From the Desk of the Commander

What an AMAZING year! We accomplished so much as a Post and I cannot thank everyone enough. We made All-American for the first time in Post history, we raised the largest amount at our annual Post Picnic auction ever, hosted our 5th annual Trunk or Treat, handed out over 150 presents at our Kid’s Christmas Party, and received the VFWMI Post Revitalization Grant for $10,000! Honestly folks, I am not surprised. I know we are the best darn Post in Michigan and everyone else is starting to know it too! None of these things could have happened without the pool of volunteers and active members going above and beyond. I’d like to thank them all!

With all that said, going into the New Year there will be some significant changes at the Post and more specifically, the canteen. Starting February 1^st, all members entering the canteen will be asked to show their Membership Cards both Post and Auxiliary. If you cannot provide a valid and up to date card, you will not be served. If you have lost or never received your card you may ask the Canteen Associate to check the roster or to inquire with myself and your membership will be verified. You earned it, be proud to show it!

2023 is going to be another great year. I look forward to welcoming new members, working with current, and building off of all the achievements of 2022

Garrett Dickey

Post Commander

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From the Desk of the Auxiliary President

Happy New Year!

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped wrap over 150 presents for the Kids Christmas party! I’d also like to thank everyone who donated items for the Grand Rapids Veterans Home. We donated approximately $1,000 worth of items from their wish list and items to be used as Christmas presents. They were surprised when I kept bringing bags out of my car for them.

The purpose of the VFW Auxiliary is to help veterans and serve in our communities. If you know of a veteran or a community organization that needs some help please let us know. You can bring it up at our meeting where we can discuss what the needs are and how we might be able to help. 

The Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship Department winners will be announced this month. We had 2 Voice of Democracy entries and 4 Patriot’s Pen entries. Our Voice of Democracy 1^stplace finisher went on to the District 8 judging and won!  She will be representing District 8 at Mid Winter Conference in Kalamazoo and competing for 1^st place in Department.  There are more scholarships coming!  There are the Patriotic Creative Arts contests which have 2D and 3D art competitions that are due March 31^st. There is the Auxiliary National singing contest which is a solo vocal performance of the Star Spangled Banner also due on March 31^st. We will have more information soon at the front table as you walk in to the Post.

We still have a need for additional workers to help with Bingo on Monday and Wednesday nights. Even one night a month would be a great help.

Our upcoming meetings are Thursday January 12th and Thursday February 9th at 7:00, all members are welcome! We would love to see you and get your input!

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone these next couple of months!

Laura Kinne

Auxiliary President

                                                                               

Veterans and Family Support 

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mickey Gropenhuis and family whose father passed away. Please keep our troops in your prayers.

Ellen Robinson______________________________________                                                                                   

Membership

We have made 100% for the year! If you haven’t paid your dues yet please, do so. Thank you to all members and welcome to all new ones!

Ellen Robinson                                                                                     

Dads Post 132

Next meeting is Saturday Jan 28^th at 10AM at the Post. Hope everybody had a great Holiday Season!

Hondo Robinson

Dads President                                                                                    

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:   Garrett Dickey (937)570-8254

Senior Vice:   Michael Mennes (616)402-3502

Junior Vice:   Adam Cameron (309)212-1148

Quartermaster:  Robin Bailey (616)994-2239

Chaplain:   Ken Vanderwall (616)212-7570

Auxiliary President:  Laura Kinne (616)283-9565

Auxiliary Treasurer:  Nancy Vredeveld (616)422-1403

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

 

Social Media

Website: VFW2144.org

Facebook:   Facebook.com/VFWPost2144Holland

Instagram: VFWPost2144