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Commanders Call – September 2017

August is just about over. Man Oh Man! Where does the time go?School has started again, then it’s time for football.

Just a reminder to mark your calendar.  Oct 11th is the membership dinner for the AMVETS, Auxiliary, and the Son’s. Social hour 5 pm, dinner 6pm.

August 18 was our first fish fry in approximately 9 years. It was a great success. People enjoyed themselves and thought the fish was great. We would like to thank everyone for coming and hope to see them next, September 15th 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Thanks to all the people that put in hours organizing and working the fish fry. Special thanks to Tim and Tom Miller from Sumner for guiding us through the first fish fry. Check your WAVP calendar so you don’t miss out on all the activities.

Condolences go out to the Meyer Family. Herb passed away August 12. Herb has done so much for the AMVETS and the Waverly Shell Rock School. It would fill a book with all of his accomplishments. He will be greatly missed.

Also, our condolences goes out to the Schuler Family. Ken passed away August 1st.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me.

 

Commander

Bob O’Hare

bobohare201@gmail.com

319-404-2311

Commanders Call – August 2017

 

Bob O’Hare, Commander Post 79

I would like to send my condolence’s out to the Norman Herman Family.  Norm passed away Saturday, July 8th. Norm will be missed, our Prays go out to the Family.

It’s hard to believe that July is over already. The Heritage Day Parade was on the 15th of July. There was a good turn out even though it was hot and humid. There were many people standing along the parade route saluting the flag and cheering.

Check the calendar for all of the events going on this month at the WAVP.

Thursdays are food night (can’t go wrong there).  AMVETS Steak fry’s, third Saturday of each month (call in before 3pm on Saturday to reserve your steak. The phone number is 319-483-9287). There is also a short order cook the other nights.  Please help us put together a list of people to volunteer at all these events. If you are interested, please give me a call. Let’s make the WAVP a big success.

The Membership dinner is the 11th of October. It will be combined with the  Auxiliary & Sons again this year. Social hour is at 5pm, dinner at 6pm. Will have more information later.


First Fish Fry at the WAVP August 18th
We will serve from 5:30 until 8:00 to the first 300 people.  The menu will be: fish, potato salad, baked beans with a roll for $10.  We will need volunteers. If you wish to help call 319-404-2311.

Veterans Appreciation Night August 24th
This is a free event for area Veterans or Active Duty and one guest.  Attendees will enjoy a buffet provided by the Texas Roadhouse followed by a short program and self-guided tours of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and Grout Museum of History & Science.

Guest are required to pre-register at gmdistrict.org/vetnight2017 or call 319-234-6357. Seating is limited and registering early is encouraged. The Museum is located at 503 South Street, Waterloo.

Des Moines Homeless Veterans Stand-down
The Des Moines Homeless Veterans Stand-down will be held beginning on Friday evening September 15, 2017 at 5PM and run through Sunday noon on September 17, 2017. This is one of the premier stand-down events around the Country. AMVETS is a principal sponsor of this event and Des Moines Post 2 and Cedar Falls Post 49 have supported it for many years. This year the event will be held at E12th and Des Moines St which is the former site of Des Moines General Hospital immediately north of the State Capitol. Approximately 1600 veterans are served each year through this event, receiving, medical, mental health, or spiritual counseling, meals, clothing, haircuts, VA benefit or job counseling, as well as a festival like entertainment event on Saturday evening. As in past years, it takes many volunteers to pull this event off. Volunteers may contact Kimberly Neal at 515-669-3732 if you would like to assist with this event.

Veteran’s Day at the Fair
Vets Day at the Fair August 14, 2017 – Any Member of AMVETS wishing to participate with a float needs to contact Meghan Larkin at the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Camp Dodge. Parade begins at 11AM. Stop by and visit the AMVETS booth along the Grand Concourse at the Veterans Affairs booth.

Iowa AMVETS Fall Golf Tournament
The Iowa AMVETS Fall Golf Tournament will be held at Plum Creek Golf Course in Fredericksburg Iowa on Saturday September 23, 2017. Originally the tournament was scheduled for September 9th but now has been rescheduled for September 23, 2017. The 2 person best shot tournament will have a 10AM shotgun start. Scoring will be Flighted and there will be special hole prizes. Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 27 teams that sign up. The registration fee is $40 per person which equals $80 per team. Registration fees are available on the Department website.

