Tag Archives: care bare

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 – 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.

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Help AMVETS Help Veterans

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

Commanders Call – January 2017

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

*SECOND NOTICE: In January (14&15), the AMVETS State Executive Committee meeting will be held here in Waverly and our own, Mary Steinbach will have her recognition dinner as Department of Iowa AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President. If asked to help, assist, ideas, or even a “Thanks MJ”, please step forward and show your appreciation.
*Mary Steinbach (MJ) has done a lot for our Post and for Veterans over the years. MJ has kept this newsletter and mailings going for over 10 years, she also is the one that puts our calendar together, volunteers when time permits at the Veterans Home and Post 79 activities along with holding down a full time job. I am personally asking our Post 79 family to share in the recognition of MJ in whatever manner you can. Contact myself or Jean Lanske if you have questions, contact Kathiee Pitt for Dinner reservations. Dinner reservation deadline is December 30, 2016. Thank you in advance.
*Our membership year for our AMVETS family is coming to an end December 31st and along with that will come a review of our newsletter mailing. It costs the AMVETS $10.00 per year for each mailing and even a little more for those that move and do not notify us. I believe our newsletter/calendar is important and is one reason we continue to maintain the largest combined membership of the local VSO’s. We will continue our mailings, BUT, only to those that qualify in some manner to receive them. This could be as a Post 79 AMVET, AUX. or Sons, Patriot Supporter whose dues cover the cost, or a donation of $10.00 and request submitted. This will be thoroughly looked at in January and some people will be removed from the list.
*Following are a few updates regarding items being considered by the WAVP board at my request. Please consider what is being asked and be willing to step forward.
*Tribute Note: Thanks to all who purchased bricks in the past; we are presently “caught up” on all installations. We have had inquiries regarding additional brick purchases. Applications can be downloaded from www.waverlyvets.us, the AMVETS Website or call Carl Benning (352-3012) or Ted Lanske (240-0734). WAVP will be taking over record-keeping, orders, and placement after January 1, 2017. If you wish to assist in anyway, we are always looking for volunteers.

*WAVP Update: We now have a limited sandwich and side order menu on weekdays (except Thursdays) from 5-7 pm. Plans for the grill room are being formulated; hope to be operational by late January. The deck plans are also being made; however, construction will begin next spring when the weather is more conducive. There are several continuing projects; please let us know if you are willing to assist with interior decorating, displaying of memorabilia, making display cases, organizing a small library, etc.

*FISH FRY: Plans are “in the works”!! There is one thing definite: they will not happen automatically! Many hands are needed to make this work!! Please consider volunteering a little time and effort for these to be successful. We hope to begin in February.
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*From your Commander: my family wishes all of you; a Great New Year, Stay Safe, Have Fun, Hug someone, and share a story, but most of all, KNOW YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO US. YOU ARE OUR FAMILY and I am so glad that we can share a laugh or two.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Commander’s Call – May 2016

MemorialDay *Update on the WAVP as of 4/21/2016:  I would put the exterior brick work at approximately 90-95% completed, drywall is being installed in the lower level, plumbing, HVAC, and wiring work continues.  Some updated pictures are available on Facebook under Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 79, and/or Ted Lanske or www.amvets79.us .  If you attend the WAVP breakfast, some of the latest pictures are normally showing on one or two of the TV’s at the Post.

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

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

*Please keep in mind that May 30th is Memorial Day and the Marine Corps League is the responsible organization this year.  Please take an hour or two out of your lives to either attend activities on the 30th or volunteer in placement of poles, flags, grave markers or Flanders Field.  Keep your eyes and ears open for the schedule of events from the MCL.

*If you were fortunate enough to attend the showing of “Where Patriots Gather” put together by a group of Wartburg students, I am sure you will agree they did a great job.  If you were not able to attend, it is available to view on our website.  If you are interested in watching this 15 minute program and at the Post when I am, ask me and will access it on the computer.

