining troops returning from Afghanistan and their families on September 18 at the Marines Unit of the Armed Services Reserve Base in Grand Prairie, Texas. Last year's debut of this volunteer project by the combined Fort Worth Magic Clubs proved so successful, they were welcomed back to this year's event which drew from 45-50 entranced spectators. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted September 12, 2011 - Edward Boswell has many reasons to entertain at the Olin Teague Veterans Hospital in Temple, Texas. He accompanies his father there on a regular basis for cancer treatment. While they are waiting, Edward lightens the mood with his magic as he entertains other patients and the hospital staff. Although Edward is still a teenager, his skill and magical repertoire belie his years. He is an accomplished magician and is very active in Austin S.A.M. Assembly 206. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted September 12, 2011 - Scott V. Miller organized a group of Assembly 56 magicians for an outstanding show at the Dayton Veterans Administration hospital on August 14, 2011. Over one hundred patients enjoyed the magic of Miller, Matthew Stanley, Oran Dent, Henry Borchers, John Love, and Dave Davis.

Posted September 12, 2011 - Ten Austin (Texas) magician put together a blow-out night of magic for about 50 recuperating patients from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The group ended a fun day of various excursions and diversions in Cedar Park just north of Austin with a stage show organized by J. D. Stewart. Performers included Stewart, Chris Walden, Bertil Fredstrom, Bobby Cordell, and Mark Wilson. Andrew Johnston, Robert Castillo and Carlos Santillan helped behind the scenes. Edward Boswell and Trixie Bond entertained before the show with strolling magic.

Posted August 26, 2011 - Patients and staff at the Hines Veterans' Hospital in Maywood, Illinois, enjoyed performances by seven magicians on July 14, 2011. Don Dvorak entertained as the patients were being brought into the auditorium and Rudolph Alfano acted as Master of Ceremonies. Other performers included Don Clancy, David Byrne, T. J. Ketchmark, Gordon Cluff, and Mary Ziemba. T. J. Ketchmark may be young, but this was his third year performing with the group at Hines Hospital and he was a big hit with the patients.

Posted August 10, 2011 - About 35 patients at the Lyons Veterans' Hospital in Lyons, New Jersey, were treated once again to the delightful magic of S.A.M. Assembly 161 members Norm Rosen, Eugene Soucek, Bob Simek, and Guru Subramanian on August 4, 2011. These patriotic magicians believe in duty, honor, and country. They feel it is a privilege to repay, in some small way, the hospital patients who serve in the military to protect the American way of life. In addition to the veterans' hospital in Lions, Assembly 161 members often travel to New Brunswick to share their magic with patients at a children's hospital. These photos include the performers from the August 4 show and other Assembly 161 members who have performed at the hospital in the club's numerous previous visits. Click the images to view a larger copy with caption.

Posted July 10, 2011 - So far in 2011, these are just some of our wonderful S.A.M. members who have generously given their time and magical talents to entertain at Veterans Hospitals: Norman Rosen, Jim Flood, Gene Soucek, Guru Subramanian, Greg Ferdinand, Thomas Holmes, Rich Gilbert, David Proto, Leonard Nadeau, Dave Garrity, Dan Sclare, Bob Simek, Angelo Chirico, Will Fern, and Chris Smith. We hope this inspires more of you to donate a magic show to your local Veterans Hospital or Nursing Home!

Posted March 24, 2011 - On February 15, 2011, Norman Rosen, Bob Simek, Jim Flood, Chris Smith, and Will Fern of S.A.M. Assembly 161; along with Greg Ferdinand of Assembly 168 entertained residents of the Lyons Veterans Hospital in Lyons, N.J. Approximately 40 veterans enjoyed the magic, humor, and audience participation.

Posted March 24, 2011 - Thomas Holmes, aka "The Great Baldini", an active member of the Rhode Island Societies of Magicians performed a show for the "Salute To Veterans" event at the VA Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. Approximately 50 veterans attended and enjoyed this humorous and amazing magical presentation on February 16, 2011.

