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Posted at 05:54 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2009 by DD
In This Issue:
1. VFW / VA Members Among Fort Hood Victims
2. VFW Legislative Priority Goals for 2010
3. No Tricare For Life Changes
4. White House Employment Initiative Good for Veterans:
1. VFW / VA Members Among Fort Hood Victims: Last week's tragic shooting
at Fort Hood included VFW and VA members. Staff Sgt. Justin M. DeCrow,
32, was killed by Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who allegedly murdered 13
and wounded dozens before being shot and apprehended by two civilian law
enforcement officers. DeCrow was a member of VFW Post 11016 in Songnam,
South Korea. He graduated high school in 1996 in Plymouth, IN, and
leaves behind a wife and daughter at Fort Gordon, GA. Two VA employees
also slain were identified as:
* Dr. Russell G. Seager, Ph.D., a 51-year old Army Reserve captain
who led a mental health team at the VA medical center in Milwaukee.
* Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman, a 55-year-old Maryland National
Guardsman who was a nurse practitioner at the VA medical center in Perry
Point, MD. She was a former member of VFW Post 8276 in Delmar, MD.
VFW Commander-in-Chief Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. said, "No words can
properly convey our condolences to the wounded and families of those
murdered. The entire military family is grieving right now. I just
want them to know they do not grieve alone. Our hearts and prayers are
with them." Read the VFW press release at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5280.
Posted at 06:48 AM on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by DD
WASHINGTON, November 10, 2009 — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is applauding the president's new executive order for helping more military veterans get federal and private employment.
"The president is serious about helping veterans get a job, and he is making sure the federal government is at the top of the hiring line," said VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Richard L, Eubank, a Vietnam veteran from Eugene, Ore., who is in Washington to represent the organization at different national Veterans Day events.
According to the White House, approximately 480,000 veterans work for the government, about one-fourth of the total federal workforce. While the executive order places emphasis on hiring veterans for both public and private employment, it is specifically focused on hiring veterans for federal positions. It created a special Council on Veterans Employment to encourage federal agencies to recruit and train military veterans. The council will be co-chaired by the secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs.
Posted at 06:37 AM on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by DD
During Veterans Day Weekend, several retail businesses are raising money for programs, while other businesses are offering various discounts to veterans. VFW received the following notices about Veterans Day Specials:
Sport Clips nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11, is supporting VFW Operation Uplink™ with "The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year." On that day, Sport Clips will donate a dollar for every haircut given in our 660+ stores. Show your support for troops and veterans by getting your next haircut at Sport Clips.
Burger King restaurants in select states across the country are raising money for VFW Unmet Needs through November 30. More than 800 Burger King restaurants are participating in the “buy a burger; donate a buck” fundraiser in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.
Posted at 11:39 PM on Friday, November 6, 2009 by DD
On October 12th, Cpt Kleinsmith stepped down and transfered his leadership of the team to Jack Kelly. Jack Kelly has been a member of the Post honor guard for over ten years. With the encouragement of Cpt Kleinsmith, the acceptance of the team, having more time available, and wishing to take a more active role with the Honor Guard, Jack was appointed by the Post Cmdr as Active Captain of the Post Honor Guard effective October 12, 2009. Cpt Kleinsmith has been searching for his replacement for the past two years because his volunteer time was becoming more and more limited due to family commitments. Comrade Kleinsmith has been performing military funeral honors for veterans on a VFW Honor Guard Team since 1991. Joe Kleinsmith is a two time All State Past Commander, a Past County Council Commander, and became the Active honor guard Captain over 5 years ago when Cpt Bill Rolls chose to step down and be placed on the teams "Advisor Retired Reserve List" with other Past Honor Guard Captains. Joe Kleinsmith will remain on the teams "Retired Reserve List" as Cpt and Advisor, available to answer questions, sharing his 20 plus years of funeral honors experience and knowledge (military & VFW), and share the detailed Honor Guard SOP he established. It is because of CPT Kleinsmiths comradeship, dedication to this team that this change of Leadership, the operation of the team, and mission requests has become a smooth transition.
