What a great way to spend the evening with friends! Come down and enjoy the Thursday Dinner at the Club sponsored by the AMVETS Auxiliary featuring Pork Loin, Baked Potato, Glazed Carrots and a dessert all for just $9.00! . Curbside & Dine In ! Orders must be called in by 5 PM the day prior! Spread the word and help support our club!
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
(319) 404-2311
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:
What a great way to spend the evening with friends! Come down and enjoy the Thursday Dinner at the Club featuring a smoked pork chop, baked potato and vegetable, all for just $8.50!
Spread the word and help support our club!
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
Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com
This is a personal “Thank You” to: LornaRae Power, Mary Hatala, Sandra Black, Cynthia Haack for all the volunteer hours, phone calls, contacts and everything else that went into preparations for Veterans Day activities. These four ladies did the lion’s share of the work that went into this day. I want to express my thanks also to those that cut hair, massages, blood pressure checks, flu shots, provided coffee, snacks and food for the day. Thanks also to Rolings for T-shirts, Eckers for floral displays, and so many others. I want all of you to KNOW and REALIZE, this is put on by Volunteers, who want to show their support for Veterans. Since this was their first in the new facility, they are already looking how to improve and make changes for next year. God Bless them and everyone involved.
*December is here, along with the hustle and bustle of shopping, traveling, plus many other things to occupy our minds. PLEASE; ensure your vehicles are kept locked while shopping, gifts locked in the trunk out of sight if possible, watch for excited young children bundled up with no thoughts of safety, and be observant of those around you. Report suspicious activities to store managers, jot down a license plate number if needed, this is the season of giving and possibly giving someone a safe Christmas, could be the greatest gift ever.
Drop box for Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown.
*FIRST 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.
*Thankfully the elections are over, but if you check the news, already a Senator (D) has expressed a desire to run in 2020. PLEASE, say it ain’t so. – – – – – – I know that is not proper grammar, but it expresses my feelings better. Win or lose, democrat or republican, the only way we can fix what is wrong, is: WE NEED TO START WORKING TOGETHER. If we could pull the plug on every news network, I think 80% of our problems disappear. Ooops, personal comment-sorry
*At our November Post 79 meeting, I announced the following: “I have served as Post 79 Commander during the following periods; (92-93,93-94), (2001-02,02-03,03-04),(2010-present), which is a total of 12 years”. “We now have the new facility, with a young and energetic manager, who needs the support of new and fresh ideas, and AMVETS needs to follow or lead in that direction”. “In the past 20plus years I have been an AMVET, I lost count of the times I’ve heard, we don’t do that or that won’t work; and I certainly do not want to hear myself make these statements, therefore, I will not continue serving as Post Commander after elections in May, but will support the new Commander”. I do appreciate all of you that waited with me, served with me, and supported me over those 12 years, especially the last 7. Thank You.
*To ALL: My family wishes everyone a: Very Merry Christmas and safe Holidays. I am not sure of what Holiday activities may be going on at the Post, but check for updates, come down and share some cheer and be wise on your adult beverages. Gail is doing a super job in the kitchen, and let everyone know that there is a small but excellent menu available.
*Put Christ back in your hearts and our men and women serving this country in your prayers. As we enter December, amongst that hustle and bustle, remember: Dec. 7, 1941 the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 16, 1944 Glenn Miller disappeared over the English Channel, Dec 16, 1944 The Battle of the Bulge began, Dec. 21, 1972 East and West Germany established diplomatic ties.
Help AMVETS Help Veterans
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.
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THANKS 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.
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Mark 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.
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My 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
Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com
*An oversight on my part for September’s newsletter was the passing of Herman H Emkes, 84 of Denver, IA. I did not know Herman, but reading his obituary; here was a man that truly served. He served during the Korean War, but more important, spent many years serving Veterans and his community. He was working on a project for a Civil War Memorial at the American Legion Post in Denver. If anyone can find it in their hearts, let’s help complete this for a man who gave so much.
*REPEAT: It is official, on Wednesday, October 19th, AMVETS, AMVETS Auxiliary, Sons will have their annual membership dinner, come and renew that evening. Those that are paid new or renewed members are invited to participate, all life members are also welcome, but a small donation would be appreciated. There will be a social hour of 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, with the meal starting at 6:30. The menu and buffet style has worked well and believe it should work for this also. The AMVETS/Sons will have their usual raffles going on, and hopefully have a great time and enjoyable evening.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -*PATRIOT SUPPORTERS: Anyone who is not a Veteran, may become a “Patriot Supporter” by contributing an annual donation (since it is a donation, it is eligible for personal income tax deduction).
The calendar year 2017 annual donation is $40.00, which will allow most privileges, except a vote, regarding Veteran affairs. There may be other benefits to be announced in the future.
These donations will be payable to WAVP, and may be given to any WAVP Board member or to any bartender. This list will be maintained by the General Manager.
A paid “Patriot Supporter” may attend a membership dinner of their choice. The Veteran organization hosting any “Patriot Supporter” will be reimbursed for meal ($10.00) by WAVP.
