Tag Archives: national guard

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 – 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

Commanders Call – October 2016

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

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

Commanders Call – Nov. 2014

Cmdr_Ted*It is always hard for me to start off newsletters offering condolences to families.  Our AMVETS family lost three really terrific people since the last news.  Donald Rodenbeck, AMVET, passed away September 25th under Hospice Care in Mason City.  Michael Siberski, AMVET, passed away October 10 at the Waverly Health Center.  It was an honor and pleasure for me, that these two gentlemen shared a portion of their lives with me.  Elizabeth McKenzie, AMVET Auxiliary, passed away at the Shell Rock Senior Living/Meadows on October 6th.  Liz was truly a dedicated volunteer for many causes and organizations, but was always there when her AMVET family needed help.  She was a “Marshalltown regular” until her health became a problem.  Heroes and role models are not always on the field of battle or football fields, but are right here in front or beside us.  May the three of you rest in peace and we all remember the good times.

*GET THE WORD OUT— Our Men’s membership dinner will be Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m.  Registration and social hour will start at 5:30 p.m.  We have asked for suggestions, but at this printing, things will be as in past years.  We will continue our raffles to help support the cost of the dinner and donations to various activities.  Please bring your 2013-14 plastic membership cards so a new 2014-15 sticker can be placed on it.  Check around among your acquaintances and “draft” another new member.

*QUESTION TO AMVETS—Since our membership year is now September 1st – August 31st (following year); weather in November can be unpredictable; some members depart for the winter; the question is:  Would you (AMVETS) be willing to move our dinner into October or September?   Please give this some thought, knowing harvest time for farmers, schools and colleges starting, and the possible end of summer vacations.  We need your input on this.

tribute bricks*REMINDER TO AMVETS FAMILY—Help make this the best Veterans Day, November 11th yet, by being involved at the Tribute, at the Centre’ and wear something to display your branch of service.  Terry Lindell, our local historian, will present a program on Monday, November 10th at 4:00 p.m. on WWII at Eisenach Village Klubhaus.  Contact Barb Bridges at 352-6105 for more information.  A flyer is posted on the bulletin board at the VFW or can be viewed at www.amvets79.us ( Latest News/Honoring our Veterans-Bartel’s).  Check the newspaper or our local radio station for updates.

*Please check out the new chainsaw carving at the Waverly Area Veterans Tribute and also the new ground improvements.

*HIT MY NERVE—No names, but a comment was made that the WAVP hall was competing with various locations in the community.  As I am not a lifelong resident of Waverly, but have just completed 28 years, please correct me if I am wrong.  In 1986; -the American Legion had their hall (seating 150 plus) and everybody was there for the chili/oyster dinner, -the VFW had their hall (seating 150 plus) and steaks, hamburgers, meal specials were always on their calendar, –AMVETS had their hall (seating 150 plus) and their fish fry’s were known throughout central/northeast Iowa (record was over 700 served in one evening) plus their steaks.  These halls were constantly being used by the Community and the Veterans.  The Waverly Country Club and the now closed “Red Fox Inn banquet rooms” were also busy in 1986.  Recently several friends and acquaintances of mine, acknowledge they held weddings/anniversaries/receptions/reunions/etc. at locations in Cedar Falls and elsewhere because of pricing and/or scheduling.  It seems to me that WAVP will be fulfilling a need for the community.

your_vote_counts_button_3*DO NOT FORGET:
Daylight Saving Time ends November 2nd (fall back)
Don’t forget to vote (No vote=No  _itching)

 

*History bits for November: 1st – US Marines land on Bougainville (1943), 8th – Allied invasion of North Africa begins 91942),  12th – Battle of Guadalcanal begins (1942), 20th – Battle Tarawa starts (1943), 23rd – US Women’s Coast Guard Reserve (SPARS) is established (1942), 24th – B-29’s begin attacking Japan from Saipan (1944).

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