To request the participation of the Honor Guard or information regarding funeral honors, contact Cpt. Jack Kelly 831-207-9478 and Lt. Sal Beltran 831-566-9983 e-mail: SalomeBeltran@yahoo.com. For more information about military funeral honors, please visit http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/
Posted at 06:12 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by DD
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. From the Minutemen who stood watch over Lexington and Concord to the service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, American veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect. Our Nation’s servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances, and making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine. Today, we reflect upon the invaluable contributions of our country’s veterans and reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support they were promised and have earned.
Caring for our veterans is more than a way of thanking them for their service. It is an obligation to our fellow citizens who have risked their lives to defend our freedom. This selflessness binds our fates with theirs, and recognizing those who were willing to give their last full measure of devotion for us is a debt of honor for every American.
We also pay tribute to all who have worn the uniform and continue to serve their country as civilians. Many veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise. They visit schools to tell our Nation’s students of their experiences and help counsel our troops returning from the theater of war.
These men and women possess an unwavering belief in the idea of America: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who your parents are, this is a place where anything is possible. Our veterans continue to stand up for those timeless American ideals of liberty, self-determination, and equal opportunity.
On Veterans Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty. Our grateful Nation must keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women and their families. They have given their unwavering devotion to the American people, and we must keep our covenant with them.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our servicemen and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2009, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Posted at 05:47 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by DD
Recommended Mailing Dates to APO/FPO Addresses
WASHINGTON — For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday gifts are a big morale boost. To help the families and friends of U.S. military personnel, the Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box.
The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is Nov. 13.
Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to $11.95. Additional discounts are available for customers printing their Priority Mail postage labels online at Click-N-Ship.
Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.
The Postal Service continues to show support to those serving in the armed forces by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes.
For online ordering of the Large Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes featuring the “America Supports You” logo and APO/FPO addressing block, Click here. More information about mailing letters and packages to military destinations is available online at Supporting Our Troops.
“Mailing holiday gifts to service members early will help insure that a piece of home arrives in plenty of time to make the celebration complete," said Pranab Shah, vice president and managing director, Global Business.
To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the Postal Service recommends that mail for service members be entered no later than the mailing dates listed below. Mail addressed to military post offices overseas is subject to certain conditions or restrictions regarding content, preparation and handling. APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms. To see an online table of updated APO and FPO addresses and mailing restrictions by individual APO/FPO ZIP Codes, Click here, select “Pull-Out Information” and click on “Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail.”
Posted at 01:53 AM on Monday, October 12, 2009 by DD
This VFW Honor Guard is the only veterans Honor Guard in the entire County of Santa Cruz. Members of this team have been providing honors for veterans for over fifteen years. We are members of the Department of Defense Authorized Providers Partnership Program and provide military commanders additional detail elements for veterans funerals. We are not a substitute for the legislated minimum, two-person uniformed military detail. However, we provide more funeral honor elements for all veterans, such as a firing party {3 volley gun salute}, in addition to the requirements of flag folding, flag presentation, Chaplain, and the sounding of Taps. We work closely with the military, funeral homes, Patriot Guard Riders, and families to ensure all veterans are honored. Our primary area of responsibility is Santa Cruz County. Travel outside the county is based upon availability. We do not charge for our services. Donations to our VFW Honor Guard are appreciated and tax deductable. Please call on us to honor those who served. " What we do, Comes from the Heart." The Honor Guard is also available to Present and Post Colors at community functions and events. Contact: CPT Jack Kelly @ 831-207-9478 or 831-724-3026 or 2LT Salome Beltran (831) 566-9983 E-mail: SalomeBeltran@yahoo.com Your invited to visit the Honor Guards Blog. Click on our link on the left under Post Links or go to: http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/.