Posted March 24, 2011 - In December 2010, Assembly 21 president Angelo Chirico, along with three compeers from Springfield MA Assembly 17, Rich Gilbert, David Proto and Leonard Nadeau performed a Christmas Show for the veterans and visiting children at the Connecticut Veterans Home in Rockyhill, CT.

Posted March 23, 2011 - National Magic Week in Philadelphia from the James C. Wobensmith assembly SAM #4 in Philadelphia at the Veterans Hospital of Philadelphia on October 27, 2010. In photo number 1 is Sitting: Bill McElvenney (IBM member), Bill Manning, Garrett LaMara, Kneeling: Sue McElvenney (IBM member), Past National President Mike Miller, Local Chairperson Michael Bonacci, Jack Stone, Standing: Mort Feldman, Rebecca Lloyd and Al Lloyd. In photo 2 is: Knelling in front; Local Chairperson Michael Bonacci, Standing: Garrett LaMara, Bill Manning, Bill McElvenney and Sue McElvenney (IBM members), Past National President Mike Miller, Mort Feldman, Jack Stone, Rebecca Lloyd and Al Lloyd. Click the images to enlarge.

Posted November 27, 2010 - RVP Pat Colby performs at NY Harbor VA Hospital in Brooklyn - Magic Week 2010.

Posted March 9, 2010 -
Click any image to enlarge.
Photos by Nina Schindler.

Volunteers President-Mike Miller	Andy Dallas-PNP	Bruce Kalver PNP First VP-Vinny Grosso	Chris Bontjes-2nd VP
Dean-George Schindler	Secy-Marlene Clark	Magician Glen Gary Mark Weidhaas-President Elect	Vent Bit Pat Colby RVP

Posted November 27, 2009 - Veterans Show Awards presented by Vinny Grosso to Assembly #59 (Portland, Oregon) magicians, left to right: Tom Waldrop, Tom Cramer, Michael Roth, Vinny Grosso, Christ Bontjes looks on. Click the image to view an enlargement.

Posted October 3, 2009 - NY Harbor Veteran's Administration hospital will host a performance courtesy of Parent S.A.M. Assembly #1, on October 30, 2009.

Posted March 28, 2009 - (Wilkes-Barre, PA) On Sunday, April 5th 2009 at 2:00 p.m., the Society of American Magicians is sending magicians to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Liberty Hall, to share their magic with veterans. The magicians presenting the show are members of the Society of American Magicians, local Assembly #160. The event is part of a national program developed and run by the Society of American Magicians where members volunteer their time and talents to entertain patients at VA hospitals throughout the country. The goal of the program is to perform at every VA Hospital in the country.

Posted October 31, 2008 - Bruce Kalver, Pat Colby, and George Schindler entertain at the Veterans Hospital in Brooklyn NY. Click the images to enlarge.

Posted October 7, 2008 - NY Harbor Veteran's Administration hospital will host a performance courtesy of Parent S.A.M. Assembly #1.

Posted September 21, 2008 - On September 18th, 2008 Society of American Magicians Second Vice President Vinny Grosso performed in Amman, Jordan.

Vinny Grosso wass the chairman the of both the Veterans Magic and National Magic Week Programs for the S.A.M- To learn more on how you can volunteer in these programs click either of the links.

Click either image for a full-size copy.

Posted April 16, 2008 - About 30 people enjoyed the magical presentations at the Lyons Veteran's Hospital on April 10th. Pictured are: Left-Norman Rosen; Left Rear-Bob Dinsmore; Center-Guru Subraminian; Right-Joe Sagrese; Right Rear-Bob Simek. Click the photo to enlarge.

