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Department of Iowa AMVETS Ladies President-Donna Fischer 2004, 2007-2008 and Current Local #79 Waverly President

 

 

ONE OF A KIND

Waverly’s AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President Donna Fischer remembered for service to veterans and our community

 

 

 

 

 

She advocated for them, supported them, and met with senators and legislators to ensure that veterans’ rights and benefits are honored.

Donna Fischer, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President for Waverly’s Post 79, will be greatly missed.  “We were truly honored and privileged to have those last times with her,”

A 1966 graduate of Waverly-Shell Rock High School, she started working at Lutheran Mutual in November of 1966 and retired from CUNA Mutual in June of 2017.

As president of the organization, Donna was especially proud of the work the group’s 132 current members.

Donna joined the Waverly auxiliary in 1996, and became the local president from 2000 to 2012 and from 2017 to 2019.

At the Department level, she served as the AMVETS Department of Iowa Ladies Auxiliary Second Vice President. Prior to that, she had also served as Department of Iowa AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President in 2004 and again from 2007-2008.

Donna held, for many years, the office of National Executive Committee woman, and in that role she would lobby various senators and congressmen to protect veterans’ rights and benefits.

Donna was exceptionally proud of the Ladies Auxiliary annual scholarship fundraiser, which sustains scholarships for excelling students. Donna was instrumental in developing the Monthly Food Night program which was and still is the biggest fundraiser for the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary.

Donna was at the helm of the Ladies Auxiliary during the historic flood of 2008, which destroyed the AMVETS building in Waverly. Eventually, after years of community fundraising and joining forces with the other veteran organizations, the AMVETS found its new home at the state-of-the-art Waverly Area Veterans Post.

“From the very beginning, when she became involved in 1996, she was passionate about veterans ”

“She was a big part of all of us and she will be greatly missed,”

 

Sons of AMVETS News

We will be looking to build programs for the upcoming year. If you have ideas for projects, programs we can sponsor, or fundraising ideas, I would encourage you to attend the Sons of AMVETS meetings. Our main project is the can collection bin at the WAVP. Through this program we are able to present sclholarships to deserving High School Seniors with plans on furthering their education.

Commander’s Call

Sun is shining so we are off to a good start.

Next Month is the time to put your name in to be nominated for one of the position on the board to be an AMVETS Officer. There are several things in the works to be voted on. It would be a great time to get your ideas heard. lt’s a great day to be an AMVET.

The AMVETS lost another Life Member Eldon Kratchmer. His funeral was March 9th.

The interest income off the Cd’s has reached its maturity in the amount of $2,403.00, of that amount $1,000 will be given as scholarships. Amvets Post 79 will be offering (2) $500.00 scholarships to high school graduates or undergraduate college students.

Applications can be picked up at the high school guidance office, or the Veterans Post. For further info, please call Bob O’Hare 404-2311) or Carl Benning (352-3012). The forms must be returned by April 30, 2019.

lf you have an idea on what you would like to see happen with the remaining money come to the meeting on April 10th so your thoughts can be heard. The 2019 order for the bricks for the Waverly Area Veterans Tribute will be sent in by April 15, 2019. Brick application forms can be found online at waverlyvets.us and click on Tribute Brick application forms, or the forms can be picked up at the Veterans Post. lf you have any questions, please call Carl Benning (352-3012). There are lots of activities happening: steak fries, Saturday breakfasts, fish fries, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, receptions, business meetings, customer meetings, Wii bowling, food nights, etc. Operational finances are “in the black”; in spite of January and February snow removal which was over $4000 each month. The Board of Directors calls your attention to the fact that there remains an outstanding loan of $380,000 for the facility. Even though the tax laws have changed, it is still advantageous to contribute a charitable gift. Contributions of “Required Mandatory Distributions” from IRA’s can be particularly advantageous; always consult your tax advisor. lf you have any questions or concerns contact me Bobohare201@gmail.com or (319-404-2311). Bob O’Hare, Commander

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.