 

Bob O’Hare, Commander

bobohare201@gmail.com

(319) 404-2311

Commanders Call – Bob O’Hare – July 2017

Commander Bob O’Hare bobohare201@gmail.com 319-404-2311

Summer is here and the kids are out of school.  Be alert to kids playing when you are driving.

 

I am looking forward to working with all the new officers in the coming year.

Check your calendar for all the events coming this month at the WAVP.  The AMVETS will be hosting a streak fry every 4th Saturday of the month.

Volunteers are always needed.

The AMVETS State Convention was held June 9th through the 11th   in Marshalltown.  Congratulations to Maria Kuiper a graduate of Waverly Shell Rock High School and daughter of Kevin and Kristen Kuiper.  She was sponsored by Waverly Post 79.  She is a recipient of a $2,000.00 scholarship.

Have a safe and happy summer.

Any questions or concerns please contact me:

 

Commanders Call – May 2017

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

*I wish there was space and time to “Thank” everyone that has supported our activities during the many years I have served as Post Commander, State Commander and various other positions.  The list is long and many over the years are no longer present, but had an influence on my life.  I truly appreciate those of you that have sat with me or allowed me to sit with you as we shared thoughts on various aspects of our Veteran’s organizations.  Friendly disagreement adds to the strength of a healthy organization and should never be put down, and an honest response is invaluable to maintaining integrity.  It is far better to state “I don’t know or have the answer, but will find out and get back to you”, then trying to live on B.S.  or lies.  I may not always have been successful, but as Commander, I have tried to be open to everyone’s opinion, but many times have supported what I felt was best for AMVETS at that time.

*REMINDER:  The election of Officers for 2017-18 will take place May 10th, with the meeting starting at 1900 or 7:00 p.m.  This is a terrific opportunity to become involved, showing support for Veterans with very little time involved.  If you have questions, I am willing to have coffee with you and discuss it.

*The VFW has the responsibility of promoting Waverly’s Memorial Day activities, but ask all of you to support the day’s activities along with our neighboring communities.  Reminding you now, that the parade route will be different with the closure of 1st St and Bremer Ave. NW.

*Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49 is hosting the “Vietnam Traveling Wall” from May 17-May 21.  Volunteers are still needed and if interested:

Volunteer to help at The Wall That Heals
Follow the directions below:
Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page: http://signup.com/go/KCx7jF
2. Enter your email address
3. Sign up! Choose your spots
If you are having trouble, email Donita Krueger at donitakrueger@gmail.com and she will send you a link, or
there is a sign up sheet at AMVETS Post 49

*As we look forward into May, let us remember; school will be coming to an end and sidewalks will be full of young bicyclists and children with no thought of danger.  It is up to us to slow down, be more vigilant (especially with the construction areas) and protect them.  If you have children or grandchildren, try to instill the reasoning of wearing a helmet and awareness of their surroundings.  The same should be said of water activities.  It is so heartbreaking to hear or read of a young child drowning in a farm pond or hit at an intersection.  We all need to be more aware of what and where we are and less time worrying about the chirping cell phone.  I wish all of you a truly SAFE and WONDERFUL SUMMER.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Commanders Call – March 2017

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

*I would like to express my condolences to family and friends of Eugene (Gene) Gaulke (AMVETS)-D.- February 2, 2017 and Norma Briner (Auxiliary)- D.- January 23, 2017.  Gene always had a twinkle in his eyes and heartwarming smile and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.  Norma was a dedicated Auxiliary member and contributed what she could until her health limited those abilities.  May we all hold them in our hearts, prayers and memories.

*I would like to remember and express condolences to Jim Lahr’s and Ruth Rosol’s family and their friends.  Although not Post 79 members, they were Post 79 family and through the years supported our activities.  I am thankful they shared a portion of their lives with me and proud to call them friends.

*To Cyndi and Lyman Campbell, on the passing of Cyndi’s Mother, Barbara (Bobbi) (Ecker) Blatchford.  Bobbi was well known and Ecker’s Nursery was generous over the years to many community activities including AMVETS.  May we also keep Cyndi and the Ecker family in our prayers and share the memories with others.