Subsequent annual donations will be determined by WAVP; the amount will be equal to, or greater than, the level of dues for any member Veteran organization.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -*From “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” published in 1798 and appropriate still today, just a few lines from a lengthy poem written by English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Water, water, every where,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.
Will be honest, I am getting tired of the word “Cedar”, especially when used with river. Thanks go out to hundreds of people, young and old, from all over the country, for once again working their butts off helping those affected by the recent flooding. If we were in the old AMVETS Post 79; water would have been in that building again. Enough said.
*Please Note: AMVETS will not have a meeting in October due to our membership dinner. Hope all of you have October 8th , Grand Opening, marked on your calendar. AMVETS State Exec. Committee will meet October 22 and 23 in Cedar Falls at Post 49.
Help AMVETS Help Veterans
Ted Lanske Accepting AMVETS Post of the Year 2015
*First, I wish to say “Welcome” to Sara Stephens, our new WAVP Manager. May we all welcome her and do what we can to make the job easier. There will be a huge learning curve as she needs to learn the building, the operations, equipment and the people. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself more than once or introduce a friend. Thank you in advance.
*Bob O’hare is now officially my replacement on the WAVP board along with Carl Benning and James Brandau for AMVETS. Effective August 1st, Jean and I will no longer be volunteering to clean the club on a daily basis, or ensure garbage is out on Tuesday, recycling and redemption completed. We have done this for 1-1/2 years now and feel that with paid staff on board, we have done our part. We want to thank Bob & Sally O’hare for filling in when we had other commitments.
*The goal ?? is that the new facility be open about the middle of August, with set up, licenses, inspections, occupancy permits all in place before the end of August. There is a considerable amount of tables, chairs, some equipment, kitchen supplies and operating supplies that will need to be moved efficiently and quickly. Please note and review the letter from WAVP 1st Vice Carl Benning after my newsletter for more information.
*September will have a busy schedule with big plans for the Iowa firefighters in town and I truly hope everything works out. It will be a huge test for all Veterans groups involved. Again, several of you have stated to me that you are willing to help, and I ask “If this is still true, let Sara or someone on the food committee know”.
*August 31st ends AMVETS membership year for 2015-16 and we start 2016-17, so please renew as quickly as you can. Please note, that this year with the new facility, we will have a combined membership dinner. The hall will be divided with the curtain, with men on one side, ladies on the other and share the same menu. This will save the men and ladies some money, and may allow some that can’t participate normally that chance. The plan at this writing is, it will be scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday in October, which also allows some leftovers to be utilized for the Thursday food night. If you wish to make comments about this, please contact me or an Officer of AMVETS or Auxiliary.
*As this chapter of our building campaign comes to a close and we start the next chapter in the new facility, please review where you stand with your pledges. Many people have made pledges that have not been fulfilled, others have stated “when I see the new building”, and others could easily increase the amount or extend their pledge for additional time and money. FOLKS, the building is here, easily visible from the street or river, and looks fantastic. This is YOUR building, be proud but we still need some financial help. The deck is one item that has been put on hold for now, but visit the building and imagine having a beverage of your choice, sitting on the deck with a view of the river.
*My condolences and thanks to Marvin Behrens: Condolences on the loss of his wife this past June after a hard fought battle. Eileen was active in the local Legion post and other community organizations. My thanks to Marv for his generous donation of $350.00 to help fix and beautify the flat trailer used during Memorial day and recently in the Heritage Days parade. Bless you Marvin.
*Help AMVETS help Veterans
WAVP Facility Update from Vice Chairman Carl Benning
Circle your calendars! A Grand Opening has been set for October 8 at 11 am!
The new facility is nearing completion. Dry Wall installation is finished, most kitchenequipment is in (still needs final hookup), painting is being completed, the south parking lot is 75% completed, the north lot should be completed in the next week or two, Carpet installation will begin next week, bathrooms are tiled (fixtures are being installed), and fiber optic is being run throughout the building.
A few things remain: installation of natural gas by Mid-America, painting of exterior steel doors, handing wood ulterior doors, countertops for the bar and kitchen, installation of the divider curtain, and a zillion little details. The final task will be a major cleaning!
We are planning a couple events to coincide with the State Firemen’s Convention the first week in September, which will require us to be “up and going.” This dictates that the “move” to begin the second week in August. We will need many, many, many hands to accomplish this task. Several enclosed trailers will make the move easier; let Board members know if you are aware of any.
This is what all of us have been looking forward to for several years! Stay tuned for opportunities to help out with moving. Please, we need your assistance!
Although the project remains within budget, the construction costs continue. If you have pledges that have not yet been fulfilled, please consider those cash payments. If your pledges have been completed, would you consider additional gifts (many already have done so). To date, we have over 850 donor units; however, there is still opportunity for more to be recognized on the Wall of Honor before the grand opening.
The Board of Directors, past and future veterans, and many community members thank everyone who has made a donation of any kind to this project. If you have not yet made a contribution, thoughtfully consider a gift to help make this facility “debt-free!”
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