Tag Archives: Reservists

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 – July 2016

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

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

*Hard to believe another six months have gone by and the days start getting shorter.  If you get the chance, celebrate this time of the year with any outside activity you enjoy.  I find that even the simplest of things; fire pit on a nice evening with a glass of wine, sitting outside with a morning cup of coffee in the early a.m., enjoying the sound of nature in solitude, are pleasures that so much of the world cannot or will not be able to ever enjoy.  With all our faults and a government we may question, we still live in a country where these things are possible, because of the Veterans before us and those that serve now.  Help AMVETS help Veterans- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – enjoy your summer.

* I attended our State Convention in Marshalltown and was very disappointed in the turnout of AMVETS.  Each year the count of attendees goes down and very few new faces for the future.  It doesn’t help, when we continue at the State level without a good form of communication.  Our State web site has not been updated for a year and without a State newsletter, I understand the resistance to become involved.  That is why I truly appreciate the support I receive from our Post 79 members and those that let me know they check out our newsletter, facebook– Amvets post 79 and go to the web site- www.amvets79.us.  I believe for Post 79 and the WAVP to be successful and continue, communication is the key, and any way we can do that is a plus and would welcome suggestions from you.

*AMVETS is still experiencing problems with both the Department and National regarding membership records and renewal.  If you receive a renewal notice this past month or two, please contact Carl Benning or myself and let us know.  The more information we receive, the better, as we try to correct the problem.

*I have asked in the past, but ask again, whether you are an AMVET, AMVETS Auxiliary, or a Sons member and do any volunteer work, donate blood, have donated goods to your church, Goodwill or similar organization; please let one of your officers know.  This is important, as it demonstrates the commitment to be a non-profit organization.

*Due to several little items, the decision was made at AMVETS State Convention to hold the 2017 convention in Marshalltown.  The AMVETS Convention Corporation will be looking at our facility for 2018 but also will be considering a State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting for early next year.  Presently, the Waverly Area Veterans Post (WAVP) is in the process of hiring a facilities manager, (decision should be made by 1 July) and this person will have their hands full with a lot of responsibilities and decisions.

*The representatives for AMVETS on the WAVP board, effective July 1 will be James Brandau, Carl Benning and Bob O’hare.  If you have concerns or suggestions regarding the WAVP, these are the individuals you should contact.  The other individuals on the board are: Darrel Blasberg, Larry Buchholz, Hank Bagelmann, Martin Heering, Michael Kukral, Richard Miller, Lee Schissel, Bob Davidson, and Roger Metzger.  The annual WAVP meeting, open to the public for comments and questions, with installation of the new representatives is scheduled for July 19, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the WAVP (208 8th Ave. SW).  The latest updates on opening, grand opening, state firemen’s convention, and facilities manager should be available.

*Please check the calendar for July activities, food nights, steaks, breakfast and the Heritage Days parade.  I am hoping that the hard work and support by several people (the team) in getting the WAVP trailer fixed up and prepped to be used as a float will pay off and all organizations be involved.  Thanks to Bob & Sally O’hare, Vernon Sebilsky, Fox Tire and Walker’s Auto Salvage for being on the trailer team.  We all know there is no I in Team, but still have those that start too many sentences with I want, but should ask, “What will help make the WAVP better or more successful?”.

* May all of you have a safe, enjoyable and family filled July 4th weekend and summer.

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.

Help AMVETS help Veterans