Posted at 10:20 AM on Friday, October 2, 2009 by DD
Last month Art and Trella Bailey, our long time friends and managers of the canteen and kitchen have stepped down for health reasons. The Canteen now has a new face and new Club Manager - Bob Howell. You will not recognize the interior of the Canteen now. Come check it out!
Posted at 09:33 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by DD
The Honor Guard welcomes and salutes it newest member, Andy Telles. Andy recently joined our Post and is also retired military. Your Honor Guard is always looking for a few dedicated men and women, including Auxiliary who would like to join its ranks. Having the ability or strength to handle or carry a rifle is not necessary. We have positions and a need for flag bearers, flag folders, and riflemen, among other positions. We do more than just funerals and memorial services. One does not have to be retired to participate and be a member of the team, or have a vehicle. We have functions various days of the week including weekends, and receive requests with least a 48 hour notice. Are You Up To The Challenge? If your interested or need the services, contact Capt.Jack Kelly @ 831-207-9478, Lt Sal Beltran @ 831-566-9983 - or - SalomeBeltran@yahoo.com or visit http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/
Posted at 09:08 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by DD
Another year has gone by. Let us all take the time to remember and give thanks. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks. Psalm 75:1. Keep active. Give us a call and let us know how you are doing. Our prayers and get well wishes for a speedy recovery to all who are under the weather. Our hearts and prayers go to all whom have lost friends and loved ones. We draped our charter and gave a final salute to Amandus (Joe) Roediger, Gordon Thomas, and Pete Valenzuela. If you know of any Comrade, Sister or family members sick, ill or in distress, please contact your Chaplain. Please try to remember, We can not send cards, prayers and get well wishes if we do not know who is sick, ill or in distress. 'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen. Wishing all of you a Happy Valentines Day and a Happy Easter. God Bless You & Our Troops, Billie Hand, Aux Chaplain (831) 724-6832 joe Kleinsmith, Chaplain (831) 588-5525 jkleinsmith@yahoo.com
Posted at 09:06 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by DD
Per Sec 217 of VFW Manual of Procedure, our 1st nominations of post officers will be held at our regular March meeting on the 4th. Any nominee has the opportunity to decline nomination for the office to which he has been nominated. A member making a nomination of an absentee for any office shall have presented to the Adjutant, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the opening of nominations. Members are authorized to nominate themselves for office in person or in writing. Your Post CAN NOT survive without your participation. New members are asked to get their feet wet and take an active part in the Post as an elected officer. Experience is NOT required. Your Past Commanders will provide assistance and guidance to all officers, elected and appointed.
2nd nominations and election of Post Officers and Delegates will be held at our regular April meeting.
Posted at 09:04 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by DD
Per Article VIII and Sec. 801-804A of Auxiliary By-Laws, nominations and election of Auxiliary officers will be held at our April 1st meeting. Members can be nominated for more than one position. Any nominee has the opportunity to decline nomination for the office to which he has been nominated. A member making a nomination of an absentee for any office shall have presented to the Secretary, in writing, the consent of the member being nominated prior to the opening of nominations. Members are authorized to nominate themselves for office in person or in writing. Nominations do not require a second as in a motion. President Shirley has stated she would like to serve an additional year as your Commander. Your Auxiliary cannot survive without your participation as officers and chairmen. New members are asked to take an active part in the Auxiliary as an elected officer. To see the Duties and Obligations of Officers and Chairmen as identified in our By-Laws beginning @ Article VIII Sec 810 Š please contact Secretary Alice Carreiro.
Posted at 07:52 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 by DD
Television network HBO will be premiering a new made-for-television movie called "Taking Chance" on Saturday, February 21st. The movie is an adaptation of the true account written by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC (played by actor Kevin Bacon) of his journey to escort home 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, a young Marine who had been killed by hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
Of particular interest to VFW members is the depiction of the local VFW Post in Wyoming and it's members.