Posted January 9, 2008 - Members of Assembly #2 perform at VA Nursing hospital at the Herbst Auditorium in Yountville CA. Shown are performers Tamaka and the Empress

Posted January 3, 2008 - Los Angeles SAM Assembly 22 member Chuck Le Fever (right) is shown performing close-up magic during "Operation Welcome Home" held at the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care Service Hospital in West Los Angeles on July 2, 2007. Over 500 veterans and their guests attended the day long festivities. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted October 24, 2007 - Pat Colby (center photo) entertains at Brooklyn VA Hospital Halloween Party (right photo). Dean and a Ghoul (left photo). Click any photo to view a larger copy.

Posted October 23, 2007 - Assembly 161 performs for Veterans at the Lyons Veterans Hospital on Thursday, October 11, 2007. Pictured left to right are Bob Simek, Norman Rosen, Guru Subramanian, all members of SAM 161. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted October 11, 2007 - Here are some photos taken and submitted by Barbara Dallas of a VA Show on June 23 by some members of Assembly #120. Click the images to enlarge.

Back row (left to right) SAM members: David Wernick, Christopher Bontjes, Jerad Nolin, Andy Dallas, Victor Tarquini. Front row: SYM members: John Bontjes, Jillian Bontjes

SAM members(left to right back row): Charlene Gott, Roy Stoutenborough, Jerad Nolin, Andy Dallas, Christopher Bontjes. Front row SYM members: John Bontjes, Jillian Bontjes.

Charlene Gott, John Bontjes and Jillian Bontjes team up to amaze the audience.

Posted October 10, 2007 - PA#1 Richard Bossong (right) receives VA Certificate and Award from the Dean. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted October 4, 2007 - NY Harbor Veteran's Administration hospital will host an Early Halloween Party at 10:00am on October 24th.

August 24, 2007 - SAM 161 members performed at the Lyons VA Medical Center. Here's the gang: Dick Herring, Scott Leavitt, Farvel the Marvel, Mike Fordice, Norm Rosen, and Jim Flood. Click the image to enlarge.

August 24, 2007 - Parent Assembly #1's Richard Bossong entertains at Brooklyn VA Harbor Hospital. Click the image to enlarge.

NY Harbor VA Hospital - George Schindler performs at two Halloween parties for Veterans. Click the image to enlarge.

Officers perform at Sam Stratton VA Hospital in Albany, New York.

Members of SAM Assembly 120 (Champaign, IL) presented a 1-hour stage show at the Danville, IL VA, with walk-around close-up before the show on Sunday, June 11th at 2:00pm. Performers included: Christopher Bontjes of Danville, George McGilvrey of Paris, Jerad Nolin of Champaign, Andy Anderson of Charleston, Dave Wernick of Terre Haute, IN, and incoming president of the SAM, Andy Dallas of Champaign. Photos and captions below:

Associate Member Dr. Paul Wilson performed at the Augusta Togus VAMC hospital six times in December and will receive a Presidential Citation from John Apperson. Click here to view a copy of the letter of appreciation Paul received from the Togus VAMC. Paul Wilson writes to the chair of the V.E.P.:

Dear Vincent,

On Saturday, December 4, I paid my sixth visit to the Togus VAMC in Augusta. As I have had a chance to get to know some of the longer-term residents on my earlier visits, I felt comfortable doing my medicine show for Dr. Wilson's Memory Elixir with a new script that was modified for the hospital setting.

As before, I went from room to room to entertain some of the patients who aren't able to leave their rooms. My opener is always the antique Roller Organ. Some of these folks have experience with antiques and have seen one of these before. If they are having a good time, after a few fast magic effects I do the Cups and Balls.

It has been a great year, and I reached my personal goal of six visits. I have attached a thank-you letter from Terisa Olson, a recreational therapist. I will continue to visit the Togus VAMC and will keep you informed.

Thank you once again for organizing this program. I hope that we can get more S.A.M. members involved.

Yours,

Paul

Join other members in providing magic entertainment for our service men and women.