Tag Archives: law enforcement

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 – November 2016

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

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

*I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Platte.  Not mentioned in his obituary; Wayne had been a member of AMVETS Post 79 and a regular for several years, sharing stories, laughter and enjoying life.  On the occasions that we would have music, you would find Wayne on the dance floor, truly having a great time.  I will remember that twinkle in his eye and know there was a hint of mischief in the air.  Rest in peace and Thank You for serving our country.

*Although they were not members; but have family that are a part of our AMVETS family, I would like to offer my condolences to the families of Virgil Fasse and Roberta Ramker.  Please know that we understand the loss you feel and are willing to provide support, shoulder or a hug if needed.

*Due to scheduling conflicts, this newsletter is being written early, so if something is missed, please understand it was not intentional.

*Will provide an update or evaluation of how our combined AMVETS Membership dinner went, in the December newsletter, and would ask for input from those that attended.

*I want to THANK everyone that is friends on facebook  Amvets Post 79 and has “share” or “like” our various pages.  We reached a high during the week of October 2-9 of over 1400 hits, which I think is amazing.  President Mary Steinbach and I would hope that more of you would “share” and “like”, plus “invite” friends to our activities on facebook or share www.amvets79.us .  You may wonder “why should I care or take the time?”; so will provide two quick stories.  This past year I received phone calls: (1) from Des Moines from the Son in Law of a Veteran being buried in Iowa Falls asking how his Father in Law could receive a Veteran’s funeral, (2) from a Veteran in Oklahoma asking for help regarding accessing a phone number for an AMVETS Post in Norman, OK.  Fortunately, in both cases, I was able to assist them, BUT, that is the reach we have with our facebook and website. With the publicity of our new facility and because my name and phone number are available, I would expect questions and hope I can provide answers or direction.  A closer to home reason is that the more people we reach during fundraising activities, the increase in participation also increases the dollars raised and the assistance we can provide to others.  The ability to help others should be our mission.

*wavpTHANKS to everyone that attended, participated, or helped with the Grand Opening.  What a great day and everything went so well, it was almost scary.  It started with a beautiful day, great breakfast, meaningful program and so many people just sharing the day.  Thanks to Hy-Vee for providing the afternoon hotdogs and the busy staff.  A great way to start that 1st page, chapter 1, in a new book called WAVP.

* veterans-day1Mark your calendars for November 11th, Veterans Day 2016.  There are activities all over the State regarding Veterans Day and Waverly is no different.  The Marine Corps League is the VSO responsible for this year’s activities honoring the day at the Waverly Area Veterans Post.  Along with that is a host of volunteers providing many services throughout the day.  Watch for schedules that will be posted on line, facebook, newspaper and at the Post in the future.  Thank you in advance.

*happy-thanksgiving-1My family would like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope you make it a family affair.  If you are traveling, may your travels be safe and on time.  Now that we know the weather is starting to change, please realize patches of ice or frost could appear on the roadways, so give yourself extra time and be vigilant of your surroundings.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Commanders Call – April 2016

Ted Lanske at Iowa Veterans Cemetery and SUBVETS Tribute

Ted Lanske at Iowa Veterans Cemetery and SUBVETS Tribute

*Spring is here and this being Iowa, add a few thoughts to the list (speed limit, seat belt, etc.) when you are driving.  Children running, bicycles, skateboards and other outside activities where safety is the last thing in a young mind, probably some older minds too, so please, become observant when driving.  It is also the time where we share the roads and highways with farm equipment that is slow moving and seem to appear out of nowhere.  Please add a few minutes to your travel time, don’t reach for another sip of coffee or Mountain Dew; keep your eyes alert and your mindset on driving.

*Update on the WAVP:  Project is progressing rapidly inside the building, with electrical, plumbing, duct work, and H/AC in different stages of completion.  Windows are in, ceiling grid work and insulation being installed.  A Grand Opening date is set for October 8th 2016 at 1200 hrs after the breakfast.   The opening date will be prior to the Grand Opening with several guesses and estimates as to an actual date, and I will try to keep you informed as more reliable and updated construction information becomes available.

*As the opening date approaches, the Board and Committees are looking for involvement from everyone and anyone that has ideas of activities or time to volunteer at the new facility. This will be a work in progress as time moves on as some ideas may not work or may need adjustments.  Please contact any of our AMVETS Board Members with your input or questions.

*We have our AMVETS Auxiliary along with the Sons looking ahead to the Heritage Days activities coming up July 15-17.  In the last few years, these subordinate groups have been the only organizations involved in the actual parade and thoughts have been to broaden this into a WAVP experience.  If anyone has ideas or suggestions in regards to this, please contact me, either by phone or email.