Posted at 08:14 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2009 by DD
Welcome to the friendliest post in California. We are the home of the best VFW Post, Ladies Auxiliary and Post Honor Guard on the central coast. We Support Our Troops - Past, Present & Future. We are known for our activity in the community and VFW program participation. We are the 1st post in California to have our blog. Our membership includes veterans from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism being fought today. Our membership now exceeds 230 with over 210 being life members. If you are a veteran or currently on active duty in the Armed Forces and would like to know more about this VFW and what we can offer you and your family, please contact us. We are always recruiting new members and if you have what it takes to belong to the VFW, you are welcome. Your courage and sacrifice made a difference in preserving and defending world peace. We have a newsletter, the Scuttlebutt, that keeps Post and Auxiliary members informed of what is planned and taking place. This weblog and our newsletter high-lights our commitment to keep every member as informed as possible through accurate, timely and effective communications. Best of all, you can receive your newsletter by e-mail as well.
To join VFW Post 1716 eligible veterans pay a membership dues of $30. If you are an Iraqi or Afghanistan veteran, your first year annual membership may be FREE as appreciation from the members of this post. Annual dues are $30. Recruits and members can also purchase a lifetime membership based on their age as of Dec. 31st. If your already a member of the VFW and would like to transfer to our Post, their is no fee. To have one of our members contact you with a membership form, just leave a comment or e-mail: jkleinsmith@yahoo.com.
Posted at 03:57 PM on Thursday, February 5, 2009 by DD
APPLICATION DEADLINES: Submit entry to VFW Post 1716, P.O. Box 716, Freedom CA 95019 NLT March 1, 2009 - Posts submit local winner to VFW Department: April 1, 2009 - Department nominees to VFW National: May 1, 2009. The VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship program provides a $5,000 award to an outstanding scout who is the recipient of a Boy Scout Eagle Award, a Venture Scouting Silver Award or a Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: (1) Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship; (2) Has received the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Silver Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award; (3) Has demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community; (4) Has reached his/her 15th birthday and is enrolled in high school at the time of selection; and (5) Has submitted his/her completed entry by March 1, 2009, to a VFW Post in his/her community. - Note: All applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified. A scout only can enter through ONE VFW Post. To enter, download and complete the VFW Scouting Scholarship Application form http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/scoutscholarshipentryform.pdf and submit to VFW post 1716 by March 1, 2009. APPLICATION is in four Sections: (A) High School Participation Record, (B) Entire Scouting Record, (C) Community Service Record, (D) Letters of Recommendation. - For more information on the scouting award, visit: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=4371
Posted at 09:50 AM on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 by DD
I suppose there are millions of members that enjoy the attention and look forward to receiving VFW Calendars, labels and other mail from the VFW asking them for donations. As well, I expect there may be three or four members out there that feel they are getting nickled and dimed between National and Department regularly that they revolt in not donating to the Post and consider not renewing their annual memberships. Members who do not want to receive advertisements and solicitations [a.k.a. Junk mail] from VFW National can be placed on a Do not Mail List upon their request. However, once VFW National starts processing a solicitation, members may receive these for approximately two months. After that, they should receive nothing but the magazine and dues notices from the VFW. So it your willing to save a tree, have more space in your mail box and recycle bin, and save VFW National the expense of envelopes, postage and handling, and are willing to sacrifice not receiving their stuff, get yourself on the list. Requests should be forwarded to VFW National, Attention: Development Department, Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Suite 718, Kansas City, MO 64111, or e-mail: Ben Vargas at: BVargas@vfw.org Remember to include your Post number and VFW membership number. Department uses the mailing address provided from National, so if your off Nationals list, you should be off Departments mailing list as well.
