Post Commander

  This is my last newsletter as your Post Commander. After 4 years it is time to step aside and let a new Commander take over.  It has been a great privilege and honor to be your Commander.  We had a great run, but I did not do it alone. There are many to thank so if I miss someone, please forgive me for my lapse of memory.

  I must thank Vern Blauwkamp for convincing me to get involved and showing me the ropes.  Thank you to my counterpart Auxiliary President Lisa Blauwkamp for working so closely with me.  I absolutely must thank Hondo Robinson and Robin Bailey.  I asked them both so many questions for my first year they were probably ready to hide from me.  They continue to answer my questions to this day.  Thank you to Garrett Dickey who served as my Quartermaster and then Senior Vice.  He became one half of the odd couple as we worked to make the Post better and traveled the state talking about membership and Buddy Poppies.  Thank you to Maria Cantu, Vickie Weatherwax and Jim Wilson who run our kitchen and club with precision.  I can’t say enough about them.  Thank you to Mark Weatherwax who does everything for the Post!  Many thanks to Laura Kinne who became my volunteer Social Media Coordinator handling our Facebook pages and our website.  So many times, I was singled out at Dept Conferences as a Post Commander who had an outstanding social media presence, and I would have to explain that it had nothing to do with me.  All the fantastic volunteers who give their time and energy to making our Post such a fantastic place.  We are known statewide because of them.  Thank you to Nancy Vredeveld for all the guidance and help she gave me these past 4 years.

  Thank you to Ron Hutson of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and Ed Lopez and Roger Klunder of the Marine Corps League for working so closely with me for the betterment of all 3 organizations.

   Thank you, Ruthie, for the cookies.  They mean a lot.  Keep ‘em coming because they are great!

  But I’m not leaving, just slowing down a bit.  I’ll be the Post Advocate which is kind of like a counselor to the new Commander.  I’ll also be serving as the next Department All-State Director and of course, I will continue to do everything I possibly can to keep Post 2144 growing and become the premier Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Michigan.

   Please give the new officers the support that you gave me. It’s what makes us great.

Michael Martin

Post Commander

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Auxiliary President

Greetings Auxiliary!

   I hope everyone is having a nice Spring and looking forward to a warm summer.  Hard to believe that the Auxiliary year is almost over.  During last month’s meeting we voted in 10 new members.  That made the Auxiliary 100% plus in membership once again.  We achieved 100% membership all 3 years during my tenure as President.  Thank you to everyone for making it happen!

   Also, elections were held for the ensuing year 2022-2023.  The following officers were elected:

   President Laura Kinne            Chaplain Lawrence Diamond

   Sr Vice Ellen Robinson            Guard Doris Garvelink

   Jr Vice George Martell            3 Yr Trustee Ellen Robinson

   Conductress Ruth Robbins     2 Yr Trustee Ruth Robbins

   Treasurer Nancy Vredeveld   1 Yr Trustee Liz Dirske

   Secretary Tracy Van Fleeren

  Congratulations to all the new Officers for the coming year.  The Post continues to grow and can always use additional volunteers.  Come and join the team.  Call Maria Cantu or Jim Wilson at 616-392-2144.  Thank you everyone for 3 great years!  Have a great Summer.

Lisa Blauwkamp

Auxiliary President

                                                                                                               

Veterans and Family Support 

  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Donna Mae Vanderveen who passed away April 4^th.   Donna is survived by her daughters Eileen and Tom Wiersma and family and Diane and John Ybarra and family.  Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.

   Never forget our troops in harm’s way.  Thank you seems so small for they’ve done.  So, keep them in your hearts and prayers.

Membership

  If you haven’t paid your dues yet get them in soon.  June 1^st you will no longer be a member. If you need help, please let Nancy Vredeveld or me know.

  As ever,

Ellen Robinson                                                                                     

Dads Post 132

  Next newsletter I’ll update you on our Post meeting on April 23^rd and State Dads Meeting April 30^th.

Dads President

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 welcomed to attend.                              

Officers and Contact Info

Post: (616)392-2144

Commander:   Mike Martin (616)594-9151

Senior Vice:   Garrett Dickey (937)570-8254

Junior Vice:   Adam Cameron (309)212-1148

Quartermaster:  Robin Bailey (616)994-2239

Chaplain:   Ken Vanderwall (616)212-7570

Auxiliary President:  Lisa Blauwkamp (269)206-1810

Auxiliary Treasurer:  Nancy Vredeveld (616)422-1403

Honor Guard:  Bob Van Dyke (269)751-8858