*Please check the upcoming calendars, as AMVETS will continue a monthly steak fry, normally the 1st or 2nd Saturday of the month.  As of now, these are scheduled into the month of August, to be held at the present location (Legion Post).  Check out the Auxiliary’s Thursday food night schedule on the calendar too.

*In another month, AMVETS and subordinates will be selecting or electing Officers for 2016-17.  We need some people to step up and be willing to give a few hours of their time each month.  I promise, you will not be thrown under the truck, but it is crucial that some offices be filled.  Unless someone asks to be Post Commander; you are going to be stuck with me for now.  It was suggested that representation in regards to the WAVP remain as “status quo”; so therefore again, no changes are planned.  That said; any active member is entitled and encouraged to attend and participate at the meetings.  The more people involved equals more and better ideas for the future.

*If anyone, AMVETS, Auxiliary, Sons, or Supporter would be interested in serving or helping in some manner when the new WAVP facility becomes operational, please contact me.  This facility was designed and built to be active, and your help is needed.  HOW CAN WE MAKE AND KEEP IT ACTIVE?  Maybe you have ideas, contacts or experience we could use.  Ex. “Do you have the ability to teach people how to face book or email?”, “Teaching quilting?”, or some other skill or interest.

*AMVETS and Veterans lost a great supporter with the passing of Duane Liddle.  Duane may not have served in the military, but he certainly served this community by being a watchdog of our City Council.  We may not have agreed with him 100%, but no one came to the meetings more prepared and that includes the City staff.  Thank you Duane.

*Last item:  Thank you Wanda/Carl Benning and Jean Lanske for their involvement and volunteer time with the Foreign Food Fair at the Marshalltown Iowa Veterans Home.  A chance to appreciate how hard the staff and volunteers work to make this such an outstanding facility.

*Scholarship applications are available at the High School, which are presented by AMVETS, Auxiliary and Sons.  Otherwise contact me and I will get them or direct you to the appropriate contact.

 

Help AMVETS help Veterans

Commander Call – March 2016

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

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

*First, I would like to express my thanks to Michelle Ferguson for everything she has done this past year.  I may be biased, but believe there are many people that agree; she was the one that led us through this past year at the Canteen and helped make it a success.   Thank you Michelle.

 

*Thanks to all that supported the Ladies Valentine Steaks.  What a great evening and from my perspective, a great social gathering with friends, family and meeting some new people.  Conditions are not perfect for grilling, but very few complaints and none serious. Several visitor compliments from Post 49, Cedar Falls.

*Don’t forget that the Sons of AMVETS will be doing steaks on Saturday, March 5th 5:30 – 8:00 pm.  Please come and support them; although not a large group, the Sons have been there in many ways, quietly supporting us.  On March 24th, the AMVETS Auxiliary will be hosting food night with a menu of chicken noodle over biscuit with green beans and desserts.   March 31st, our past Canteen Coordinator scheduled the AMVETS Commander back doing Chicken Wings plus sides.  (The only thing he can get right without screwing it up according to her)  J The Louisiana hot sauces will be there for the BRAVE.

*If you are an AMVET and have either a daughter or son that meets the requirements of our Auxiliary or Sons, please talk to them about becoming a part of these groups.  They can be as active as they choose, but this is a way for them to show their support for those that have served or are serving.  Contact Ted Lanske, Jean Lanske or John Mohlis if there are questions.

*It is that time of year where the sun may be in your eyes while driving early morning or evening with the added problems of thawing and freezing on the highways.  Momentary blindness or sudden patches of ice lead to numerous accidents so give yourself some extra time and be safe.

*Reminder:  Please utilize 319-483-9287 to call the WAVP Canteen, and on Facebook – Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 79, Waverly. IA for up to date information.  Not on facebook?  Then if you have children or grand children close by or frequently visiting, have them hook up to the facebook connection and link for you.  Tell them it’s “payback time”, but smile when you say it and you may be surprised what gets posted.  Don’t forget to check out our website www.amvets79.us  while you have them handy.

Facebook – Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 79, Waverly, IA

*Final comment; If you have a friend or acquaintance sitting at home, now is the time with nicer weather to invite them out and stop at the Canteen.  We do serve non alcohol drinks if desired.

*FYI:  Please pass this along to anyone who may have a child or grandchild that is a senior in high school and is looking at furthering their education.  Our local AMVETS Auxiliary will have scholarship applications at the WSR High School Counselor’s office.  They need to be picked up and completed according to directions on the form.  The Iowa Department of AMVETS also has scholarships available for graduating seniors.  These applications will be available at WSR High School also.  If you have questions, please contact me and I will try to have applications available.

*If your AMVETS membership card is unreadable or lost, you can get a replacement for $5.00 or a gold replacement for $15.00.  You can go on line to National or again contact me and I will process it through the internet and you should have it within two weeks.

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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.