Posted at 08:59 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2009 by DD
The VFW has developed a new plan with Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation so our members can get reverse mortgages on their homes. This plan will allow our members to get the extra cash they need and can enable them to eliminate their mortgage payments. Members who are 62 years old or older may take advantage of these reverse mortgages. There are no income qualifications and our members will retain the title to their homes. For more information, you may call Financial Freedom at 1.888.258.0797 or visit www.vfwhomeandloan.com (Source: VFW National Bulletin Jan 2009)
Posted at 04:23 PM on Monday, January 19, 2009 by DD
V.F.W. Post 1716 can assist with the proper disposal of an American Flag if you should own one. There are very specific rules and regulations about displaying and disposing of the American Flag. Our flag is a symbol of freedom and should always be treated with respect, great care and reverence. If a flag has become tattered, worn or faded, it should be disposed of properly rather than just tossed out with the trash. VFW Post 1716 will then properly dispose of the flag according to regulations as prescribed by the United States Flag Code. Those who do not reside near the VFW are asked to contact their local Boy Scout Council to find a troop that accepts flags for disposal. We salute you for being a proud American and ask that you continue to respect our symbol of freedom, the flag of the United States of America. The basics for proper flag disposal can be found at: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=2477 There is no one correct ceremony. There are multiple fine procedures to choose from by googling flag retirement ceremony. Included are: http://scoutingbear.com/usa/flagcer8.htm http://members.aol.com/StanDCmr/flagret.html
Posted at 09:44 AM on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 by DD
Our spacious hall is available for Wedding Receptions, Showers, Birthdays, Anniversary's, Class Reunions and Club Meetings. We would be happy to provide catering for Club Meetings and banquets. Our spacious hall is handicap accessable, has a stage, PA System, tables, chairs, kitchen facilities and full bar. In addition we have a large parking lot with exterior lighting. Our facility is available to the Public and members. Non-Members: Full Hall Rentals are $600.00. Baby Showers and business meetings are $40 per hour (except Saturday). Weekday luncheons are $8 - $12 per plate. Post & Aux Members: (w/over 1 year membership) Full Hall Rental is $200.00 one Sat or Sun per year. For additional information regarding prices, deposits, permits, kitchen privileges, bar, security, reservations, etc. contact our Club Mgr Bob Howell @ 722-5228. Hall Rental price soon to increases to $800 - so book now!.
Posted at 09:46 AM on Friday, January 2, 2009 by DD
Every Friday Post volunteers transport bread, fruit and vegetables from California Grey Bears in Santa Cruz to the VFW for distribution to our seniors and those in need. The food is located in the outdoor barbecue area. Entry for free food opens between 5:00 and 5:15 pm. Plastic bags are available. The selection of food available each week is unknown until our volunteers Past Cmdr JD and Chaplain Joe pick it up from Grey Bears Friday mornings. This VFW community food distribution project was started in 1992 by life member Bill Kleinsmith and continues on today.
Posted at 08:57 PM on Monday, December 29, 2008 by DD
Chaplain Kleinsmith delivered a beautiful 10 foot flocked tree ($210.00 value) donated by his cousins Paul & Eddie Battaglia of Battaglia Christmas Tree Farms in San Martin. The Auxiliary ladies and friends helped decorate the tree with garland and lights. Our annual ChildrenÕs Christmas party held December 20th was a huge success. Hot dogs, chips, punch, and cup cakes were served. Santa arrived and distributed a gift and a bag of goodies to all from his bag next to our decorated tree. Clarence the clown entertained everyone with magic. Fifty-three children attended this family event. Many thanks to all who brought deserts and all our volunteers. Trella Bailey was in charge of purchasing and wrapping the gifts for all the children, and this was a big job. Food was prepared by Gloria and Janice, Our elves Diane Morgan and Jenny Walker did a great job assisting Santa (Dickie Cecil). The Post donated $200 toward the party. Johnny Walker was our photographer. Thanks and appreciation goes out to everyone who contributed to make this day extra special.
Posted at 09:03 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2008 by DD
We helped make both Thanksgiving and Christmas a little merrier for 11 veteran families and 30 veterans. All received food boxes and three received complete dinners. Everyone showed much appreciation. We thank all members who donated so many food items and those who gave monetary donations for our AuxiliaryÕs annual project. The Auxiliary purchased perishable items to round out the baskets Š hams, eggs, margarine, fresh fruit, etc. Many hours were spent purchasing, sorting and making up the food boxes to be delivered. And Thanks go out to Alice Carreiro for chairing this project.
