From the Post Commander

Greetings Comrades!  We are finally getting back to something resembling normal life now that we are not grounded anymore.  Our Post is open with changes that you will notice as soon as you walk in the door. We are set up for social distancing. It is so good to see everyone coming in and enjoying each other’s company.

I want to congratulate Jenna Schaub, Senior Vice Commander of our Post, for being awarded the 2019-2020 New Member Community Service Award for the State of Michigan.  She has done an outstanding job as Senior Vice and is a great asset to our Post. Well done Jenna!  This is the second year in a row that this prestigious award has been awarded to a member of our Post.  Last year’s recipient was Garrett Dickey, Post Adjutant/Quartermaster. Our Post’s Young Warriors are awesome, and I am so proud of them.

  Congratulations also to Vern Blauwkamp for his appointment as the Department of Michigan Membership director.  It is a difficult position only given to Comrades who have proven they can take on the tough tasks.

  This year I am also the District 8 Commander, but I want to assure everyone that it will not detract from my devotion to Post 2144.  I would not have accepted the position if I thought it would be detrimental to my position as your Post Commander.  Jenna Schaub is taking on more responsibility to help me. Maria Cantu takes a lot of worry off my shoulders with the outstanding job she is doing.  Also, my other officers and the great volunteers of this Post make it much easier.  When I talk to other Post Commanders at the conferences about how much support I have here in 2144, they are jealous!

  I hope everyone has a great summer!  We are winning and we will keep winning!  Believe that!  You all make me proud to be your Commander!

Michael Martin

______________________________________________________

From the Auxiliary President

   Greetings Auxiliary Members.  I would like to say Hello and hope that everyone is doing well.  Now that the Governor has lifted the Stay Home order, we had our first official meeting June 11^th with 10 members present. We had a good meeting and practiced social distancing.  Thank you to my officers.  You are awesome!

   No bingo until further notice.  It will be posted on our Facebook page when it will start again.  Thank you for your patience.

  The Post is open and yes, we are practicing social distancing.  The kitchen is open for dinners and you may dine in or take out. Check the calendar for available dinners.

   It is that time of year again when your dues are due for membership for the new year. Alright!  Alright! Auxiliary, let’s be the first to make 100% by November.  Together we can make it happen.

  Just a reminder—our next meeting is July 9^that 7pm.  If you have not been to a meeting in a while, I encourage you to attend. Give your Veteran who you joined under one day a month for one hour.  The Auxiliary needs you!

   Elisa Blauwkamp                                                                                

Veterans and Family Support

  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tim Bradley and Family who lost his sister Diane Bos.  Keep this family in your thoughts and prayers along with our troops in harm’s way.

   Be patient, follow the rules, there are better times ahead. Do not give up!

Membership

   This is the beginning of our new membership year.  Let’s get those dues in early.  Remember to greet our new member with a smile and a welcome!

Ellen Robinson

Veterans and Family Support/Membership

_______________________________________________________

Dad’s Post 132

   With this Virus keeping us at home no Dad’s meeting until further notice. I will let you know when ASAP. Stay safe and stay healthy.

   I also took Bibles to the families of Oscar R Johnson, Gerald DeWeerd and Allen Rutzel.

Hondo Robinson

Meeting Reminders

   Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 73 meets the 2^nd Tuesday of every month at 7pm.  All Vietnam Veterans are welcome.

   Vet to Vet support group meets every Wednesday from 630 to 730pm.  Veterans of every era are welcome to attend.

   Marine Corps League meets the Third Saturday of each month at 10am.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

                                                                                                               

Club Manager

   It is so great to see our members back in our Post!  We have spread tables out for social distancing, but we still have room for many more.  We have built quite a reputation for Friday night dinners and thank you to everyone who has supported our Post.

   We were able to get so much done while we were closed. Cleaning, sanding, painting and more cleaning.  The kitchen has been redone to include new countertops, new paint and a new stove. A huge thank you to Marie Blauwkamp for her donation to get it completed.  Mark Weatherwax has done an amazing job.  Todd Geerlings, Maria, Lisa, Jo Lee, Marie and I made a lot happen. Also thanks to Clara, Mike, and Lawrence for painting the front entrance.  Roger Klunder of the Marine Corps League has been doing amazing things in the basement, even building a restroom down there.  Thanks to Jeff Weather Wax for keeping our landscape looking nice.  Also thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Friday night dinners.  It is great volunteers who have made your Post the fastest growing Post in the State of Michigan!  Thank you to everyone!

  As we continue to grow, we need additional volunteers to make 1 or 2 dinners a year.  It is a great time to make new friends and to contribute to us being a great place to eat and fellowship.  Let Maria Cantu know when so we can put your name on the calendar.  She is doing a lot and doing a great job!  Thank you, Maria!

   Our Department Commander Scott Gloger has entrusted me with the responsibility of being the Membership Director for the coming year. It is a great honor and will be a lot of work.  We will be gone more during this year to fulfill my duties.

Vern Blauwkamp

House Committee Chairman

 

 

Officers and Contact Info

Post: (616)392-2144

Commander:   Mike Martin (616)594-9151

Senior Vice:   Jenna Schaub (231)649-1745

Junior Vice:   Adam Cameron (309)212-1148

Quartermaster:  Garrett Dickey (937)570-8254

Chaplain:   Robin Bailey (616)994-2239

Auxiliary President:  Lisa Blauwkamp (269)206-1810

Auxiliary Treasurer:  Nancy Vredeveld (616)422-1403

Honor Guard:  Harold Kuipers (616)886-0462