*Please check the calendar at the Canteen for updates, as of 4/21, AMVETS will do a steak fry on the 7th of May.  Originally scheduled for the 14th, but cancelation of a hall rental allows us to utilize that date, which is more convenient.  Also note the 2nd Saturday breakfast and Thursday food nights.  I thank all of you that come down and participate in our activities.  If you are enjoying these activities, bring a friend along to share your enjoyment.

*This past month, several of our AMVETS family received recognition of some sort for volunteer activities they participate in.  The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown recognized Marge Dietz, Patty Kaiser, Jean Lanske, Veronica McKenzie, Dita Boorom and AMVETS. Hospice recognized Jean Lanske, Shirley Wehrhan, and Irene Brinkman. Hospital volunteers; Jean Lanske, Shirley Wehrhan, Marge Dietz, and Irene Brinkman.  NEI3A (home delivered meals); Shirley Wehrhan, Jean and Ted Lanske.  I know there are others, too bashful to say anything, but if you see these people, PLEASE say thank you.  They are a huge part of what makes living in Iowa great and their dedication without expecting or wanting recognition is a blessing for all.  Speaking for myself, whenever I catch myself with the desire to complain about my wine or beer being at the wrong temperature or the chair to hard, I visualize those I have assisted at IVH or deliver meals too; guess what, my aches minimize and realize I am truly blessed.

*Speaking of volunteers, they will be needed as we enter into the new WAVP.  Waverly will be hosting the annual State Firemen’s Association convention September 7th – 11th, 2016.  Our Grand Opening is scheduled for October 8th, 2016; Veterans Day activities are in planning stages for November 11th, 2016 and if you are or would be interested in being involved, contact me or any Board Member.  Can’t stand on your feet for long or anything physical, then maybe a cake or cookies, registration desk, smile and welcoming committee, could be your gift.  As this is all in planning stages, maybe making name tags, badges or addressing envelopes would be needed.  I truly appreciate everyone that has given anything, including time for the various AMVETS projects that we have been involved in.  Thank you.

*This month will include election of Officers for our organizations and would ask that someone step up and become involved.  I or another Post Officer may be calling some of you to help fill needed gaps in our ranks. Contact Carl Benning for what is needed and the time commitment.  I would think by now, that everyone would be “sick and tired” of listening or watching me continue as Commander.

 

Help AMVETS help Veterans

AMVETS Presents Care Bears to Law Enforcement

Left to Right: Commander Ted Lanske, Sheriff Dan Pickett, Chief Richard Pursell and Finance Officer Carl Benning

Left to Right: Commander Ted Lanske, Sheriff Dan Pickett, Chief Richard Pursell and Finance Officer Carl Benning

AMVETS Post 79 has been involved in the “Care Bear” program for several years.  This is a program supported by National and the Department, but is administered and financed by the local posts.

The concept is to furnish “teddy bears” to local emergency departments that they can carry in their vehicles and when called to an emergency where young children are involved, they can give this “Care Bear” to a child under stress.  We realize that responding personnel must first do their job, whether it is traffic control, 1st Aid, calling for support or whatever is needed to keep the area safe, and that the “Care Bear” may come later after things are under control.  At that point, if children are involved, the comfort of something soft to hold and hug can become a magical moment.  Most of us, at some point in our lives have had our own “teddy bear” or another stuffed toy that we have hugged and loved, possibly till the stuffing came out.  So I would ask for your support of this project, either financially or verbally by passing this on to others.

There are several AMVET posts in Iowa involved with this program, and comments we have received from a few of these emergency personnel has been very positive.  Fortunately, our local departments hand out very few, but this is not true for other areas, especially those located near communities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids.

On Thursday, May 1, 2014, Ted Lanske and Carl Benning representing AMVETS Post 79 presented “Care Bears” to Chief Richard Pursell, Waverly Police Department and Sheriff Dan Pickett, Bremer County.