Posted at 05:33 AM on Monday, December 15, 2008 by DD
Wreaths adorn gravesites at Arlington National Cemetary
The Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine, has donated about 90,000 wreaths for the program since its president, Morrill Worcester, started the annual tradition in 1992. Working with the National Cemetery Administration and a bevy of volunteers, the company has made balsam fir wreaths with bright red bows to adorn every headstone at Arlington.
The "Wreaths Across America" program expanded this year to over 350 locations around the country.
Institute President John Whitehead is representing disabled Vietnam veteran John Miska who was repeatedly threatened with arrest for distributing the artificial flowers.
..... in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall, by the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam memorial and other places in D.C., [but] he's been continually threatened by the Park Police .....
Posted at 01:37 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2008 by DD
Santa Claus asks that you do not forget to register your children, grand and great-grand children before December 1st for our annual Childrens Christmas Party being held Saturday, Dec 20th. Santa will be posting an elves volunteer list for Extra Helpers in the Canteen. When you prepare Christmas Cards, remember to send some to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and send them early. This party is put on by our Ladies Auxiliary.
Your Post donated $200 and members donated another $200.00 toward the event. A real 10 foot Christmas tree valued over $200 was donated by the Battaglia Christmas Tree Ranch located off Hwy 101 and San Martin exit.
Posted at 03:26 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2008 by DD
All elected and appointed officers including all committee chairmen, should review the 2008-09 VFW Program Guide. It answers a lot of questions and covers our core programs, Youth and Teacher Awards, Special Projects, and Suggested Activities.
Our Commander has a hard copy version and an E-version (2 Parts) can be seen at:
http://www.vfw9401.org/Program_Guide_Part_1.pdf
http://www.vfw9401.org/Program_Guide_Part_2.pdf
Posted at 11:23 AM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by DD
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2008--Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.
In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.
If you would like to send a letter to military personnel visit a VFW post in your area for assistance. Find a VFW post in your area
The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes also have a program supported by DoD to accept cards and distribute them to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Click here to learn more.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.
Posted at 07:21 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 by DD
This day will begin at 6:30 a.m. with our volunteers setting out our Ave of Flags along both sides of Freedom Blvd, weather permitting. We expect the sun the break through allowing Adjutant Walker and fellow comrades to ride the antique red fire engine in the Veterans Day March down Main Street to the Veterans Memorial Building for the Veterans Day Program. The Honor Guard will begin at 8:00 a.m. performing numerous flag ceremonies throughout the city with rifle volleys and bugle calls and will be present to participate in the Veterans Day program at the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building that starts at 11:00 a.m. Our ladies will be preparing a delicious breakfast for our Ave of Flag volunteers and a hearty lunch of hot roast beef for all our guests and members returning from the parade and program at the Vets Memorial building. Our Veterans Day Celebration only happens with the coordination and support of our Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 121 and Auxiliary, Watsonville Police Department, City leaders, Parks and Recreation Dept, and lots of supporters and volunteers. For more information regarding the Avenue of Flag, Parade and Program, contact Commander Ambriz or Adjutant John Walker. * For the schedule of the Honor Guard, visit their blog. [Link on the left side].
Posted at 07:03 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 by DD
Post 1716 Honor Guard Cpt Joe Kleinsmith represents our Post in attending Monterey County Veteran Cemetery Citizens Advisory Committee and other meetings regarding the establishment of our Central Coast Veterans Cemetery at Fort Ord. For Update information "Click" on the Honor Guards link located on the left or go to:
http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/
Posted at 01:59 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD
The Dept CA VFW will reimburse the cost for up to ten (10) units of blood per year if the cost had to be paid by the member after all insurance coverage has been exhausted for all our members in good standing and their immediate family residing with them. CAVFW FORM-1b form must be completed in its entirety and have the invoice or receipt attached. This is another benefit for being a member of the VFW.
Wreaths adorn gravesites at Arlington National Cemetary