*On a lighter side:  the weather has been un-winter like, but let’s not be fooled because we still have March Madness, which could be sports or snow.  The good news is that spring is not far away and the days are noticeably longer, so please stay safe, watch the weather, and get the grill ready.

*Department of Iowa Scholarship forms were dropped off at the high school, but they are accessible on line:    http://www.amvetsiowa.org/News-.html  and scroll down to a pdf for scholarship 2016-17.  National AMVETS also has scholarships, forms accessible through National web site.

*My newsletter for March is shorter than most newsletters, and now looking at two more (April/May) to complete my term.  Minus the few months I missed, that adds up to approximately 135 newsletters.  Thank you again to everyone who has ever made a comment regarding the newsletter.

* * * * * * * * * *

*From Carl Benning, WAVP Board and Post 79 Finance Officer for the newsletter:

  1. Since we are spending over $1700 each year on the mailing of the newsletter, please consider giving us your e-mail address (you can drop it off at WAVP and designate it for the AMVETS newsletter, or enter your address on the front page of this site).  This will allow us more dollars that we can use for veterans’ services.
  1. There are over 180 AMVETS members in our local Post 79; however, only about 10 are present at the monthly meetings.  Pretty Sad!!  Decisions are made at these meetings; we would like more input and involvement from all members.  We meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm.  This is YOUR organization!!
  1. We are looking for more activities to keep our members active.  Any suggestions?  If you are willing to help with any activity, let us know.
  1. Election of officers is around the corner; the “old slate” is getting tired!  Please consider volunteering for any office.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Rally Point Cedar Valley Veterans Needs Your Help!

As a Veteran Service Officer in Bremer County, Iowa, we often come into contact with homeless veterans. In August of 2010, we came in contact with a unique veteran named George and his dog Pluto. He had spent his last few dollars on a hotel room in Waverly, Iowa and had made contact with our local United Way who then made contact with us. We found the veteran and discovered that he had walked over 300 miles with his dog and intended to walk to Alaska to “work the oil fields.” After some discussion, we also discovered that George had attempted suicide the very morning we came into contact with him. We immediately brought him to the hospital where he was admitted for suicidal ideations and dehydration.
 
After his discharge, we worked with this veteran, everyday, until he was permanently housed, nearly four months after arriving in Waverly.
 
George and the many George’s that followed planted a seed. What we discovered over the next few years was that when we referred our veterans to permanent housing organizations, 63% of them would return to us within a year and homeless again. If we housed them ourselves, to date, 100% of our veterans are still permanently housed. We decided that a shelter of our own would benefit our veterans more than any other local resource and we were afforded that opportunity when a home owner offered their home for use as a shelter.
After a year of trying to make the home work as a government entity, we split ties and created our own nonprofit.
 
In September 2015, Rally Point Cedar Valley Veterans opened it’s first transitional shelter for active duty military, veterans, their families and their pets knowing that we had approximately three years until the home would be demolished by the home’s owner. The shelter, LZ Phoenix, is the only one of its kind in Iowa since it allows for any individual who served on active duty at least one day to stay, with their families and with their four-legged family members. Additionally, no members of the staff or Board of Directors are paid so that every penny raised goes directly towards the success of our residents.
 
Our nonprofit has served over 20 families and their pets as we’ve feverishly been raising funds for a new home. That’s where we need your help! To date, we’ve funded every expenditure with $5 and $10 community donations. Your donation, however small, can help put us into a new home and continue our mission of creating a safe, stable and sustainable home for our veterans and their families.
 
All donations are tax deductible since Rally Point Cedar Valley Veterans is recognized as a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) per IRS Code 432.56.215-B.
 
Neal Jarnagin
Bremer County VA

Commanders Call – February 2017

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

*First I would like to congratulate Mary Steinbach for a successful recognition dinner and thanks go out to everyone who helped set up, take down and clean up the hall.  Many thanks also to those that donated food items, worked in the kitchen and just let Mary know, “we appreciate her”.  I want to add a personal “thank you” to Sandy K. Dietz, Patty Kaiser, and Sally O’hare for the tasty chili and kitchen help on Sunday.  I heard so many positive remarks on the facility from our visitors that came from all over the state.

*That said: AMVETS is considering holding their State Convention here in 2018.  In order for this to run smoothly and effective, several items regarding staffing, hours, accessibility, and a few minor details will have to be addressed.  This again is an activity that brings people from all over the State and frequently National Officers from “anyplace USA”, hoping these items can be addressed.

*Reminder to all:  AMVETS meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month (7:00 PM), AMVETS Auxiliary meets the 3rd Wednesday (7:00 PM) and the Sons are working on scheduling a monthly meeting.  These meetings are there for YOU.  Several people have commented or had questions for me that I do not have answers for, and this is YOUR opportunity to present them to AMVETS WAVP board members.  The floor is always open for honest discussions and questions and your concerns are probably shared by more than just you.  Nobody can fix or address items that they don’t know about, so come to a meeting, or write them in a signed letter and present them.

*The box of items collected for the Iowa Veterans Home was delivered the first Friday in January and was greatly appreciated.  Thanks to ALL that donated, whether large, small, many or one item, they will get used.

*Please check the calendar, facebook (Amvets Post 79), website (www.amvets79.us) for February updates on a regular basis.  Items of interest right now:  Super Bowl Sunday activities, Valentine’s Day, plus meetings and meals.

*REMINDER:  The countdown continues towards Post elections, and if you are interested in getting involved, either a little or straight to the top, come to the meeting in February.  Due to a commitment at the Iowa Veterans Home followed with a visit to the Iowa City VA Hospital, I will not be present at February’s meeting, so a great time to express yourself.   I have commented before, but in case you missed it, “I will not continue as Post Commander and it is time for young ideas”.

*I would like to express my “Thanks” again for the support over the last seven years and may all of you stay safe.  I am saddened to hear that several of our AMVETS family have had encounters with the ice, some serious and some just “oh sh_t”.  No matter what the encounter, it hurts and our prayers go out to those more serious.  Please let us know how you are doing or if some help is needed.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary News – February 2017

Mary Steinbach
Local 2016-2017 President and
State 2016-2017 President

First of all I wan to thank everyone involved in the planning, prep work, and execution of the my recognition dinner as State of Iowa AMVETS Auxiliary President and also the SEC meetings held on Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15. We had AMVETS members from across the state here for the weekend with most commenting on the WAVP and the staff working there. A special thanks goes to my Auxiliary members that were there supporting me, decorating the hall for the dinner, and preparing and serving the lunch after the meetings.

Department of Iowa Ladies Auxiliary President Mary Steinbach

Master of Ceremonies Donna Fischer

  Head Table

On January 6th 8 members traveled to the Marshalltown VA home for their monthly volunteering in the craft room and helping with BINGO. With us we took donated items that were collected. We ended up with my trunk full and also the back part of Jean’s van of donated items.  All items were needed and greatly appreciated.

With success of the this collection, Donna Fischer, local 3rd Vice for Child Welfare and also Department 3rd Vice, would like to start a collection box for items needed at the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa City and Des Moines. As Department 3rd Vice her project is the Ronald McDonald House, which serves as a “home away from home” for families, that have children in the hospital. There is a large list of items that are always needed, but the following items are always needed: paper towels, plastic cutlery, stainless steel cleaning wipes, white cardstock, postage stamps, grocery gift cards, and gas cards. We ask that you consider donating items for her project. She will hand deliver the collected items to the Des Moines Ronald McDonald House in April. You can go onto the Ronald McDonald House website to find a more complete list of items needed or to make a charitable donation.

“The Wall That Heals” is coming to the Cedar Valley this spring from May 18th to the 21st and will be displayed and the Cedar Falls AMVETS Post #49. It is a mobile, half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that is displayed in Washington DC and will be accompanied by the Mobile Education Center. The exhibit will be open 24 hours of the day to allow everyone the ability to experience this exhibit. This will be a wonderful event for the entire family. Mark your calendars and plan to view the “The Wall That Heals”.

The Department of Iowa AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary has raffle tickets for sale as part of the Department fundraisers. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds are essential to the continues success of our Department. Prizes include gift baskets, gift cards, cash, and more! Something for everyone! Drawings will be held at the Spring SEC and you need not be present to win, so if asked to purchase tickets, help us out by buying one or more. Thank you in advance for supporting AMVETS, AMVETS Auxiliary, and Sons of AMVETS

Sons of AMVETS – February 2016

Sons of AMVETS

The current officers of the Sons of AMVETS Post 79 would like to welcome all new members and to thank all current members for their continued support. It has been a long 8 years without an AMVETS building, but the new WAVP is open, beautiful, and offers many activities throughout the week. If you have not been to the WAVP, I encourage you to read our monthly newsletter, keep current with the month’s activities, and join us regularly for Sons of AMVETS Post 79 meetings.

Right now our only fundraising activity is a collection bin located at the WAVP where anyone can donate their cans and bottles. Money raised from this collection bin is used for the our scholarship fund and to give back to the WAVP for upkeep and their expenses. In the near future we are planning a meeting night for the Sons to take a tour of the building, future activities in which the Sons can support our community and local veterans, and what the Sons of AMVETS can help with to support the WAVP.

Upcoming events that are being planned at the WAVP are Saturday steak nights and a monthly fish fry. Remember these? When the details for these two events are finalized they will be looking for volunteers. This will be a great opportunity for the Sons of AMVETS and their members to become more active by volunteering. “Many hands make little work”

Our next meeting will be at the WAVP on February 13th starting at 6:30. Please mark you calendar and plan to attend this meeting.  Any questions or concerns may be directed to me or to Jim Trask 319-240-0704. If we immediately do not have the answers we will make sure we talk to the right people to find the answer. We currently are asking Sons members to be more involved in our projects and to fill in as officers are needed.

As we start a new year, please remember our veterans, past and present, along with their families, and what they have contributed  and sacrificed for the freedom we have today.

Thank you again for your commitment to our veterans and their families, and you membership to the Sons of AMVETS Post 79.

Chaplain’s Corner – February 2017

Gary Philllips, Chaplain
2017

True love vs. romance  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 & verse 13

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Although, it might be said that all love has romance, I assure you all romance does not have love. Every year in the United States, and beyond, as February 14th, Valentine’s Day, approaches people’s minds turn to all things love and romance.  But don’t be confused as they are not synonymous.  Romance can be defined as an intense, often short-lived attraction, fascination, or enthusiasm for something or someone.  Usually, this romantic attraction is based on some outside quality that is mysterious or fascinating, like something that appears adventurous, heroic, or unusually beautiful.  This type of Romance is temporary and rooted in fantasy mostly, never growing past the level of infatuation.  If real love was only romance, relationships would never really have a chance, they would be cursed to remain superficial at best.  Your love has to be more than a greeting card’s sappy notions. Your love has to be more than a feeling…and your love has to be even more than just an action.

Scripture says love is more than just a feeling or an action…it is a lifetime of actions…It is complete unselfishness toward another.  In one word, love is – sacrifice.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. This verse certainly means that being willing to give one’s life for another is at the height of unselfish love and sacrifice but God also says that you can and should be a living sacrifice.

True love thinks about everyone but itself. True love isn’t selfish, ridged, and locked in its own ways. True love is adaptable and ready, willing and able to adjust to the needs of others.  Many times in scripture it refers to someone who can’t receive God’s love as someone who has hardened their heart.  You’ve probably seen it in your life as well when someone is so ridged, so hardened, so focused on themselves…they cannot truly love someone else. Maybe you’re the one who falls into this category?  So, ask yourself, do you look for the needs of others or are you constantly thinking about yourself? Scripture is God’s love letter to mankind, the most amazing Valentine card ever written and in its pages is the description of the ultimate act of love and sacrifice and also, Gods blueprints for true love and true romance. Now, think for a moment, if you will, as to the kind of love and its intensity… the love, of Country, that drives a man or woman to enlist and be willing to sacrifice their life in that service.  So, this February 14th… please remember, in your prayers, all have felt that love and committed themselves to that service.  For no one since Jesus Christ has someone you don’t even know been willing to give their life  
for you… and that my friends is LOVE!

paraphrased from an original Holy Host posting  2/14 of the Jesus Christ Show